The battle for Golf supremacy has moved out of the corporate boardrooms with the LIV Golf Series set to get underway on Thursday. Two-time Major winner Dustin Johnson and 2017 Masters Champion Sergio Garcia have resigned from the PGA Tour while Tiger Woods has rejected a figure approaching a Billion dollars to join the Saudi Arabia-backed series. Six-time Major winner Phil Mickelson has also ended his sabbatical to embark on a new start. Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo discussed the implications of those decisions with Martin Dempster, Chairman, Association of Golf Writers.

Six-time Major winner Phil Mickelson joins Golf's breakaway

Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday that he will not play next week's US Open at Brookline to continue his recovery from severe leg injuries sustained in a car accident last year. The 15-time major champion withdrew from the PGA Championship last month after the third round.

"I previously informed (organizers) the USGA that I will not be competing in the @usopengolf as my body needs more time to get stronger for major championship golf," Woods tweeted, adding that he is still planning to play in the British Open at St Andrews, which starts on July 14.

"I'm excited to get back out there soon."

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I previously informed the USGA that I will not be competing in the <a href="https://twitter.com/usopengolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usopengolf</a> as my body needs more time to get stronger for major championship golf. I do hope and plan to be ready to play in Ireland at <a href="https://twitter.com/JPProAm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPProAm</a> and at <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheOpen</a> next month. I’m excited to get back out there soon!
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods/status/1534198107608604674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The 46-year-old made a surprise return at the Masters in April, after needing surgery to repair his right leg following the car crash in February 2021.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-coutinho-only-barca-players-who-didnt-text-me-brazilian-model-makes-startling-claims-about-pique-486025">Messi &amp; Coutinho only Barca players who didn't text me: Brazilian model makes startling claims about Pique</a>

He made the cut at Augusta National and at the PGA at Southern Hills, where he pulled out following the third-worst major round of his career.

The American is a three-time US Open champion, with the last of those titles coming in 2008 at Torrey Pines when he defied a left knee injury to win in a play-off.

Woods said he is still planning to "be ready to play in Ireland" at the JP McManus Pro-am tournament the week before the British Open.

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He has lifted the Claret Jug twice at St Andrews in Scotland, in 2000 and 2005. Now sitting 881st in the world rankings, Woods previously came back after undergoing spinal fusion surgery in 2017 to win his most recent major title at the Masters three years ago.

US media reports have suggested that Woods turned down a large offer to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf International Series, which holds its inaugural event in England this week.

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Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday that he will not play next week's US Open at Brookline to continue his recovery from severe leg injuries sustained in a car accident last year.

Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday that he will not play next week's US Open at Brookline to continue his recovery from severe leg injuries sustained in a car accident last year. The 15-time major champion withdrew from the PGA Championship last month after the third round. "I previously informed (organizers) the USGA that I will not be competing in the @usopengolf as my body needs more time to get stronger for major championship golf," Woods tweeted, adding that he is still planning to play in the British Open at St Andrews, which starts on July 14. "I'm excited to get back out there soon." I previously informed the USGA that I will not be competing in the @usopengolf as my body needs more time to get stronger for major championship golf. I do hope and plan to be ready to play in Ireland at @JPProAm and at @TheOpen next month. I’m excited to get back out there soon! — Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) June 7, 2022 × The 46-year-old made a surprise return at the Masters in April, after needing surgery to repair his right leg following the car crash in February 2021. Also Read: Messi & Coutinho only Barca players who didn't text me: Brazilian model makes startling claims about Pique He made the cut at Augusta National and at the PGA at Southern Hills, where he pulled out following the third-worst major round of his career. The American is a three-time US Open champion, with the last of those titles coming in 2008 at Torrey Pines when he defied a left knee injury to win in a play-off. Woods said he is still planning to "be ready to play in Ireland" at the JP McManus Pro-am tournament the week before the British Open. Also Read: Staggering numbers and feats behind Rafael Nadal's 22nd Grand Slam win He has lifted the Claret Jug twice at St Andrews in Scotland, in 2000 and 2005. Now sitting 881st in the world rankings, Woods previously came back after undergoing spinal fusion surgery in 2017 to win his most recent major title at the Masters three years ago. US media reports have suggested that Woods turned down a large offer to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf International Series, which holds its inaugural event in England this week. ×

'My body needs more time': Tiger Woods pulls out of US Open next week to continue his recovery

Indian golf star Aditi Ashok on Monday has called out France airlines for immediate action over her missing kit bag and said she needs it for an upcoming tournament. Raising the issue that her golf kit bag didn`t make it to the flight from the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, the Indian golf sensation took to Twitter and requested the airlines to take action immediately and said she needs the kit bag immediately for a forthcoming tournament.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/justin-thomas-stages-major-fightback-to-win-pga-championship-in-playoff-481366">Justin Thomas stages major fightback to win PGA Championship in playoff</a>

"Need your immediate response @airfrance my golf bag didn`t make it on the flight from CDG. I have already shared the bag tag details on DM. I need it immediately as I have a tournament. Respond immediately and make sure my bag arrives by tomorrow. #MissingGolfBag," Aditi Ashok tweeted.

Deaflympics star last played in the Founders Cup tournament at the Upper Montclair Country Club course, which was held from May 12-15.&nbsp;

Indian golf star Aditi Ashok on Monday has called out France airlines for immediate action over her missing kit bag and said she needs it for an upcoming tournament.

Indian golf star Aditi Ashok on Monday has called out France airlines for immediate action over her missing kit bag and said she needs it for an upcoming tournament. Raising the issue that her golf kit bag didn`t make it to the flight from the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, the Indian golf sensation took to Twitter and requested the airlines to take action immediately and said she needs the kit bag immediately for a forthcoming tournament. ALSO READ | Justin Thomas stages major fightback to win PGA Championship in playoff "Need your immediate response @airfrance my golf bag didn`t make it on the flight from CDG. I have already shared the bag tag details on DM. I need it immediately as I have a tournament. Respond immediately and make sure my bag arrives by tomorrow. #MissingGolfBag," Aditi Ashok tweeted. Deaflympics star last played in the Founders Cup tournament at the Upper Montclair Country Club course, which was held from May 12-15.

Indian golf star Aditi Ashok calls out French airlines over her missing kit bag

South Africa cricket legend AB de Villiers remains a big name in world cricket. The swashbuckling right-hander had a stellar international career for the Proteas and also is an IPL legend, where he&nbsp;played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Delhi Capitals (DC), then known as Delhi Daredevils (DD).&nbsp;

However, De Villiers is not only a great in the gentlemen's game, but he has an avid interest in many other sports apart from his other talents.&nbsp;Retiring&nbsp;from professional cricket in November 2021, the former Proteas skipper is set to make a comeback on the field. However, it won't be on a cricket field. De Villiers will return as a golfer as he is set to team up with former tennis star Ashleigh Barty, who recently announced her retirement, in&nbsp;a top-flight golf tournament, i.e. the Icon Series.

De Villiers shared the news with one and all on his official Twitter handle and wrote, "I’m pleased to be playing in the&nbsp;@IconsSeries at @libertynational, I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure a Rest of the World Victory! #IconsSeries"

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I’m pleased to be playing in the <a href="https://twitter.com/IconsSeries?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IconsSeries</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/libertynational?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@libertynational</a>, I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure a Rest of the World Victory! 🗽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IconsSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IconsSeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/YTSCaYL3pC">pic.twitter.com/YTSCaYL3pC</a>
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1521900175471611906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-virat-kohli-to-ab-de-villiers-superstar-batters-with-most-ipl-hundreds-463535">From Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli to AB de Villiers - Superstar batters with most IPL hundreds</a>

Barty, de Villiers' teammate, is also a&nbsp;former professional cricketer. The Australian had even met De Villiers during the SA legend's first and only Big Bash League stint in 2019/20. For the unversed, even Barty was a part of the BBL before she switched to tennis.

De Villiers had also reacted to Barty's shocking retirement from tennis, early this year. Talking to AFP, he had told, "It is a weird one to explain. I think the best answer is that every person has their own way of maneuvering through their career, some as long as possible. The whole world respects her decision. I would like to think stepping away can be a relief but it is an incredible age to retire at."

It will be interesting to see how De Villiers-Barty perform together as a unit in the forthcoming Icon Series, to be held in Jersey in June-July. The multi-talented players will surely generate a lot of noise when they take on the field together in the marquee event.

South Africa cricket legend AB de Villiers remains a big name in world cricket. The swashbuckling right-hander had a stellar international career for the Proteas and also is an IPL legend, where he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Delhi Capitals (DC), then known as Delhi Daredevils (DD).

South Africa cricket legend AB de Villiers remains a big name in world cricket. The swashbuckling right-hander had a stellar international career for the Proteas and also is an IPL legend, where he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Delhi Capitals (DC), then known as Delhi Daredevils (DD). However, De Villiers is not only a great in the gentlemen's game, but he has an avid interest in many other sports apart from his other talents. Retiring from professional cricket in November 2021, the former Proteas skipper is set to make a comeback on the field. However, it won't be on a cricket field. De Villiers will return as a golfer as he is set to team up with former tennis star Ashleigh Barty, who recently announced her retirement, in a top-flight golf tournament, i.e. the Icon Series. De Villiers shared the news with one and all on his official Twitter handle and wrote, "I’m pleased to be playing in the @IconsSeries at @libertynational, I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure a Rest of the World Victory! #IconsSeries" I’m pleased to be playing in the @IconsSeries at @libertynational, I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure a Rest of the World Victory! 🗽 #IconsSeries pic.twitter.com/YTSCaYL3pC — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 4, 2022 × ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli to AB de Villiers - Superstar batters with most IPL hundreds Barty, de Villiers' teammate, is also a former professional cricketer. The Australian had even met De Villiers during the SA legend's first and only Big Bash League stint in 2019/20. For the unversed, even Barty was a part of the BBL before she switched to tennis. De Villiers had also reacted to Barty's shocking retirement from tennis, early this year. Talking to AFP, he had told, "It is a weird one to explain. I think the best answer is that every person has their own way of maneuvering through their career, some as long as possible. The whole world respects her decision. I would like to think stepping away can be a relief but it is an incredible age to retire at." It will be interesting to see how De Villiers-Barty perform together as a unit in the forthcoming Icon Series, to be held in Jersey in June-July. The multi-talented players will surely generate a lot of noise when they take on the field together in the marquee event.

Mr. 360 AB de Villiers turns to golf, to team up with Australia's ex-tennis star Ashleigh Barty in Icon Series

World number one Scottie Scheffler takes the spotlight and a three-shot lead into the Masters final round on Sunday as Tiger Woods continues his comeback far away from the leaderboard.

The year's first major looks poised for a Green Jacket showdown between the planet's two hottest golfers in Scheffler, winner of three of his last five PGA Tour starts and Australian Cameron Smith, winner of golf`s unofficial fifth major the Players Championship in March.

Scheffler had been poised to run away with the title when he powered to a six-shot lead in Saturday's third round but wobbled to the finish with three bogeys to see his advantage halved setting up what could be an Augusta National thriller.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/just-going-to-go-out-and-play-my-game-tiger-woods-proud-of-himself-after-battling-to-stay-in-masters-hunt-469694">Just going play my game: Tiger Woods 'proud' of himself after battling to stay in Masters hunt</a>

The final pair of Scheffler and Smith, runner-up to Dustin Johnson at the 2020 Masters, are scheduled off at 240pm ET (1840 GMT).

If anyone else expects to join the fray they will need to mount an early charge.

South Korea's Im Sung-jae will start five off the pace with playing partner Irishman Shane Lowry, the 2019 British Open champion, seven back.

South Africa's Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion, is also seven adrift with his partner Justin Thomas eight back.

Until Sunday the Masters spotlight had seldom strayed from Woods, who is playing his first event since a car crash 14 months ago nearly cost him his right leg.

The 46-year-old on Tuesday confirmed he would play the Masters and that he believed he could win a record-equalling sixth Green Jacket.

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The 15-times major winner's comeback captivated the golfing world as he stayed in contention through the opening two rounds but any hope of victory ended on Saturday with a six-over 78, Woods'&nbsp;worst-ever score at Augusta National.

He and his playing partner Jon Rahm were among the early starters on Sunday going off at 1050am ET (1450 GMT) almost four hours before Scheffler and Smith.

But Woods is assured of a roaring ovation from the adoring gallery for a brave effort when he walks off the 18th green.

World number one Scottie Scheffler takes the spotlight and a three-shot lead into the Masters final round on Sunday as Tiger Woods continues his comeback far away from the leaderboard.

World number one Scottie Scheffler takes the spotlight and a three-shot lead into the Masters final round on Sunday as Tiger Woods continues his comeback far away from the leaderboard. The year's first major looks poised for a Green Jacket showdown between the planet's two hottest golfers in Scheffler, winner of three of his last five PGA Tour starts and Australian Cameron Smith, winner of golf`s unofficial fifth major the Players Championship in March. Scheffler had been poised to run away with the title when he powered to a six-shot lead in Saturday's third round but wobbled to the finish with three bogeys to see his advantage halved setting up what could be an Augusta National thriller. ALSO READ: Just going play my game: Tiger Woods 'proud' of himself after battling to stay in Masters hunt The final pair of Scheffler and Smith, runner-up to Dustin Johnson at the 2020 Masters, are scheduled off at 240pm ET (1840 GMT). If anyone else expects to join the fray they will need to mount an early charge. South Korea's Im Sung-jae will start five off the pace with playing partner Irishman Shane Lowry, the 2019 British Open champion, seven back. South Africa's Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion, is also seven adrift with his partner Justin Thomas eight back. Until Sunday the Masters spotlight had seldom strayed from Woods, who is playing his first event since a car crash 14 months ago nearly cost him his right leg. The 46-year-old on Tuesday confirmed he would play the Masters and that he believed he could win a record-equalling sixth Green Jacket. ALSO READ: Tiger Woods begins highly-anticipated return with opening par at Masters The 15-times major winner's comeback captivated the golfing world as he stayed in contention through the opening two rounds but any hope of victory ended on Saturday with a six-over 78, Woods' worst-ever score at Augusta National. He and his playing partner Jon Rahm were among the early starters on Sunday going off at 1050am ET (1450 GMT) almost four hours before Scheffler and Smith. But Woods is assured of a roaring ovation from the adoring gallery for a brave effort when he walks off the 18th green.

USA's Scottie Scheffler chases Masters win, Tiger Woods shoots career-worst 78

In-form American and current world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler carded a final round 71 at the famed Augusta National to earn his first major title and fourth win on the PGA Tour here on Sunday. Scheffler, who went 10-under for the tournament, finishing three strokes ahead of Northern Ireland`s former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, became the first player to win four times in a six-start stretch on the PGA Tour since Australian golfer Jason Day in 2015. 
 
Scheffler held off the chasing pack to further cement his position as No. 1 on the FedEx Cup standings and Official World Golf Ranking. The American also became the sixth player to win in his first PGA Tour start as world No. 1 and sixth world No. 1 to win the Masters as he aggregated 10-under 278 for the tournament. 
 
Tiger Woods finished 47th in his first start since the 2020 Masters and some 14 months after a horrific car mishap, which led to serious leg injuries. Among Asians, South Korea`s Sungjae Im settled for a second top-10 finish in three starts at the Masters. A cold putter proved to be a bane for the 24-year-old in his chase for major glory as he signed for a disappointing 3-over 75, finishing nine back of Scheffler.

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Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama closed with a 72 to finish tied-14th, which was a commendable effort considering he was battling a back injury for a month leading up to the Masters. 
 
After missing birdie attempts on his first three holes, Im dropped the first of six bogeys at the par 3 fourth hole, and it was subsequently uphill for the two-time PGA Tour winner, who was runner-up in his Masters debut in 2020. 
 
"It was a little bit disappointing. I missed a lot of putts," rued Im, who averaged 1.83 putts per green in regulation, his highest of the week. "Overall, I think top-10 is good, and I am happy especially when I didn`t play well." 
 
The top-10 guaranteed a quick return to the year`s first major which Im intends to keep knocking on the door as he feels Augusta National is suited to his precision game. "It is good to secure an invitation early," said Im, who was the first-round leader following a 67. 
 
