improve

Pitch Golf has opened in Manchester, and Mirror man Matt Atherton went along to play a round at St Andrews – with mixed results

A brand new indoor golf experience has opened in Manchester city centre, and we went along to give it a whirl.

It’s exactly what it sounds like – a round of golf without having to lug a heavy club bag around for miles, and it’s just what this amateur (really, really bad) golfer needed.

Players are given the chance to sit down in a cushty golf bay, away from the judgemental eyes of a posh golf course’s driving range. You’ll simply choose whether you want to just smash a few balls, or try your hand at dozens of the world’s most famous courses, with some pretty decent clubs at your disposal.

I haven’t played a round of golf for about 15 years, and even then it wasn’t really playing. I managed to get my handicap down to about +35 before putting my clubs down once and for all.

So, it was particularly refreshing to be able to get back in the swing of things without anyone watching. I simply headed to Pitch Golf’s driving range, and stepped up to the plate.

The bay uses Trackman technology, which basically means the AI watches your swing, impact zone on the ball, and swing power, to analyse exactly where the golf ball would end up in the real world. You can switch between a trusty pitching wedge to zero-in on your target, or whack out the driver and smash it as hard as you can.

Clearly I’d been out of practice for a while, and my golf play lacked professionalism, shall we say? But, the incredible technology really opened my eyes to how I could improve my game, if I wanted to keep pursuing it. A handy trainer captures your entire movements on camera, and then replays it to you, so you can see exactly where you’re going wrong when you smash the ball into a lake (speaking from experience).

Within half an hour I was hitting the ball generally in the right direction, topping 150yards each shot. The screen even shows you the flight path of each shot, so you can make subtle improvements to absolutely nail your target.

Quite rightly, after an hour I figured I was ready for one of the world’s most challenging courses, St Andrews, playing off the ‘Champion tees’. It ended as predictably as imagined.

I managed to finish with a triple bogey on the first hole… mainly because the computer took pity on me and just waved me through to the next hole. But, aside from that embarrassment, the AI scenery was stunning. The visuals matched the iconic scenes of St Andrews’s opening hole – so much so that when I sent a picture to my family asking “Where am I?”, someone quickly replied: “St Andrews?!”.

Pitch Manchester isn’t just somewhere to practice your golf, though. It’s a great social setting that prides itself on being open to everyone – not just the clubhouse gang in their posh polo shirts and chinos.

It features a bar with a great selection of drinks, as well as the usual pub luxuries; shuffle board, Sky Sports, and a great kitchen team. The menu features a special selection of Asian-inspired dishes, which is perfect for scoffing a mouthful between swings.

Even as you enter the facility, you’re greeted by a shop with all of the latest gear you’ll be needing to hit the links. It mimics the exact feel of a clubhouse, without the beginners feeling out of place.

Meanwhile, if you’re heading to Manchester city centre and need somewhere to stay, it’s definitely worth considering the Marriott Piccadilly Hotel.

It’s central location is perfect for those needing access to Piccadilly train station, and its views over the city are second-to-none.

There’s plenty of space to put your feet up after a busy day, and the next morning you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast, featuring everything you’d ever need to kickstart your day.

Three weeks into the NFL season and already the Chargers have planted a flag atop the AFC West — and a Mt. Rushmore collection of coaches.

They dispatched of the Denver Broncos on Sunday, after beating the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders in the previous two weeks.

If you’re keeping a scorecard, those are wins over Andy Reid, Pete Carroll and now Sean Payton, all Super Bowl winners, in a historic start for Jim Harbaugh, who is quick to remind people not to “put me on that dance floor” because he has yet to win a ring.

But Sunday’s 23-20 triumph might have been the most impressive considering the Chargers were flat as day-old soda for a considerable stretch yet still found a way to come back and win.

“It’s a signature win,” said Harbaugh, whose 3-0 start matches the club’s best since 2002.

His team’s first home game of the season, when the SoFi Stadium stands were mostly orange, had the Chargers taking a 10-0 lead before surrendering 17 unanswered points that left them chasing the entire second half.

