Phil Mickelson has distanced himself from the prospect of captaining the U.S. team at the 2025 Ryder Cup as he says there is too much hostility towards him from PGA Tour players following his switch to the Saudi-backed LIV circuit.

U.S. Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson was heavily criticised after his side were beaten heavily by Europe last year. Changes are expected before the next Ryder Cup in 2025, which will be staged at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. Six-times major winner Mickelson, 53, played on every U.S. Ryder Cup team between 1995-2018 and was named vice-captain in 2021, but did not feature in 2023.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-indian-wells-increases-prize-money-to-19-million-most-of-any-combined-wta-and-atp-masters-1000-event-679169">Tennis: Indian Wells increases prize money to $19 million, most of any combined WTA and ATP Masters 1000 event</a>

While he also knows the course well, having twice finished runner-up at the U.S. Open there, he said on the Pat McAfee Show this week that he did not feel he was the "right guy" to captain the side. "I'm a very divisive character right now, if you will, and I understand that," he said on the Youtube sports talk show. "The players on the PGA Tour, there's a lot of hostilities towards me, and I don't feel I'd be the best leader for them.

"I knew I was going to take some hits going forward, and I'm OK with that. And as a divisive individual, I don't think I'm the best unifier going forward for the Ryder Cup, and that's fine because I've had so many great memories with it." Team Europe have already enlisted 2023 captain Luke Donald for their 2025 campaign. The Englishman is Europe's first repeat captain since Bernard Gallacher in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

Phil Mickelson has distanced himself from the prospect of captaining the U.S. team at the 2025 Ryder Cup as he says there is too much hostility towards him from PGA Tour players following his switch to the Saudi-backed LIV circuit.

Phil Mickelson has distanced himself from the prospect of captaining the U.S. team at the 2025 Ryder Cup as he says there is too much hostility towards him from PGA Tour players following his switch to the Saudi-backed LIV circuit. U.S. Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson was heavily criticised after his side were beaten heavily by Europe last year. Changes are expected before the next Ryder Cup in 2025, which will be staged at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. Six-times major winner Mickelson, 53, played on every U.S. Ryder Cup team between 1995-2018 and was named vice-captain in 2021, but did not feature in 2023. Also read: Tennis: Indian Wells increases prize money to $19 million, most of any combined WTA and ATP Masters 1000 event While he also knows the course well, having twice finished runner-up at the U.S. Open there, he said on the Pat McAfee Show this week that he did not feel he was the "right guy" to captain the side. "I'm a very divisive character right now, if you will, and I understand that," he said on the Youtube sports talk show. "The players on the PGA Tour, there's a lot of hostilities towards me, and I don't feel I'd be the best leader for them. "I knew I was going to take some hits going forward, and I'm OK with that. And as a divisive individual, I don't think I'm the best unifier going forward for the Ryder Cup, and that's fine because I've had so many great memories with it." Team Europe have already enlisted 2023 captain Luke Donald for their 2025 campaign. The Englishman is Europe's first repeat captain since Bernard Gallacher in 1991, 1993 and 1995.

Golf: 'Divisive' Phil Mickelson distances himself from 2025 Ryder Cup captaincy

15-time major champion Tiger Woods has ended a 27-year relationship with Nike. Wood has used the sporting brand's Golf products since he turned professional in 1996. Nike congratulated Woods for his achievements, with an Instagram post headlined, “It was a hell of a round, Tiger."

Tiger Woods & Nike part ways after 27 years

Golf legend Tiger Woods and Nike have decided to split&nbsp;after being partners for 27 years. Both announced the breakup on their social media handles, with Woods saying he was fortunate to join hands with one of the iconic brands worldwide.&nbsp;Nike, on their Instagram handle, bid adieu to Woods, saying he challenged everything and everyone and that Nike is grateful for the partnership.

“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods wrote on X.&nbsp;

Woods added, “There will certainly be another chapter.”

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“Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking. You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge we’re grateful,” Nike said on its Instagram handle.

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For the past two decades, Woods and Nike have been synonymous with each other, from when he went pro in 1996, to winning his first major tournament in 11 years in 2019.&nbsp;

In 1996, Nike even launched the iconic ‘Hello World’ commercial, based on Woods'&nbsp;professional debut, where he started the presser with, “I guess, hello world, huh?”

Meanwhile, his relationship with Nike stayed intact even though several top brands decided to split up with Woods following his sex scandal and DUI arrest in 2017.

Although, at one point, Woods'&nbsp;Nike deal was worth $20 million a year, it grew ten-fold to $200 million a year in 2013 after Woods had signed multiple deals with the shoe brand for nearly three decades.

<h2>Why is Nike separating from Woods?</h2>

Eric Smallwood, the president of Apex Marketing Group - a sports and entertainment firm that evaluates sponsorships and advertising campaigns, raised questions over the shock split up, asking if this happened because Tiger is nearing the end of his career.&nbsp;

“Woods is synonymous with golf. Nike has stuck with him through his life trials and his comebacks,” he said. “Woods can play as long as he wants to in the PGA and then the Senior PGA. Look how long Nike has held on to Michael Jordan. He hasn’t played in over 20 years.”

Golf legend Tiger Woods and Nike have decided to split after being partners for 27 years. Both announced the breakup on their social media handles, with Woods saying he was fortunate to join hands with one of the iconic brands worldwide.

Golf legend Tiger Woods and Nike have decided to split after being partners for 27 years. Both announced the breakup on their social media handles, with Woods saying he was fortunate to join hands with one of the iconic brands worldwide. Nike, on their Instagram handle, bid adieu to Woods, saying he challenged everything and everyone and that Nike is grateful for the partnership. “Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods wrote on X. Woods added, “There will certainly be another chapter.” pic.twitter.com/at0tSskmRm — Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 8, 2024 × “Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking. You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge we’re grateful,” Nike said on its Instagram handle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nike (@nike) × For the past two decades, Woods and Nike have been synonymous with each other, from when he went pro in 1996, to winning his first major tournament in 11 years in 2019. In 1996, Nike even launched the iconic ‘Hello World’ commercial, based on Woods' professional debut, where he started the presser with, “I guess, hello world, huh?” Meanwhile, his relationship with Nike stayed intact even though several top brands decided to split up with Woods following his sex scandal and DUI arrest in 2017. Although, at one point, Woods' Nike deal was worth $20 million a year, it grew ten-fold to $200 million a year in 2013 after Woods had signed multiple deals with the shoe brand for nearly three decades. Why is Nike separating from Woods? Eric Smallwood, the president of Apex Marketing Group - a sports and entertainment firm that evaluates sponsorships and advertising campaigns, raised questions over the shock split up, asking if this happened because Tiger is nearing the end of his career. “Woods is synonymous with golf. Nike has stuck with him through his life trials and his comebacks,” he said. “Woods can play as long as he wants to in the PGA and then the Senior PGA. Look how long Nike has held on to Michael Jordan. He hasn’t played in over 20 years.”

Decades-old partnership between golf legend Tiger Woods and Nike ends

Chris Kirk fired eight birdies in a seven-under par 66 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead over Akshay Bhatia going into the final round of the US PGA Tour Sentry tournament in Kapalua, Hawaii.

With windy conditions driving up scores on the par-73 Plantation course, Kirk shook off an early bogey with four straight birdies on the front nine, capping the burst with a 16-foot birdie at the eighth.

He strung together three more at the 12th, 13th and 14th to seize a share of the lead and gave himself a birdie of less than a foot at the par-five 18th to take the solo lead with a 21-under par total of 198.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fa-cup-alexander-isak-stars-as-newcastle-united-beat-bitter-rivals-sunderland-leicester-beat-millwall-677256">FA Cup: Alexander Isak stars as Newcastle United beat bitter rivals Sunderland; Leicester beat Millwall</a>

"A little bit of a slow start, for sure," Kirk said. "Those firsthand full of holes with the wind direction and how strong it was are actually playing really difficult. We've had relatively calm winds, then pretty breezy today.

"Then you get into five, six, seven, some of those holes where you can take advantage of, and (I) played really great the rest of the way," added Kirk, who won his fifth tour title at the Honda Classic last year to end a near eight-year drought.

Kirk said the wind was a factor in his biggest miscue of the day, a tee shot into the penalty area at 15.

"I only hit it barely right, but with that wind blowing so hard over the left it just took it over there," said Kirk, who holed a par-saving putt from off the green.

"To make that one after a nice run of birdies before that definitely kept the momentum going," he said.

Bhatia had one of the day's handful of bogey-free rounds with seven birdies in his seven-under 66 for 199.

That included a burst of three in a row from the fifth through the seventh, and a 12-foot birdie at 13 briefly gave him the outright lead.

He was tied for the lead after a 17-foot birdie at 15, but he couldn't pick up another stroke, finishing with a disappointing three-putt par at 18.

"That's what I'm going to think about, but it was a good day," said the 21-year-old who is playing Kapalua for the first time after winning his maiden title at the Barracuda Championship last July.

The elite season-opening event, this year with a purse of $20 million, is open to last season's tournament winners and to the top 50 in last year's FedEx Cup.

Bhatia said he was relying on the experience of his caddie to know when to attack and when to be more conservative on the unfamiliar course.

"You've got to make a lot of birdies," he said. "You just keep plotting around and hopefully you play this golf course more and more you get more comfortable on certain things."

Former champion Jordan Spieth also went bogey-free with six birdies in his six-under 67 to headline a trio on 200 that also included Xander Schauffele and South Korean An Byeong-hun.

Schauffele had nine birdies in an impressive eight-under par 65 while An carded a 68.

World number one Scottie Scheffler, who held a one-shot overnight lead, carded a one-under 71 to join a group three off the pace on 201. He was tied with Harris English (64) Sahith Theegala (68) and Australian Jason Day (67).