"I will keep the same strategy... play for the cut, and then try to compete for a win. The Masters was my dream since I was a kid and watched this on TV. I always hoped to play at Augusta National and compete with the greatest golfers, and competing for the trophy. This is huge." 
 
Im leaves Augusta National with every belief he has garnered greater knowledge and understanding of the nuances at the challenging layout. 
 
"Accuracy is more important than power here. Finding the right side of the green is key. It is very important to place the ball where you can make par. If not, you can easily three putt," he said. 
 
"I was top of the leaderboard and was able to compete for a win. It was also the first time I played in front of patrons and I enjoyed the atmosphere and roars. It makes the tournament enjoyable and I will never forget this experience." 
 
Matsuyama, who made history as Asia`s first Masters winner 12 months ago, traded five birdies against as many bogeys as he held his head high to finish inside the top-15. He later presented the Green Jacket to Scheffler, who defeated Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland by three strokes with his 10-under 278 aggregate. 
 
"I`m happy I was able to play all four days," said Japan`s first male major champion. "I struggled to play the type of golf that I was envisioning. I wish I was able to contend a little more." 
 
Leaderboard 
 
1. Scottie Scheffler 69-67-71-71-278 (-10); 
 
2. Rory McIlroy 73-73-71-64-281 (-7); 
 
3. Shane Lowry 73-68-73-69-283 (-5); 
 
4. Cameron Smith 68-74-68-73-283 (-5); 
 
5. Collin Morikawa 73-70-74-67-284 (-4).

In-form American and current world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler carded a final round 71 at the famed Augusta National to earn his first major title and fourth win on the PGA Tour here on Sunday.

In-form American and current world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler carded a final round 71 at the famed Augusta National to earn his first major title and fourth win on the PGA Tour here on Sunday. Scheffler, who went 10-under for the tournament, finishing three strokes ahead of Northern Ireland`s former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, became the first player to win four times in a six-start stretch on the PGA Tour since Australian golfer Jason Day in 2015. Scheffler held off the chasing pack to further cement his position as No. 1 on the FedEx Cup standings and Official World Golf Ranking. The American also became the sixth player to win in his first PGA Tour start as world No. 1 and sixth world No. 1 to win the Masters as he aggregated 10-under 278 for the tournament. Tiger Woods finished 47th in his first start since the 2020 Masters and some 14 months after a horrific car mishap, which led to serious leg injuries. Among Asians, South Korea`s Sungjae Im settled for a second top-10 finish in three starts at the Masters. A cold putter proved to be a bane for the 24-year-old in his chase for major glory as he signed for a disappointing 3-over 75, finishing nine back of Scheffler. ALSO READ | Just going play my game: Tiger Woods 'proud' of himself after battling to stay in Masters hunt Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama closed with a 72 to finish tied-14th, which was a commendable effort considering he was battling a back injury for a month leading up to the Masters. After missing birdie attempts on his first three holes, Im dropped the first of six bogeys at the par 3 fourth hole, and it was subsequently uphill for the two-time PGA Tour winner, who was runner-up in his Masters debut in 2020. "It was a little bit disappointing. I missed a lot of putts," rued Im, who averaged 1.83 putts per green in regulation, his highest of the week. "Overall, I think top-10 is good, and I am happy especially when I didn`t play well." The top-10 guaranteed a quick return to the year`s first major which Im intends to keep knocking on the door as he feels Augusta National is suited to his precision game. "It is good to secure an invitation early," said Im, who was the first-round leader following a 67. "I will keep the same strategy... play for the cut, and then try to compete for a win. The Masters was my dream since I was a kid and watched this on TV. I always hoped to play at Augusta National and compete with the greatest golfers, and competing for the trophy. This is huge." Im leaves Augusta National with every belief he has garnered greater knowledge and understanding of the nuances at the challenging layout. "Accuracy is more important than power here. Finding the right side of the green is key. It is very important to place the ball where you can make par. If not, you can easily three putt," he said. "I was top of the leaderboard and was able to compete for a win. It was also the first time I played in front of patrons and I enjoyed the atmosphere and roars. It makes the tournament enjoyable and I will never forget this experience." Matsuyama, who made history as Asia`s first Masters winner 12 months ago, traded five birdies against as many bogeys as he held his head high to finish inside the top-15. He later presented the Green Jacket to Scheffler, who defeated Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland by three strokes with his 10-under 278 aggregate. "I`m happy I was able to play all four days," said Japan`s first male major champion. "I struggled to play the type of golf that I was envisioning. I wish I was able to contend a little more." Leaderboard 1. Scottie Scheffler 69-67-71-71-278 (-10); 2. Rory McIlroy 73-73-71-64-281 (-7); 3. Shane Lowry 73-68-73-69-283 (-5); 4. Cameron Smith 68-74-68-73-283 (-5); 5. Collin Morikawa 73-70-74-67-284 (-4).

Masters 2022: In-form American and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler emerges champion at Augusta

A battling Tiger Woods clawed his way out of early trouble to stay in the Masters hunt, carding a second round two-over 74 on a Friday as the wind gave him more problems than the right leg that he nearly lost in a career-threatening car crash.

World number one Scottie Scheffler was among the few to tame the challenging conditions, posting a 67 to seize control of the leaderboard and charging five clear of the field on eight-under 136.

With winds blowing across Augusta National, golfers were in full survival mode and none more so than Woods who took bogeys on four of his five opening holes, threatening to derail the comeback that has captivated golf fans around the world.

But the 46-year-old's famous fight surfaced in time to put him one-over heading into Saturday's third round and nine back of front-running Scheffler.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-begins-highly-anticipated-return-with-opening-par-at-masters-469209">Tiger Woods begins highly-anticipated return with opening par at Masters</a>

"I got back in the ball game," said Woods. "I'm four shots back at second. That's the thing."

"But Scottie is running away with it right now."

"Tomorrow is going to be tough. It's going to be windy. It's going to be cool."

"It's going to be the Masters that I think the Masters Committee has been looking forward to for a number of years."

"We haven't had it like this. It's going to be exciting, and it's going to be fun for all of us."

With three wins in his last five PGA Tour starts, Scheffler showed why he is the hottest golfer on the planet taking a bogey on his first hole then going on to post the day's best round.

The 25-year-old American, even with a commanding five shot lead, cannot afford to get complacent being chased by trio of major winners including South Africa's Charl Schwartzel (69) the 2011 winner at Augusta National, Irishman Shane Lowry (68) the 2019 British Open winner, and defending Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama of Japan (69).

ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ive-got-to-play-wimbledon-first-serena-williams-teases-comeback-after-a-year-on-the-sidelines-469199">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ive-got-to-play-wimbledon-first-serena-williams-teases-comeback-after-a-year-on-the-sidelines-469199">'I've got to play Wimbledon first': Serena Williams teases comeback after a year on the sidelines</a>

Also five back is South Korea's Im Sung-jae (74), the first round overnight leader.

"There's still 50 guys in the field, something like that, I'm sure, and I can't worry about what those guys are doing," said Scheffler. "I'm just going to go out and play my game and just keep doing what I'm doing.

"Still quite a long way to go."

"It's nice to build up a little bit of a lead, but I'm not really going to be thinking about it tonight or anything."

As spectacular a round as Scheffler had it still was not enough to pry the spotlight away from Woods.

Playing his first competitive event in nearly 14 months Woods set the golf world alight on Thursday when he posted a one-under 71 to crank up expectations.

But the 46-year-old looked headed for an early exit when he stumbled to bogeys on four of his five opening holes, including three straight from the third.

Three-over walking onto the sixth tee and sliding dangerously close to the projected four-over cut line, Woods regrouped with nervy pars on six and seven before finally collecting his first birdie of the day at the eighth.

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The five-times Masters champion got his back nine off to a much brighter start than his outward nine, picking up a birdie at the 10th, then gave it right back at the infamous Amen Corner with bogeys at 11 and 12.

But as he has he has done so many times before on the Augusta back nine Woods would not surrender, hitting back with birdies at 13 and 14 before closing with four consecutive pars.

"Tomorrow is going to be an important day with as cool and as tough as they're predicting," said Woods. "It's going to be quick, and I need to go out there and put myself there.

"If you're within five or six on that back nine going into Sunday, you've got a chance. So I just need to get there."

A battling Tiger Woods clawed his way out of early trouble to stay in the Masters hunt, carding a second round two-over 74 on a Friday as the wind gave him more problems than the right leg that he nearly lost in a career-threatening car crash.

A battling Tiger Woods clawed his way out of early trouble to stay in the Masters hunt, carding a second round two-over 74 on a Friday as the wind gave him more problems than the right leg that he nearly lost in a career-threatening car crash. World number one Scottie Scheffler was among the few to tame the challenging conditions, posting a 67 to seize control of the leaderboard and charging five clear of the field on eight-under 136. With winds blowing across Augusta National, golfers were in full survival mode and none more so than Woods who took bogeys on four of his five opening holes, threatening to derail the comeback that has captivated golf fans around the world. But the 46-year-old's famous fight surfaced in time to put him one-over heading into Saturday's third round and nine back of front-running Scheffler. ALSO READ: Tiger Woods begins highly-anticipated return with opening par at Masters "I got back in the ball game," said Woods. "I'm four shots back at second. That's the thing." "But Scottie is running away with it right now." "Tomorrow is going to be tough. It's going to be windy. It's going to be cool." "It's going to be the Masters that I think the Masters Committee has been looking forward to for a number of years." "We haven't had it like this. It's going to be exciting, and it's going to be fun for all of us." With three wins in his last five PGA Tour starts, Scheffler showed why he is the hottest golfer on the planet taking a bogey on his first hole then going on to post the day's best round. The 25-year-old American, even with a commanding five shot lead, cannot afford to get complacent being chased by trio of major winners including South Africa's Charl Schwartzel (69) the 2011 winner at Augusta National, Irishman Shane Lowry (68) the 2019 British Open winner, and defending Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama of Japan (69). ALSO READ: 'I've got to play Wimbledon first': Serena Williams teases comeback after a year on the sidelines Also five back is South Korea's Im Sung-jae (74), the first round overnight leader. "There's still 50 guys in the field, something like that, I'm sure, and I can't worry about what those guys are doing," said Scheffler. "I'm just going to go out and play my game and just keep doing what I'm doing. "Still quite a long way to go." "It's nice to build up a little bit of a lead, but I'm not really going to be thinking about it tonight or anything." As spectacular a round as Scheffler had it still was not enough to pry the spotlight away from Woods. Playing his first competitive event in nearly 14 months Woods set the golf world alight on Thursday when he posted a one-under 71 to crank up expectations. But the 46-year-old looked headed for an early exit when he stumbled to bogeys on four of his five opening holes, including three straight from the third. Three-over walking onto the sixth tee and sliding dangerously close to the projected four-over cut line, Woods regrouped with nervy pars on six and seven before finally collecting his first birdie of the day at the eighth. ALSO READ: FIFA quashes rumours of changing length of matches for World Cup Qatar 2022 The five-times Masters champion got his back nine off to a much brighter start than his outward nine, picking up a birdie at the 10th, then gave it right back at the infamous Amen Corner with bogeys at 11 and 12. But as he has he has done so many times before on the Augusta back nine Woods would not surrender, hitting back with birdies at 13 and 14 before closing with four consecutive pars. "Tomorrow is going to be an important day with as cool and as tough as they're predicting," said Woods. "It's going to be quick, and I need to go out there and put myself there. "If you're within five or six on that back nine going into Sunday, you've got a chance. So I just need to get there."

Just going play my game: Tiger Woods 'proud' of himself after battling to stay in Masters hunt

Tiger Woods began his highly-anticipated return to competition with a par on his first hole at the Masters on Thursday in front of a throng of patrons thrilled to see the five-time champion back.

Woods, wearing a pink shirt and black pants on his return to the Masters following a February 2021 car crash, was greeted at the par-four 445-yard first hole to a raucous reception from spectators who arrived at Augusta National in the early-morning hours to get a front-row seat.

In his first competitive round of golf in 508 days, Woods sent his opening tee just short of the fairway bunker, watched his approach trickle off the front of the green and then chipped to 10 feet before saving par.

Woods'&nbsp;accident, which nearly resulted in doctors amputating his right leg, cast serious doubt on his professional golfing future but the 15-times major champion said earlier this week that he feels like he can still compete at the highest level.

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If Woods, 46, can pull off the unthinkable with a win this week he would become the oldest Masters champion by three weeks over 18-times major winner Jack Nicklaus, who collected his record sixth Green Jacket in 1986.

Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama, who last year became the first Japanese man to win a major championship, was playing in the group behind Woods along with world number seven Justin Thomas and James Piot, who is one of six amateurs in the field.

Rory McIlroy, who needs a win this week to complete the career Grand Slam, is due to go out in the day's final group at 2:33 p.m. ET (1833 GMT) while former champions Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson and reigning U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm were also among the late starters.

The start to the year's first major was delayed 30 minutes due to early-morning thunderstorms but the added wait could not dampen the excitement around Augusta National, which had its usual full house after two years of COVID-19 restrictions.

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Festivities began at 8:15 a.m. ET when honorary starters Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson, who have a combined 35 major titles between them, got the year's first major underway with their ceremonial tee shots.

Watson, making his first appearance as a Masters honorary starter, addressed the crowd as he approached the first tee where he spoke about what it meant to be part of a tradition that includes Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazen and Byron Nelson.

"May I say something," the 72-year-old Watson said. "I would like to say how honoured I am to be with Gary and Jack.

"I watched this ceremony many times in the past ... to be a part of this thing I am truly humbled."

Tiger Woods began his highly-anticipated return to competition with a par on his first hole at the Masters on Thursday in front of a throng of patrons thrilled to see the five-time champion back.

Tiger Woods began his highly-anticipated return to competition with a par on his first hole at the Masters on Thursday in front of a throng of patrons thrilled to see the five-time champion back. Woods, wearing a pink shirt and black pants on his return to the Masters following a February 2021 car crash, was greeted at the par-four 445-yard first hole to a raucous reception from spectators who arrived at Augusta National in the early-morning hours to get a front-row seat. In his first competitive round of golf in 508 days, Woods sent his opening tee just short of the fairway bunker, watched his approach trickle off the front of the green and then chipped to 10 feet before saving par. Woods' accident, which nearly resulted in doctors amputating his right leg, cast serious doubt on his professional golfing future but the 15-times major champion said earlier this week that he feels like he can still compete at the highest level. ALSO READ: Tiger Woods put finishing touches to his preparations ahead of this week's Masters If Woods, 46, can pull off the unthinkable with a win this week he would become the oldest Masters champion by three weeks over 18-times major winner Jack Nicklaus, who collected his record sixth Green Jacket in 1986. Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama, who last year became the first Japanese man to win a major championship, was playing in the group behind Woods along with world number seven Justin Thomas and James Piot, who is one of six amateurs in the field. Rory McIlroy, who needs a win this week to complete the career Grand Slam, is due to go out in the day's final group at 2:33 p.m. ET (1833 GMT) while former champions Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson and reigning U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm were also among the late starters. The start to the year's first major was delayed 30 minutes due to early-morning thunderstorms but the added wait could not dampen the excitement around Augusta National, which had its usual full house after two years of COVID-19 restrictions. ALSO READ: Patrick Mouratoglou to coach former world no 1 Simona Halep full-time Festivities began at 8:15 a.m. ET when honorary starters Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson, who have a combined 35 major titles between them, got the year's first major underway with their ceremonial tee shots. Watson, making his first appearance as a Masters honorary starter, addressed the crowd as he approached the first tee where he spoke about what it meant to be part of a tradition that includes Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazen and Byron Nelson. "May I say something," the 72-year-old Watson said. "I would like to say how honoured I am to be with Gary and Jack. "I watched this ceremony many times in the past ... to be a part of this thing I am truly humbled."

Tiger Woods begins highly-anticipated return with opening par at Masters

Five-times champion Tiger Woods put the finishing touches to his preparations for this week's Masters by playing nine holes at Augusta National on Wednesday ahead of his highly-anticipated return to competition.

