IF Mark Twain truly believed that golf is a good walk spoiled, he obviously never set foot on the Old Head of Kinsale, a course in southwest Ireland cut from apromontory jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.

GRAEME McDOWELL is finally getting his feet back on the ground seven weeks after his US Open heroics and right on schedule for a proper assault on a second major title at this week’s USPGA Championship.

AS the spiritual home of the US Open, the storied Pebble Beach Golf Links seemed perhaps an incongruous place to announce the destination of a new venue on the circuit for the 2017 tournament.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON was rewarded for his decision to carry on playing after the trials of Pebble Beach as he took an early share of the first-round lead at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut last night.

Graeme McDowell was adapting to life as a major champion tonight and already harbouring thoughts of adding to his newly won US Open crown.

Graeme McDowell hugged the US Open trophy tightly after landing his first major title in California last night – and toasted the start of his career.

Tiger Woods was relishing being back in the hunt for a major as the leaders prepared for the final round of the 110th US Open in California tonight.

Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen made a strong start in California as he moved to the top of the leaderboard on the first morning of the 110th US Open.

TIGER WOODS will head into this week’s US Open believing his career is finally returning to normal after a turbulent seven months in his personal life.

ALTHOUGH it remains unclear exactly when Tiger Woods will make his next competitive appearance, the world number will definitely play the US Open in June, having already submitted his entry for the event.

Phil Mickelson is making a mockery of the $5.3m (€4.1m) AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

The front nine at Poppy Hills finally cooled off Phil Mickelson.

Phil Mickelson shattered the course record with a 10-under-par 62 to grab a three-shot lead after the opening round of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

DAVIS LOVE sank a 30-inch putt on the final hole to win the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for the second time in three years, posting a one-shot victory over Tom Lehman.

Matt Gogel shattered the Poppy Hills course record with a 10-under 62 for a three-stroke lead at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California.