Chris Kirk fired eight birdies in a seven-under par 66 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead over Akshay Bhatia going into the final round of the US PGA Tour Sentry tournament in Kapalua, Hawaii.

Chris Kirk fired eight birdies in a seven-under par 66 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead over Akshay Bhatia going into the final round of the US PGA Tour Sentry tournament in Kapalua, Hawaii. With windy conditions driving up scores on the par-73 Plantation course, Kirk shook off an early bogey with four straight birdies on the front nine, capping the burst with a 16-foot birdie at the eighth. He strung together three more at the 12th, 13th and 14th to seize a share of the lead and gave himself a birdie of less than a foot at the par-five 18th to take the solo lead with a 21-under par total of 198. Also Read: FA Cup: Alexander Isak stars as Newcastle United beat bitter rivals Sunderland; Leicester beat Millwall "A little bit of a slow start, for sure," Kirk said. "Those firsthand full of holes with the wind direction and how strong it was are actually playing really difficult. We've had relatively calm winds, then pretty breezy today. "Then you get into five, six, seven, some of those holes where you can take advantage of, and (I) played really great the rest of the way," added Kirk, who won his fifth tour title at the Honda Classic last year to end a near eight-year drought. Kirk said the wind was a factor in his biggest miscue of the day, a tee shot into the penalty area at 15. "I only hit it barely right, but with that wind blowing so hard over the left it just took it over there," said Kirk, who holed a par-saving putt from off the green. "To make that one after a nice run of birdies before that definitely kept the momentum going," he said. Bhatia had one of the day's handful of bogey-free rounds with seven birdies in his seven-under 66 for 199. That included a burst of three in a row from the fifth through the seventh, and a 12-foot birdie at 13 briefly gave him the outright lead. He was tied for the lead after a 17-foot birdie at 15, but he couldn't pick up another stroke, finishing with a disappointing three-putt par at 18. "That's what I'm going to think about, but it was a good day," said the 21-year-old who is playing Kapalua for the first time after winning his maiden title at the Barracuda Championship last July. The elite season-opening event, this year with a purse of $20 million, is open to last season's tournament winners and to the top 50 in last year's FedEx Cup. Bhatia said he was relying on the experience of his caddie to know when to attack and when to be more conservative on the unfamiliar course. "You've got to make a lot of birdies," he said. "You just keep plotting around and hopefully you play this golf course more and more you get more comfortable on certain things." Former champion Jordan Spieth also went bogey-free with six birdies in his six-under 67 to headline a trio on 200 that also included Xander Schauffele and South Korean An Byeong-hun. Schauffele had nine birdies in an impressive eight-under par 65 while An carded a 68. World number one Scottie Scheffler, who held a one-shot overnight lead, carded a one-under 71 to join a group three off the pace on 201. He was tied with Harris English (64) Sahith Theegala (68) and Australian Jason Day (67).

Golf: Chris Kirk takes on top with one-shot lead at PGA Tour Sentry Open

LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;CEO Greg Norman said he appreciated Rory McIlroy "falling on his sword" after the Northern Irishman softened his stance on the Saudi-backed circuit, and suggested it could be a turning point for the sport. McIlroy has been one of the most vocal critics of LIV since the breakaway tour launched in 2022 and signed up a host of big names, causing a rift that threatened to tear&nbsp;golf&nbsp;apart.

The four-time major champion previously accused some of those who jumped ship as being duplicitous and that he would rather retire than join LIV. However, just weeks after his Ryder Cup team mate Jon Rahm stunned the&nbsp;golf&nbsp;world by swapping the PGA Tour for LIV, McIlroy said on the Stick to Football podcast that he regreted being too quick to judge those who had made the switch.

"The reason I say I appreciate Rory falling on his sword, to some degree, is the fact that he did judge us by not knowing the facts," Norman said on LIV's 'Fairway to Heaven' podcast on Thursday. "He judged us on other people's thoughts and opinions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-format-for-saudi-backed-liv-golf-might-get-strongest-critic-rory-mcilroy-on-board-676322">IPL format for Saudi-backed LIV Golf might get strongest critic Rory McIlroy on board</a>

"So, I say, 'hey, thank you Rory'. We all knew it was going to work within the&nbsp;golf&nbsp;ecosystem. We all wanted to be there, we are going to be there – he said that. To me, this is a hugely significant turning point for everybody ... "

In June last year, the PGA Tour, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and DP World Tour announced a framework agreement to house their commercial operations in a new for-profit entity. While they were unable to finalise a definitive partnership agreement by a Dec. 31 deadline the PGA Tour wants to extend negotiations into 2024, according to a memo seen by Reuters.

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman said he appreciated Rory McIlroy "falling on his sword" after the Northern Irishman softened his stance on the Saudi-backed circuit, and suggested it could be a turning point for the sport.

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman said he appreciated Rory McIlroy "falling on his sword" after the Northern Irishman softened his stance on the Saudi-backed circuit, and suggested it could be a turning point for the sport. McIlroy has been one of the most vocal critics of LIV since the breakaway tour launched in 2022 and signed up a host of big names, causing a rift that threatened to tear golf apart. The four-time major champion previously accused some of those who jumped ship as being duplicitous and that he would rather retire than join LIV. However, just weeks after his Ryder Cup team mate Jon Rahm stunned the golf world by swapping the PGA Tour for LIV, McIlroy said on the Stick to Football podcast that he regreted being too quick to judge those who had made the switch. "The reason I say I appreciate Rory falling on his sword, to some degree, is the fact that he did judge us by not knowing the facts," Norman said on LIV's 'Fairway to Heaven' podcast on Thursday. "He judged us on other people's thoughts and opinions. Also read: IPL format for Saudi-backed LIV Golf might get strongest critic Rory McIlroy on board "So, I say, 'hey, thank you Rory'. We all knew it was going to work within the golf ecosystem. We all wanted to be there, we are going to be there – he said that. To me, this is a hugely significant turning point for everybody ... " In June last year, the PGA Tour, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and DP World Tour announced a framework agreement to house their commercial operations in a new for-profit entity. While they were unable to finalise a definitive partnership agreement by a Dec. 31 deadline the PGA Tour wants to extend negotiations into 2024, according to a memo seen by Reuters.

Golf: Rory McIlroy 'falling on his sword' could be turning point, says LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman

On Sunday (Dec 31), the PGA Tour worked hard&nbsp;to extend a deadline into 2024 in a bid to finalise&nbsp;a merger agreement with Saudi Arabian investors, with tour commissioner Jay Monahan labelling the talks "active and productive." The players were updated&nbsp;in a memo which came from Manmohan hours before&nbsp;the New Year&nbsp;to approve a framework agreement merging the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) that&nbsp;finances the upstart LIV Golf League.

An update on the PGA Tour website regarding talks said the memo, which&nbsp;was&nbsp;reportedly obtained by The Golf Channel and ESPN, put forward the efforts to extend the deadline into 2024. Monahan said in his memo, "While we had initially set a deadline of December 31, 2023, to reach an agreement, we are working to extend our negotiations into next year based on the progress we have made to date."

In addition, Monahan&nbsp;further opined that the PGA Tour had made "meaningful progress" in separate negotiations to have Strategic Sports Group (SSG) become a tour minority investor. His memo states that the goal remains to have PIF, the DP World Tour and SSG become minority co-investors in PGA Tour Enterprises in the new calendar year.

"These partnerships will allow us to unify, innovate and invest in the game for the benefit of the players, fans and sponsors,"&nbsp;highlighted Monahan.

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Earlier, ESPN reported the SSG would invest as many as $3 billion into the new entity. It, thus, suggests that it&nbsp;would be financed to more than $7 billion if the PIF investment were also taken into account. It is to be noted that the PGA Tour has been in negotiations with PIF since June with a stated Dec&nbsp;31 deadline on final details of a merger agreement. The development stunned one and all as many PGA Tour players&nbsp;demanded&nbsp;and acquired greater input in final approval of the deal.

In Dec&nbsp;2023, Spain's Jon Rahm --&nbsp;the reigning Masters champion --&nbsp;made heads turn when he switched&nbsp;from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf. This also indicated of how things could shape up&nbsp;in 2024 with&nbsp;more talents set to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. It already comprises the likes of Cameron Smith, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia,&nbsp;etc.&nbsp;

On Sunday (Dec 31), the PGA Tour worked hard to extend a deadline into 2024 in a bid to finalise a merger agreement with Saudi Arabian investors, with tour commissioner Jay Monahan labelling the talks "active and productive.

On Sunday (Dec 31), the PGA Tour worked hard to extend a deadline into 2024 in a bid to finalise a merger agreement with Saudi Arabian investors, with tour commissioner Jay Monahan labelling the talks "active and productive." The players were updated in a memo which came from Manmohan hours before the New Year to approve a framework agreement merging the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) that finances the upstart LIV Golf League. An update on the PGA Tour website regarding talks said the memo, which was reportedly obtained by The Golf Channel and ESPN, put forward the efforts to extend the deadline into 2024. Monahan said in his memo, "While we had initially set a deadline of December 31, 2023, to reach an agreement, we are working to extend our negotiations into next year based on the progress we have made to date." In addition, Monahan further opined that the PGA Tour had made "meaningful progress" in separate negotiations to have Strategic Sports Group (SSG) become a tour minority investor. His memo states that the goal remains to have PIF, the DP World Tour and SSG become minority co-investors in PGA Tour Enterprises in the new calendar year. "These partnerships will allow us to unify, innovate and invest in the game for the benefit of the players, fans and sponsors," highlighted Monahan. Also read: Tennis: New mother Naomi Osaka makes winning return in Brisbane ahead of Australian Open 2024 Earlier, ESPN reported the SSG would invest as many as $3 billion into the new entity. It, thus, suggests that it would be financed to more than $7 billion if the PIF investment were also taken into account. It is to be noted that the PGA Tour has been in negotiations with PIF since June with a stated Dec 31 deadline on final details of a merger agreement. The development stunned one and all as many PGA Tour players demanded and acquired greater input in final approval of the deal. In Dec 2023, Spain's Jon Rahm -- the reigning Masters champion -- made heads turn when he switched from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf. This also indicated of how things could shape up in 2024 with more talents set to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. It already comprises the likes of Cameron Smith, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, etc.

