How the Callaway Chrome Tour ball helped Xander Schauffele win two Majors

Xander Schauffele's success in winning two Majors, the PGA Championship and Open, is attributed to his use of the Callaway Chrome Tour ball, which he began using at the start of the year. The ball's features, including a new Hyper Fast Soft Core and aerodynamic design, have contributed to Schauffele's improved performance, placing him in the top 10 in various golf statistics. Akshay Bhatia also switched to the Chrome Tour ball for its benefits on firm greens, highlighting its stability and performance in different conditions.

How a putter change powered Hideki Matsuyama to his 10th PGA Tour title

Hideki Matsuyama secured his 10th PGA Tour title at the FedEx St. Jude Championship by switching to a Scotty Cameron Craftsman Squareback Tour Prototype putter. Despite a challenging final round with bogeys and a double bogey, Matsuyama's strategic putter change proved pivotal, allowing him to gain nearly eight strokes on the greens and finish two shots ahead of Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele. His decision to debut the putter at TPC Southwind was influenced by his familiarity with the course conditions, leading to a successful outcome.

A drowning town: are Bentiu’s dykes high enough to save it from disaster?

Bentiu, a town in South Sudan, faces severe flooding threats due to rising water levels from Lake Victoria and heavy rainfall forecasts. The United Nations mission in South Sudan (Unmiss) and Pakistani engineers are working to reinforce dykes to protect the town and its large refugee camp. Despite efforts to raise the dykes, concerns persist about their ability to withstand the predicted rainfall. The situation is exacerbated by potential water releases from Uganda's Jinja dam. The refugee camp, home to nearly 150,000 internally displaced people, is at significant risk, and relocation options are being considered. The article highlights the ongoing challenges and efforts to prevent a humanitarian disaster.

Was the shooting of a nine-year-old girl in Hackney linked to a Europe-wide battle between rival drug gangs?

A series of violent shootings across Europe, including the shooting of a nine-year-old girl in Hackney, are believed to be linked to a feud between rival Turkish and Kurdish drug gangs. The violence is part of a broader conflict over control of the heroin trade, exacerbated by a shortage of heroin following the Taliban's ban on poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. Europol and various national police forces are investigating these incidents, which are characterized by public assassinations. The shootings are part of a larger pattern of escalating gang violence as these groups vie for dominance in the drug market. Despite ongoing investigations, no suspects have been apprehended for the murders, although a man has been charged in connection with the Hackney shooting.

Seven superb golf courses in Massachusetts you can play for less than $50

Massachusetts offers several affordable golf courses where players can enjoy a round for less than $50. Notable courses include Green Harbor Golf Club, known for its challenging layout and family-friendly environment, and Cold Spring Country Club, which boasts a rich history and diverse terrain. Falmouth Country Club features the Osprey Course with lush fairways and scenic views, while South Shore Country Club offers a classic design with elevated greens. Miacomet Golf Club on Nantucket Island provides a links-style experience, and Templewood Golf Course is celebrated for its stunning views. Edgewood Golf Club in Southwick offers a mix of open meadows and wooded challenges, making it a valued home course for many golfers.

Revealed: the truth behind the Taliban’s brutal Kabul ‘regeneration’ programme

The Taliban's redevelopment program in Kabul has led to significant human rights concerns, with thousands left homeless and vulnerable communities severely impacted. An investigation using satellite imagery and testimonies reveals that the destruction is partly ethnically targeted, affecting Hazara and Tajik communities. The demolitions, often brutal, have resulted in injuries and deaths, with residents unable to protest due to fear. The Taliban justify these actions as reclaiming land for infrastructure projects, but human rights groups warn of increased gender-based violence and economic collapse in Afghanistan.

What the Marcos-Duterte feud means for the Philippines, US and China

UN warns that South Sudan faces ‘existential crisis’ ahead of uncertain polls

South Sudan is facing an existential crisis as it prepares for its first election since gaining independence, amid fears of renewed conflict. The UN warns that inadequate preparations could lead to nationwide violence, with the country already struggling with a food crisis, refugee influx, and economic instability. UNMISS, with 14,000 peacekeepers, is attempting to maintain peace, but the situation remains tense with armed groups and political uncertainty. The international community is hesitant to provide election funding without assurances of a fair process, while the South Sudanese population remains eager for democratic progress despite potential violence.

EU unable to retrieve €150m paid to Tunisia despite links to rights violations

The European Union is unable to reclaim €150 million paid to Tunisia, despite the funds being linked to human rights violations, including sexual violence against migrants by EU-funded security forces. The European Commission's migration deal with Tunisia, criticized for lacking a human rights impact assessment, is under investigation by the EU ombudsman. Concerns are mounting over Tunisia's authoritarian shift under President Kais Saied, whose recent election win has been condemned by rights groups. The International Criminal Court may investigate abuses against sub-Saharan migrants, further complicating the EU's position. The situation underscores the EU's struggle to balance migration management with human rights obligations.

Hundreds of cases of femicide recorded in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover are ‘tip of the iceberg’

Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, over 300 cases of femicide have been reported, representing only a fraction of the gender-based violence occurring in the country. The Centre of Information Resilience's Afghan Witness project has documented numerous incidents of violence against women, with Taliban officials often implicated. The Taliban's restrictive policies have led to a significant decline in public protests, with most demonstrations now occurring online. Human rights groups describe the situation as 'gender apartheid,' with Afghan women facing severe restrictions on education, employment, and public life.