Woods, who suffered career-threatening leg injuries in a February 2021 car crash, arrived at Augusta National early and played the back nine along with 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples and world number seven Justin Thomas.

The scene more resembled the final round of a major rather than a pre-tournament practice as patrons lined the course from tee to green to catch a glimpse of Woods, who 14 months ago many thought would never compete again.

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At the par-three 16th, which is played entirely over water, the trio delighted the patrons as they took part in a Masters practice round tradition and simultaneously attempted to skip their balls across the pond fronting the green.

Couples, the only member of the trio to pull off the trick shot and hit the green, said after the round that Woods was hitting the ball plenty far enough to play Augusta National and looked even sharper than he did earlier in the week.

"Tiger is Tiger. I said it on Monday that he's not like a lot of us where I've been injured even at age 35 and I go play just to play," Couples said.

"He's not going to do that. He's won so many times, and he's just not a guy to go do something mediocre. He'll compete, and he'll be ready to roll."

Woods, 46, arrived at Augusta National on Sunday and played the back nine in a bid to help him decide whether he would play in the year's first major this week. He played the front nine on Monday with good friends Couples and Thomas.

The 15-times major champion said on Tuesday that not only did he intend to play this week but that he thinks he can win.

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Victory for Woods would make him the oldest Masters champion by three weeks over 18-times major winner Jack Nicklaus, who collected his record sixth Green Jacket in 1986.

Woods staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in professional sport when, at 43, he won the Masters in 2019 after enduring years of surgery and personal problems that convinced many the best golfer of his generation was done.

Woods is scheduled to begin his first round on Thursday at 10:34 a.m. ET (1434 GMT), which will mark his first competitive round in 508 days, in a group with South African Louis Oosthuizen and Chilean Joaquin Niemann.

Five-times champion Tiger Woods put the finishing touches to his preparations for this week's Masters by playing nine holes at Augusta National on Wednesday ahead of his highly-anticipated return to competition.

Five-times champion Tiger Woods put the finishing touches to his preparations for this week's Masters by playing nine holes at Augusta National on Wednesday ahead of his highly-anticipated return to competition. Woods, who suffered career-threatening leg injuries in a February 2021 car crash, arrived at Augusta National early and played the back nine along with 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples and world number seven Justin Thomas. The scene more resembled the final round of a major rather than a pre-tournament practice as patrons lined the course from tee to green to catch a glimpse of Woods, who 14 months ago many thought would never compete again. ALSO READ: Planning to play the Masters, says star golfer Tiger Woods after car crash At the par-three 16th, which is played entirely over water, the trio delighted the patrons as they took part in a Masters practice round tradition and simultaneously attempted to skip their balls across the pond fronting the green. Couples, the only member of the trio to pull off the trick shot and hit the green, said after the round that Woods was hitting the ball plenty far enough to play Augusta National and looked even sharper than he did earlier in the week. "Tiger is Tiger. I said it on Monday that he's not like a lot of us where I've been injured even at age 35 and I go play just to play," Couples said. "He's not going to do that. He's won so many times, and he's just not a guy to go do something mediocre. He'll compete, and he'll be ready to roll." Woods, 46, arrived at Augusta National on Sunday and played the back nine in a bid to help him decide whether he would play in the year's first major this week. He played the front nine on Monday with good friends Couples and Thomas. The 15-times major champion said on Tuesday that not only did he intend to play this week but that he thinks he can win. ALSO READ: Transgender women should not compete in female sporting events, says British PM Boris Johnson Victory for Woods would make him the oldest Masters champion by three weeks over 18-times major winner Jack Nicklaus, who collected his record sixth Green Jacket in 1986. Woods staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in professional sport when, at 43, he won the Masters in 2019 after enduring years of surgery and personal problems that convinced many the best golfer of his generation was done. Woods is scheduled to begin his first round on Thursday at 10:34 a.m. ET (1434 GMT), which will mark his first competitive round in 508 days, in a group with South African Louis Oosthuizen and Chilean Joaquin Niemann.

Tiger Woods put finishing touches to his preparations ahead of this week's Masters

Tiger Woods says, for now anyway, he's planning to play this week in the Masters, a little more than a year after nearly losing a leg in a car crash.

The five-time champion at Augusta National made the announcement Tuesday morning. He will play nine more practice holes on Wednesday before making a final decision, but will be doing so with the intention of playing Thursday.

"As of right now," Woods said, "I feel like I'm going to play."

Woods was asked if he believes he can win this week. "I do,"&nbsp;he said.

"I can hit it just fine,"&nbsp;Woods added.

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"I don't have any qualms about what I can do physically from a golf standpoint. It's now, walking's the hard part. This is not an easy walk to begin with. Now given the condition that my leg is in, it gets a little more difficult. And 72 holes is a long road. It's going to be a tough challenge and a challenge that I'm up for."

There had been plenty of signals in recent days that Woods was on the cusp of deciding it was time to play again.

He came to Augusta National for a practice round last week, then returned Sunday&nbsp;saying he'd be "a game-time decision" and Monday for more. On Tuesday morning, with bad weather in the forecast, he spent plenty of time in the practice areas.

"It's great to be back,"&nbsp;Woods said.

He's scheduled to tee off Thursday at 10:34 a.M. With Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann. That threesome plays again Friday starting at 1:41 p.M.

Woods played in December at the PNC Challenge, a 36-hole scramble on a flat Florida course where he and his son Charlie finished second to John Daly and his son. Woods was allowed to use a cart in that event, and when those rounds were over he flatly dismissed any notion that his game was tour-ready again.

"I can't compete against these guys right now, no," Woods said on Dec. 19.

"It's going to take a lot of work to get to where I feel like I can compete at these guys and be at a high level."

About 3-1/2 months later, Woods apparently feels differently. If he plays, he'll be in the Masters for the 24th time; he's finished in the top five 12 times in his previous 23 appearances.

"I love competing,"&nbsp;Woods said.

"I feel like if I can still compete at the highest level, I'm going to. And if I feel like I can still win, I'm going to play. But if I feel like I can't, then you won't see me out here."

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Thursday's opening round would mark the first time Woods competes against the world's best players since Nov. 15, 2020, which was the final round of that year's pandemic-delayed Masters.

He had his fifth back surgery two months later and was still recovering from that on Feb. 23, 2021 when he crashed his SUV over a median on a suburban coastal road in Los Angeles and down the side of a hill.

Woods' injuries from that crash were so severe that doctors considered right leg amputation, before reassembling the limb by placing a rod in the tibia and using screws and pins to stabilize additional injuries in the ankle and foot.

"It's been a tough, tough year ... But here we are," Woods said.

Tiger Woods says, for now anyway, he's planning to play this week in the Masters, a little more than a year after nearly losing a leg in a car crash. The five-time champion at Augusta National made the announcement Tuesday morning.

Tiger Woods says, for now anyway, he's planning to play this week in the Masters, a little more than a year after nearly losing a leg in a car crash. The five-time champion at Augusta National made the announcement Tuesday morning. He will play nine more practice holes on Wednesday before making a final decision, but will be doing so with the intention of playing Thursday. "As of right now," Woods said, "I feel like I'm going to play." Woods was asked if he believes he can win this week. "I do," he said. "I can hit it just fine," Woods added. ALSO READ: Wimbledon organisers holding talks with British government on participation of players from Russia, Belarus "I don't have any qualms about what I can do physically from a golf standpoint. It's now, walking's the hard part. This is not an easy walk to begin with. Now given the condition that my leg is in, it gets a little more difficult. And 72 holes is a long road. It's going to be a tough challenge and a challenge that I'm up for." There had been plenty of signals in recent days that Woods was on the cusp of deciding it was time to play again. He came to Augusta National for a practice round last week, then returned Sunday saying he'd be "a game-time decision" and Monday for more. On Tuesday morning, with bad weather in the forecast, he spent plenty of time in the practice areas. "It's great to be back," Woods said. He's scheduled to tee off Thursday at 10:34 a.M. With Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann. That threesome plays again Friday starting at 1:41 p.M. Woods played in December at the PNC Challenge, a 36-hole scramble on a flat Florida course where he and his son Charlie finished second to John Daly and his son. Woods was allowed to use a cart in that event, and when those rounds were over he flatly dismissed any notion that his game was tour-ready again. "I can't compete against these guys right now, no," Woods said on Dec. 19. "It's going to take a lot of work to get to where I feel like I can compete at these guys and be at a high level." About 3-1/2 months later, Woods apparently feels differently. If he plays, he'll be in the Masters for the 24th time; he's finished in the top five 12 times in his previous 23 appearances. "I love competing," Woods said. "I feel like if I can still compete at the highest level, I'm going to. And if I feel like I can still win, I'm going to play. But if I feel like I can't, then you won't see me out here." ALSO READ: Iga Swiatek creates history, becomes first tennis player from Poland to reach world No. 1 Thursday's opening round would mark the first time Woods competes against the world's best players since Nov. 15, 2020, which was the final round of that year's pandemic-delayed Masters. He had his fifth back surgery two months later and was still recovering from that on Feb. 23, 2021 when he crashed his SUV over a median on a suburban coastal road in Los Angeles and down the side of a hill. Woods' injuries from that crash were so severe that doctors considered right leg amputation, before reassembling the limb by placing a rod in the tibia and using screws and pins to stabilize additional injuries in the ankle and foot. "It's been a tough, tough year ... But here we are," Woods said.

Planning to play the Masters, says star golfer Tiger Woods after car crash

India`s Anirban Lahiri overcame a sluggish start to fire a solid 4-under 68 and lie three strokes off the early first-round lead at the Texas Open on Thursday.

Lahiri, who finished runner-up at THE PLAYERS Championship three weeks ago, was 1-over through 10 holes at TPC San Antonio before powering home with five birdies, thanks largely to a putter which warmed up down the stretch.

Scotland`s Russell Knox opened with a 65 to lead the US$.8.6 million PGA Tour event.The 34-year-old Lahiri is attempting to win a career-first title in the U.S. after coming agonisingly close at the TOUR`s flagship tournament at TPC Sawgrass, and victory on Sunday would also secure a spot in next week`s Masters Tournament.

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"Today was about trying to find the same kind of rhythm to my routine, rhythm to how I was swinging the club. The body still feels a bit rusty. When I started, it was a bit cold and there was a bit of moisture on the surface and I was trying to get a good feel and speed of the greens," said Anirban Lahiri.

"I definitely wanted to get back into my rhythm after being away and battling an infection I picked up from my daughter. I was laid off in bed for a few days and didn`t play that much golf but I didn`t really hit a lot of bad shots."

Starting from the 10th, Lahiri navigated his opening 10 holes with two bogeys against a lone birdie before his putter started to find its range.

He rolled in a nine-footer on the second, a 23-footer on the fifth and then nailed three successive birdies from nine, 18 and 30 feet respectively to close out his round in style.

"On the back nine, I found the speed of the greens. I`ve played this course quite a bit and I understand the nature of this course. You try to just put yourself in good positions and places where you can make aggressive swings and aggressive putts. If you can do that, you can make a couple of birdies. The putter got a little warmer and it was a nice bonus on the last to get along the one which feels really good," said Lahiri, who finished solo fifth at TPC San Antonio last season.

Despite the high of his stellar finish at THE PLAYERS, Lahiri intends to keep his foot on the pedal in a bid to regain his place amongst golf`s elite. He was ranked as high as 33rd on the Official World Golf Ranking in 2015 and featured in the Presidents Cup twice for the International Team.

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"THE PLAYERS Championship was fantastic and it`s in the past now. It`s time to move on and try to be in the present which was pretty much what I did. I`m just trying to do the same, stay in the present, stay in the now, do what I need to do, what I need to feel, what I need to work on. I`m just trying to get back to that and it`s nice to see my golf responding," said Lahiri.

South Korea`s Si Woo Kim and C.T. Pan of Chinese Taipei got off to good starts at the Valero Texas Open with matching 69s. Despite missing six greens in regulation, Pan, who is a one-time TOUR winner, kept the bogeys off his card while Kim posted five birdies against two bogeys.

Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama, who will defend his Masters` title next week, opened with a 74 in what is his first appearance since withdrawing from THE PLAYERS Championship due to a back injury.<o:p></o:p>

India`s Anirban Lahiri overcame a sluggish start to fire a solid 4-under 68 and lie three strokes off the early first-round lead at the Texas Open on Thursday. Lahiri, who finished runner-up at THE PLAYERS Championship three weeks ago, was 1-over through 10 holes at TPC San Antonio before powering home with five birdies, thanks largely to a putter which warmed up down the stretch.

India`s Anirban Lahiri overcame a sluggish start to fire a solid 4-under 68 and lie three strokes off the early first-round lead at the Texas Open on Thursday. Lahiri, who finished runner-up at THE PLAYERS Championship three weeks ago, was 1-over through 10 holes at TPC San Antonio before powering home with five birdies, thanks largely to a putter which warmed up down the stretch. Scotland`s Russell Knox opened with a 65 to lead the US$.8.6 million PGA Tour event.The 34-year-old Lahiri is attempting to win a career-first title in the U.S. after coming agonisingly close at the TOUR`s flagship tournament at TPC Sawgrass, and victory on Sunday would also secure a spot in next week`s Masters Tournament. Also read | Bruno Fernandes signs new contract extension with Manchester United till 2026 "Today was about trying to find the same kind of rhythm to my routine, rhythm to how I was swinging the club. The body still feels a bit rusty. When I started, it was a bit cold and there was a bit of moisture on the surface and I was trying to get a good feel and speed of the greens," said Anirban Lahiri. "I definitely wanted to get back into my rhythm after being away and battling an infection I picked up from my daughter. I was laid off in bed for a few days and didn`t play that much golf but I didn`t really hit a lot of bad shots." Starting from the 10th, Lahiri navigated his opening 10 holes with two bogeys against a lone birdie before his putter started to find its range. He rolled in a nine-footer on the second, a 23-footer on the fifth and then nailed three successive birdies from nine, 18 and 30 feet respectively to close out his round in style. "On the back nine, I found the speed of the greens. I`ve played this course quite a bit and I understand the nature of this course. You try to just put yourself in good positions and places where you can make aggressive swings and aggressive putts. If you can do that, you can make a couple of birdies. The putter got a little warmer and it was a nice bonus on the last to get along the one which feels really good," said Lahiri, who finished solo fifth at TPC San Antonio last season. Despite the high of his stellar finish at THE PLAYERS, Lahiri intends to keep his foot on the pedal in a bid to regain his place amongst golf`s elite. He was ranked as high as 33rd on the Official World Golf Ranking in 2015 and featured in the Presidents Cup twice for the International Team. Also read | IPL 2022: Dhoni becomes first wicketkeeper to reach impressive T20 milestone "THE PLAYERS Championship was fantastic and it`s in the past now. It`s time to move on and try to be in the present which was pretty much what I did. I`m just trying to do the same, stay in the present, stay in the now, do what I need to do, what I need to feel, what I need to work on. I`m just trying to get back to that and it`s nice to see my golf responding," said Lahiri. South Korea`s Si Woo Kim and C.T. Pan of Chinese Taipei got off to good starts at the Valero Texas Open with matching 69s. Despite missing six greens in regulation, Pan, who is a one-time TOUR winner, kept the bogeys off his card while Kim posted five birdies against two bogeys. Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama, who will defend his Masters` title next week, opened with a 74 in what is his first appearance since withdrawing from THE PLAYERS Championship due to a back injury.

India''s Anirban Lahiri fires solid 68 for strong start at Texas Open

In India, cricket remains the top priority among sports lovers but many other sports have grown in stature and continue to rise with each passing year (such as badminton, kabaddi, hockey, football, etc.) To date, golf is keenly followed across the world but in India, it is looked at as a niche sport. But Anirban Lahiri gave Indian golf a much-needed boost with his recent superlative performance as he&nbsp;finished runners-up in the Players Championship on Monday (March 14).

Anirban played his heart out but lost the top spot to Australia's Cameron Smith as he settled for the runners-up spot. After the impressive performance, he recently interacted with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo as he&nbsp;spoke on the processes he followed which led to his memorable performance and dwelled on various challenges he battled through during the Players C'ship.