Golf: PGA Tour works to extend 'active and productive' Saudi merger talks

Viktor Hovland has fired a warning to the PGA Tour saying the organisation is doing a bad job, but the Norwegian says he will not be defecting to the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV&nbsp;Golf. World number four Hovland joined a chorus of discontent about the power struggle at the top of the men's game between LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;and the PGA and DP World Tours.

"It must be fair to say that the PGA Tour has done a damn bad job," the 26-year-old Hovland, part of Europe's victorious Ryder Cup team, told Discovery's "FORE!" podcast. After a year of acrimony in which a succession of big names jumped ship, the PGA Tour and Europe-based DP World Tour announced in June a framework agreement with LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;for a merger and creation of a commercial entity to unite the game.

As part of the deal, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has bank-rolled LIV&nbsp;Golf, would serve as the exclusive investor. The deadline for talks with PIF is looming and the established tours suffered a fresh blow this month when Masters champion Jon Rahm made a U-turn to join LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;in a deal worth a reported $300 million.

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"It would be a bit silly to criticise players for leaving," Hovland said. "I understand why he (Rahm) left. There's a lot of money." Asked if he would follow Rahm, Hovland said: "No, I doubt it." But he took aim at Tour chiefs he said were not making decisions in the best interests of the players. "They are not professional&nbsp;golfers after all," he said. "There is a great deal of arrogance behind it all."

Hovland, the FedEx champion, said he would play fewer European events in 2024, adding: "The PGA Tour is not as strong as before. I just hope that it will return to normality."

Viktor Hovland has fired a warning to the PGA Tour saying the organisation is doing a bad job, but the Norwegian says he will not be defecting to the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf.

Viktor Hovland has fired a warning to the PGA Tour saying the organisation is doing a bad job, but the Norwegian says he will not be defecting to the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. World number four Hovland joined a chorus of discontent about the power struggle at the top of the men's game between LIV Golf and the PGA and DP World Tours. "It must be fair to say that the PGA Tour has done a damn bad job," the 26-year-old Hovland, part of Europe's victorious Ryder Cup team, told Discovery's "FORE!" podcast. After a year of acrimony in which a succession of big names jumped ship, the PGA Tour and Europe-based DP World Tour announced in June a framework agreement with LIV Golf for a merger and creation of a commercial entity to unite the game. As part of the deal, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has bank-rolled LIV Golf, would serve as the exclusive investor. The deadline for talks with PIF is looming and the established tours suffered a fresh blow this month when Masters champion Jon Rahm made a U-turn to join LIV Golf in a deal worth a reported $300 million. Also read: Bundesliga: Thomas Mueller extends Bayern Munich deal until 2025 "It would be a bit silly to criticise players for leaving," Hovland said. "I understand why he (Rahm) left. There's a lot of money." Asked if he would follow Rahm, Hovland said: "No, I doubt it." But he took aim at Tour chiefs he said were not making decisions in the best interests of the players. "They are not professional golfers after all," he said. "There is a great deal of arrogance behind it all." Hovland, the FedEx champion, said he would play fewer European events in 2024, adding: "The PGA Tour is not as strong as before. I just hope that it will return to normality."

Golf: Arrogant PGA Tour chiefs doing a bad job, says Victor Hovland

LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman says that Jon Rahm's move to the Saudi-backed circuit will "create a domino effect" of more high-profile players making the lucrative jump.

Reigning Masters champion Rahm last week joined LIV in a deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars in a huge coup for the upstart tour.

LIV had already recruited major winners Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith, but Rahm was arguably the biggest name yet to leave the PGA Tour.

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Speaking from Saudi Arabia to the BBC's World Business Report, the Australian Norman -- the public face of LIV -- said there would be "more apples falling from the tree".

"To have Jon on board is critically important to our next steps into the future and what we want to do," Norman said.

He added: "It will create a domino effect, there will be more apples falling from the tree, there's no question about it because LIV continues to grow and develop."

Spain's Rahm had previously ruled out going to LIV, which held its inaugural season in 2022 and triggered a civil war in golf.

He is reportedly set to earn between $300 million and $600 million.

"Since Jon signed, less than a week ago now, I know my phone is blowing up," Norman added.

"I know we probably have eight to 12 players who are very, very keen to sit down and talk to us about coming on board."

Saudi Arabia's foray into sport has triggered accusations that it is "sportswashing" its human rights record.

Norman, a two-time major winner, said that Saudi Arabia "really cares" about golf.

"If you see the way they're embracing the game of golf, they're investing in the game of golf in their country for their people into the future," he said.

Rahm's move came as the PGA Tour and the Saudi backers of LIV attempt to finalise the details of their bombshell merger announced in June.

A deadline of December 31 has been set to agree a framework for the new PGA-LIV joint venture.

LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman says that Jon Rahm's move to the Saudi-backed circuit will "create a domino effect" of more high-profile players making the lucrative jump.

LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman says that Jon Rahm's move to the Saudi-backed circuit will "create a domino effect" of more high-profile players making the lucrative jump. Reigning Masters champion Rahm last week joined LIV in a deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars in a huge coup for the upstart tour. LIV had already recruited major winners Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith, but Rahm was arguably the biggest name yet to leave the PGA Tour. Also Read: Argentina captain Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup final shirt expected to be sold for WHOPPING amount Speaking from Saudi Arabia to the BBC's World Business Report, the Australian Norman -- the public face of LIV -- said there would be "more apples falling from the tree". "To have Jon on board is critically important to our next steps into the future and what we want to do," Norman said. He added: "It will create a domino effect, there will be more apples falling from the tree, there's no question about it because LIV continues to grow and develop." Spain's Rahm had previously ruled out going to LIV, which held its inaugural season in 2022 and triggered a civil war in golf. He is reportedly set to earn between $300 million and $600 million. "Since Jon signed, less than a week ago now, I know my phone is blowing up," Norman added. "I know we probably have eight to 12 players who are very, very keen to sit down and talk to us about coming on board." Saudi Arabia's foray into sport has triggered accusations that it is "sportswashing" its human rights record. Norman, a two-time major winner, said that Saudi Arabia "really cares" about golf. "If you see the way they're embracing the game of golf, they're investing in the game of golf in their country for their people into the future," he said. Rahm's move came as the PGA Tour and the Saudi backers of LIV attempt to finalise the details of their bombshell merger announced in June. A deadline of December 31 has been set to agree a framework for the new PGA-LIV joint venture.

'More apples falling from the tree,' says chief Greg Norman after John Rahm joins LIV Golf

Golfers playing for the PGA Tour have demanded more information about the potential impact of capital tie-ups being discussed, saying they had been "kept entirely in the dark" about the organization's future. The PGA has announced plans to merge with Saudi-backed rival LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;but has also recently said it would advance discussions with U.S.-based Strategic Sports Group (SSG) which could come in as a co-investor.

Twenty-one&nbsp;golfers including 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett are seeking full disclosure of the details and analyses of any proposal by prospective partners as well as a meeting with the policy board, according to a Dec. 10 letter sent by law firm Susman Godfrey. "The Board has recently received multiple bids by prospective capital partners that will potentially transform how the PGA Tour operates, who controls it, and who owns it," attorney Jacob Buchdahl wrote. "All but a handful of PGA Tour players have been kept entirely in the dark about the prospective transaction, how it will impact them, and what conflicts of interest may impact the decision-makers."

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The PGA did not immediately reply to a request for comment. SSG includes Fenway Sports Group, owners of Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox, as well as Premier League club Liverpool. It also includes investment firm Cohen Private Ventures, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen's family office and private equity firm HighPost Capital.

Reuters reported in September that Fenway Sports Group and Endeavor Group were interested in investing in the PGA Tour and any potential transaction would rival PGA's deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Golfers playing for the PGA Tour have demanded more information about the potential impact of capital tie-ups being discussed, saying they had been "kept entirely in the dark" about the organization's future.

Golfers playing for the PGA Tour have demanded more information about the potential impact of capital tie-ups being discussed, saying they had been "kept entirely in the dark" about the organization's future. The PGA has announced plans to merge with Saudi-backed rival LIV Golf but has also recently said it would advance discussions with U.S.-based Strategic Sports Group (SSG) which could come in as a co-investor. Twenty-one golfers including 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett are seeking full disclosure of the details and analyses of any proposal by prospective partners as well as a meeting with the policy board, according to a Dec. 10 letter sent by law firm Susman Godfrey. "The Board has recently received multiple bids by prospective capital partners that will potentially transform how the PGA Tour operates, who controls it, and who owns it," attorney Jacob Buchdahl wrote. "All but a handful of PGA Tour players have been kept entirely in the dark about the prospective transaction, how it will impact them, and what conflicts of interest may impact the decision-makers." Also read: Tennis: Nick Kyrgios 'doesn't want to play anymore' but will give career another chance The PGA did not immediately reply to a request for comment. SSG includes Fenway Sports Group, owners of Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox, as well as Premier League club Liverpool. It also includes investment firm Cohen Private Ventures, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen's family office and private equity firm HighPost Capital. Reuters reported in September that Fenway Sports Group and Endeavor Group were interested in investing in the PGA Tour and any potential transaction would rival PGA's deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Golf: 'Kept entirely in the dark' - PGA members demand information about Tour's future

In a big development, Masters champion Jon Rahm switched from the PGA Tour to Saudi-backed LIV&nbsp;Golf, on Thursday, in a big-money move. His jump has certainly raised eyebrows and has sent another shockwave through the sport. There were speculations of him looking to join LIV Golf when he recently bowed out of the upcoming American Express tournament, a PGA Tour event to be held in January, where he has considerable success (winning it twice).&nbsp;

With this, the 29-year-old Rahm becomes the biggest name to associate&nbsp;with the rebel circuit funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) following Australia's&nbsp;Cameron Smith.&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;came on board&nbsp;after clinching the&nbsp;British Open last year.

