USA Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III was last night close to tears as he praised Phil Mickelson’s leadership skills as the left-hander prepares to make an American record ninth appearance at Medinah tomorrow.

Rory McIlroy certainly stirred the 94th PGA Championship final round by electing to wear a bright red shirt throughout his Ocean Course winning cruise.

Pádraig Harrington is facing the reality of not qualifying for next month’s Ryder Cup.

While spectators cooled off in the nearby Atlantic Ocean, Rory McIlroy quickly warmed to a second Major success with a five under par 67 on day one of the 94th PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.

TIGER WOODS last night suffered his worst tournament finish as a professional in the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio – but still held onto his position as world number one.

AMERICAN Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin is unconcerned by Tiger Woods’ inactivity this year after the world number one returned from his self-imposed exile with a top 10 finish at the Masters last week.

RYDER CUP captain Colin Montgomerie shrugged off any concerns over a dip in form of Europe’s leading players with only Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter competing against an American resurgence six months ahead of October’s Celtic Manor showdown.

American Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin is unconcerned by Tiger Woods’ inactivity this year after the world number one returned from his self-imposed exile with a top 10 finish at the Masters last week.

RORY McILROY scored full marks on two counts in carding a four under par 68 on a sand-whipped opening day defence of his Omega Dubai Desert Classic title and then his knowledge of Corey Pavin’s USA Ryder Cup vice-captains.

Darren Clarke edged a little closer to an automatic place on the European Ryder Cup team at the weekend despite a disappointing final round in the Scottish Open.

David Duval shot his best-ever round at the Kingsmill Golf Club to share the lead after the first round of the Michelob Championship in Virginia.