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So close, but still not close enough....

On his overall run, Anirban told, "Well, yeah. I was very deeply disappointed as I wanted to win badly. I was in a great position. Coming up short never feels good but it was such a long tournament. It took all of my physical and mental strength. When you come up short after all that, it feels bad but I can walk away with a lot of pride."

Stressing on the mental aspect which is challenged during a PGA Tour

In this regard, the golfer opined, "Funny enough, I have been training quite hard behind closed doors. The results haven't backed it up but I am working very&nbsp;hard on the mental aspect. I have a performance specialist that I work with, in Bengaluru. We have been working on routines, processes and trying to follow them rigorously. That came through this week. I wasn't thinking about prize money, field, points, or world rankings points. I was playing golf, staying in tune with my processes and that is what helped. It was one of the first time situations when I was leading for the majority part of the game and I was very happy about it (to remain in the present)."

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The Players C'ship was quite a challenging event for the golfers -- with tricky weather, playing conditions and lengthy duration of the tournament testing players to the hilt. Anirban analysed how he fought against various obstacles before falling short by a whisker.

Rain delays, weather being challenging, etc.

"I feel exhausted. I feel physically and mentally drained. We had a lot of rain on Thursday and Friday. Even on Wednesday. Saturday also was rainy. I had like five layers of clothing on during Sunday. It was&nbsp;freezing cold. Add to that, I was playing 52 holes. It was a very demanding tournament and week. Thus, mental aspect came into play and I feel I did a good job of economising all my mental and physical resources.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-expected-to-defend-french-open-title-says-tournament-director-amelie-mauresmo-462935">Novak Djokovic expected to defend French Open title, says tournament director Amelie Mauresmo</a>

Sahith Theegala: Indian-origin rookie who is making heads turn

Not only&nbsp;Anirban, the likes of Akshay Bhatia, Aditi Ashok and Sahith Theegala is also keeping the flag high in Indian golf. Talking about Sahith, he is an Indian-origin American golfer who has excelled in his&nbsp;amateur college career and is playing a rookie season on the PGA Tour.&nbsp;24-year-old is currently ranked 164, had his best result in Phoenix Open (T3) before returning with a cut in the Players C'ship. He also interacted with WION to share excerpts about&nbsp;his journey and the road ahead:

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Thus, it is safe to say that all these performances will give more belief and confidence to all Indian golfers to hone their skills, work hard on their game and not think&nbsp;that the&nbsp;PGA Tour is a bridge too far.&nbsp;

In India, cricket remains the top priority among sports lovers but many other sports have grown in stature and continue to rise with each passing year (such as badminton, kabaddi, hockey, football, etc.

In India, cricket remains the top priority among sports lovers but many other sports have grown in stature and continue to rise with each passing year (such as badminton, kabaddi, hockey, football, etc.) To date, golf is keenly followed across the world but in India, it is looked at as a niche sport. But Anirban Lahiri gave Indian golf a much-needed boost with his recent superlative performance as he finished runners-up in the Players Championship on Monday (March 14). Anirban played his heart out but lost the top spot to Australia's Cameron Smith as he settled for the runners-up spot. After the impressive performance, he recently interacted with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo as he spoke on the processes he followed which led to his memorable performance and dwelled on various challenges he battled through during the Players C'ship. ALSO READ | WION Exclusive: Akshay Bhatia, World Golf's new sensation So close, but still not close enough.... On his overall run, Anirban told, "Well, yeah. I was very deeply disappointed as I wanted to win badly. I was in a great position. Coming up short never feels good but it was such a long tournament. It took all of my physical and mental strength. When you come up short after all that, it feels bad but I can walk away with a lot of pride." Stressing on the mental aspect which is challenged during a PGA Tour In this regard, the golfer opined, "Funny enough, I have been training quite hard behind closed doors. The results haven't backed it up but I am working very hard on the mental aspect. I have a performance specialist that I work with, in Bengaluru. We have been working on routines, processes and trying to follow them rigorously. That came through this week. I wasn't thinking about prize money, field, points, or world rankings points. I was playing golf, staying in tune with my processes and that is what helped. It was one of the first time situations when I was leading for the majority part of the game and I was very happy about it (to remain in the present)." × The Players C'ship was quite a challenging event for the golfers -- with tricky weather, playing conditions and lengthy duration of the tournament testing players to the hilt. Anirban analysed how he fought against various obstacles before falling short by a whisker. Rain delays, weather being challenging, etc. "I feel exhausted. I feel physically and mentally drained. We had a lot of rain on Thursday and Friday. Even on Wednesday. Saturday also was rainy. I had like five layers of clothing on during Sunday. It was freezing cold. Add to that, I was playing 52 holes. It was a very demanding tournament and week. Thus, mental aspect came into play and I feel I did a good job of economising all my mental and physical resources. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic expected to defend French Open title, says tournament director Amelie Mauresmo Sahith Theegala: Indian-origin rookie who is making heads turn Not only Anirban, the likes of Akshay Bhatia, Aditi Ashok and Sahith Theegala is also keeping the flag high in Indian golf. Talking about Sahith, he is an Indian-origin American golfer who has excelled in his amateur college career and is playing a rookie season on the PGA Tour. 24-year-old is currently ranked 164, had his best result in Phoenix Open (T3) before returning with a cut in the Players C'ship. He also interacted with WION to share excerpts about his journey and the road ahead: × Thus, it is safe to say that all these performances will give more belief and confidence to all Indian golfers to hone their skills, work hard on their game and not think that the PGA Tour is a bridge too far.

EXCLUSIVE | I did good in economising my mental & physical resources: Anirban Lahiri on Players C'ship's run

Anirban Lahiri has been the sole campaigner for India on the ultra-competitive PGA tour for close to a decade now. Lahiri came close to achieving his maiden tour title at the weather-affected Players Championship, leading the tournament midway before finishing second behind Australia's Cameron Smith. Lahiri looked back on his performance in a conversation with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo and credited his mental training for being able to stay in the hunt right till the very end.

Indian Golfer lands $2.18 million payday, hopes to inspire young golfers

Former Women's PGA Championship winner Hannah Green became the first woman to win a mixed-gender professional golf tournament on Sunday with a four-stroke victory at the TPS Murray River event in Australia.

Green battled through gusty conditions to record a five-under-par final round of 66 and break a four-way tie with Andrew Evans, Matthew Millar and Blake Collyer.

The Australian world number 30 is the first woman to win a 72-hole mixed tournament on a major world tour.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-chinese-pair-of-sui-wenjing-and-han-cong-win-gold-medal-in-figure-skating-454654">Beijing Winter Olympics: Chinese pair of Sui Wenjing and Han Cong win gold medal in figure skating</a>

"It's weird. I don't normally have golf dreams -– very, very rarely –- but I actually had one last night of me after winning," Green told reporters.

"It was just me holding the trophy and people spraying me with champagne. And then I woke hoping it wasn't just a dream.

"I feel amazing. I just feel so grateful that I came, it wasn't in my plans to play here. I was going to go back to Perth. But things happen for a reason and I am really glad I made it."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-lead-to-positive-outcomes-for-world-sports-pm-narendra-modi-on-mumbai-hosting-2023-ioc-session-454646">Will lead to positive outcomes for world sports: PM Narendra Modi on Mumbai hosting 2023 IOC session</a>

The Players Series tournaments, which were introduced in 2021, are part of the PGA Tour of Australasia and have men and women competing in the same field.

The previous best finish by a woman was Australian Su Oh's tie for third at TPS Victoria in 2021.

Former Women's PGA Championship winner Hannah Green became the first woman to win a mixed-gender professional golf tournament on Sunday with a four-stroke victory at the TPS Murray River event in Australia.

Former Women's PGA Championship winner Hannah Green became the first woman to win a mixed-gender professional golf tournament on Sunday with a four-stroke victory at the TPS Murray River event in Australia. Green battled through gusty conditions to record a five-under-par final round of 66 and break a four-way tie with Andrew Evans, Matthew Millar and Blake Collyer. The Australian world number 30 is the first woman to win a 72-hole mixed tournament on a major world tour. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Chinese pair of Sui Wenjing and Han Cong win gold medal in figure skating "It's weird. I don't normally have golf dreams -– very, very rarely –- but I actually had one last night of me after winning," Green told reporters. "It was just me holding the trophy and people spraying me with champagne. And then I woke hoping it wasn't just a dream. "I feel amazing. I just feel so grateful that I came, it wasn't in my plans to play here. I was going to go back to Perth. But things happen for a reason and I am really glad I made it." ALSO READ: Will lead to positive outcomes for world sports: PM Narendra Modi on Mumbai hosting 2023 IOC session The Players Series tournaments, which were introduced in 2021, are part of the PGA Tour of Australasia and have men and women competing in the same field. The previous best finish by a woman was Australian Su Oh's tie for third at TPS Victoria in 2021.

Australian golfer Hannah Green creates history, becomes first woman to win mixed-gender event

Scientists have taught cockatoos to play 'golf', according to a study published in Scientific Reports.

Using more than one tool simultaneously to achieve an end has played a significant role in the development of human technology.&nbsp;

Typically, it depends on a number of specific and often complex spatial relations and there are thus very few reported cases in non-human animals for example, specific nut-cracking techniques in chimpanzees and capuchin monkeys.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/no-kidding-goldfish-actually-drove-a-vehicle-on-land-443297">Also read |&nbsp;No kidding: Goldfish actually drove a vehicle on land</a>

The innovative strategies underlying the innovation and spread of tool manufacture and associative tool use across tool-using animals is an important milestone towards a better understanding of the evolution of human technology.&nbsp;

In this study, scientists tested Goffin’s cockatoos on a composite tool problem, the ‘Golf Club Task’, that requires the use of two objects in combination (one used to control the free movement of a second) to get a reward.

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Why are these 3 styles important? Because the way these cockatoos use tools is much more similar to ours than that of the New Caledonian crows 
 
Here you can see Figaro and Fini solving it, each with their own peculiar and particular style. <a href="https://t.co/VUk6ksXW28">pic.twitter.com/VUk6ksXW28</a>
— Tay (@BioTay) <a href="https://twitter.com/BioTay/status/1491126560245809152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Goffin's cockatoos are ideal non-primate models to study the origins of complex tool innovations. Despite not being dependent on tool obtained resources in the wild, in captivity they have proven to be highly capable of innovating solutions to physical problems using tools.

The flexible approach to tool-related problems both in captivity as well as in the wild suggests that this species’ tool use behaviour is largely innovative.

"This suggests that the birds were able to immediately identify and memorize the necessary steps upon their initial success," the researchers explained in their paper, "a pattern that is inconsistent with typical associative learning progressions yet strongly consistent with previous Goffin problem-solving performances."

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Extra: Pipin's technique (previously left out because of a limit on Twitter videos). 
 
Pipin is unique in the group (he is a former alpha, but he is one of those charismatic alphas that F. de Waal tells us about in his talks), he inserts tools using his legs <a href="https://t.co/SjbXADAhA7">pic.twitter.com/SjbXADAhA7</a>
— Tay (@BioTay) <a href="https://twitter.com/BioTay/status/1491129509906882560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"One of the most amazing aspects of the process was to observe how these animals each invented their own individual technique in how to grip the stick and hit the ball, sometimes with astonishing dexterity," said first author biologist Antonio Osuna-Mascaró from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna.

"While this study is the first to show that cockatoos can coordinate tools to solve a problem, it also feeds into our ongoing work with children," said University of Birmingham developmental psychologist Sarah Beck.

"Comparing such different species helps us understand how humans and some other species develop impressive technological skills."

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have taught cockatoos to play 'golf', according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Using more than one tool simultaneously to achieve an end has played a significant role in the development of human technology.

Scientists have taught cockatoos to play 'golf', according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Using more than one tool simultaneously to achieve an end has played a significant role in the development of human technology. Typically, it depends on a number of specific and often complex spatial relations and there are thus very few reported cases in non-human animals for example, specific nut-cracking techniques in chimpanzees and capuchin monkeys. Also read | No kidding: Goldfish actually drove a vehicle on land The innovative strategies underlying the innovation and spread of tool manufacture and associative tool use across tool-using animals is an important milestone towards a better understanding of the evolution of human technology. In this study, scientists tested Goffin’s cockatoos on a composite tool problem, the ‘Golf Club Task’, that requires the use of two objects in combination (one used to control the free movement of a second) to get a reward. Why are these 3 styles important? Because the way these cockatoos use tools is much more similar to ours than that of the New Caledonian crows Here you can see Figaro and Fini solving it, each with their own peculiar and particular style. pic.twitter.com/VUk6ksXW28 — Tay (@BioTay) February 8, 2022 × Goffin's cockatoos are ideal non-primate models to study the origins of complex tool innovations. Despite not being dependent on tool obtained resources in the wild, in captivity they have proven to be highly capable of innovating solutions to physical problems using tools. The flexible approach to tool-related problems both in captivity as well as in the wild suggests that this species’ tool use behaviour is largely innovative. "This suggests that the birds were able to immediately identify and memorize the necessary steps upon their initial success," the researchers explained in their paper, "a pattern that is inconsistent with typical associative learning progressions yet strongly consistent with previous Goffin problem-solving performances." Extra: Pipin's technique (previously left out because of a limit on Twitter videos). Pipin is unique in the group (he is a former alpha, but he is one of those charismatic alphas that F. de Waal tells us about in his talks), he inserts tools using his legs pic.twitter.com/SjbXADAhA7 — Tay (@BioTay) February 8, 2022 × "One of the most amazing aspects of the process was to observe how these animals each invented their own individual technique in how to grip the stick and hit the ball, sometimes with astonishing dexterity," said first author biologist Antonio Osuna-Mascaró from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. "While this study is the first to show that cockatoos can coordinate tools to solve a problem, it also feeds into our ongoing work with children," said University of Birmingham developmental psychologist Sarah Beck. "Comparing such different species helps us understand how humans and some other species develop impressive technological skills." (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Scientists teach cockatoos to play 'golf' using a puzzle box

Young Indian origin golfer Akshay Bhatia made heads turn when he clinched&nbsp;The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour at Sandals Emerald Bay in January 2022. The 19-year-old teenager became only the third-youngest (after Australia's Jason Day and Korea's Sungjae IM) to win on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Akshay, whose family originally belongs to New Delhi, India made his professional debut at the 2019 Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Mississippi. Since then, his rise up the ladder has been evident and the youngster recently sat down for an exclusive interaction with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo where he dwelled&nbsp;on&nbsp;his journey so far,&nbsp;decision to forego college education and&nbsp;his mentor fellow left-hander and the great, Phil Mickelson.

Sharing thoughts on his Korn Ferry Tour win, Akshay opined, "Yeah. I think the journey has played&nbsp;a big part in the lead-up&nbsp;to that win. I struggled for a long time but I was also playing against the best players in the world. I had three-four opportunities to be on the PGA Tour last season but&nbsp;it just wasn't my time yet. I had to keep learning. But I've enjoyed it and this is my first Korn Ferry Tour. To kick off&nbsp;with a victory, it is a great start to the year. Playing with a lot of PGA Tour winners&nbsp;has been great. Being one of the youngest players to be on the tour, it is just amazing."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-aus-open-2022-rafael-nadal-is-goat-hes-like-a-jekyll-of-hyde-says-indian-coach-nandan-bal-449123">EXCLUSIVE | Aus Open 2022: Rafael Nadal is G.O.A.T, he's like a Jekyll of Hyde, says Indian coach Nandan Bal</a>

Akshay shared his thoughts on the big decision of dropping out from college and turning into a professional at such a young age. He feels the gamble has paid off but there is always a chance to go back and complete his education if the opportunity&nbsp;arises. He lauded his family's support and said, "What I've learned from my parents is to be very family-oriented. It wasn't just my own discussion. It was a family discussion. I&nbsp;did a lot of things that some junior or ammeter golfers never did. For me, turning&nbsp;pro was to get my masters degree on the golf course. That's my college. My mom wanted me to go to school. Education is super important for me but it was just a little different for me. I was always ahead of the pack&nbsp;so I was ready to do it (turn professional). They supported me. It is something I'll never regret (forgoing education) and if I have time, I can always&nbsp;go back to school and get a degree."