In a statement from LIV Golf, Rahm said, "I am proud to join LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport. I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future."

In an interview later on Fox News, Rahm pointed out that it was a tough call to move to the LIV Golf but admitted that money was one of the big factors.&nbsp;"But there is a lot of things that LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;has to offer that were very, very enticing," said the former world number one.

As per reports, it is believed that the world number three has gained a huge deal which will see him being paid&nbsp;at least $300 million with some media outlets putting the guarantee at closer to $600 million.

<h2>Mcllroy on Rahm's switch -&nbsp;Is it disappointing to me? Yes</h2>

Rory McIlroy, one of the biggest supporters of PGA Tour and one of the loudest critic of LIV Golf, reacted to Rahm's switch and said on X, formerly Twitter, "It's hard to sit here and criticise Jon because of what a great player he is and the experiences I have had with him. I have nothing but good things to say about Jon."

"I respect the hell out of him as a&nbsp;golfer and he seems like he wants to live his life the right way. "The thing I realise is you can't judge someone for making a decision they feel is the best thing for them. "Is it disappointing to me? Yes," he added.

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LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;commissioner and CEO Greg Norman also reacted to Rahm's big move.&nbsp;"When I first met Jon at the age of 17, I knew then that the&nbsp;golfing world was about to witness the birth of a new star," he said. "He’s a generational talent who has proven his merit as a multiple major champion and tremendous ambassador for global&nbsp;golf&nbsp;by placing the game ahead of himself. There are very few athletes with his pedigree of talent, leadership, poise, and commitment to bringing progress to the sport on a worldwide stage," Normal further opined.

Thus, Rahm joins a star-studded set of players who are already part of LIV Golf, including&nbsp;Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Smith, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

In a big development, Masters champion Jon Rahm switched from the PGA Tour to Saudi-backed LIV Golf, on Thursday, in a big-money move. His jump has certainly raised eyebrows and has sent another shockwave through the sport.

In a big development, Masters champion Jon Rahm switched from the PGA Tour to Saudi-backed LIV Golf, on Thursday, in a big-money move. His jump has certainly raised eyebrows and has sent another shockwave through the sport. There were speculations of him looking to join LIV Golf when he recently bowed out of the upcoming American Express tournament, a PGA Tour event to be held in January, where he has considerable success (winning it twice). With this, the 29-year-old Rahm becomes the biggest name to associate with the rebel circuit funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) following Australia's Cameron Smith. Smith came on board after clinching the British Open last year. In a statement from LIV Golf, Rahm said, "I am proud to join LIV Golf and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport. I have no doubt that this is a great opportunity for me and my family and am very excited for the future." In an interview later on Fox News, Rahm pointed out that it was a tough call to move to the LIV Golf but admitted that money was one of the big factors. "But there is a lot of things that LIV Golf has to offer that were very, very enticing," said the former world number one. As per reports, it is believed that the world number three has gained a huge deal which will see him being paid at least $300 million with some media outlets putting the guarantee at closer to $600 million. Mcllroy on Rahm's switch - Is it disappointing to me? Yes Rory McIlroy, one of the biggest supporters of PGA Tour and one of the loudest critic of LIV Golf, reacted to Rahm's switch and said on X, formerly Twitter, "It's hard to sit here and criticise Jon because of what a great player he is and the experiences I have had with him. I have nothing but good things to say about Jon." "I respect the hell out of him as a golfer and he seems like he wants to live his life the right way. "The thing I realise is you can't judge someone for making a decision they feel is the best thing for them. "Is it disappointing to me? Yes," he added. Also read: Serie A outfit Juventus not keen on rejoining European Club Association, team says LIV Golf commissioner and CEO Greg Norman also reacted to Rahm's big move. "When I first met Jon at the age of 17, I knew then that the golfing world was about to witness the birth of a new star," he said. "He’s a generational talent who has proven his merit as a multiple major champion and tremendous ambassador for global golf by placing the game ahead of himself. There are very few athletes with his pedigree of talent, leadership, poise, and commitment to bringing progress to the sport on a worldwide stage," Normal further opined. Thus, Rahm joins a star-studded set of players who are already part of LIV Golf, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Smith, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

Golf: Masters champion Jon Rahm jumps from PGA Tour to LIV Golf in big-money move

Tiger Woods said on Sunday he expects to be able to play one event per month in 2024 after making his return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. The 15-time major winner finished 18th in the 20-player field at the tournament, which he hosts for the benefit of his charity.

It was the former world number one's first event since withdrawing during the Masters in April due to injury before he underwent ankle surgery. The 47-year-old has kept a limited competition schedule after a 2021 car crash left him with a serious leg injury and he said the plan for next year had been one tournament a month.

"Once a month seems reasonable," he added. "It gives me a couple of weeks to recover and a week to tune up. Maybe I can get into the rhythm," he told Golf channel.

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Woods said he was looking forward to playing in the PNC Championship, formerly the Father/Son Challenge, from Dec. 14 in Orlando along with his son Charlie. Woods, who felt "mentally rusty" after first day's play on Thursday, said he was "ecstatic" how the tournament turned out. "Every day I got faster into the round. The first day it took me a while to get a handle on it. Second day was faster and today was right away," he said in a press conference.

"I feel like my game's not that far off but I need to get in better shape. "I don't have the bone pain that I did, but I still have to go through with the same protocols. It takes a long time, that's the unfortunate thing about aging," he said.

Tiger Woods said on Sunday he expects to be able to play one event per month in 2024 after making his return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Tiger Woods said on Sunday he expects to be able to play one event per month in 2024 after making his return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. The 15-time major winner finished 18th in the 20-player field at the tournament, which he hosts for the benefit of his charity. It was the former world number one's first event since withdrawing during the Masters in April due to injury before he underwent ankle surgery. The 47-year-old has kept a limited competition schedule after a 2021 car crash left him with a serious leg injury and he said the plan for next year had been one tournament a month. "Once a month seems reasonable," he added. "It gives me a couple of weeks to recover and a week to tune up. Maybe I can get into the rhythm," he told Golf channel. Also read: Snooker: Ronnie O'Sullivan becomes oldest UK champion by beating China's Ding Junhui Woods said he was looking forward to playing in the PNC Championship, formerly the Father/Son Challenge, from Dec. 14 in Orlando along with his son Charlie. Woods, who felt "mentally rusty" after first day's play on Thursday, said he was "ecstatic" how the tournament turned out. "Every day I got faster into the round. The first day it took me a while to get a handle on it. Second day was faster and today was right away," he said in a press conference. "I feel like my game's not that far off but I need to get in better shape. "I don't have the bone pain that I did, but I still have to go through with the same protocols. It takes a long time, that's the unfortunate thing about aging," he said.

Golf: Tiger Woods aims to play one event per month after competitive return

LIV Golf's bid to be&nbsp;recognised by the sport's global rankings body has been rejected, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) Organisation confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 11).&nbsp;OWGR said it had turned down LIV's request due to the circuit's 54-hole no-cut format and limited access for players to join the venture. OWGR president Peter Dawson informed LIV chief executive Greg Norman of the decision in an open letter sent on Tuesday.

"The Board Committee met recently to again review your OWGR submission in light of your latest responses to the Committee's questions and concerns," Dawson wrote in the letter.&nbsp;"At the meeting, the Board Committee unanimously determined that at this time the LIV Tour will not be recognised as an Eligible Golf Tour in the OWGR system."

Dawson said there was no "fair and equitable" way of including LIV Golf's players in OWGR's rankings. The issue of whether LIV players should be granted rankings points has been a thorny subject of debate since the lavishly funded Saudi Arabia-backed circuit plunged golf into an acrimonious civil war last year.

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Ranking points were seen as a crucial step in LIV's development, giving its players the chance to secure qualification for major championships. Dawson told US media outlets that OWGR's decision was not aimed at punishing players who had joined LIV. "This is entirely technical. OWGR has no hostility toward LIV whatsoever," Dawson was quoted as saying.

"The important point is this is not about the players. LIV players are self-evidently good enough to be ranked; there is no doubt about that.&nbsp; "This is about, should a tour whose formats are so different and whose qualification criteria are so different, can they be ranked equitably with other tours who conform to the OWGR norm and have more competition to them than perhaps the closed shop that is LIV?" In a statement issued later Tuesday, LIV Golf slammed the OWGR ruling.

"OWGR's sole objective is to rank the best players across the globe. Today's communication makes clear that it can no longer deliver on that objective," the circuit said.&nbsp; "A ranking which fails to fairly represent all participants, irrespective of where in the world they play golf, robs fans, players and all of golf's stakeholders of the objective basis underpinning any accurate recognition of the world's best player performances.&nbsp;"It also robs some traditional tournaments of the best fields possible. Professional golf is now without a true or global scoring and ranking system." &nbsp;

The PGA Tour stunned world golf in June after announcing a shock agreement with the LIV's Saudi paymasters aimed at ending the sport's two-year civil war. However firm details of how the "new collectively owned, for-profit entity" that will see the PGA Tour, Europe's DP World Tour and LIV Golf merge have yet to be divulged.

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LIV Golf's bid to be recognised by the sport's global rankings body has been rejected, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) Organisation confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 11).

