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From rejecting Mickey Mouse to becoming a pro golfer
Ffion Tynan, a golfer from Wales, recounts her journey from a family vacation in Orlando to becoming a professional competitor on the Ladies European Tour.
Ffion Tynan has secured a spot on the Ladies European Tour after successfully navigating the final qualifying school in Morocco, a significant milestone in her golfing career.
For most children, a trip to Walt Disney World is a dream come true, but not for the young Ffion Tynan, who had other plans in mind.
In contrast to many of her peers, Tynan's response to the idea of visiting Mickey Mouse would have been decidedly different.
During a family vacation in 2012, Tynan opted out of a visit to one of Orlando's theme parks, instead choosing to participate in a kids' holiday club activity, which would prove to be a pivotal decision.
It was on that day that Tynan discovered her aptitude for golf, and a spark was ignited within her.
Now, at the age of 22, Tynan has turned professional, having earned her place on the Ladies European Tour through the qualifying school in Morocco, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Tynan recall her early days, saying, "I have a younger sister who is two and a half years my junior."
"She wanted to return to one of the Disney parks, but I was not interested, so I ended up joining the kids' camp for the day, a decision that would change the course of my life."
"The coach asked me to stay behind, and I was worried I was in trouble, but instead, they spoke to my parents about my potential talent for golf and encouraged me to continue playing."
"My dad was amused, given my background in gymnastics, but from that moment on, my sister also took up the sport, and our family's vacation plans began to revolve around golf."
Looking back, Tynan reflects on that fateful day with a sense of nostalgia.
"I'm not sure what inspired me to make that choice," she shared with BBC Sport Wales.
"Perhaps if I hadn't been so stubborn as an eight-year-old, my journey might have unfolded differently, but here I am today, grateful for that turning point."
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Welsh golfers Thompson and Tynan have secured a spot on the Ladies European Tour, a significant achievement for both athletes.
Since discovering her passion for golf, Tynan's family vacations have been planned around the sport, with golf competitions and events often taking center stage.
"Up until 2021, we never went on a holiday that didn't involve golf in some way," Tynan explained.
"We were fortunate to be able to combine our love of golf with family time, often attending events in Florida during the Christmas season, followed by a visit to Disney World or Discovery Cove."
"It was wonderful to have a family holiday within a golf competition, creating lasting memories for all of us."
Tynan's passion for golf also led her to pursue her education in the United States, first at the University of Arkansas and later at the University of Missouri.
"As one of the youngest competitors in larger tournaments, I often looked up to older golfers who had made the journey to America, and it seemed like an exciting opportunity," Tynan said.
"My mom, being a teacher, emphasized the importance of earning a degree, and I was able to do so on a scholarship, allowing me to play golf while studying, a truly valuable experience."
"It was an incredible experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering it, as it allowed me to balance my love of golf with my academic pursuits."
"I was only 17 when I made the move, but I had an amazing time, made lifelong friends, and created unforgettable memories."
"It was a truly cool experience, and I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to pursue my passions in such a supportive environment."
Charley Hull finished tied for second at the 2025 Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl, a notable achievement in the golfing world.
Tynan cites tennis legend Venus Williams as an influence on her career, but her golfing hero is Charley Hull, who was named the Ladies European Tour rookie of the year in 2013.
Tynan has often spoken about the impact Hull has had on her career, saying, "I used to watch her play and try to emulate her swing, and my coach would often remind me to hold my finish like Charley."
"As a child, I would run around the course, watching her play, and trying to mimic her techniques, and now, it's inspiring to see her still competing at a high level."
"It's a testament to her enduring legacy, and I hope to follow in her footsteps, inspiring the next generation of golfers and achieving similar accolades."
"My goal is to give back to the community and show young girls from small towns like mine that they too can achieve their dreams with hard work and determination."
When asked if she had been in contact with her hero, Tynan smiled, saying, "I think there's a fine line between being a peer and a hero, and I'm not sure I'm ready to cross that line just yet."
"Perhaps I'll get the chance to play with her in a major tournament, which would be an incredible experience, but for now, I'm just focusing on my own game and taking things one step at a time."
"I'm hoping to meet her in a tournament setting, which would be a dream come true, and I'm excited to see what the future holds."
"It would be amazing to have the opportunity to play alongside her and learn from her experience, but for now, I'm just taking things one step at a time."
Tynan's journey in golf began on a family holiday, where she discovered her passion for the sport, and she has never looked back.
The 2026 LET season is set to begin in Saudi Arabia, but Tynan will not be participating in the initial event, as her playing rights only grant her access to certain tournaments.
As it stands, Tynan is waiting to find out when she will make her tour debut, but whenever that moment arrives, it will mark the culmination of 14 years of dedication and hard work.
The wait continues for Tynan, but she remains focused on her goals, knowing that her debut on the Ladies European Tour is just on the horizon.