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-fans-love-big-three-aslan-karatsev-on-lack-of-support-for-daniil-medvedev-in-aus-open-final-450040">EXCLUSIVE | 'Fans love Big Three': Aslan Karatsev on lack of support for Daniil Medvedev in Aus Open final</a>

Not many get someone of the stature of&nbsp;Mickelson -- winner of&nbsp;45 events on the PGA Tour, including six major championships: three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021)&nbsp;and one Open Championship -- to mentor them at such a young age. Akshay feels he is truly blessed to be around his company and emphasised&nbsp;how big a role the 51-year-old has played in his career so far.&nbsp;"It is a dream to be able to spend time with him. He has been really gracious with his time. He has helped me a lot. He has a lot of belief in me. He maybe sees a bit of himself in me (also winning as an ammeter). Amazing to have a mentor like that. He won a major last year. He knows what feelings you get at the biggest stage. Any time I have to text or call him, he will always respond. I am excited to team up with him on tour in the future."

Young Indian origin golfer Akshay Bhatia made heads turn when he clinched The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour at Sandals Emerald Bay in January 2022.

Young Indian origin golfer Akshay Bhatia made heads turn when he clinched The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour at Sandals Emerald Bay in January 2022. The 19-year-old teenager became only the third-youngest (after Australia's Jason Day and Korea's Sungjae IM) to win on the Korn Ferry Tour. Akshay, whose family originally belongs to New Delhi, India made his professional debut at the 2019 Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Mississippi. Since then, his rise up the ladder has been evident and the youngster recently sat down for an exclusive interaction with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo where he dwelled on his journey so far, decision to forego college education and his mentor fellow left-hander and the great, Phil Mickelson. Sharing thoughts on his Korn Ferry Tour win, Akshay opined, "Yeah. I think the journey has played a big part in the lead-up to that win. I struggled for a long time but I was also playing against the best players in the world. I had three-four opportunities to be on the PGA Tour last season but it just wasn't my time yet. I had to keep learning. But I've enjoyed it and this is my first Korn Ferry Tour. To kick off with a victory, it is a great start to the year. Playing with a lot of PGA Tour winners has been great. Being one of the youngest players to be on the tour, it is just amazing." ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Aus Open 2022: Rafael Nadal is G.O.A.T, he's like a Jekyll of Hyde, says Indian coach Nandan Bal Akshay shared his thoughts on the big decision of dropping out from college and turning into a professional at such a young age. He feels the gamble has paid off but there is always a chance to go back and complete his education if the opportunity arises. He lauded his family's support and said, "What I've learned from my parents is to be very family-oriented. It wasn't just my own discussion. It was a family discussion. I did a lot of things that some junior or ammeter golfers never did. For me, turning pro was to get my masters degree on the golf course. That's my college. My mom wanted me to go to school. Education is super important for me but it was just a little different for me. I was always ahead of the pack so I was ready to do it (turn professional). They supported me. It is something I'll never regret (forgoing education) and if I have time, I can always go back to school and get a degree." × ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | 'Fans love Big Three': Aslan Karatsev on lack of support for Daniil Medvedev in Aus Open final Not many get someone of the stature of Mickelson -- winner of 45 events on the PGA Tour, including six major championships: three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021) and one Open Championship -- to mentor them at such a young age. Akshay feels he is truly blessed to be around his company and emphasised how big a role the 51-year-old has played in his career so far. "It is a dream to be able to spend time with him. He has been really gracious with his time. He has helped me a lot. He has a lot of belief in me. He maybe sees a bit of himself in me (also winning as an ammeter). Amazing to have a mentor like that. He won a major last year. He knows what feelings you get at the biggest stage. Any time I have to text or call him, he will always respond. I am excited to team up with him on tour in the future."

EXCLUSIVE | 'He sees a bit of...' - Akshay Bhatia on mentor Phil Mickelson, forgoing college education

Tiger Woods and his 12-year-old son Charlie reeled off 11 straight birdies to card a final round 57 and finish in second place at the PNC Championship on Sunday, two shots behind winners John Daly and his son John Daly Jr.

Tiger more than delivered in his highly-anticipated return to competitive golf after a February car accident nearly cost him his leg, and was all smiles but fatigued after going bogey-free over the two-day, non-PGA Tour level event.

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A week to remember ❤️ 
 
Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TigerWoods</a> and Charlie.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PNCchampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PNCchampionship</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CelebrateFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CelebrateFamily</a> <a href="https://t.co/1uh8O1zvYL">pic.twitter.com/1uh8O1zvYL</a>
— PNC Championship (@PNCchampionship) <a href="https://twitter.com/PNCchampionship/status/1472751253470027780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I'm happy and thankful that I'm able to do this. What a blast it was," said Woods, who used a cart to get around the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando.

"I still have my old leg, which was questionable for a while, and it's functioning. I'm just really tired. I`m not used to this. I think this might be my fifth round of golf this year," he said.

"I'm a little worn out, but it was nice to have a cart."

While Tiger was the main attraction, his son Charlie stole the show, displaying his father's unflappable calmness while delivering accurate drives and timely putts on a sunny day in central Florida.

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Charlie Woods to 4ft! Take a bow 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PNCchampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PNCchampionship</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CelebrateFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CelebrateFamily</a><a href="https://t.co/8pZLoNwekt">pic.twitter.com/8pZLoNwekt</a>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-reveals-to-wion-his-thoughts-after-accident-it-was-on-the-table-that-i-may-lose-my-leg-433143">Tiger Woods reveals to WION his thoughts after accident: ‘It was on the table that I may lose my leg’</a>

"We got on a run, which was great. Charlie was hitting the ball unbelievable and made a few putts. It got interesting and a little tight toward the end, which was fun," he said.

"He's an unbelievable player and partner."

Team Woods, clad in Tiger`s trademark Sunday red shirts, started the day three shots off the pace but moved into a share of the lead after a birdie-birdie-eagle start at 14-under par.

After three consecutive pars, Tiger landed an approach shot close to the hole on the seventh for a tap-in and Charlie drained long putts on eight and nine to keep the momentum going.

Tiger drove the ball too long on the par-three 12th but Charlie was there to pick him up as his drive landed on the green and rolled back towards the hole.

Tiger quickly returned the favour by sinking the birdie putt after Charlie missed his attempt.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-christian-eriksen-to-neeraj-chopra-top-ten-most-searched-athletes-on-google-in-2021-436330#1-christian-eriksen-436291">From Christian Eriksen to Neeraj Chopra: Top ten most searched athletes on Google in 2021</a>

The pair birdied every hole on the back nine with the exception of 18, where they were forced to settle for par.

Daly and his son matched Team Woods`s final round 57 and finished 27-under par, a tournament record.

The event featured 19 father-son pairs and the father-daughter team of Nelly Korda and her dad Petr.

Justin Thomas and his father Mike, the tournament`s defending champions, finished tied for third alongside Stewart and Reagan Cink.

Tiger Woods and his 12-year-old son Charlie reeled off 11 straight birdies to card a final round 57 and finish in second place at the PNC Championship on Sunday, two shots behind winners John Daly and his son John Daly Jr.

Tiger Woods and his 12-year-old son Charlie reeled off 11 straight birdies to card a final round 57 and finish in second place at the PNC Championship on Sunday, two shots behind winners John Daly and his son John Daly Jr. Tiger more than delivered in his highly-anticipated return to competitive golf after a February car accident nearly cost him his leg, and was all smiles but fatigued after going bogey-free over the two-day, non-PGA Tour level event. A week to remember ❤️ Thank you @TigerWoods and Charlie.#PNCchampionship #CelebrateFamily pic.twitter.com/1uh8O1zvYL — PNC Championship (@PNCchampionship) December 20, 2021 × "I'm happy and thankful that I'm able to do this. What a blast it was," said Woods, who used a cart to get around the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. "I still have my old leg, which was questionable for a while, and it's functioning. I'm just really tired. I`m not used to this. I think this might be my fifth round of golf this year," he said. "I'm a little worn out, but it was nice to have a cart." While Tiger was the main attraction, his son Charlie stole the show, displaying his father's unflappable calmness while delivering accurate drives and timely putts on a sunny day in central Florida. Charlie Woods to 4ft! Take a bow 👏#PNCchampionship #CelebrateFamilypic.twitter.com/8pZLoNwekt — PNC Championship (@PNCchampionship) December 19, 2021 × ALSO READ: Tiger Woods reveals to WION his thoughts after accident: ‘It was on the table that I may lose my leg’ "We got on a run, which was great. Charlie was hitting the ball unbelievable and made a few putts. It got interesting and a little tight toward the end, which was fun," he said. "He's an unbelievable player and partner." Team Woods, clad in Tiger`s trademark Sunday red shirts, started the day three shots off the pace but moved into a share of the lead after a birdie-birdie-eagle start at 14-under par. After three consecutive pars, Tiger landed an approach shot close to the hole on the seventh for a tap-in and Charlie drained long putts on eight and nine to keep the momentum going. Tiger drove the ball too long on the par-three 12th but Charlie was there to pick him up as his drive landed on the green and rolled back towards the hole. Tiger quickly returned the favour by sinking the birdie putt after Charlie missed his attempt. IN PICS: From Christian Eriksen to Neeraj Chopra: Top ten most searched athletes on Google in 2021 The pair birdied every hole on the back nine with the exception of 18, where they were forced to settle for par. Daly and his son matched Team Woods`s final round 57 and finished 27-under par, a tournament record. The event featured 19 father-son pairs and the father-daughter team of Nelly Korda and her dad Petr. Justin Thomas and his father Mike, the tournament`s defending champions, finished tied for third alongside Stewart and Reagan Cink.

Tiger Woods, son Charlie's blitz falls short as they finish 2nd at PNC Championship - WATCH

The Hero World Challenge ended in a dramatic fashion at the Albany Golf Course on December 05 (Sunday) in Nassau. While all eyes were on American golfer Collin Morikawa -- who had a five-stroke lead over the remainder of the field and was on the verge of becoming the fourth-youngest World No. 1 in golf history --&nbsp;Norway's Viktor Hovland came from behind and emerged on top to capture&nbsp;his second title of the fall at the tournament in Albany, Bahamas.

Hovland carded back-to-back eagles at the par-4 14th and par-5 15th holes, with a birdie following suit at No. 16 to reach 20 under. There were more twists and turns as he nearly gave away the lead with a bogey on the final two holes at Albany Golf Course, however, the 24-year-old youngster held his nerves to return victorious. 
 
As the Hero World Challenge summed up with several young stars making a resounding statement, WION's Sports Editor&nbsp;Digvijay Singh Deo interacted with&nbsp;some Indian golf experts,&nbsp;V Krishnaswamy and Joy Chakraborty.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-reveals-to-wion-his-thoughts-after-accident-it-was-on-the-table-that-i-may-lose-my-leg-433143">Tiger Woods reveals to WION his thoughts after accident: ‘It was on the table that I may lose my leg’</a>

Reacting to the surprising turn of events where Hovland triumphed, Krishnaswamy said, "It is never easy on a 5-shot lead especially with 20 of the world's best golf players being in this field. No lead is ever easy to protect. For Morikawa, he crumbled under pressure. Hovlin had the belief in himself and stayed in contention to emerge on top.&nbsp;

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Victorious Viktor. 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/skVLTMxbu7">pic.twitter.com/skVLTMxbu7</a>
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On the other hand, Joy opined, "Well, you needed Collin to make those mistakes early on. So early making those two double bogies opened it up for the field. It was a fantastic performance from Viktor."

Krishnaswamy added, "All kind of strange things happened. It was a dramatic day. Viktor coming on top from 6 shots behind....What was more intriguing was in the top 5, four of them&nbsp;were from 25 or under. So you really are seeing a new generational change in world golf. We saw the future of golf this week."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bryson-dechambeau-gets-candid-with-wion-on-his-unique-approach-to-the-sport-its-an-amazing-job-for-me-433886">Bryson DeChambeau gets candid with WION on his unique approach to the sport: 'It's an amazing job for me'</a>

Reacting to his emphatic victory, Hovland told, as per PTI, "Honestly, when I first teed off and obviously got off to just making a few pars early on, I didn't really think winning was even in question." He added, "But after I made three birdies in a row at the end of the front nine and I got to No. 9 and I was in the greenside bunker and I looked up at the leaderboard and I saw I believe I was tied for the lead, maybe one shot behind or something like that, that's when I knew, 'OK, if I play really well on the back nine, I've got a chance."

For the unversed, this was Hovland's third victory in the calendar year. Earlier, he had notched up victories in Mexico in November and in Germany on the European Tour. After the historic win, he was handed the winner's trophy from tournament host and legend Tiger Woods. Beaming with pride, Hovland recalled the time when the legendary golfer had registered his 15th Major at the Masters. Back then, the Norwegian youngster was only an amateur and sat next to Woods at the presentation.

Well, Viktor Hovland has surely come a long way and is set to achieve more success in near future.

The Hero World Challenge ended in a dramatic fashion at the Albany Golf Course on December 05 (Sunday) in Nassau. While all eyes were on American golfer Collin Morikawa -- who had a five-stroke lead over the remainder of the field and was on the verge of becoming the fourth-youngest World No.

The Hero World Challenge ended in a dramatic fashion at the Albany Golf Course on December 05 (Sunday) in Nassau. While all eyes were on American golfer Collin Morikawa -- who had a five-stroke lead over the remainder of the field and was on the verge of becoming the fourth-youngest World No. 1 in golf history -- Norway's Viktor Hovland came from behind and emerged on top to capture his second title of the fall at the tournament in Albany, Bahamas. Hovland carded back-to-back eagles at the par-4 14th and par-5 15th holes, with a birdie following suit at No. 16 to reach 20 under. There were more twists and turns as he nearly gave away the lead with a bogey on the final two holes at Albany Golf Course, however, the 24-year-old youngster held his nerves to return victorious. As the Hero World Challenge summed up with several young stars making a resounding statement, WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo interacted with some Indian golf experts, V Krishnaswamy and Joy Chakraborty. ALSO READ | Tiger Woods reveals to WION his thoughts after accident: ‘It was on the table that I may lose my leg’ Reacting to the surprising turn of events where Hovland triumphed, Krishnaswamy said, "It is never easy on a 5-shot lead especially with 20 of the world's best golf players being in this field. No lead is ever easy to protect. For Morikawa, he crumbled under pressure. Hovlin had the belief in himself and stayed in contention to emerge on top. Victorious Viktor. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/skVLTMxbu7 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 5, 2021 × On the other hand, Joy opined, "Well, you needed Collin to make those mistakes early on. So early making those two double bogies opened it up for the field. It was a fantastic performance from Viktor." Krishnaswamy added, "All kind of strange things happened. It was a dramatic day. Viktor coming on top from 6 shots behind....What was more intriguing was in the top 5, four of them were from 25 or under. So you really are seeing a new generational change in world golf. We saw the future of golf this week." ALSO READ | Bryson DeChambeau gets candid with WION on his unique approach to the sport: 'It's an amazing job for me' Reacting to his emphatic victory, Hovland told, as per PTI, "Honestly, when I first teed off and obviously got off to just making a few pars early on, I didn't really think winning was even in question." He added, "But after I made three birdies in a row at the end of the front nine and I got to No. 9 and I was in the greenside bunker and I looked up at the leaderboard and I saw I believe I was tied for the lead, maybe one shot behind or something like that, that's when I knew, 'OK, if I play really well on the back nine, I've got a chance." For the unversed, this was Hovland's third victory in the calendar year. Earlier, he had notched up victories in Mexico in November and in Germany on the European Tour. After the historic win, he was handed the winner's trophy from tournament host and legend Tiger Woods. Beaming with pride, Hovland recalled the time when the legendary golfer had registered his 15th Major at the Masters. Back then, the Norwegian youngster was only an amateur and sat next to Woods at the presentation. Well, Viktor Hovland has surely come a long way and is set to achieve more success in near future.