LIV Golf's bid to be recognised by the sport's global rankings body has been rejected, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) Organisation confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 11). OWGR said it had turned down LIV's request due to the circuit's 54-hole no-cut format and limited access for players to join the venture. OWGR president Peter Dawson informed LIV chief executive Greg Norman of the decision in an open letter sent on Tuesday. "The Board Committee met recently to again review your OWGR submission in light of your latest responses to the Committee's questions and concerns," Dawson wrote in the letter. "At the meeting, the Board Committee unanimously determined that at this time the LIV Tour will not be recognised as an Eligible Golf Tour in the OWGR system." Dawson said there was no "fair and equitable" way of including LIV Golf's players in OWGR's rankings. The issue of whether LIV players should be granted rankings points has been a thorny subject of debate since the lavishly funded Saudi Arabia-backed circuit plunged golf into an acrimonious civil war last year. Also Read: Premier League: Injury-laden Newcastle good enough for win over Manchester United Ranking points were seen as a crucial step in LIV's development, giving its players the chance to secure qualification for major championships. Dawson told US media outlets that OWGR's decision was not aimed at punishing players who had joined LIV. "This is entirely technical. OWGR has no hostility toward LIV whatsoever," Dawson was quoted as saying. "The important point is this is not about the players. LIV players are self-evidently good enough to be ranked; there is no doubt about that. "This is about, should a tour whose formats are so different and whose qualification criteria are so different, can they be ranked equitably with other tours who conform to the OWGR norm and have more competition to them than perhaps the closed shop that is LIV?" In a statement issued later Tuesday, LIV Golf slammed the OWGR ruling. "OWGR's sole objective is to rank the best players across the globe. Today's communication makes clear that it can no longer deliver on that objective," the circuit said. "A ranking which fails to fairly represent all participants, irrespective of where in the world they play golf, robs fans, players and all of golf's stakeholders of the objective basis underpinning any accurate recognition of the world's best player performances. "It also robs some traditional tournaments of the best fields possible. Professional golf is now without a true or global scoring and ranking system." The PGA Tour stunned world golf in June after announcing a shock agreement with the LIV's Saudi paymasters aimed at ending the sport's two-year civil war. However firm details of how the "new collectively owned, for-profit entity" that will see the PGA Tour, Europe's DP World Tour and LIV Golf merge have yet to be divulged. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Setback for LIV Golf after its bid to earn world ranking points rejected by OWGR

South Korea's An&nbsp;Byeong-hun&nbsp;was suspended for three months by the PGA Tour on Wednesday for violating its anti-doping policy with a cough medicine available over the counter in his homeland. The 32-year-old from Seoul was issued a ban retroactive to August 31 so An will be able to return to competition on December 1.

An tested positive, the tour said, for a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that was contained in the cough medication. "He has cooperated fully with the tour throughout the process and accepted his suspension," the tour said in a statement.

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An will miss autumn events that are mainly targeted at players trying to earn their tour status for next season, something An has already done. An played in 31 events during the 2022-23 season and matched the best PGA finish of his career by sharing second last August at the Wyndham Championship. He also shared third last July at the Scottish Open.

World number 53 An won his biggest title at the 2015 BMW Championship on the European Tour. In 2009, An became the youngest winner of the US Amateur at age 17.

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South Korea's An Byeong-hun was suspended for three months by the PGA Tour on Wednesday for violating its anti-doping policy with a cough medicine available over the counter in his homeland.

South Korea's An Byeong-hun was suspended for three months by the PGA Tour on Wednesday for violating its anti-doping policy with a cough medicine available over the counter in his homeland. The 32-year-old from Seoul was issued a ban retroactive to August 31 so An will be able to return to competition on December 1. An tested positive, the tour said, for a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that was contained in the cough medication. "He has cooperated fully with the tour throughout the process and accepted his suspension," the tour said in a statement. Also Read: Taylor Swift, Simone Biles bring star-power to stand during Packers vs Chiefs An will miss autumn events that are mainly targeted at players trying to earn their tour status for next season, something An has already done. An played in 31 events during the 2022-23 season and matched the best PGA finish of his career by sharing second last August at the Wyndham Championship. He also shared third last July at the Scottish Open. World number 53 An won his biggest title at the 2015 BMW Championship on the European Tour. In 2009, An became the youngest winner of the US Amateur at age 17. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: An Byeong-hun suspended by PGA Tour for violating anti-doping policy

World number one Scottie Scheffler fired two eagles in his seven-under par 65 to build a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge on Saturday as Tiger Woods continued his comeback with a one-under 71.

Fifteen-time Major winner Woods, playing his first tournament since ankle surgery in April that followed his withdrawal from the Masters, shook off a bogey-bogey start to card a one-under par 71 that left him at even par, 16 strokes behind Scheffler and tied for 16th in the 20-player event he hosts at the Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas.

Woods said he'd been "pleasantly surprised" at how his body has held up, which was more of a concern than the state of his game.

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"I still have game," he said. "It's whether or not the body can do it."

Woods, who turns 48 on December 30, had ankle surgery in April on the same leg that was severely injured in a 2021 car crash. While his leg pain is gone, he said he still contends with chronic back pain, but said before the tournament he could play as much as once a month in 2024.

On Saturday, he started 10 off the pace and got off to an inauspicious start with bogeys at the first and second.

He clawed back with birdies at the third, sixth eighth and ninth -- where he got up and down from a greenside bunker -- before two bogeys and a birdie coming in. That included a seven-foot par putt miss at the 18th.

"It could have been a little better than the score indicates," Woods said. "I think I could have shot something in the high 60s. I think it was cleaner than it was yesterday."

Most importantly, Woods said, he was "very excited" at how he has responded physically to the pace of competition.

"To be able to knock off some of the rust as I have this week, showed myself that I can recover each and every day, that was kind of an unknown," he said. "I'm very excited how the week's turned out."

<h2>Scheffler cruising</h2>

Scheffler, meanwhile, was in cruise control, starting the day tied for the lead with Jordan Spieth and seizing control with a 15-foot eagle at the third.

He added four birdies before he rolled in a 14-foot eagle at 15 to push his lead to four strokes over England's Matt Fitzpatrick, who also signed for a 65.

A bogey at 18, where Scheffler's drive was in the right rough, cut that by one, giving him a 16-under par total of 200.

"I played really well today, really solid the whole day," said Scheffler, the 2022 Masters champion who has finished runner-up in this event the past two years.

"(It's) nice to see some putts go in. These greens can be tough to putt at times, but I'm rolling it good."

Fitzpatrick had climbed the leaderboard with four birdies on the front nine. After a double-bogey at the 11th he birdied 12 and 14 before draining a 47-foot eagle putt at 15.

He bogeyed 16, but closed with back-to-back birdies for a 13-under par total of 203.

"It was good for pretty much the whole round bar two holes," Fitzpatrick said. "Drive on 11 was just what cost me, obviously, a double. Outside of that, everything was good today."

American Justin Thomas was alone in third after a four-under par 68 for 205.

Spieth, who was playing catch-up after his bogey at the third dropped him three off the pace, finished with four birdies and three bogeys in his 71 for 206, tied for fourth with Australian Jason Day and Americans Tony Finau and Collin Morikawa.

World number one Scottie Scheffler fired two eagles in his seven-under par 65 to build a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge on Saturday as Tiger Woods continued his comeback with a one-under 71.

World number one Scottie Scheffler fired two eagles in his seven-under par 65 to build a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge on Saturday as Tiger Woods continued his comeback with a one-under 71. Fifteen-time Major winner Woods, playing his first tournament since ankle surgery in April that followed his withdrawal from the Masters, shook off a bogey-bogey start to card a one-under par 71 that left him at even par, 16 strokes behind Scheffler and tied for 16th in the 20-player event he hosts at the Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas. Woods said he'd been "pleasantly surprised" at how his body has held up, which was more of a concern than the state of his game. Also Read: PCB withdraws Salman Butt from consulting panel following uproar within board "I still have game," he said. "It's whether or not the body can do it." Woods, who turns 48 on December 30, had ankle surgery in April on the same leg that was severely injured in a 2021 car crash. While his leg pain is gone, he said he still contends with chronic back pain, but said before the tournament he could play as much as once a month in 2024. On Saturday, he started 10 off the pace and got off to an inauspicious start with bogeys at the first and second. He clawed back with birdies at the third, sixth eighth and ninth -- where he got up and down from a greenside bunker -- before two bogeys and a birdie coming in. That included a seven-foot par putt miss at the 18th. "It could have been a little better than the score indicates," Woods said. "I think I could have shot something in the high 60s. I think it was cleaner than it was yesterday." Most importantly, Woods said, he was "very excited" at how he has responded physically to the pace of competition. "To be able to knock off some of the rust as I have this week, showed myself that I can recover each and every day, that was kind of an unknown," he said. "I'm very excited how the week's turned out." Scheffler cruising Scheffler, meanwhile, was in cruise control, starting the day tied for the lead with Jordan Spieth and seizing control with a 15-foot eagle at the third. He added four birdies before he rolled in a 14-foot eagle at 15 to push his lead to four strokes over England's Matt Fitzpatrick, who also signed for a 65. A bogey at 18, where Scheffler's drive was in the right rough, cut that by one, giving him a 16-under par total of 200. "I played really well today, really solid the whole day," said Scheffler, the 2022 Masters champion who has finished runner-up in this event the past two years. "(It's) nice to see some putts go in. These greens can be tough to putt at times, but I'm rolling it good." Fitzpatrick had climbed the leaderboard with four birdies on the front nine. After a double-bogey at the 11th he birdied 12 and 14 before draining a 47-foot eagle putt at 15. He bogeyed 16, but closed with back-to-back birdies for a 13-under par total of 203. "It was good for pretty much the whole round bar two holes," Fitzpatrick said. "Drive on 11 was just what cost me, obviously, a double. Outside of that, everything was good today." American Justin Thomas was alone in third after a four-under par 68 for 205. Spieth, who was playing catch-up after his bogey at the third dropped him three off the pace, finished with four birdies and three bogeys in his 71 for 206, tied for fourth with Australian Jason Day and Americans Tony Finau and Collin Morikawa.

