But for Rory McIlroy’s solo march to his second major at Kiawah Island, golf’s final grand event of the season, the USPGA, might have been shunted into the sidings by the medals and records, inspiration and heartache of the London Olympics.

Next year’s European Tour will again include just one event Ireland, two in England, one in Wales and three in Scotland.

Ireland and the UK dominate a European list of top castle hotels.

IN the Stag’s Head pub they raised glasses in thanksgiving as the news came through.

The six-year-old stepdaughter of a British man has been rescued after she was kidnapped in the Philippines.