The game-tying touchdown was a beauty, a sidearmed, cross-body, 20-yard sling by Justin Herbert to ageless receiver Keenan Allen, who was blanketed in the end zone yet still came up with the catch.

“I was lower than he was,” Allen said of cornerback Riley Moss. “I put my hands out there and the ball just kind of stuck.”

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen, right, celebrates with tight end Oronde Gadsden II after catching a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter Sunday.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Everyone in the stadium watched in amazement. Everyone, that is, but Herbert. He was on the ground, so he didn’t see the touchdown but heard it.

“I’m sure it was an incredible catch by Keenan,” said the quarterback, who planned to watch the replays when he got home Sunday evening. “The defender wasn’t looking. That’s advantage Keenan.”

• Share via Close extra sharing options

Sam Farmer breaks down what has gone right for the Chargers over the course of their 3-0 start to the season.

That play locked the score at 20-20, but it was the ultra-accurate Cameron Dicker who broke that tie a couple minutes later with a 43-yard field goal as the clock expired. It was the eighth winning kick of his career and extinguished a remarkable effort by the Broncos, who sacked Herbert five times and pulled off the most creative touchdown in Payton’s two-season tenure with the team.

The play in question came with 46 seconds left in the first half with Denver trailing, 10-0, and facing a fourth-and-two at their 48.

Denver gave every indication it planned to run, and the Chargers called timeout to prepare their defense. When the Broncos emerged from the timeout, they loaded up the right side of their line with both starting tackles and a tight end between them. The ball was definitely going to that side.

Quarterback Bo Nix rolled right then surprised everyone by throwing left to a wide-open Courtland Sutton who essentially was ignored by defenders and raced untouched 52 yards for a score. It was the longest Broncos touchdown pass on fourth down since 1978 and a testament to the play-drawing artistry of Payton.

“He’s a master at scheming it up,” said Chargers safety Tony Jefferson, in his 11th season. “Ever since I got into the league, I’ve played the Saints so much [Payton’s former team] and you’ve always got to be on your P’s and Q’s with them.”

The Chargers had to watch their P’s and Q’s, and their old J.K. — running back J.K. Dobbins, who played for them last season and Sunday made them pay. He caught a screen pass for the Broncos at the beginning of the second half and turned it upfield for a 19-yard touchdown. He dashed down the sideline as if sprinting on a tightrope before diving across the goal line to give Denver its first lead of the day.

Cameron Dicker kicks the winning field goal as time expires in the Chargers’ 23-20 win over the Broncos on Sunday.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Payton lamented his team’s slow start and the 10 penalties, compared to three for the Chargers.

“Tomorrow’s an important day,” he told reporters afterward. “Tomorrow’s more important than the game we just played. Because we’re in this accelerated … we’ve got to get better fast. And if we do, I think this will be all right.”

Whereas Dobbins led all rushers with 83 yards, the Chargers are still looking to get their ground attack rolling. That just got a lot tougher as the team lost veteran running back Najee Harris to an ankle injury in the second quarter. He had to be helped off the field, and the replays were cover-your-eyes cringeworthy, although the severity of his injury was not disclosed.

That piles even more of the running burden onto the shoulders of rookie first-round pick Omarion Hampton, who ran for 70 yards in 19 carries including his first NFL touchdown, from three yards out.

The Chargers, who had to reshuffle their offensive line with the loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater before the season, had to do so again Sunday when right guard Mekhi Becton sustained a concussion.

Those are the realities of the game, though, just as the Chargers already had to adjust to losing edge rusher Khalil Mack (shoulder) as well as defensive backs Elijah Molden (hamstring) and Cam Hart (hip).

Chargers linebacker Troy Dye (43) tackles Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin in the third quarter Sunday.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

“That’s the unfortunate part of the NFL,” Herbert said. “You’re going to have to deal with adversity.”

Against the Broncos, the Chargers dealt with it and wound up on top. That makes this victory particularly impactful, a touchstone that Harbaugh and others can point to in future high-pressure situations.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this does a lot for morale, and that was already high,” said Harbaugh, adding his team has “gravel in our gut.”