Golf: Scottie Scheffler in lead at Hero World Challenge as Tiger Woods continues comeback

South&nbsp;Korea's Tom&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;captured his&nbsp;second&nbsp;consecutive&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Shriners Children's Open&nbsp;title&nbsp;on Sunday, holding off Canada's Adam Hadwin down the stretch for his third career&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;title. The 21-year-old from Seoul fired a five-under par 66 in the final round to complete 72 holes on 20-under 264 and defeat Hadwin by a stroke at TPC Summerlin in Las&nbsp;Vegas.

Kim&nbsp;sank a 12-foot birdie putt at the 15th hole, Hadwin made a bogey at the par-5 16th and answered with a closing birdie but it was too little and too late. "Number three is so sweet,"&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;said.

"It was a long day,"&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;said. "I just really felt confident in myself and I was playing really well. If knew if I kind of just 'did me' I was going to be able to do it."

Hadwin's 25-foot birdie putt at 18 left him&nbsp;second&nbsp;on 265, one shot ahead of Americans Eric Cole and J.T. Poston, Sweden's Alex Noren and Canadian Taylor Pendrith.

World number 16&nbsp;Kim, a runner-up in this year's British Open at Royal Liverpool, also won last year's&nbsp;Vegas&nbsp;title&nbsp;and the 2022 Wyndham Championship but had not been able to add to his trophy haul.

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"It has been a long season,"&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;said. "I'm very fortunate to defend. I've learned so much this year. It has been a blessing. It has been very humbling.

"Last year after going off such a great run, then not feeling exactly myself mid-year, it has been a grind trying to figure it out. "It's my first full season, just trying to live up to that expectation -- great year last year, how can it get better? It has been humbling."

Kim&nbsp;birdied three of the first four holes before back-to-back bogeys at five and six dropped him out of the lead. Cole, son of pro golfers Laura Baugh and Bobby Cole, fired an early 62 to set the mark to beat. "Conditions were very good for scoring, no wind and greens were very good," Cole said. "And I switched back to an old putter today so that might have helped."

Noren reeled off three birdies in a&nbsp;row&nbsp;starting at the par-3 eighth, then birdied the par-5 13th and 16th holes to match Cole in the clubhouse. That's when&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;made his charge, sinking a three-foot birdie putt at the par-5 ninth and six-foot birdie putts at 12 and the par-5 13th to seize the lead alone at 19-under.

Hadwin battled into the hunt with three birdies in four holes, the last after driving the green at the par-4 15th and two-putting from 24 feet to reach 19-under. Kim&nbsp;answered by sinking a 12-foot birdie putt at 15 to reach 20-under and again led alone.

Hadwin found water with his&nbsp;second&nbsp;shot at the par-5 16th and made bogey while&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;sank a tense five-foot par putt to lead by two and parred 17 and 18 as well to hold off the Canadian despite his late birdie.

Hadwin, ranked 56th, took his only&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;victory at the 2017 Valspar Championship. He was also a runner-up this year to American Rickie Fowler at Detroit.

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South Korea's Tom Kim captured his second consecutive PGA Shriners Children's Open title on Sunday, holding off Canada's Adam Hadwin down the stretch for his third career PGA title.

South Korea's Tom Kim captured his second consecutive PGA Shriners Children's Open title on Sunday, holding off Canada's Adam Hadwin down the stretch for his third career PGA title. The 21-year-old from Seoul fired a five-under par 66 in the final round to complete 72 holes on 20-under 264 and defeat Hadwin by a stroke at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas. Kim sank a 12-foot birdie putt at the 15th hole, Hadwin made a bogey at the par-5 16th and answered with a closing birdie but it was too little and too late. "Number three is so sweet," Kim said. "It was a long day," Kim said. "I just really felt confident in myself and I was playing really well. If knew if I kind of just 'did me' I was going to be able to do it." Hadwin's 25-foot birdie putt at 18 left him second on 265, one shot ahead of Americans Eric Cole and J.T. Poston, Sweden's Alex Noren and Canadian Taylor Pendrith. World number 16 Kim, a runner-up in this year's British Open at Royal Liverpool, also won last year's Vegas title and the 2022 Wyndham Championship but had not been able to add to his trophy haul. Also Read: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal announces return date following lengthy injury layoff "It has been a long season," Kim said. "I'm very fortunate to defend. I've learned so much this year. It has been a blessing. It has been very humbling. "Last year after going off such a great run, then not feeling exactly myself mid-year, it has been a grind trying to figure it out. "It's my first full season, just trying to live up to that expectation -- great year last year, how can it get better? It has been humbling." Kim birdied three of the first four holes before back-to-back bogeys at five and six dropped him out of the lead. Cole, son of pro golfers Laura Baugh and Bobby Cole, fired an early 62 to set the mark to beat. "Conditions were very good for scoring, no wind and greens were very good," Cole said. "And I switched back to an old putter today so that might have helped." Noren reeled off three birdies in a row starting at the par-3 eighth, then birdied the par-5 13th and 16th holes to match Cole in the clubhouse. That's when Kim made his charge, sinking a three-foot birdie putt at the par-5 ninth and six-foot birdie putts at 12 and the par-5 13th to seize the lead alone at 19-under. Hadwin battled into the hunt with three birdies in four holes, the last after driving the green at the par-4 15th and two-putting from 24 feet to reach 19-under. Kim answered by sinking a 12-foot birdie putt at 15 to reach 20-under and again led alone. Hadwin found water with his second shot at the par-5 16th and made bogey while Kim sank a tense five-foot par putt to lead by two and parred 17 and 18 as well to hold off the Canadian despite his late birdie. Hadwin, ranked 56th, took his only PGA victory at the 2017 Valspar Championship. He was also a runner-up this year to American Rickie Fowler at Detroit. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Tom Kim wins second consecutive PGA Shriners Children's Open in final round

Tiger&nbsp;Woods struggled late to fire a three-over par 75 on Thursday in the opening round of the Hero World Challenge, his first competitive round since the Masters last April. The 15-time major winner followed birdies with bogeys three times in the first 12 holes at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas before closing with a double bogey at 15, bogeys at 16 and 17 and a par at the 18th hole.

"I made a lot of shots. I don't think I got a lot out of it," Woods said. "I was rusty, I didn't have my feels and conditions were tough early. "I kind of hung through there and I did not finish off my round the way I needed to and consequently it kind of went sideways at the end."

Woods, who said he was curious how he would play after undergoing right ankle surgery last April, found six of 13 fairways and 10 of 18 greens in regulation while making 30 putts. While Woods stood 18th in the field of 20, Americans Brian Harman and Tony Finau shared the lead with 67s and three-time major winner Jordan Spieth was another stroke adrift.

Woods, who turns 48 on December 30, has struggled since suffering severe leg injuries in a 2021 car crash but says he feels well enough to play once a month in 2024. He blamed his late struggles on a lack of commitment to his shots. "The middle part of my round it was just a lack of commitment and it kind of carried over into some of the final holes," Woods said.

"Didn't commit over some of the shots. I was kind of squirrelly on whether or not I should hit this shot at this height, this trajectory, the wind is puffing up or it's not or it's laying down -- all the things you normally take for granted with feels and adjustments I had a lack of commitment on a number of different shots.

"It was a lack of commitment to what I was doing and feeling. I've got to do a better job of it."

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Woods appeared to move well across the layout but admitted he was taxed physically by the end of the round. "I'm a little bit sore, that's for sure," Woods said. "We've got some stuff to do tonight to get ready for tomorrow. Get back in the gym and get right after it tomorrow and hopefully post a better number."

Asked exactly where he was sore, Woods replied, "Everywhere." "My leg, my back, my neck, just from playing, hitting shots and trying to hold off shots," Woods said. "It's just different at game speed, too. Game speed's a lot different than at home speed."

<h2>- 'Mentally rusty' -</h2>

Woods was hungry to get back into competition, even at a 20-player invitational rather than a US PGA Tour event. "I felt like I was ready to compete and play. I hit it solid most of the day," Woods said. "I just didn't mentally do the things I normally would do and I need to do. I still hit it solid, but I hit it crooked."

Woods birdied the par-5 third before a bogey at the fourth then birdied the par-3 fifth before a bogey at the par-5 sixth and birdied the par-5 11th before a bogey at the par-3 12th, then made a birdie at 14 before his closing woes.

"I got off to a decent start. I didn't play the par-5s all that well," Woods said. "Now I know mentally what I need to do better. "Physically I knew I was going to be OK. Mentally, I was really rusty and made a lot of errors in the mind that normally I don't make."

Tiger Woods struggled late to fire a three-over par 75 on Thursday in the opening round of the Hero World Challenge, his first competitive round since the Masters last April.

