Rory McIlroy maintained his impressive form in the countdown to the Masters with a second straight victory in the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play but could yet miss out on an eagerly-anticipated showdown with Tiger Woods.

Jon Rahm will be watching tonight’s multi-million dollar showdown between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, either in person or on TV, despite admitting the contest has come at least 10 years too late.

Paul Dunne has not recorded a top-10 finish since April, but put himself in pole position for a second European Tour title thanks to seven birdies in an opening 64 to lead the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya.

Italy’s Matteo Manassero is ready to face the consequences of a poor season as he tries to save his European Tour card in the Andalucia Valderrama Masters.

Eddie Pepperell defied miserable conditions with a little help from his mum to win his second European Tour title of the season in the British Masters — and with it a different Masters appearance next April.

Eddie Pepperell expressed his intention to “dominate” the British Masters after Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood suffered a nightmare day on the greens at Walton Heath.

The race for Order of Merit points is adding an interesting subplot to this week’s Irish PGA Championship at Galway Bay Golf Resort (Thursday thru Saturday, October 11-13).

Ireland’s Paul Dunne is confident he can handle the pressure of being the pre-tournament favourite for the first time as he looks to go one better than last year in the Hassan Trophy.

Ireland’s Paul Dunne got of to a superb start in the Open de Espana, shooting an opening round 66 that included five birdies and an eagle to share the lead with Scotland’s Marc Warren.

Paul McGinley foresees more of golf’s young elite like Rory McIlroy suffering injuries because of the stress they are putting on their bodies.

Paul Dunne may be starting his 2018 campaign on Thomas Bjorn’s European team at this weekend’s EurAsia Cup in Malaysia but the Irish star will not be fooled that he has one foot in the door for this year’s Ryder Cup.

Most of us would be thrilled to be granted the one wish — and even a genie only offers three — but Irish sport is a vast tent that covers many tribes so here are 10 stories we hope to see written in the 12 months to come.

Paul Dunne rounded off a stellar breakthrough year on tour last night when he was named “Professional of the Year” by the Irish Golf Writers’ Association.

Paul McGinley reckons Paul Dunne’s first two years as a professional golfer may have already eclipsed Rory McIlroy’s.

Paul Dunne is feeling good about life after maintaining his superb recent form with an impressive start at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Manchester United-supporting golf star Rory McIlroy admits he is no fan of Roy Keane as the former Republic of Ireland midfielder snubbed his boyhood request for an autograph.

Power has retained his PGA Tour card in dramatic circumstances.

Golf is full of dreamers but even before he turned pro, Paul Dunne showed signs of a different mindset.

Greystones’ Paul Dunne produced a stunning final round to hold off a thrilling challenge from Rory McIlroy and claim his first European Tour title in the British Masters.

His face says it all!

Tyrrell Hatton bemoaned missing out on the launch of FIFA 18 as he remained on course for some real silverware at the halfway stage of the British Masters.

Rory McIlroy could only add a 69 to his opening 67 to lie eight shots off the pace on four under alongside former Masters champion Danny Willett.

A relaxed Rory McIlroy made the most of a little help from his friends as he tries to end a disappointing season in style in the British Masters.

A relaxed Rory McIlroy made the most of a little help from his friends as he tries to end a disappointing season in style in the British Masters.

A double bogey at the last has ended Graeme McDowell's opening round at the British Masters on a sour note.

Rory McIlroy needed the help of a spectator to keep his first round of the British Masters on track as he tries to end a disappointing season in style at Close House.

Rory McIlroy will subject himself to a comprehensive health MOT as he aims to make his second decade as a professional even more successful than the first.

Rory McIlroy concedes his late entry into the British Masters was influenced by the desire to avoid further accusations of receiving favourable treatment.

Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry are among the players needing a good performance in the Wyndham Championship to qualify for the FedEx Cup play-offs.

Graeme McDowell refused to hit the FedEx Cup panic button and insisted he was already looking forward to the 2017-18 season before missing the cut in the US PGA at Quail Hollow.

Ballyliffin has been waiting for the green light to host the 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for nearly a year and Paul McGinley reckons it will be a “worthy” venue if it gets the nod this week.

The Munster Indoor Masters Championships drew a wealth of experience to the Nenagh track last weekend. Stephen Barry was there to watch veteran track and field stars who remain forever young.

Sweden’s Alex Noren moved into the world’s top 20 after holding his nerve to claim a remarkable third victory in his last eight events at the British Masters.

There is a four-way tie for the lead on five-under.

Good golf, they say, is only ever borrowed briefly, though Shane Lowry is happy to tempt the gods of the game by insisting he finds it all rather ‘easy’ at the moment.

There was no hiding Shane Lowry’s bitter disappointment after confessing he let victory slip in the British Masters at Woburn.

Shane Lowry brushed off an elbow to the face to maintain his lofty position near the top of the British Masters leader board at Woburn.

Two of Ireland’s most promising young stars are hoping to ride the feelgood factor from the Walker Cup and rack up big finishes in the Volopa Irish Challenge at Mount Wolseley this week.

Danny Willett insists he has no issue with Rory McIlroy being given a special exemption to remain in the Race to Dubai, even though that could stop him from ending the season as European No.1.

Sky Sports’ next move to enhance its golf coverage is a commentating player.

A decent initial prize cheque of his career was of little importance to rookie professional Paul Dunne following his 19th-place finish in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.