With that in mind, they have sent an unambiguous message to their three division foes: kick rocks.

To many first-time viewers of this England team, it was a sight to behold.

None of what occurred will be news to head coach John Mitchell, however. He will be looking more closely at the fine detail of his team, rather than Kildunne’s well-known headline-grabbing abilities.

The neat dovetailing of Tatyana Heard and Megan Jones – a centre partnership that combines power, pace and nous – will have been particularly pleasing.

Jones made perhaps the tackle of the match, marching Lotte Sharp at pace and drawing winces from the stands.

Her break, followed by Heard’s quick hands, set up Abby Dow’s score just after half-time.

It is difficult to see veteran Emily Scarratt, who arrived off the bench in the second half, edging her way back into a first-choice pairing any time soon.

Loose-head Hannah Botterman raged around in the loose and stole a prime turnover off the floor, perhaps inspired by the chance to show up United States’ Hope Rogers who was picked in World Rugby’s Team of the Year in her position.

Sadia Kabeya buzzed with energy in the back row, while fly-half Zoe Harrison’s kicking for posts was superb.

With Emma Sing, the squad’s most impressive off the tee, on the bench and the small change potentially crucial in the knockout rounds, it is an area where high standards must be maintained.

The driving maul is still a trump card and the neat off-the-top variation that gave hooker Amy Cokayne her try will have opponents second-guessing themselves afresh.

The scrum was dominant, especially in the early exchanges.

However there is room for improvement.

Some of the intricacies, tip-on passes in midfield particularly, went astray. Better teams will bring more line speed and pressure to bear on those skills.

Jess Breach scored two tries but won’t want to watch the way she was shrugged off by Erica Jarrell-Searcy for the United States’ score.

Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, who missed this match with a minor injury, will be back to put pressure on Breach soon.

Before he arrived at USC, Micah Banuelos was already pretty accustomed to playing through pain. As a standout offensive and defensive lineman at Kennedy Catholic High in Washington, his shoulder would pop out of its socket during almost every game. So Banuelos would check out, have his shoulder popped back in and then reenter the game like nothing changed.

“Then,” his father, Roy Banuelos, says, “he never said anything about it after.”

But when that shoulder injury lingered past high school and into his freshman season, there was no ignoring it anymore. Just weeks into his first fall at USC, the staff suggested Banuelos get surgery.

It would be a while before Banuelos made his way back — and even longer still before he’d be competing for a real role on USC’s offensive line. The shoulder injury robbed him of the following spring, then a knee issue nixed his second season after just a few games. But at the start of his third fall at USC, Banuelos has finally entered the mix at guard, a position at which USC is perilously unproven.

If a federal judge doesn’t grant an injunction Monday to transfer lineman DJ Wingfield in his lawsuit against the NCAA, then Banuelos will be one of many vying for the opening he leaves behind up front. Banuelos has taken considerable snaps through camp with the first-team offensive line, while redshirt freshmen Hayden Treter and Makai Saina and walk-on Kaylon Miller have also factored into the competition.

It’s the first time that USC coach Lincoln Riley has really gotten an extended look at Banuelos, despite the fact that he’s entering his third season in L.A.

“He was probably somebody we knew the least about, just because he was hurt so much,” Riley said. “He’s getting a ton of reps right now, and so far, he’s just carrying on from that. He has a lot of power. He can really move people. He can really play behind his hips. There’s a lot to like about what he does, and if he stays healthy, he’s really going to turn into a good player.”

Riley had similar praise for Treter, who has also dealt with injuries since coming to USC. The coach called Treter “one of the highlights of camp.”

The Trojans entered the offseason in need of more consistency from their offensive line, especially with a relatively new starting quarterback in Jayden Maiava.

The competition at USC’s open guard spot remains one of the closest battles on the team with just over two weeks remaining until its season opener. Even Alani Noa, who started 12 of USC’s 13 games, hasn’t been assured of a starting spot.

That uncertainty up front might be nerve-racking to some. Riley and offensive coordinator Luke Huard insist they don’t see it that way.