Tiger Woods struggled late to fire a three-over par 75 on Thursday in the opening round of the Hero World Challenge, his first competitive round since the Masters last April. The 15-time major winner followed birdies with bogeys three times in the first 12 holes at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas before closing with a double bogey at 15, bogeys at 16 and 17 and a par at the 18th hole. "I made a lot of shots. I don't think I got a lot out of it," Woods said. "I was rusty, I didn't have my feels and conditions were tough early. "I kind of hung through there and I did not finish off my round the way I needed to and consequently it kind of went sideways at the end." Woods, who said he was curious how he would play after undergoing right ankle surgery last April, found six of 13 fairways and 10 of 18 greens in regulation while making 30 putts. While Woods stood 18th in the field of 20, Americans Brian Harman and Tony Finau shared the lead with 67s and three-time major winner Jordan Spieth was another stroke adrift. Woods, who turns 48 on December 30, has struggled since suffering severe leg injuries in a 2021 car crash but says he feels well enough to play once a month in 2024. He blamed his late struggles on a lack of commitment to his shots. "The middle part of my round it was just a lack of commitment and it kind of carried over into some of the final holes," Woods said. "Didn't commit over some of the shots. I was kind of squirrelly on whether or not I should hit this shot at this height, this trajectory, the wind is puffing up or it's not or it's laying down -- all the things you normally take for granted with feels and adjustments I had a lack of commitment on a number of different shots. "It was a lack of commitment to what I was doing and feeling. I've got to do a better job of it." Also read: LeBron James' elder son Bronny James set to return to college basketball activities after cardiac arrest Woods appeared to move well across the layout but admitted he was taxed physically by the end of the round. "I'm a little bit sore, that's for sure," Woods said. "We've got some stuff to do tonight to get ready for tomorrow. Get back in the gym and get right after it tomorrow and hopefully post a better number." Asked exactly where he was sore, Woods replied, "Everywhere." "My leg, my back, my neck, just from playing, hitting shots and trying to hold off shots," Woods said. "It's just different at game speed, too. Game speed's a lot different than at home speed." - 'Mentally rusty' - Woods was hungry to get back into competition, even at a 20-player invitational rather than a US PGA Tour event. "I felt like I was ready to compete and play. I hit it solid most of the day," Woods said. "I just didn't mentally do the things I normally would do and I need to do. I still hit it solid, but I hit it crooked." Woods birdied the par-5 third before a bogey at the fourth then birdied the par-3 fifth before a bogey at the par-5 sixth and birdied the par-5 11th before a bogey at the par-3 12th, then made a birdie at 14 before his closing woes. "I got off to a decent start. I didn't play the par-5s all that well," Woods said. "Now I know mentally what I need to do better. "Physically I knew I was going to be OK. Mentally, I was really rusty and made a lot of errors in the mind that normally I don't make."

Golf: Tiger Woods fades late to shoot 75 in first round of Hero World Challenge

Min Woo Lee sunk an eagle at the 18th to surge into the sole lead at the Australian Open on Friday as he targets back-to-back DP World Tour titles, while&nbsp;major winner Shin Jiyai took charge of the women's event.&nbsp;

Australia's hottest new golf star recovered from a bogey at the first to make six birdies before finishing with a bang on his way to a seven-under-par 64 to be 12-under at the halfway stage in Sydney.

"It's always nice to make an eagle, but on the last hole, it's even nicer,"&nbsp;said Lee, who convincingly won the Australian PGA Championship last week, following victory at the Macau Open on the Asian Tour. "Sometimes you play good and sometimes you play bad, and right now I'm playing good and I'm having fun."

Fellow Australian Cameron Smith was also celebrating after finding his touch again with a 68 to make the cut by two shots, having missed it by nine last weekend in Brisbane, after which he was close to tears. But the 2022 British Open champion has a mountain to climb to reel in the red-hot Lee.

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"It was a lot better today and could have been way less," said Smith after partnering Lee in front of big crowds. "I did everything I needed to do except hole the putts, which is really frustrating." &nbsp;Scotland's Connor Syme thrust himself into contention for a maiden DP World Tour win with a two-under 70 to be joint second on nine-under along with the American Patrick Rodgers, who also hit 70.&nbsp;

Smith's LIV Golf colleague Joaquin Niemann from Chile, Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas, and Australian Sam Brazel are eight-under.

<h2>&nbsp;Nice finish&nbsp;</h2>

The mixed Australian Open involves men and women teeing off in alternating groups on the same courses. The Jack Nicklaus-designed Australian Golf Club is the main venue across all four days, with the nearby Lakes Golf Club co-hosting play for the first two rounds.

In perfect summer weather, South Korea's two-time major win Shin assumed control of the women's tournament with three birdies in the final five holes leaving her nine-under for the tournament. South African defending champion Ashleigh Buhai is her nearest challenger on seven-under, with South Korea's Jenny Shin six-under.

"Very nice finish, especially the back nine," said Buhai. "Anytime you're in there near the top going into the weekend, you're playing some good golf and doing what I'd like to be doing." Australian 16-year-old Rachel Lee, the shock joint overnight leader with Jenny Shin, struggled in the spotlight with three bogeys and two double bogeys on the back nine contributing to a 79. It left her tied for 19th. Australia's world number five Minjee Lee -- sister of men's leader Min Woo Lee -- had a day to forget with a 75 leaving her in a tie of 11th at even par.

Min Woo Lee sunk an eagle at the 18th to surge into the sole lead at the Australian Open on Friday as he targets back-to-back DP World Tour titles, while major winner Shin Jiyai took charge of the women's event.

Min Woo Lee sunk an eagle at the 18th to surge into the sole lead at the Australian Open on Friday as he targets back-to-back DP World Tour titles, while major winner Shin Jiyai took charge of the women's event. Australia's hottest new golf star recovered from a bogey at the first to make six birdies before finishing with a bang on his way to a seven-under-par 64 to be 12-under at the halfway stage in Sydney. "It's always nice to make an eagle, but on the last hole, it's even nicer," said Lee, who convincingly won the Australian PGA Championship last week, following victory at the Macau Open on the Asian Tour. "Sometimes you play good and sometimes you play bad, and right now I'm playing good and I'm having fun." Fellow Australian Cameron Smith was also celebrating after finding his touch again with a 68 to make the cut by two shots, having missed it by nine last weekend in Brisbane, after which he was close to tears. But the 2022 British Open champion has a mountain to climb to reel in the red-hot Lee. Also Read: Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz shines in Mexico City as fans get glimpse of world class tennis "It was a lot better today and could have been way less," said Smith after partnering Lee in front of big crowds. "I did everything I needed to do except hole the putts, which is really frustrating." Scotland's Connor Syme thrust himself into contention for a maiden DP World Tour win with a two-under 70 to be joint second on nine-under along with the American Patrick Rodgers, who also hit 70. Smith's LIV Golf colleague Joaquin Niemann from Chile, Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas, and Australian Sam Brazel are eight-under. Nice finish The mixed Australian Open involves men and women teeing off in alternating groups on the same courses. The Jack Nicklaus-designed Australian Golf Club is the main venue across all four days, with the nearby Lakes Golf Club co-hosting play for the first two rounds. In perfect summer weather, South Korea's two-time major win Shin assumed control of the women's tournament with three birdies in the final five holes leaving her nine-under for the tournament. South African defending champion Ashleigh Buhai is her nearest challenger on seven-under, with South Korea's Jenny Shin six-under. "Very nice finish, especially the back nine," said Buhai. "Anytime you're in there near the top going into the weekend, you're playing some good golf and doing what I'd like to be doing." Australian 16-year-old Rachel Lee, the shock joint overnight leader with Jenny Shin, struggled in the spotlight with three bogeys and two double bogeys on the back nine contributing to a 79. It left her tied for 19th. Australia's world number five Minjee Lee -- sister of men's leader Min Woo Lee -- had a day to forget with a 75 leaving her in a tie of 11th at even par.

Golf: Min Woo Lee leads at Australian Open, sets eyes on successive DP World Tour titles

Thailand's Jasmine&nbsp;Suwannapura&nbsp;recovered from two&nbsp;early&nbsp;bogeys&nbsp;to maintain her&nbsp;lead&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Maybank&nbsp;Championship&nbsp;in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, courtesy of a three-under-par round of 69. Suwannarpurna's 12-under 132 through two rounds kept her one shot ahead of American Rose Zhang, who shot up to second after shooting a 68 on day two.

France's Celine Boutier shot the lowest score of the round with a 64 courtesy of nine birdies, finishing ahead of a trio of golfers five shots back. But it was business as usual for&nbsp;Suwannapura&nbsp;on a clear day in the Malaysian capital as she bids to win her third title on the LPGA Tour.

She made a horrendous start with two&nbsp;bogeys&nbsp;on the first three holes, but the 30-year-old kept her composure and grew in confidence as the round went on. Suwannapurna secured her first birdie on the par-4 sixth hole and went on to produce a solid back nine with another four birdies.

The Bangkok-born golfer said the poor start didn't worry her too much.&nbsp;"I didn't really get stressed about the two&nbsp;bogeys, as I felt the pin positions were not easy at all. I just kept trying my best and hopefully get some birdies in," she said.

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"After I missed a birdie putt on the 18th hole, I asked my caddie who was leading. I didn't think I was still leading. "Like Suwannapurna, Zhang also had to overcome an&nbsp;early&nbsp;bogey before she reeled off four birdies.

A double bogey on the 14th threatened to undo all that good work, but the 20-year-old again recovered admirably with another three birdies. "I think in general, you really have to have a solid game plan. You have to be able to commit to every single shot and never give up," she said.

"If you're rolling your putts well, you'll have a good amount of birdie opportunities. "The&nbsp;Maybank&nbsp;Championship&nbsp;is the penultimate event of the Asian Swing and offers a prize purse of $3 million, the most lucrative in the region.

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Thailand's Jasmine Suwannapura recovered from two early bogeys to maintain her lead at the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, courtesy of a three-under-par round of 69.