'We saw future of golf' - Indian experts react after Viktor Hovland's emphatic win at Hero World Challenge

Bryson DeChambeau, who is one of the biggest names in the world of golf, opened up about his unique approach to the sport in a candid interview with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on the sidelines of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.&nbsp;

The 28-year-old DeChambeau touched upon a range of topics such as his engagement with the fans, his technique. He also talked about legendary golfer Tiger Woods, who recently made his first public appearance since the car accident.&nbsp;

Talking about his game, the American golfer said, "For me, the most important piece of the puzzle is doing what I love. I love executing shots to the best of my ability and if can find distinct advantages, if it allows me to figure out new ways to perform well then that's great."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/have-to-prove-to-myself-that-i-am-good-enough-to-win-before-i-return-tiger-woods-433061">Have to prove to myself that I am good enough to win before I return: Tiger Woods</a>

The 2020 US Open Champion also talked about the viral video, in which he swung his driver from the roof of a skyscraper in Las Vegas. Talking about the level of engagement and entertaining the fans, the golfer said, "It's fun showcasing my life in a new unique way."

Adding to that, he said, "People have a certain perception of me and I want people to get the real perception. I want people to understand the reality of who I actually am. That why I do that. That's why I love entertaining and showcasing my abilities."

About Woods and his first appearance at the Hero World Challenge, DeChambeau said, "It was awesome". He also spoke about the bro-sesh the two golfers had on Wednesday when&nbsp;they were spotted playing with a football on a practice course in the Bahamas.&nbsp;

The video was published in a US media outlet and Woods was seen in great spirits. Talking about the same, DeChambeau said, "I was throwing a football with him at the back of the range. We were just passing back and forth."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-reveals-to-wion-his-thoughts-after-accident-it-was-on-the-table-that-i-may-lose-my-leg-433143">Tiger Woods reveals to WION his thoughts after accident: ‘It was on the table that I may lose my leg’</a>

"It was good to see him, his competitiveness was still there. He threw the ball at my lower area and hit me there. I was like God! Tiger. He said 'Told you, you have to be fast'. He is always competitive and always messing around with me. I love it," the golfer added.&nbsp;

DeChambeau's power game has forced other top players to re-evaluate their own technique. Talking about his game, he said, "It's a really amazing job for me. I love every single minute of it. It is a long, long job and a lot of hours are dedicated to it. Still, just trying to hone my craft."

The big-hitting American said, "Speed training is not gonna be anything different outside of practising your putting on a PGA Tour. Guys are gonna figure how to hit a farther and learn how to hit farther."

"It going to be fun to see the new generation. 7ft tall people swinging at 100mph with no prob and that to me is the end goal and it's gonna be awesome to showcase people's athletic abilities and to show the true potential of what golf can do," he further added.&nbsp;

Watch Bryson DeChambeau's interaction with WION here:

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&nbsp;

Bryson DeChambeau, who is one of the biggest names in the world of golf, opened up about his unique approach to the sport in a candid interview with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on the sidelines of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Bryson DeChambeau, who is one of the biggest names in the world of golf, opened up about his unique approach to the sport in a candid interview with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on the sidelines of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. The 28-year-old DeChambeau touched upon a range of topics such as his engagement with the fans, his technique. He also talked about legendary golfer Tiger Woods, who recently made his first public appearance since the car accident. Talking about his game, the American golfer said, "For me, the most important piece of the puzzle is doing what I love. I love executing shots to the best of my ability and if can find distinct advantages, if it allows me to figure out new ways to perform well then that's great." ALSO READ | Have to prove to myself that I am good enough to win before I return: Tiger Woods The 2020 US Open Champion also talked about the viral video, in which he swung his driver from the roof of a skyscraper in Las Vegas. Talking about the level of engagement and entertaining the fans, the golfer said, "It's fun showcasing my life in a new unique way." Adding to that, he said, "People have a certain perception of me and I want people to get the real perception. I want people to understand the reality of who I actually am. That why I do that. That's why I love entertaining and showcasing my abilities." About Woods and his first appearance at the Hero World Challenge, DeChambeau said, "It was awesome". He also spoke about the bro-sesh the two golfers had on Wednesday when they were spotted playing with a football on a practice course in the Bahamas. The video was published in a US media outlet and Woods was seen in great spirits. Talking about the same, DeChambeau said, "I was throwing a football with him at the back of the range. We were just passing back and forth." ALSO READ | Tiger Woods reveals to WION his thoughts after accident: ‘It was on the table that I may lose my leg’ "It was good to see him, his competitiveness was still there. He threw the ball at my lower area and hit me there. I was like God! Tiger. He said 'Told you, you have to be fast'. He is always competitive and always messing around with me. I love it," the golfer added. DeChambeau's power game has forced other top players to re-evaluate their own technique. Talking about his game, he said, "It's a really amazing job for me. I love every single minute of it. It is a long, long job and a lot of hours are dedicated to it. Still, just trying to hone my craft." The big-hitting American said, "Speed training is not gonna be anything different outside of practising your putting on a PGA Tour. Guys are gonna figure how to hit a farther and learn how to hit farther." "It going to be fun to see the new generation. 7ft tall people swinging at 100mph with no prob and that to me is the end goal and it's gonna be awesome to showcase people's athletic abilities and to show the true potential of what golf can do," he further added. Watch Bryson DeChambeau's interaction with WION here: ×

Bryson DeChambeau gets candid with WION on his unique approach to the sport: 'It's an amazing job for me'

Bryson Dechambeau is one of the biggest stars in world golf and his power game has forced other top players to re-evaluate their own technique. The 2020 US Open Champion discussed his unique approach to the sport with WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on the sidelines of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

WION Exclusive: Bryson Dechambeau on his revolutionary power game

Golf legend Tiger Woods has revealed to WION how the thought crossed his mind that he might lose his leg soon after his horrific car accident earlier this year.

He was answering a question from WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo during an interaction at this week's Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

“It was on the table that I may lose my leg so when I woke up I tested it and I had full weight in both legs. That was a positive,” he said when asked if he ever thought he might not be able to play again or even walk again. “I waited for the day I could get out of hospital.”

“There were tough days but I am here, I am alive, I did not lose a limb and they were huge positives,” he said.&nbsp;

He also said that the thought of losing to his young son Charlie is a huge motivation.

“It is up to me to see how far I can get back with strength, mobility and connection to ensure my son never beats me at a game of Golf. The day is coming soon but while I am looking forward to that day I am also not looking forward to that day. I am trying to postpone it as long as possible.”

Watch:&nbsp;Golfing great Tiger Woods speaks to WION on his road to recovery

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/big-challenge-to-come-back-after-injury-but-its-tiger-woods-he-proves-us-wrong-always-martin-dempster-433009" hreflang="en">Big challenge to come back after injury but it's Tiger Woods, he proves us wrong always: Martin Dempster</a>

Tiger Woods sustained life-threatening injuries in February and had to undergo emergency surgery on his lower right leg, foot and ankle.

In&nbsp;the horrific car accident,&nbsp;the 15-time major winner was driving in an LA suburb and veered off the road and his vehicle flipped multiple times.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/have-to-prove-to-myself-that-i-am-good-enough-to-win-before-i-return-tiger-woods-433061" hreflang="en">Have to prove to myself that I am good enough to win before I return: Tiger Woods</a>

The single-vehicle roll-over collision sent shock waves in the sporting world. It was so bad that police at the scene said that the golfer was "lucky to be alive".&nbsp;

After spending weeks in the hospital, Woods returned to his home in Florida where he continued with his rehabilitation.

Golf legend Tiger Woods has revealed to WION how the thought crossed his mind that he might lose his leg soon after his horrific car accident earlier this year. He was answering a question from WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo during an interaction at this week's Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Golf legend Tiger Woods has revealed to WION how the thought crossed his mind that he might lose his leg soon after his horrific car accident earlier this year. He was answering a question from WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo during an interaction at this week's Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. “It was on the table that I may lose my leg so when I woke up I tested it and I had full weight in both legs. That was a positive,” he said when asked if he ever thought he might not be able to play again or even walk again. “I waited for the day I could get out of hospital.” “There were tough days but I am here, I am alive, I did not lose a limb and they were huge positives,” he said. He also said that the thought of losing to his young son Charlie is a huge motivation. “It is up to me to see how far I can get back with strength, mobility and connection to ensure my son never beats me at a game of Golf. The day is coming soon but while I am looking forward to that day I am also not looking forward to that day. I am trying to postpone it as long as possible.” Watch: Golfing great Tiger Woods speaks to WION on his road to recovery × Also read: Big challenge to come back after injury but it's Tiger Woods, he proves us wrong always: Martin Dempster Tiger Woods sustained life-threatening injuries in February and had to undergo emergency surgery on his lower right leg, foot and ankle. In the horrific car accident, the 15-time major winner was driving in an LA suburb and veered off the road and his vehicle flipped multiple times. Also read: Have to prove to myself that I am good enough to win before I return: Tiger Woods The single-vehicle roll-over collision sent shock waves in the sporting world. It was so bad that police at the scene said that the golfer was "lucky to be alive". After spending weeks in the hospital, Woods returned to his home in Florida where he continued with his rehabilitation.

Tiger Woods reveals to WION his thoughts after accident: ‘It was on the table that I may lose my leg’

Tiger Woods said he will not be making a full-time return to professional golf in the aftermath of injuries he sustained in a horrific car accident this year in February in Los Angeles. The golfer, however, said that he is confident of eventually making a return to the sport. He also indicated that he would only play selected tournaments in the future.&nbsp;

Woods had to undergo surgery on open fractures to his lower right leg and foot and ankle. He spent almost one month in a hospital and later moved to his home in Florida where he continued with his rehabilitation.&nbsp;

During his conversation with Golf Digest, the 15-time major winner revealed that his injuries were so severe he could lose his leg. He said that it was "damn near there" and feared he was going to walk out of that hospital with one leg.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/realy-big-challenge-to-come-back-after-injury-but-its-tiger-woods-he-proves-us-wrong-always-martin-dempster-433009">Realy big challenge to come back after injury but it's Tiger Woods, he proves us wrong always: Martin Dempster</a>

Previously, Woods made a comeback when he returned from back fusion surgery to capture his 15th major title at the 2019 Masters. Reacting to the same, the 45-year-old told Golf Digest: "After my back fusion, I had to climb Mount Everest one more time. I had to do it, and I did."

"This time around, I don't think I'll have the body to climb Mount Everest and that's OK. I can still participate in the game of golf. I can still, if my leg gets OK, click off a tournament here or there," he added.&nbsp;

"But as far as climbing the mountain again and getting all the way to the top, I don't think that's a realistic expectation of me," Woods said.&nbsp;

"I think something that is realistic is playing the tour one day - never full-time, ever again - but pick and choose, just like Mr (Ben) Hogan did. Pick and choose a few events a year and play around that," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-to-return-to-spotlight-in-first-public-appearance-since-brush-with-death-432904">Tiger Woods to return to spotlight in first public appearance since brush with death</a>

"It's been a hell of a road, it's been a long one and a sore one but I'm making some really positive strides,"&nbsp;Woods added.

"I've had some really tough days and some setbacks here and there, but overall everything is progressing nicely. I just wish I could do everything that I used to do but I'm not quite there yet," Woods further added.&nbsp;

Tiger Woods' interview with Golf Digest came ahead of his first public appearance since his accident at this week's Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.&nbsp;

Tiger Woods said he will not be making a full-time return to professional golf in the aftermath of injuries he sustained in a horrific car accident this year in February in Los Angeles.

Tiger Woods said he will not be making a full-time return to professional golf in the aftermath of injuries he sustained in a horrific car accident this year in February in Los Angeles. The golfer, however, said that he is confident of eventually making a return to the sport. He also indicated that he would only play selected tournaments in the future. Woods had to undergo surgery on open fractures to his lower right leg and foot and ankle. He spent almost one month in a hospital and later moved to his home in Florida where he continued with his rehabilitation. During his conversation with Golf Digest, the 15-time major winner revealed that his injuries were so severe he could lose his leg. He said that it was "damn near there" and feared he was going to walk out of that hospital with one leg. ALSO READ | Realy big challenge to come back after injury but it's Tiger Woods, he proves us wrong always: Martin Dempster Previously, Woods made a comeback when he returned from back fusion surgery to capture his 15th major title at the 2019 Masters. Reacting to the same, the 45-year-old told Golf Digest: "After my back fusion, I had to climb Mount Everest one more time. I had to do it, and I did." "This time around, I don't think I'll have the body to climb Mount Everest and that's OK. I can still participate in the game of golf. I can still, if my leg gets OK, click off a tournament here or there," he added. "But as far as climbing the mountain again and getting all the way to the top, I don't think that's a realistic expectation of me," Woods said. "I think something that is realistic is playing the tour one day - never full-time, ever again - but pick and choose, just like Mr (Ben) Hogan did. Pick and choose a few events a year and play around that," he added. ALSO READ | Tiger Woods to return to spotlight in first public appearance since brush with death "It's been a hell of a road, it's been a long one and a sore one but I'm making some really positive strides," Woods added. "I've had some really tough days and some setbacks here and there, but overall everything is progressing nicely. I just wish I could do everything that I used to do but I'm not quite there yet," Woods further added. Tiger Woods' interview with Golf Digest came ahead of his first public appearance since his accident at this week's Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

'It's been a hell of a road': Tiger Woods rules out 'full-time' return to golf; reacts to horrific car crash

It is the biggest story in golf and perhaps world sport.&nbsp;

The atmosphere around Albany Golf Course crackled with anticipation as an email from the PGA tour dropped into our inboxes on Monday afternoon confirming that&nbsp;Tiger Woods would be making an appearance at the Hero World Challenge tournament on Tuesday.&nbsp;

It will be Woods’ first public appearance since his brush with death in February.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH:&nbsp;Golfer Tiger Woods unlikely to play full-time again

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&nbsp;

Woods was driving to a television shoot when he lost control on a hilly descent in the suburbs of Los Angeles and his car overturned multiple times before coming to a halt.&nbsp;

First responders later revealed that Woods was lucky to be alive and he underwent multiple surgeries to repair substantial damage in his legs and ankle.&nbsp;

Since then, there have been fleeting glimpses and rare public posts on his social media handles.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/tiger-woods-posts-photo-of-himself-on-crutches-says-rehab-is-coming-along-379656" hreflang="en">Tiger Woods posts photo of himself on crutches, says rehab is 'coming along'</a>

Last week he teased what many considered to be an improbable return to golf by posting a two-second video of what looked like a practice round.&nbsp;

Earlier this year in February doctors and medical experts believed the nature of the injuries would make any return to golf virtually impossible.&nbsp;

Tiger Woods though has a history of making barely believable comebacks. He has gone under the knife on multiple occasions over the last decade and remains the sport’s biggest draw.&nbsp;

Also read :&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/excessive-speed-was-primary-cause-of-tiger-woods-car-crash-la-county-sheriff-375960" hreflang="en">Excessive speed was primary cause of Tiger Woods car crash: LA County Sheriff</a>

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Can he make another comeback, can he provide golf fans with one final hurrah or will it be the final act in a record-breaking career?&nbsp;

The world waits in anticipation, WION has a front row ticket.&nbsp;

It is the biggest story in golf and perhaps world sport. The atmosphere around Albany Golf Course crackled with anticipation as an email from the PGA tour dropped into our inboxes on Monday afternoon confirming that Tiger Woods would be making an appearance at the Hero World Challenge tournament on Tuesday.