When Tynan finally steps onto the first tee, it will be the realization of a dream she has been chasing for over a decade, and she is ready to take on the challenge.
At the age of nine, Tynan had already determined the course she would pursue, a decision that would unfold over many years.
Following the completion of her four-year college stint, Tynan proceeded to Q-school, aware that a strong performance would pave the way for her to turn professional, an achievement that fills her with pride.
Tynan acknowledges that turning pro is a rare feat, and she feels fortunate to have accomplished it, with her inner self thrilled at the prospect of embarking on this new journey.
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Serie A to air on BBC with live coverage of Scottish matches
A new multi-game rights deal has enabled the BBC to broadcast live coverage of matches featuring several Scotland internationals, including Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Che Adams, Lennon Miller, Kieron Bowie, and Josh Doig, starting this Sunday.
A number of Scottish players, including Che Adams, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lennon Miller, and Lewis Ferguson, are currently competing in Italy's top division, Serie A.
The upcoming Serie A match between Torino and Bologna will be a notable fixture, featuring several Scottish players.
The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 15 February, with a kick-off time of 17:00 GMT, at a venue that will be announced.
Fans can catch the live coverage of the match on BBC Alba, starting from 16:50.
A growing list of Scottish players, including Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Che Adams, Lennon Miller, Josh Doig, and Kieron Bowie, are making a name for themselves in Serie A.
With a record number of Scots playing in Italy's top flight, the BBC is now providing live coverage of their matches, allowing fans to follow their favorite players.
As part of a new package, the BBC will broadcast eight live Serie A matches, showcasing the talents of Scottish players as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
The first match to be broadcast on BBC Alba will be the encounter between Torino, featuring striker Che Adams, and Bologna, featuring midfielder Lewis Ferguson, on Sunday, with a 17:00 GMT kick-off.
Bologna will be looking to bounce back from five consecutive domestic defeats, despite recent impressive results in the Europa League and against Celtic.
During their recent run, Bologna drew 2-2 with Celtic and secured a 3-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League.
Torino, on the other hand, has only managed one win in their last five outings but will be seeking to build on their recent 2-2 draw against Fiorentina.
Scotland's Nations League campaign is set to begin in Slovenia.
Clarke has confirmed that Barnes will not be making a switch to Scotland.
Scotland is scheduled to face Switzerland in the Nations League.
Future BBC Alba broadcasts will feature matches involving Napoli's Scottish duo, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, who is nearing a return from injury, as well as Lennon Miller's Udinese, Josh Doig's Sassuolo, and Kieron Bowie's Hellas Verona.
The number of Scottish players in Serie A has reached a record high, with the likes of Liam Henderson, who has played for several Italian clubs, now competing in Serie B.
Further details of the Serie A matches to be broadcast on BBC Alba will be announced in the coming weeks.
Margaret Cameron, director of content at BBC Alba, expressed her excitement about the opportunity for Scottish fans to watch their favorite players in action, free-to-air, ahead of the World Cup.
Presenter Alex O'Henley is looking forward to hosting the coverage of what he describes as a "golden era" for Scottish players in Italy.
With the World Cup approaching, O'Henley believes it's an exciting time for Scottish fans to follow the fortunes of their players in Italy.
Kieron Bowie made his debut for Verona against Pisa.
Che Adams, who was born in Leicester, has established himself as a key player for Scotland, earning 45 caps and scoring 11 goals since switching allegiances in 2021.
This season, Adams has scored six goals in 26 appearances for Torino, who currently sit 13th in the Serie A table.
Kieron Bowie, who began his career with Raith Rovers, has risen to prominence with Hibernian, scoring nine goals in 30 appearances before joining Hellas Verona in January.
Bowie made his debut for Verona in a 0-0 draw against Pisa, earning his first start for the club.
Josh Doig, who started his career with Hibernian, has become a regular player in Serie A, first with Verona and now with Sassuolo, earning one cap for Scotland.
Doig has made 24 appearances, including 20 starts, for Sassuolo this season.
Lewis Ferguson, who began his career with Hamilton Academical, has become a key player for Bologna, earning 21 caps for Scotland and leading his team to a Coppa Italia final win over AC Milan.
Ferguson has made 29 appearances, including 21 starts, for Bologna this season, helping the team to eighth place in the table.
Billy Gilmour, who started his career with Rangers, has played for several clubs, including Chelsea and Norwich City, before joining Napoli in 2024, where he won his first league title.
Gilmour has been limited to 12 appearances, including six starts, this season due to injury, but is nearing a return to action.
Scott McTominay, who came through Manchester United's youth ranks, has become a key player for Napoli, earning 67 caps for Scotland and scoring 14 goals, including a notable overhead kick against Denmark.
McTominay has made 34 appearances for Napoli this season, scoring 10 goals and helping the team to a strong position in the table.
