THE return of the US Open to Los Angeles has prompted all kinds of references to Hollywood and, as the championship heads into the weekend, there’s a real sense that we’re watching the latest release from a long running franchise that, to everyone’s surprise, has absolutely changed artistic direction.   The 123rd US Open at … Matt Cooper | US Open halfway report: Fowler stars in unlikely plot, DJ lurking

YOU’VE got to love sport and its capacity to take those of us who love it on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Take last week in golf – seven days that began with the suits announcing a merger between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. In doing so they delivered a blow that … Matt Cooper | US Open betting preview: Viktor can light up LA

The state of play WE know many things for certain about the US Open: the course set-ups are tough, plenty of the field will wilt under the pressure, and Brooks Koepka won’t (he’s two-time winner who hasn’t finished outside the top four in his last four starts). We also know that Koepka will be somewhat … US Open halfway report: Brooks Koepka testy, Rory McIlroy zesty

A week after golf’s phoney war ended and its civil war began, the sport heads to a venue well-used to controversy. Because it was at The Country Club in Brookline, Boston – host of this week’s US Open – that the tumultuous Ryder Cup of 1999 took place. It was rum affair, now better known … US Open betting preview: Boston set for a T for Tommy party

QUIETLY, the performances of Europeans in golf’s major championships has changed quite substantially in the last five years. Consider that, in the 10 years from 2007 to 2016, the continent’s golfers landed victory in 14 of the 40 majors. Then compare that with the five seasons since then: just four champions in 19. The good … 2022 Majors ante-post preview: Big bad Wolff can breakthrough

Matt Cooper shares the best options at the 36-hole stage of the year’s third golfing major championship

Our golf tipster picks his banker, each-way and outsider punts ahead of the third major