It is the biggest story in golf and perhaps world sport. The atmosphere around Albany Golf Course crackled with anticipation as an email from the PGA tour dropped into our inboxes on Monday afternoon confirming that Tiger Woods would be making an appearance at the Hero World Challenge tournament on Tuesday. It will be Woods’ first public appearance since his brush with death in February. WATCH: Golfer Tiger Woods unlikely to play full-time again × Woods was driving to a television shoot when he lost control on a hilly descent in the suburbs of Los Angeles and his car overturned multiple times before coming to a halt. First responders later revealed that Woods was lucky to be alive and he underwent multiple surgeries to repair substantial damage in his legs and ankle. Since then, there have been fleeting glimpses and rare public posts on his social media handles. Also read: Tiger Woods posts photo of himself on crutches, says rehab is 'coming along' Last week he teased what many considered to be an improbable return to golf by posting a two-second video of what looked like a practice round. Earlier this year in February doctors and medical experts believed the nature of the injuries would make any return to golf virtually impossible. Tiger Woods though has a history of making barely believable comebacks. He has gone under the knife on multiple occasions over the last decade and remains the sport’s biggest draw. Also read : Excessive speed was primary cause of Tiger Woods car crash: LA County Sheriff Can he make another comeback, can he provide golf fans with one final hurrah or will it be the final act in a record-breaking career? The world waits in anticipation, WION has a front row ticket.

Tiger Woods to return to spotlight in first public appearance since brush with death

World number one Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia were chosen on Thursday to spearhead Europe`s Ryder Cup defence with captain Padraig Harrington sending out the Spanish duo in the opening foursomes to face Americans Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. 
 
In a clear indication Europe will try to grab the early momentum, Harrington turned to two of his big guns in U.S. Open champion Rahm and Garcia, the record Ryder Cup points scorer, to play world number six Thomas and a resurgent Spieth, who is once again showing the form that won him three major titles. 
 
"The team that goes out there and gets a lead will say, momentum is everything, and the team that doesn`t will have to find another way," said Harrington. "So in a perfect world, you would like to go out there and win the session, win it well and lead from the front and keep going." 
 
Friday`s matches at the Whistling Straits course in Wisconsin will mark the end of a long wait for the 43rd Ryder Cup, which has been delayed a year by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
The second match out will pit the U.S. partnership of former world number one Dustin Johnson and British Open champion Collin Morikawa against Briton Paul Casey and Norwegian Ryder Cup debutant Viktor Hovland. 
 
The British pairing of Lee Westwood, playing in a record- equalling 11th Ryder Cup, and Matt Fitzpatrick will take on big-hitting American Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger. 
 
The last match of the first session could be the most explosive with the fiery pairing of Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy and the "Postman" Ian Poulter taking on two American young guns, Olympic gold medallist Xander Schauffele and the in-form Patrick Cantlay, coming off a win at the Tour championship. 
 
"It`s almost been a decade that Poults and I have been playing in this thing, all the way back to 2012," said McIlroy. "We`ve put points on the board for Europe which is really important but we`ve also had a lot of fun doing it. 
 
"So we are going to go out there this week and enjoy ourselves and play our absolute hearts out." 
 
Harrington said he had thought of putting Rahm and Garcia together for some time and it was something the two Spaniards wanted. 
 
The duo were almost instantly dubbed the new "Spanish Armada" following on in the Ryder Cup from the legendary pairing of former greats Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal. 
 
"It`s a big honour," said Rahm. "It means the captain has faith in me and who I`m partnered with. 
 
"Spanish legacy is deep in The Ryder Cup and I`m hoping we can start a new tradition." 
 
While Rahm and Garcia are a new partnership, U.S. captain Steve Stricker stuck with some pairings that have had success in the past. 
 
Spieth and Thomas played together at the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris and went 3-1, while Cantlay and Schauffele were teammed together at the 2019 Presidents Cup and had a 2-2 record. 
 
"I feel great about our pairings," said Stricker. "Some teams that have played together over the years, whether in Ryder Cups or some Presidents Cups, so we wouldn`t put them out there if we didn`t feel good about them, let me just put it that way."

World number one Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia were chosen on Thursday to spearhead Europe`s Ryder Cup defence with captain Padraig Harrington sending out the Spanish duo in the opening foursomes to face Americans Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.

World number one Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia were chosen on Thursday to spearhead Europe`s Ryder Cup defence with captain Padraig Harrington sending out the Spanish duo in the opening foursomes to face Americans Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. In a clear indication Europe will try to grab the early momentum, Harrington turned to two of his big guns in U.S. Open champion Rahm and Garcia, the record Ryder Cup points scorer, to play world number six Thomas and a resurgent Spieth, who is once again showing the form that won him three major titles. "The team that goes out there and gets a lead will say, momentum is everything, and the team that doesn`t will have to find another way," said Harrington. "So in a perfect world, you would like to go out there and win the session, win it well and lead from the front and keep going." Friday`s matches at the Whistling Straits course in Wisconsin will mark the end of a long wait for the 43rd Ryder Cup, which has been delayed a year by the COVID-19 pandemic. The second match out will pit the U.S. partnership of former world number one Dustin Johnson and British Open champion Collin Morikawa against Briton Paul Casey and Norwegian Ryder Cup debutant Viktor Hovland. The British pairing of Lee Westwood, playing in a record- equalling 11th Ryder Cup, and Matt Fitzpatrick will take on big-hitting American Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger. The last match of the first session could be the most explosive with the fiery pairing of Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy and the "Postman" Ian Poulter taking on two American young guns, Olympic gold medallist Xander Schauffele and the in-form Patrick Cantlay, coming off a win at the Tour championship. "It`s almost been a decade that Poults and I have been playing in this thing, all the way back to 2012," said McIlroy. "We`ve put points on the board for Europe which is really important but we`ve also had a lot of fun doing it. "So we are going to go out there this week and enjoy ourselves and play our absolute hearts out." Harrington said he had thought of putting Rahm and Garcia together for some time and it was something the two Spaniards wanted. The duo were almost instantly dubbed the new "Spanish Armada" following on in the Ryder Cup from the legendary pairing of former greats Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal. "It`s a big honour," said Rahm. "It means the captain has faith in me and who I`m partnered with. "Spanish legacy is deep in The Ryder Cup and I`m hoping we can start a new tradition." While Rahm and Garcia are a new partnership, U.S. captain Steve Stricker stuck with some pairings that have had success in the past. Spieth and Thomas played together at the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris and went 3-1, while Cantlay and Schauffele were teammed together at the 2019 Presidents Cup and had a 2-2 record. "I feel great about our pairings," said Stricker. "Some teams that have played together over the years, whether in Ryder Cups or some Presidents Cups, so we wouldn`t put them out there if we didn`t feel good about them, let me just put it that way."

Golf-Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia to spearhead Europe Ryder Cup defence

Nelly Korda won the gold medal at the Olympic women's golf on Saturday with a tense one-stroke victory to complete a United States sweep and secure another glittering prize for a royal family of sport. 
 
New Zealander Lydia Ko and Japan's Mone Inami will have a playoff for the silver and bronze medals at Kasumigaseki Country Club. 
 
Overnight leader by three strokes, Korda gave up a share of the lead to Japan's fast-finishing Inami on the 17th but the home favourite bogeyed 18, giving the American a precious one-stroke buffer as she shot towards the final green. 
 
Korda landed her second in regulation and two-putted for the winning par, finishing with a 69 for a 17-under total of 267.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-golfer-aditi-ashok-misses-medal-as-she-slips-on-final-day-finishes-fourth-403637">Tokyo Olympics: Golfer Aditi Ashok misses medal as she slips on final day, finishes fourth</a> 
 
Korda was joined on the green by her sister Jessica, who finished tied for 15th and gave the winner a hug. 
 
Korda's triumph followed Xander Schauffele's win in the men's event on Sunday, underlining the United States'&nbsp;superpower status in the sport. 
 
It continues Korda's annus mirabilis, having clinched her first major and the world number one ranking at the Women's PGA Championship in June. 
 
The gold medal also gives the Korda family another precious heirloom to rival father Petr's Australian Open tennis trophy. 
 
The Kordas can hope for plenty more, with Nelly's older sister Jessica a six-times winner on the LPGA Tour in her own right and younger brother Sebastian a title-winner on the ATP tennis tour at the age of 21.

Nelly Korda won the gold medal at the Olympic women's golf on Saturday with a tense one-stroke victory to complete a United States sweep and secure another glittering prize for a royal family of sport.

Nelly Korda won the gold medal at the Olympic women's golf on Saturday with a tense one-stroke victory to complete a United States sweep and secure another glittering prize for a royal family of sport. New Zealander Lydia Ko and Japan's Mone Inami will have a playoff for the silver and bronze medals at Kasumigaseki Country Club. Overnight leader by three strokes, Korda gave up a share of the lead to Japan's fast-finishing Inami on the 17th but the home favourite bogeyed 18, giving the American a precious one-stroke buffer as she shot towards the final green. Korda landed her second in regulation and two-putted for the winning par, finishing with a 69 for a 17-under total of 267. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Golfer Aditi Ashok misses medal as she slips on final day, finishes fourth Korda was joined on the green by her sister Jessica, who finished tied for 15th and gave the winner a hug. Korda's triumph followed Xander Schauffele's win in the men's event on Sunday, underlining the United States' superpower status in the sport. It continues Korda's annus mirabilis, having clinched her first major and the world number one ranking at the Women's PGA Championship in June. The gold medal also gives the Korda family another precious heirloom to rival father Petr's Australian Open tennis trophy. The Kordas can hope for plenty more, with Nelly's older sister Jessica a six-times winner on the LPGA Tour in her own right and younger brother Sebastian a title-winner on the ATP tennis tour at the age of 21.

Tokyo Olympics golf: Nelly Korda claims gold medal and another family triumph

In 1995, Nobuko Hirayama inherited her father`s membership at one of Japan`s most exclusive country clubs. It took another 23 years and a looming Olympics before she could play golf there on Sundays, however. 
 
Today, Hirayama is one of just a dozen woman among the 1,200 full members at the Kasumigaseki Country Club just outside Tokyo, the venue for men and women`s golf at this year`s Games. 
 
The 92-year-old club, where then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe played with former U.S. President Donald Trump on its rolling fairways in 2017, is long a province of the elite. 
 
When Hirayama inherited her father`s membership, women weren`t allowed to be full members, so she was made a "weekday" member, barring her from playing on Sundays. 
 
Under pressure from Olympics organisers and after a public outcry, the club changed its rules and in 2018 admitted three women as full members, Hirayama among them. Around 200 women are associate members, either relatives of men who are members of "weekday" members themselves. 
 
"I never felt that I was discriminated against or anything like that," Hirayama, who is also a board member of the International Golf Federation and the Japan Golf Association, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Olympic golf. 
 
It was "nothing special" to be able to play any day of the week, she said, adding that she nonetheless enjoyed it. 
 
Membership has only ever been open through "friendship" with existing members, said Masao Koshi, the director of public relations at the country club. He declined to say how much it cost. 
 
Applicants need two members as guarantors, a criminal background check, and they are required to play a round of golf with club executives. 
 
"It`s not about how well you golf, but about your manners and personality," Koshi said. 
 
STRICT DRESSCODE 
 
The club`s dress code dictates that women`s skirts or shorts should be no more than 5 centimetres (2 inches) above their knees. Men in shorts are required to wear long socks to cover their legs. 
 
Those rules aren`t being enforced for Olympic play. 
 
Japan`s Mone Inami who moved into medal contention in women`s golf on Friday, said she had not felt a gender disparity in golf, given the broad interest in the sport. 
 
"In Japan, women`s golf is pretty popular," she said, adding that women`s tournaments were as popular as men`s. 
 
Hirayama said while traditional and exclusive golf clubs like Kasumigaseki had stiff rules, they would eventually change because of the generational shift among Japanese. 
 
The Sakuragaoka Country Club, a well-known private golf club in Tokyo, recently said it would start to accept unmarried women as members, removing a clause that only women married to members could join. 
 
Hirayama said she wants to work with golf clubs and driving ranges to host more events for women, such as lessons. 
 
"It is changing," Hirayama said. "I think the golf industry in Japan realises that and many golf courses are trying to open up and they think about accessibility more and more."

In 1995, Nobuko Hirayama inherited her father`s membership at one of Japan`s most exclusive country clubs. It took another 23 years and a looming Olympics before she could play golf there on Sundays, however.

In 1995, Nobuko Hirayama inherited her father`s membership at one of Japan`s most exclusive country clubs. It took another 23 years and a looming Olympics before she could play golf there on Sundays, however. Today, Hirayama is one of just a dozen woman among the 1,200 full members at the Kasumigaseki Country Club just outside Tokyo, the venue for men and women`s golf at this year`s Games. The 92-year-old club, where then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe played with former U.S. President Donald Trump on its rolling fairways in 2017, is long a province of the elite. When Hirayama inherited her father`s membership, women weren`t allowed to be full members, so she was made a "weekday" member, barring her from playing on Sundays. Under pressure from Olympics organisers and after a public outcry, the club changed its rules and in 2018 admitted three women as full members, Hirayama among them. Around 200 women are associate members, either relatives of men who are members of "weekday" members themselves. "I never felt that I was discriminated against or anything like that," Hirayama, who is also a board member of the International Golf Federation and the Japan Golf Association, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Olympic golf. It was "nothing special" to be able to play any day of the week, she said, adding that she nonetheless enjoyed it. Membership has only ever been open through "friendship" with existing members, said Masao Koshi, the director of public relations at the country club. He declined to say how much it cost. Applicants need two members as guarantors, a criminal background check, and they are required to play a round of golf with club executives. "It`s not about how well you golf, but about your manners and personality," Koshi said. STRICT DRESSCODE The club`s dress code dictates that women`s skirts or shorts should be no more than 5 centimetres (2 inches) above their knees. Men in shorts are required to wear long socks to cover their legs. Those rules aren`t being enforced for Olympic play. Japan`s Mone Inami who moved into medal contention in women`s golf on Friday, said she had not felt a gender disparity in golf, given the broad interest in the sport. "In Japan, women`s golf is pretty popular," she said, adding that women`s tournaments were as popular as men`s. Hirayama said while traditional and exclusive golf clubs like Kasumigaseki had stiff rules, they would eventually change because of the generational shift among Japanese. The Sakuragaoka Country Club, a well-known private golf club in Tokyo, recently said it would start to accept unmarried women as members, removing a clause that only women married to members could join. Hirayama said she wants to work with golf clubs and driving ranges to host more events for women, such as lessons. "It is changing," Hirayama said. "I think the golf industry in Japan realises that and many golf courses are trying to open up and they think about accessibility more and more."

Tokyo Olympics: Women slowly become more welcome at golf venue

Nelly Korda ignited the Olympic golf with a second-round 62 in sapping heat on Thursday to put the United States top of the leaderboard by four strokes as a storm forecast threatened to cut the tournament short.

With the temperature topping 30 degrees Celsius (86F), world number one Korda caught fire at the Kasumigaseki Country Club, flirting with the magical 59 after nine birdies and an eagle heading up the 18th.

She needed one more birdie to join Annika Sorenstam in the record books on 59, 20 years after the Swedish great's groundbreaking day in Phoenix, Arizona, but she stumbled with a double-bogey six to finish on nine-under-par.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-israel-swimmers-perform-to-madhuri-dixits-aaja-nachle-at-tokyo-olympics-402949" hreflang="en">Watch: Israel swimmers perform to Madhuri Dixit's 'Aaja Nachle' at Tokyo Olympics</a>

"I think when people ask me if I prepare more or put more meaning than normal (into) majors or&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;or whatever, I say, 'no', because I go into any type of an event with the same demeanor and the same goal," Korda told reporters.

Korda's 13-under total of 129 left her four ahead of Danish duo Nanna Koerstz Madsen (64) and Emily Kristine Pedersen (63), and India's surprise package Aditi Ashok (66).

Sweden's overnight leader Madelene Sagstrom (68) was fifth on eight-under, while Japan's Mone Inami was a stroke further back after a 65.

An approaching tropical storm forecast to hit on Saturday prompted organizers to consider cutting the event to 54 holes.

"We continue to track the tropical storm which is expected to affect our area beginning Saturday through Sunday," the International Golf Federation said in a statement.

"If we are able to start or complete 72 holes, the Women's Olympic Golf Competition will revert to a 54-hole event," the federation said.

<h2>FAMILY HEIRLOOM</h2>

If the event is shortened, Korda's Thursday thriller could prove decisive in the chase for a gold medal and a family heirloom to compare with her father Petr's Australian Open tennis trophy.