Lennon Miller, who began his career with Motherwell, has made a promising start to his career, earning four caps for Scotland and joining Udinese in August.
Miller has made 14 appearances, including six starts, for Udinese this season.
Fans can stay up-to-date with their favorite clubs through BBC Sport.
News
GB men’s curling team suffers upset defeat to Italy
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Great Britain’s men’s curling team mounted a comeback against Italy following a disappointing beginning, ultimately falling short in their inaugural match.
Despite a valiant comeback, Team GB ultimately fell short as Italy held their composure to secure the win in the final end.
A dismal start to the match proved costly for Team GB's men, as they suffered their first defeat of the Winter Olympics at the hands of host nation Italy, despite a spirited fightback in the packed Cortina Curling Stadium.
Following victories in their first two matches, including a win over the Swedish rink that beat them in the gold-medal match four years ago, Team GB entered their second high-profile encounter in as many days in a confident position.
However, a disastrous opening end, in which Italy stole four points, left Team GB trailing and facing an uphill battle in front of a boisterous home crowd.
The British team, currently ranked number one in the world, gradually regained their footing and managed to level the score by the ninth end.
Ultimately, Italy maintained their composure in the final end to emerge victorious, winning 9-7 and adding Team GB to their list of scalps, which already included the Swedes.
"We had to dig deep and play some solid curling, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get us over the line," Team GB lead Hammy McMillan said in an interview with BBC Sport.
With seven wins from nine round-robin matches guaranteeing a spot in the semi-finals, Team GB remains in a strong position, although fewer wins may still be sufficient to advance.
The women's team is set to take to the ice next, facing South Korea in their second match at 13:05 GMT, while the men will return to action on Saturday against the Czech Republic at the same time.
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The looks of shock on the faces of Team GB's curlers told the story of a disastrous opening end.
With a stone in play, Mouat attempted a risky shot in an effort to claim two points, but it backfired, resulting in none of Team GB's stones in the house and four Italian stones in position.
However, the Scottish quartet, ranked number one in the world, quickly regained their composure and got back to their game.
The teams exchanged singles before a impressive final throw by Mouat, aided by a measurement to determine which stone was closest to the button, allowed Team GB to claim two points and narrow the gap to 5-3.
Another excellent team effort, which included a well-judged throw by Mouat, a solid sweep by Hammy McMillan and Bobby Lammie, and Grant Hardie's strategic expertise, forced Italy to concede a point in the fourth end, reducing the deficit to a single point at the break.
Italy blanked the sixth end and added two points in the seventh to rebuild their lead, but Team GB fought back with two points of their own, remarkably levelling the score with one end remaining after a steal.
The match came down to the final end, but Italy held their nerve to secure the win, prompting a deafening roar from the crowd.
"It's an incredible experience, and we need to get used to it," McMillan added, describing the electric atmosphere as "surreal" and "cool," more akin to a football match than a typical curling crowd.
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Scotland Kicks Off Nations League Against Slovenia
Uefa has released the schedule for the Nations League, with Scotland set to begin their campaign on 26 September with an away match against Slovenia.
Uefa has released the schedule for the Nations League, with Scotland's campaign set to begin on 26 September with an away match against Slovenia.
The team's six group stage games will be played within a three-month period, culminating in a match against Switzerland on 16 November.
The fixture list was announced following Thursday's draw, which placed Scotland in a group with Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.
Having been relegated from League A after a play-off loss to Greece last year, Scotland will compete in the second tier of the Nations League this year.
In response to the draw, head coach Steve Clarke noted that the teams in the group appear to be evenly matched.
Clarke reflected on the team's past experience in the competition, stating that it has been beneficial for Scotland.
He emphasized the importance of the Nations League, citing its role in helping the team qualify for Euro 2020, and anticipated a challenging set of matches.
A key matchup in the Nations League will see Scotland face off against Switzerland.
The group stage will determine the teams' fates, with the winner earning promotion, the runner-up entering a play-off, the third-placed team facing a relegation play-off, and the fourth-placed team being relegated directly.
The upcoming group games will mark a reunion for Scotland and Switzerland, who previously drew 1-1 in Cologne at Euro 2024.
Scotland's last encounter with Slovenia was during the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign, when they won 1-0 at home and drew 2-2 away.
The team has not played North Macedonia since the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, when they drew 1-1 at home and won 2-1 away, with goals from Ikechi Anya and Shaun Maloney.
The schedule for Scotland's Nations League campaign begins on 26 September with a match against Slovenia.
The team will then host Switzerland on 29 September, followed by a trip to face North Macedonia on 3 October.
Scotland will then play Slovenia at home on 6 October, before hosting North Macedonia on 11 November.
The final group stage match will see Scotland travel to face Switzerland on 16 November.
The team's home match against North Macedonia is set for 11 November.
The campaign will conclude with an away match against Switzerland on 16 November.
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