Huard said he feels “really, really good” about the current state of the offensive line, while Riley said he feels “much better” now about the depth at the position than he did in spring.

“Some of that young depth coming along, we needed that to happen,” Riley said. “Their ascent is important not just for this year, but for the future.”

It’s just as critical at offensive tackle, too, where redshirt freshman Justin Tauanuu has made his own case to be a part of USC’s starting front. It’s possible that he slots in at right tackle, while Tobias Raymond, the projected starter there, kicks into guard to fill the void left by Wingfield.

But coaches and teammates like what they’ve seen out of Banuelos.

“You can tell when a guy just wants to be out there and treats every day like his last,” left tackle Elijah Paige said. “He’s putting it all out here.”

For a while, Banuelos could only wait for his shoulder — and then his knee — to heal. That part was excruciating, his father says, stuck in place as others made moves up the depth chart.

“He was pretty down,” Roy Banuelos said. “I would call him and just tell him, ‘It’s OK, man. You’ll get your time. It’ll come.’”

Now, with USC in desperate need of someone stepping up at guard, that time may finally have arrived.

“All he wanted to do was play football,” Roy Banuelos said. “So his attitude now — it’s night and day.”

Wissa situation ‘not ideal’

Brentford boss Keith Andrews has given an update on the future of Yoane Wissa.

The striker is allegedly refusing to play for the club after the Bees rejected an offer from Newcastle, who then pulled out of signing him.

Andrews said: “The situation is that he is training at the training ground.

“It’s probably public knowledge at this stage that he left our training camp in Lisbon. That was probably the right decision for all parties. We had to support him in what is a difficult time for him.

“I think we have to remember that it’s not just about being a footballer, it’s the person and the human being first. 

“Again, it’s public knowledge that there is some interest in Wiss. We have to respect that and respect him.

“I have got a really good relationship with Yoane from last season and that’s still the case now, but obviously it’s not ideal.

“We have constant communication with Yoane around the situation. I think he’s OK to a point.

“When you look at the business we’ve done this season, the outgoings have been done early.

“This is probably not wanted or desired, certainly from my point of view. It’s not an ideal scenario but it’s what the transfer window is.”

Aug. 1 (UPI) — Denver-based software firm Palantir Technologies secured a 10-year contract worth up to $10 billion to improve the U.S. Army’s military readiness and efficiency with artificial intelligence.

Palantir specializes in developing software that enables the use of AI to make real-time decisions, such as those that the U.S. Army could face in the future.

The contract supports the Army’s sustained capability growth and enhances its ability to meet operational warfighting needs with proven [and] commercially available AI technologies, it said in an online announcement on Thursday.

“This enterprise agreement represents a pivotal step in the Army’s commitment to modernizing our capabilities while being fiscally responsible,” Army Chief Information Officer Leo Garciga said.

The enterprise agreement with Palantir will help the Army to save money while improving its operational efficiency and military readiness through a “comprehensive framework for the Army’s future software and data needs,” according to the announcement.

“By streamlining our procurement processes and leveraging enterprise-level discounts, we are not only enhancing our operational effectiveness but also maximizing our buying power,” Garciga added.

The Army will consolidate 15 prime contracts and 60 related contracts into one enterprise agreement with Palantir, which accelerates the delivery of proven commercial software to the Army’s military units.

“This streamlined approach reduces procurement timelines, ensuring soldiers have rapid access to cutting-edge data integration, analytics and AI tools,” according to the Army.

The contract also saves money by eliminating contract and pass-through fees, while reducing procurement timelines.

The contract enables the Army and other Defense Department to pay up to $10 billion over 10 years to obtain Palantir products, but it does not require the military to spend the full $10 billion.

Palantir earlier this year provided the Army with two AI-powered systems as part of a $178 million contract, according to a CNBC news report.

The Defense Department in May also increased to $795 million an existing contract with Maven Smart Systems to improve the military’s AI capabilities.

Many experts have shared their advice and tips on what we should wear for a flight, whether it’s a long or short-haul journey, and there are some items they say to avoid

When preparing to board a flight, we often think about comfort, but experts have revealed there are some clothing items we should avoid wearing altogether.

