Rory warming up nicely at Augusta
The year’s first Major is just two days away and world number three Rory McIlroy is warming up nicely ahead of his latest attempt to complete a career Grand Slam.
McIlroy has gone for a low-key preparation before this US Masters, opting out of Wednesday’s par-three competition, but the eyes of Augusta National were firmly upon him as he landed a hole-in-one during Monday’s first practice round.
Playing with England’s Chris Wood McIlroy aced the 16th hole with his seven iron, and was pleased afterwards with his efforts, he said: “It was great, a really nice practice round... I played well, I feel like my game is in good shape.”
Our man at Augusta Philip Reid also spoke to Shane Lowry as he looks for a repeat of the top-10 finish he secured at Chambers Bay in last year’s US Open, he said: “Every shot is difficult. If you look back (to Chambers Bay), every shot needed 100 per cent attention. You needed to hit to a target as opposed to a flag.”
Irish Times Fantasy Golf
Meanwhile there is still time for you to sign up to the Irish Times Fantasy Golf competition, which you can do here: http://fantasygolf.irishtimes.com/
Gerry Thornley on the Pro 12
In his column today Gerry Thornley looks at the need to improve the Pro 12 as a competition in a year which saw no Celtic nations qualify for the knockout stages of the European Cup for the first time in history.
He writes: “Next weekend’s Champions Cup last eight is an Anglo-French carve-up. That lessens the European competition, but the whole Pro 12 has been discredited as a result.”
Conte confirmed as Chelsea boss
Elsewhere the Italy manager Antonio Conte has been confirmed as the new Chelsea boss. The former Juventus coach will arrive at Stamford Bridge after Euro 2016 on a three-year deal.
What to watch out for
Football
The Champions League returns tonight, with Barcelona taking on La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid (TV3, 7.45pm ko) and Bayern Munich playing Benfica (BT Sport 2, 7.45pm ko).