"Whatever happens, happens. But I'm not going to set my mind that it's going to be less than 72 holes right now," she said.

Some golfers, however, were feeling baffled.

"I'm not super happy about it. Not that you change things, but it gives you one less day to move up to have a chance," said Canada's Alena Sharp after she finished the Thursday round with three over par total.

After opening with four straight pars, Korda set the course ablaze from the fifth, notching four birdies and an eagle on the sixth to round the turn at 30.

Drawing breath with pars on 10 and 11, she renewed her onslaught from the 12th with another five birdies in six holes.

Having seemed unstoppable, she hooked her tee-shot into rough at the 18th and effectively gave up the record bid by bunting her recovery into the fairway rather than shooting for the green.

Her third shot found a greenside bunker and she slid a bogey putt past the hole to give her rivals a better chance of catching her on Friday.

South Korea's world number two Ko Jin-young (67), six strokes behind, may be best placed to dislodge Korda if the tournament lasts the full distance.

New Zealand's former world number one Lydia Ko (66), the silver medallist at Rio, three-putted her last two holes for bogeys to fall back to five-under, eight behind Korda.

Rio bronze winner Feng Shanshan of China shot a 64, 10 strokes better than her opening round, to sit nine off the pace, while 2016 champion Park Inbee is 10 behind after a grinding 70.

Nelly Korda ignited the Olympic golf with a second-round 62 in sapping heat on Thursday to put the United States top of the leaderboard by four strokes as a storm forecast threatened to cut the tournament short.

Nelly Korda ignited the Olympic golf with a second-round 62 in sapping heat on Thursday to put the United States top of the leaderboard by four strokes as a storm forecast threatened to cut the tournament short. With the temperature topping 30 degrees Celsius (86F), world number one Korda caught fire at the Kasumigaseki Country Club, flirting with the magical 59 after nine birdies and an eagle heading up the 18th. She needed one more birdie to join Annika Sorenstam in the record books on 59, 20 years after the Swedish great's groundbreaking day in Phoenix, Arizona, but she stumbled with a double-bogey six to finish on nine-under-par. ALSO READ: Watch: Israel swimmers perform to Madhuri Dixit's 'Aaja Nachle' at Tokyo Olympics "I think when people ask me if I prepare more or put more meaning than normal (into) majors or Olympics or whatever, I say, 'no', because I go into any type of an event with the same demeanor and the same goal," Korda told reporters. Korda's 13-under total of 129 left her four ahead of Danish duo Nanna Koerstz Madsen (64) and Emily Kristine Pedersen (63), and India's surprise package Aditi Ashok (66). Sweden's overnight leader Madelene Sagstrom (68) was fifth on eight-under, while Japan's Mone Inami was a stroke further back after a 65. An approaching tropical storm forecast to hit on Saturday prompted organizers to consider cutting the event to 54 holes. "We continue to track the tropical storm which is expected to affect our area beginning Saturday through Sunday," the International Golf Federation said in a statement. "If we are able to start or complete 72 holes, the Women's Olympic Golf Competition will revert to a 54-hole event," the federation said. FAMILY HEIRLOOM If the event is shortened, Korda's Thursday thriller could prove decisive in the chase for a gold medal and a family heirloom to compare with her father Petr's Australian Open tennis trophy. "Whatever happens, happens. But I'm not going to set my mind that it's going to be less than 72 holes right now," she said. Some golfers, however, were feeling baffled. "I'm not super happy about it. Not that you change things, but it gives you one less day to move up to have a chance," said Canada's Alena Sharp after she finished the Thursday round with three over par total. After opening with four straight pars, Korda set the course ablaze from the fifth, notching four birdies and an eagle on the sixth to round the turn at 30. Drawing breath with pars on 10 and 11, she renewed her onslaught from the 12th with another five birdies in six holes. Having seemed unstoppable, she hooked her tee-shot into rough at the 18th and effectively gave up the record bid by bunting her recovery into the fairway rather than shooting for the green. Her third shot found a greenside bunker and she slid a bogey putt past the hole to give her rivals a better chance of catching her on Friday. South Korea's world number two Ko Jin-young (67), six strokes behind, may be best placed to dislodge Korda if the tournament lasts the full distance. New Zealand's former world number one Lydia Ko (66), the silver medallist at Rio, three-putted her last two holes for bogeys to fall back to five-under, eight behind Korda. Rio bronze winner Feng Shanshan of China shot a 64, 10 strokes better than her opening round, to sit nine off the pace, while 2016 champion Park Inbee is 10 behind after a grinding 70.

Tokyo Olympics: Golf - Nelly Korda fires up with hot 62 to take four-shot lead

While there are many golf courses in Kashmir, the region has not produced elite-level players. Perhaps because there were no golf academies to train aspiring golfers - until now. The J&K administration has come forward to fill the void and a golf academy was inaugurated by the lieutenant governor of jammu& Kashmir - Manoj Sinha. Students of government schools are now encouraged to pursue the sport.

Kashmir Connect: Popularising Golf in Kashmir

World number one Jon Rahm withdrew from the Olympics on Sunday after testing positive for Covid-19 for the second time in two months, the Spanish Olympic Committee confirmed.

Rahm, who stormed to victory at the US Open in June, returned a positive sample after undergoing mandatory testing following his recent participation in the British Open.

It was the latest twist to what has been a tumultuous season for the 26-year-old Spaniard.

In June, he was forced to withdraw from the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament while defending a six-shot lead heading into the final round after returning a positive test.

Rahm later revealed he had been vaccinated shortly before contracting the disease.

He then bounced back from that setback to clinch a stunning victory at the US Open at Torrey Pines a fortnight later, taking the championship with back-to-back birdies on the final two holes.

World number one Jon Rahm withdrew from the Olympics on Sunday after testing positive for Covid-19 for the second time in two months, the Spanish Olympic Committee confirmed.

World number one Jon Rahm withdrew from the Olympics on Sunday after testing positive for Covid-19 for the second time in two months, the Spanish Olympic Committee confirmed. Rahm, who stormed to victory at the US Open in June, returned a positive sample after undergoing mandatory testing following his recent participation in the British Open. It was the latest twist to what has been a tumultuous season for the 26-year-old Spaniard. In June, he was forced to withdraw from the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament while defending a six-shot lead heading into the final round after returning a positive test. Rahm later revealed he had been vaccinated shortly before contracting the disease. He then bounced back from that setback to clinch a stunning victory at the US Open at Torrey Pines a fortnight later, taking the championship with back-to-back birdies on the final two holes.

Tokyo 2020: Jon Rahm out of Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19

American debutant&nbsp;Collin&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;produced an ice-cool final round to win the British Open by two strokes on a blazing hot afternoon at Royal St George's on Sunday.

The 24-year-old began the day a stroke behind Louis Oosthuizen but played picture-perfect golf in a four-under round of 66 to overhaul the South African and resist resurgent fellow American Jordan Spieth in a three-way battle.

Morikawa&nbsp;barely missed a fairway all day as he made four birdies and dropped no shots, showing incredible composure late on as Spieth applied pressure down the stretch.

He never looked like cracking though and his fourth sub-par round of the week saw him finish on 15-under 265 -- his remarkable consistency born out by the astonishing statistic of only four bogeys all week.

Spieth, who was bidding to win his fourth major and first since the 2017 Open, started his final round badly with two bogeys in his first six holes but an eagle at the seventh launched a gallant chase of&nbsp;Morikawa.

The packed galleries, enjoying a memorable finale after last year's cancellation, roared on Spieth but despite a return to his best, he was unable to catch&nbsp;Morikawa, finishing 13 under, left to rue his bogey-bogey finish the night before.

Oosthuizen ended in a tie for third with Spain's U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm, four shots back after a storming finish.

He led from round one and posted the lowest-ever Open total for 36 holes but wilted and finished with a one-over 71.

Morikawa&nbsp;had the luxury of a two-shot lead as he teed off from the 18th tee before striding down the fairway and two-putting for a victory that never looked in doubt to become the first player to win two majors on debut, having also claimed the 2020 PGA Championship.

"This is by far one of the best moments of my life. Look at all these fans, let's hear it for you guys,"&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;said after receiving the Claret Jug. To see some of the best crowds I have ever seen I'm looking forward to making my trip every year."

The last debutant to win the Open was American Ben Curtis in 2003, although whereas Curtis was ranked 396th at the time,&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;is the world number four.

He only turned pro in 2019 but the University of California graduate has now won two of his first eight majors.

"I've had belief in myself since day one that I turned professional. I do my homework Monday to Wednesday to make sure I know what I need to do," he said.

PERFECT CONDITIONS

The finale to a riveting 149th Open was beautifully poised as clear blue skies and light winds provided the perfect conditions for a duel under the sun.

Morikawa&nbsp;collected six successive pars to climb into a share of the lead after Oosthuisen bogeyed the fourth.

Spieth bunkered his tee shot at the par-three sixth and dropped his second shot of the round before an eagle at the seventh flicked the switch.

Morikawa&nbsp;tapped in a birdie at the seventh, but for playing partner Oosthuizen that was where everything went wrong.

His second shot went into a greenside bunker, his third into another bunker, before flying his escape across the green, eventually limiting the damage with a bogey six.

That put&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;two shots clear and he turned the screws with birdies at eight and nine to briefly go four clear.

Spieth was not giving up the chase but&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;was nerveless, saving par on the 10th with a long putt.

Oosthuizen briefly came alive with a birdie at the 11 after almost holing his tee shot, but&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;was relentless.

His poor shots were as rare as trees on the coastal links, and even when he did play one, as he did with his second to the 15th, nothing could knock him out of his stride.

With Spieth just two behind,&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;was in trouble in the rough next to the downward sloping green, but the Californian made a sensational up-and-down to save par and he kept Spieth at arm's length thereafter.

"I needed a break, and I didn't get it from (Collin)," Spieth said. "I did all I could. So I'm upset because I really felt like I played well enough to win and made a couple of really dumb mistakes that possibly, if I had maybe played the week before, wouldn't have made."

American four-time major winner Brooks Koepka carded the day's joint best score, a 65 taking him to a tie for fifth while his arch-rival Bryson DeChambeau ended an eventful week with a 65 also, although he was never in contention.

Shane Lowry's admirable defence of the trophy he won in 2019 saw him finish in a tie for 12th after a final round 69.

American debutant Collin Morikawa produced an ice-cool final round to win the British Open by two strokes on a blazing hot afternoon at Royal St George's on Sunday.

American debutant Collin Morikawa produced an ice-cool final round to win the British Open by two strokes on a blazing hot afternoon at Royal St George's on Sunday. The 24-year-old began the day a stroke behind Louis Oosthuizen but played picture-perfect golf in a four-under round of 66 to overhaul the South African and resist resurgent fellow American Jordan Spieth in a three-way battle. Morikawa barely missed a fairway all day as he made four birdies and dropped no shots, showing incredible composure late on as Spieth applied pressure down the stretch. He never looked like cracking though and his fourth sub-par round of the week saw him finish on 15-under 265 -- his remarkable consistency born out by the astonishing statistic of only four bogeys all week. Spieth, who was bidding to win his fourth major and first since the 2017 Open, started his final round badly with two bogeys in his first six holes but an eagle at the seventh launched a gallant chase of Morikawa. The packed galleries, enjoying a memorable finale after last year's cancellation, roared on Spieth but despite a return to his best, he was unable to catch Morikawa, finishing 13 under, left to rue his bogey-bogey finish the night before. Oosthuizen ended in a tie for third with Spain's U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm, four shots back after a storming finish. He led from round one and posted the lowest-ever Open total for 36 holes but wilted and finished with a one-over 71. Morikawa had the luxury of a two-shot lead as he teed off from the 18th tee before striding down the fairway and two-putting for a victory that never looked in doubt to become the first player to win two majors on debut, having also claimed the 2020 PGA Championship. "This is by far one of the best moments of my life. Look at all these fans, let's hear it for you guys," Morikawa said after receiving the Claret Jug. To see some of the best crowds I have ever seen I'm looking forward to making my trip every year." The last debutant to win the Open was American Ben Curtis in 2003, although whereas Curtis was ranked 396th at the time, Morikawa is the world number four. He only turned pro in 2019 but the University of California graduate has now won two of his first eight majors. "I've had belief in myself since day one that I turned professional. I do my homework Monday to Wednesday to make sure I know what I need to do," he said. PERFECT CONDITIONS The finale to a riveting 149th Open was beautifully poised as clear blue skies and light winds provided the perfect conditions for a duel under the sun. Morikawa collected six successive pars to climb into a share of the lead after Oosthuisen bogeyed the fourth. Spieth bunkered his tee shot at the par-three sixth and dropped his second shot of the round before an eagle at the seventh flicked the switch. Morikawa tapped in a birdie at the seventh, but for playing partner Oosthuizen that was where everything went wrong. His second shot went into a greenside bunker, his third into another bunker, before flying his escape across the green, eventually limiting the damage with a bogey six. That put Morikawa two shots clear and he turned the screws with birdies at eight and nine to briefly go four clear. Spieth was not giving up the chase but Morikawa was nerveless, saving par on the 10th with a long putt. Oosthuizen briefly came alive with a birdie at the 11 after almost holing his tee shot, but Morikawa was relentless. His poor shots were as rare as trees on the coastal links, and even when he did play one, as he did with his second to the 15th, nothing could knock him out of his stride. With Spieth just two behind, Morikawa was in trouble in the rough next to the downward sloping green, but the Californian made a sensational up-and-down to save par and he kept Spieth at arm's length thereafter. "I needed a break, and I didn't get it from (Collin)," Spieth said. "I did all I could. So I'm upset because I really felt like I played well enough to win and made a couple of really dumb mistakes that possibly, if I had maybe played the week before, wouldn't have made." American four-time major winner Brooks Koepka carded the day's joint best score, a 65 taking him to a tie for fifth while his arch-rival Bryson DeChambeau ended an eventful week with a 65 also, although he was never in contention. Shane Lowry's admirable defence of the trophy he won in 2019 saw him finish in a tie for 12th after a final round 69.

Golf: Ice-cool Collin Morikawa wins blazing hot British Open

South African Louis Oosthuizen takes a two-shot lead into the British Open third round which started in bright sunshine at Royal St George`s on Saturday.

Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open champion, carded rounds of 64 and 65 to move to 11 under par, two clear of American Collin Morikawa and three ahead of American Jordan Spieth.

Oosthuizen and Morikawa were due to tee off at 1555 local time (1445 GMT).

American world number one Dustin Johnson, his compatriot Scottie Scheffler and South African Dylan Frittelli will start on seven under par with U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm and four-times major winner Brooks Koepka in a group of players on five under.

Among the early starters, Northern Ireland`s Rory McIlroy, a four-times major champion, took advantage of the benign conditions to pick up five birdies on the front nine and move to four under par.

Bryson DeChambeau made a double-bogey six at the ninth hole and although he collected two birdies on the back nine, the long-hitting American signed for a 72 to drop back to three over par.

South African Louis Oosthuizen takes a two-shot lead into the British Open third round which started in bright sunshine at Royal St George`s on Saturday. Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open champion, carded rounds of 64 and 65 to move to 11 under par, two clear of American Collin Morikawa and three ahead of American Jordan Spieth.

South African Louis Oosthuizen takes a two-shot lead into the British Open third round which started in bright sunshine at Royal St George`s on Saturday. Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open champion, carded rounds of 64 and 65 to move to 11 under par, two clear of American Collin Morikawa and three ahead of American Jordan Spieth. Oosthuizen and Morikawa were due to tee off at 1555 local time (1445 GMT). American world number one Dustin Johnson, his compatriot Scottie Scheffler and South African Dylan Frittelli will start on seven under par with U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm and four-times major winner Brooks Koepka in a group of players on five under. Among the early starters, Northern Ireland`s Rory McIlroy, a four-times major champion, took advantage of the benign conditions to pick up five birdies on the front nine and move to four under par. Bryson DeChambeau made a double-bogey six at the ninth hole and although he collected two birdies on the back nine, the long-hitting American signed for a 72 to drop back to three over par.

Golf: Oosthuizen leads British Open as third round gets underway

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