Month: April 2025

A patron walks along with their 2025 Masters gnome (Image credit: Getty Images) Jonny Leighfield’s avatar By Jonny Leighfield published 16 April 2025 For so many of the lucky patrons …

A patron walks along with their 2025 Masters gnome (Image credit: Getty Images) Jonny Leighfield’s avatar By Jonny Leighfield published 16 April 2025 For so many of the lucky patrons who attend Augusta National each year, the must-have item from The Masters shop has been – since its release in 2016 – the Masters gnome. Standing at just 18 inches tall and baring an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus with an outfit design that changes every year, the increasingly-iconic piece of merchandise retails for $49.50. But patrons have to be quick as it’s only available to purchase through official channels for eight days during Masters week. This year called ‘Peaches’, the Masters gnome has various foods made famous by Augusta National adorned on a mint-green polo shirt, such as the Georgia peach ice cream sandwich and the world-famous pimento cheese. The outfit is completed by light grey slacks plus white and green golf shoes with a Masters green belt and a Masters cap. Peaches is also holding a sandwich in his left hand and carrying a Masters bag over his right shoulder. As well as the full-size original version, there is a nine-inch Caddie gnome which cost $29.50 in the Masters shop, a mini caddie ornament, plus salt and pepper shakers if Peaches isn’t to your taste. What can I say……..💚💚💚 #TheMasters #MastersGnome 🌼🌺🌸 pic.twitter.com/OdT7FbZTBsApril 12, 2025 Patrons who show enough desire to queue up while the sun is still brushing its teeth and the patience to stand in line for over an hour while the pros begin tackling the course are rewarded with the opportunity to buy just one Peaches per customer. The primary reason for a required early start is due to the fact that Augusta National limits the (unknown) quantity it sells each day, with the rare batch disappearing off the shelves in the blink of an eye – usually before 8:30am or so. Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts. Your Email Address Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. As a result of the incredibly short supply, the kinds of numbers Peaches has been listed for on sites like ebay has been nothing short of mind-blowing. During the tournament itself, an unopened 2025 Masters gnome was fetching in the region of $500 – roughly 10 times higher than its recommended retail price. That figure only continued to rise once the Masters shop had closed its doors for good, with a search three days after Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam producing several options to buy one for upwards of $1,000 each. The most expensive listed price on ebay as of Wednesday, April 16 was $2,000 – a 3,900% increase on the gnome’s original cost. A screenshot of a 2025 Masters gnome being listed on ebay for $2,000 (Image credit: ebay screenshot) Elliott Heath – Golf Monthly’s news editor who was in attendance at The Masters this year – revealed the gnomes were the talk of the fairways at Augusta National but believes officials will look into methods of ensuring the prized items does not fetch such an astronomical price online in the future. He said: “I was at Augusta National all week and you simply can’t get away from the gnomes. Everywhere you turn you see a patron holding on to their prized item with a slightly smug look on their face…as the now-iconic garden statue is without doubt the most in-demand item in the Augusta National Golf Shop. “There were a number of gnomes on my flight home, too, being taken onto the plane as hand luggage and safely stowed in the overhead bins. They’re far too prized to be wrapped up and put away into hold baggage. A patron carries his Masters gnome at the 2025 tournament A patron carries their Masters gnome at the 2025 tournament (Image credit: Getty Images) “While walking the course, I regularly heard those without gnomes asking the lucky gnome possessors: “Hey, how did you manage to get that gnome?” The answer, according to one of the shop attendants, was to get in line as soon as you arrive on-site as the gnomes, both large and mini, sell out by 8:30am each morning. “Their rarity has turned into a slight problem for The Masters, as seen by these ludicrous prices on the resale market. Augusta certainly isn’t inviting patrons to The Masters for them to profit off of rare items from inside the shop, and this will surely be addressed at some point. “How they do it is difficult, though. Perhaps simply upping manufacturing by a large amount to ensure every single patron who wants a gnome can purchase one will help next year, as the items will become less and less rare. The Masters gnome is certainly a phenomenon.” Read More

Main image of Rory McIlroy and caddie Harry Diamond walking ahead of Bryson DeChambeau and his caddie, Greg Bodine with inset photo of Dr Bob Rotella (Image credit: Getty Images) …