While they’re not explicitly banned, it can improve our chances of survival if the worst were to happen.

Many people opt for synthetic materials during flights, such as stretchy leggings, but they aren’t always on the recommended attire list, according to aviation safety experts.

The main concern is that in emergency situations, such as fires, leggings made of synthetic materials could melt onto the skin, worsening burn injuries.

Leggings

In an Instagram video shared by Pollyann, known as travelwithpalma, she told her over 11K followers about an important tip regarding leggings. She revealed: “I know – leggings feel like a second skin on a flight. But here’s why you really shouldn’t wear them on a plane.

“According to experts, in the rare event of an emergency evacuation (think: fire, sudden landing, etc), synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex – aka what most leggings are made of – can actually melt when exposed to high heat.

READ MORE: Remote UK island dubbed ‘Hawaii of the North’ has beautiful beaches and warm weather

“That means they could fuse to your skin, making injuries way worse. The Federal Aviation Administration and safety experts recommend wearing loose-fitting natural fibres like cotton, wool or denim when flying.

“They’re more fire-resistant and safer in worst-case scenarios. So yes, wear something cosy – but make it cotton cosy, not plastic cosy – just to be safe.”

One user added their input and said: “It’s not just leggings. Anything with polyester contains petroleum and is considered flammable. So someone with synthetic trousers, shorts, dresses would be in the same situation. It has nothing to do with leggings – that’s personal preference.”

Synthetic fibres

Fabric UK has also cautioned about the potential risk of donning synthetic fibres. It stated: “Some synthetics will not ignite into a flame easily, but when they do catch fire they can be unsafe because many synthetic fibres are thermoplastic, meaning that they become mouldable under high heat.

“Therefore the fabric will melt, which can cause serious burns to the skin making non fire retardant synthetic fabrics unsuitable for protective clothing.”

It explains that more tightly woven fabrics will be “harder to ignite in comparison to lighter-weight fabrics, which will burn easier.” The fabric-selling website considers wool to be “one of the safest fabrics” out of both synthetic and natural fibres as it “does not easily ignite, and if it does ignite, then the flame will often diminish and the fabric will not melt.”

It’s uncommon to be on a plane that catches fire or crashes, but wearing the right material could assist you in such a situation. You can ascertain the fabric composition of your clothes by inspecting the labels.

Jeans

Jeans are also best to avoid on a flight due to potential restrictions on circulation. Dr. Hugh Pabarue, leading physician and vein specialist with Metro Vein Centres, explained to Huffington Post: “The clothing we wear when we fly can significantly impact our circulation. For example, tight clothing is not recommended.

“Wearing leggings and other restrictive garments, such as skinny jeans that are too tight, reduces blood’s ability to flow into and out of the legs.

“Sitting for extended periods of time, especially on planes, can lead to blood pooling in the legs, increasing the risk for deep vein thrombosis – a serious medical condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the leg.”

Shoes

Experts have also recommended wearing flat and secure shoes, despite the temptation to arrive at the airport in flip-flops or sandals. This is so that if an emergency exit is required, you can evacuate with ease.

Air safety specialist Christine Negroni said: “No high heels, you want to be able to flee.” She added: “You could see glass on the runway, ice on the runway, see fuel on the runway, and you might see fire on the runway, and that’s when you need to run.”

She also mentioned that you’ll want your shoes on for that so, “sensible shoes, easy on, easy off with a thick sole.”

What to wear

While airlines’ dress codes might dictate what passengers can wear to maintain decorum and avoid offensive outfits, the Federal Aviation Administration also provides tips on how to dress wisely to ensure one’s safety in the air. Their recommendation insists: “Passengers who wear sensible clothing can reduce their chances of serious injury in the unlikely event of an emergency.

“Dress to cover as much skin as possible. Wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, denim or leather. Synthetics may melt when heated. Wear clothing that is roomy, avoiding restrictive clothing. Wear low-heeled, leather or canvas shoes.”

READ MORE: Zara McDermott says this spray ‘saved her rosacea-inflamed skin’ while she was at Glastonbury