Main image of Rory McIlroy and caddie Harry Diamond walking ahead of Bryson DeChambeau and his caddie, Greg Bodine with inset photo of Dr Bob Rotella (Image credit: Getty Images) Jonny Leighfield’s avatar By Jonny Leighfield published 2 weeks ago Rory McIlroy’s sports psychologist, Dr Bob Rotella has explained why the Northern Irishman did not engage in conversation with Bryson DeChambeau during The Masters final round on Sunday. Prior to McIlroy’s emotional playoff victory over Justin Rose at Augusta National last week, DeChambeau raised eyebrows in his post-tournament interview by revealing that his playing partner “didn’t talk to me once all day” after being asked how he thought the 35-year-old would fare against his Ryder Cup teammate in extra holes. DeChambeau went on to say that he “loved” the “electric” atmosphere at Augusta National before turning his attention back to McIlroy. The LIV golfer said: “But he was just like — just being focused, I guess. It’s not me, though.” Later in his post-round interview, DeChambeau was specifically asked whether he tried to initiate conversation with McIlroy, but the 31-year-old simply stated: “He wouldn’t talk to me.” McIlroy and DeChambeau were paired together at the business end of the season’s first Major for the first time since their enthralling indirect US Open battle at Pinehurst No.2 last summer – a championship which the 29-time PGA Tour winner threw away, allowing his LIV Golf rival to steal the show in dramatic fashion moments later. Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy shake hands on the 18th green after the final round of The Masters in 2025 DeChambeau and McIlroy shake hands on the 18th green after the final round of The 2025 Masters (Image credit: Getty Images) Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ program on Tuesday, Rotella – a key part of McIlroy’s team – shared that the five-time Major winner’s intense focus was not a personal issue with his American rival but something they had discussed in the build-up and during The Masters itself. The renowned sports psychologist said: “That didn’t have anything to do with Bryson. That was just the game plan all week and we wanted to get lost in it. Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts. Your Email Address Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. “We didn’t want to pay attention to what anyone else was scoring, or shooting, or swinging or how far they were hitting it – we just wanted Rory to play his game. “The point is, if you believe you’re going to win, just play your game and assume that if you do that anywhere near the way you’re capable of, then you will end up number one. “If you watched Rory, he was very locked into his own world. It’s just you and the golf course and your caddie. You get lost in this world that you’ve made up, and play the game you love. I think he did a beautiful job of that all day. He did so many things to bounce back time after time.” Harry Diamond and Rory McIlroy at The Masters McIlroy and caddie, Harry Diamond ponder a shot at The Masters (Image credit: Getty Images) While doing his best to retain that sole focus which would ultimately help him complete the career Grand Slam, McIlroy was frequently seen glancing at his yardage book – perhaps even more than he might usually. The sports psychologist shared that there were helpful reminders from him contained within the book which McIlroy took great comfort in referring to in moments of discomfort. And, given the tumultuous nature of McIlroy’s final round, there were a few. Rotella continued: “We would have a chat every day before the round, and he would make some notes, and every couple of holes, he would take a look around to remind yourself. That’s what he was looking at.” A post shared by The Masters (@themasters) A photo posted by on Having ended an 11-year wait for his latest Major, the common question being asked regarding McIlroy now is ‘how many more can he win and when will the next one be?’ The psychologist in McIlroy’s corner believes several more are on the cards and, now that the chains are off, so to speak, it will be a whole lot of fun to watch him try and go about it. Rotella said: “My guess is that he will go on and win quite a few more, I think he’s thinking of having a multiple win season… It’s going to be a lot of fun to see how many more he can win. “His year is off to great start, now he’s got a chance to have the greatest year he’s ever had. He’s getting tough mentally and emotionally, and that’s such a big part of it – you’ve got to have will that’s like steel.” TOPICS Read More

(Image credit: Future) By Katie Dawkins last updated 29 January 2024 Knowing how to get a straight left arm in your golf swing is the key to creating power and distance in your shots …

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(Image credit: Getty Images) By Elliott Heath published 2 weeks ago Rory McIlroy has entered golf’s history books as a career grand slam winner after triumphing at the 2025 Masters, and he paid tribute …

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(Image credit: Getty Images) By Jonny Leighfield published 15 April 2025 The 2025 Masters will live long in the memory – possibly going down as one of the best ever – thanks to Rory McIlroy’s …

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Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” Initiative: From Controversy to Conservative Praise Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign, launched in 2010, was one of the most ambitious public health initiatives of its time. …

Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” Initiative: From Controversy to Conservative Praise Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign, launched in 2010, was one of the most ambitious public health initiatives of its time. Designed to combat childhood obesity, the campaign aimed to promote healthier eating habits, increase physical activity, and improve nutrition education in schools. However, the initiative quickly became a lightning rod for criticism, particularly from conservative circles that framed it as an example of government overreach. Interestingly, more than a decade later, Let’s Move! has undergone a surprising transformation in the media narrative, with some of its fiercest former critics now citing it as an example of common-sense public health policy. The Initial Controversy At its core, Let’s Move! sought to address a real and growing public health crisis. Childhood obesity rates in the U.S. had reached alarming levels, with researchers warning of long-term consequences such as increased risks of diabetes, heart disease, and other health complications. The campaign advocated for schools to serve healthier meals with reduced sugar, fat, and sodium while encouraging children to engage in more physical activity. Barack Can’t Convince His Wife She Has To Do Her Duty?”: The Internet Is Firing Back After A Fox News Host Questioned Why Michelle Obama Won’t Attend Trump’s Inauguration Despite the initiative’s noble goals, conservative media and political figures quickly took issue with its approach. Critics argued that Let’s Move! represented an unnecessary government intrusion into personal choices. Prominent figures on Fox News and other right-leaning outlets ridiculed the campaign, with commentators like Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity warning that it was a step toward excessive regulation of Americans’ diets. A major point of contention was the implementation of new federal school lunch guidelines. While the updated meals were designed to be healthier, many students found them unappetizing, leading to complaints about bland food and small portions. Social media became flooded with images of unappetizing school lunches, fueling accusations that the program was ineffective and wasteful. The backlash was intense, with conservatives portraying the initiative as an example of government overreach into everyday life. The Surprising Shift in Perspective More than a decade later, the narrative surrounding Let’s Move! has shifted dramatically. In a surprising twist, the very media outlets that once decried the initiative are now using it as an example of responsible public health policy. The reason? The rise of the fat positivity movement, a cultural force that challenges traditional views on weight and health. Some progressive activists now argue that society’s emphasis on fitness and dieting is rooted in systemic discrimination. Events like “Fat Con,” a conference in Philadelphia promoting fat positivity, have framed weight loss efforts as a form of oppression. These new perspectives have led to a backlash against conventional health initiatives, including those that promote exercise and balanced eating. Fox News Hosts Praise Michelle Obama’s ‘Amazing’ DNC Speech – Newsweek This has created an ironic moment where figures on the right, who once criticized Let’s Move!, now point to it as a reasonable middle ground. Conservative media figures, including those on Outnumbered and Gutfeld!, have expressed disbelief that weight loss and fitness are now being framed as tools of discrimination. Even Fox News contributors have referenced Michelle Obama’s initiative as a sensible approach to tackling health issues, in stark contrast to the more extreme stances taken by some modern progressive activists. Media’s Role in Shaping Political Narratives The shifting discourse around Let’s Move! highlights a broader trend in political media: the way narratives are selectively reshaped over time. In the early 2010s, conservative media attacked the initiative because it came from a Democratic administration. Now, in an era where extreme positions dominate public discourse, the campaign is being reconsidered as a rational and moderate policy. This pattern is not unique to Let’s Move!. Throughout history, policies once viewed as radical have later been embraced as moderate when compared to newer, more extreme alternatives. Similarly, progressives who once championed Michelle Obama’s campaign now find themselves at odds with segments of the left that view health initiatives as problematic. For figures like Harris Faulkner, a longtime Fox News host, the shifting narrative has been particularly striking. After years of covering political and social debates, she found herself momentarily stunned at the realization that an initiative once criticized as government overreach was now being defended as a sensible approach to public health. Conclusion The evolving perception of Let’s Move! serves as a reminder of how political and media narratives can change over time. What was once framed as an overreach of government power is now seen as a rational stance in the face of new cultural debates. The controversy surrounding Michelle Obama’s initiative illustrates how political opinions are often shaped by context rather than policy alone. Ultimately, the debate over Let’s Move!—and the broader discussion about health, personal freedom, and government responsibility—continues to evolve. Whether viewed as an overreach or a pragmatic solution, the campaign remains a significant chapter in the discussion of public health policy in America. Read More

On Wednesday, November 9, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest’s morning talk show featured a surprise for Kelly. The American Idol host showed his colleague that her and husband Mark Consuelos’ …

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In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the television industry, CBS has signed conservative powerhouses Megyn Kelly and Candace Owens for a brand-new, high-profile morning show, backed by …

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