Thailand's Jasmine Suwannapura recovered from two early bogeys to maintain her lead at the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, courtesy of a three-under-par round of 69. Suwannarpurna's 12-under 132 through two rounds kept her one shot ahead of American Rose Zhang, who shot up to second after shooting a 68 on day two. France's Celine Boutier shot the lowest score of the round with a 64 courtesy of nine birdies, finishing ahead of a trio of golfers five shots back. But it was business as usual for Suwannapura on a clear day in the Malaysian capital as she bids to win her third title on the LPGA Tour. She made a horrendous start with two bogeys on the first three holes, but the 30-year-old kept her composure and grew in confidence as the round went on. Suwannapurna secured her first birdie on the par-4 sixth hole and went on to produce a solid back nine with another four birdies. The Bangkok-born golfer said the poor start didn't worry her too much. "I didn't really get stressed about the two bogeys, as I felt the pin positions were not easy at all. I just kept trying my best and hopefully get some birdies in," she said. Also Read: NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers closes in on improbable early return, joins practice 11 weeks after surgery "After I missed a birdie putt on the 18th hole, I asked my caddie who was leading. I didn't think I was still leading. "Like Suwannapurna, Zhang also had to overcome an early bogey before she reeled off four birdies. A double bogey on the 14th threatened to undo all that good work, but the 20-year-old again recovered admirably with another three birdies. "I think in general, you really have to have a solid game plan. You have to be able to commit to every single shot and never give up," she said. "If you're rolling your putts well, you'll have a good amount of birdie opportunities. "The Maybank Championship is the penultimate event of the Asian Swing and offers a prize purse of $3 million, the most lucrative in the region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Jasmine Suwannapura recovers from two early bogeys, leads Maybank Championship

Professional Golf is racing against time to find a solution to the civil war that has torn the sport apart. Tiger Woods is on the PGA Tour's policy board and told WION on Tuesday that the interest of the players is going to be at the forefront of any decision going forward. Three-time Major winner Jordan Spieth joined the board after Rory Mcilroy's resignation and admits it is a pivotal time for the game. Spieth spoke exclusively to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo during the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Pivotal moment for Professional Golf: Jordan Spieth

Colombia's Camilo Villegas carded a second straight eight-under par 64 on Friday to grab a two-shot lead in the US PGA Tour's World Wide Technology Championship in Los Cabos, Mexico. Villegas, who claimed the most recent of his four tour titles back in 2014, opened with a 10-foot eagle at Cardonal at Diamante -- the first Tiger Woods-designed course to be used for a PGA Tour event -- and added eight birdies with two bogeys to build a 36-hole total of 16-under 128.

He was two strokes clear of US veteran Matt Kuchar, who had seven birdies without a bogey in his second straight 65 for 130. Germany's Stephan Jaeger and American Justin Suh both posted 65s to share third on 131 in the fifth of seven tournaments making up FedEx Cup Fall -- the group of tournaments played after the Tour Championship that finalizes eligibility for the 2024 PGA Tour season.

Villegas, who started the day two shots off the lead, said he "set the tone" with his eagle and two birdies to open his round. After a three-putt bogey on the fourth he birdied the sixth, and after a bogey at the seventh he had five more birdies the rest of the way, including three straight to end his round.

"Eighteen was a good one," he said. "To make a four on that one, it makes dinner taste a little better." Despite his quick start, Villegas said patience was key in a round in which players were waiting on almost every hole.

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"Pace of play was really, really slow," he said. "Sometimes it was a little tricky to focus. I kept it pretty chill with my caddie and my playing group and just tried to keep the momentum going on a slow day." Kuchar characterized his round as "good, steady golf."

"I've been feeling good for a while about the state of my game," said Kuchar, who claimed the last of his nine tour titles at the 2019 Sony Open. Kuchar teed off on the 10th and said his first birdie of the day at 12 was one of the high points of his day. "The 12th hole is a difficult green, hit just a nine-iron in, but nice approach shot, my third hole of the day to get going with a birdie there."

Colombia's Camilo Villegas carded a second straight eight-under par 64 on Friday to grab a two-shot lead in the US PGA Tour's World Wide Technology Championship in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Colombia's Camilo Villegas carded a second straight eight-under par 64 on Friday to grab a two-shot lead in the US PGA Tour's World Wide Technology Championship in Los Cabos, Mexico. Villegas, who claimed the most recent of his four tour titles back in 2014, opened with a 10-foot eagle at Cardonal at Diamante -- the first Tiger Woods-designed course to be used for a PGA Tour event -- and added eight birdies with two bogeys to build a 36-hole total of 16-under 128. He was two strokes clear of US veteran Matt Kuchar, who had seven birdies without a bogey in his second straight 65 for 130. Germany's Stephan Jaeger and American Justin Suh both posted 65s to share third on 131 in the fifth of seven tournaments making up FedEx Cup Fall -- the group of tournaments played after the Tour Championship that finalizes eligibility for the 2024 PGA Tour season. Villegas, who started the day two shots off the lead, said he "set the tone" with his eagle and two birdies to open his round. After a three-putt bogey on the fourth he birdied the sixth, and after a bogey at the seventh he had five more birdies the rest of the way, including three straight to end his round. "Eighteen was a good one," he said. "To make a four on that one, it makes dinner taste a little better." Despite his quick start, Villegas said patience was key in a round in which players were waiting on almost every hole. Also Read: Arsenal thunder into Champions League last 16, blasting six past Lens on frigid London night "Pace of play was really, really slow," he said. "Sometimes it was a little tricky to focus. I kept it pretty chill with my caddie and my playing group and just tried to keep the momentum going on a slow day." Kuchar characterized his round as "good, steady golf." "I've been feeling good for a while about the state of my game," said Kuchar, who claimed the last of his nine tour titles at the 2019 Sony Open. Kuchar teed off on the 10th and said his first birdie of the day at 12 was one of the high points of his day. "The 12th hole is a difficult green, hit just a nine-iron in, but nice approach shot, my third hole of the day to get going with a birdie there."

Golf: Colombia's Camilo Villegas leads by two at US PGA Tour

South Africa's Erik van Rooyen, inspired by a sick friend, rolled in a long eagle putt at the final hole to grab an emotional two-shot triumph Sunday (Nov 5) in the US PGA Tour World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico.&nbsp;He played the last five holes in five-under, playing the back nine in eight-under 28 on the way to a nine-under par 63 and a 27-under par total of 261 at Cardonal at Diamante in Los Cabos, the first Tiger Woods-designed course to be used for a PGA Tour event. His walk-off eagle gave him a two-shot triumph over third-round co-leaders Matt Kuchar and Camilo Villegas.

"I was calm because there's bigger stuff in life than&nbsp;golf," said van Rooyen, breaking down in tears as he explained that dear friend Jon Trasamar is battling cancer. "Every shot out there today was for him," van Rooyen said.

"When you're playing for something bigger than winning some silly trophy it puts it in perspective and at the end of the day whether I won here or I lost here it really didn't matter."

One back to start the day, van Rooyen shook off an opening bogey, nabbing birdies at the second and sixth to get himself on track. He added three straight birdies at the 10th, 11th and 12th and another at 14 before birdies at 16 and 17 saw him pull level with overnight co-leader Kuchar atop the leaderboard at 25-under.

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Kuchar started the day tied with Villegas after a rollercoaster round that included an eagle and a quadruple bogey. Six birdies had him atop the board through 14 holes, but he couldn't find another birdie the rest of the way. He was joined on 25-under 263 by Villegas, who made two of his six birdies at 17 and 18 to claim his share of second.

American Justin Suh was fourth after a bogey-free seven-under par 65 for 264. The near miss left Colombia's Villegas still looking for a fifth PGA title -- nine years after he claimed his fourth.

Kuchar had been hoping a trip to Mexico would again see him end a victory drought. He claimed the last of his nine PGA titles at the 2019 Sony Open -- a month after he ended a near four-year title drought at this event when it was held at Mayakoba. Instead, it was van Rooyen in the winner's circle at the fifth event of the FedEx Cup Fall, a series of seven tournaments played after the TOUR Championship that finalizes eligibility for the 2024 PGA tour season.

The win moves van Rooyen from 125th to 63rd in the FedEx Cup Fall standings and in good shape to retain his card for next year.

South Africa's Erik van Rooyen, inspired by a sick friend, rolled in a long eagle putt at the final hole to grab an emotional two-shot triumph Sunday (Nov 5) in the US PGA Tour World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico.

South Africa's Erik van Rooyen, inspired by a sick friend, rolled in a long eagle putt at the final hole to grab an emotional two-shot triumph Sunday (Nov 5) in the US PGA Tour World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico. He played the last five holes in five-under, playing the back nine in eight-under 28 on the way to a nine-under par 63 and a 27-under par total of 261 at Cardonal at Diamante in Los Cabos, the first Tiger Woods-designed course to be used for a PGA Tour event. His walk-off eagle gave him a two-shot triumph over third-round co-leaders Matt Kuchar and Camilo Villegas. "I was calm because there's bigger stuff in life than golf," said van Rooyen, breaking down in tears as he explained that dear friend Jon Trasamar is battling cancer. "Every shot out there today was for him," van Rooyen said. "When you're playing for something bigger than winning some silly trophy it puts it in perspective and at the end of the day whether I won here or I lost here it really didn't matter." One back to start the day, van Rooyen shook off an opening bogey, nabbing birdies at the second and sixth to get himself on track. He added three straight birdies at the 10th, 11th and 12th and another at 14 before birdies at 16 and 17 saw him pull level with overnight co-leader Kuchar atop the leaderboard at 25-under. Also Read: Two-time major winner Minjee Lee and her brother Min Woo target unique sweep of dual gender at Aus Open Kuchar started the day tied with Villegas after a rollercoaster round that included an eagle and a quadruple bogey. Six birdies had him atop the board through 14 holes, but he couldn't find another birdie the rest of the way. He was joined on 25-under 263 by Villegas, who made two of his six birdies at 17 and 18 to claim his share of second. American Justin Suh was fourth after a bogey-free seven-under par 65 for 264. The near miss left Colombia's Villegas still looking for a fifth PGA title -- nine years after he claimed his fourth. Kuchar had been hoping a trip to Mexico would again see him end a victory drought. He claimed the last of his nine PGA titles at the 2019 Sony Open -- a month after he ended a near four-year title drought at this event when it was held at Mayakoba. Instead, it was van Rooyen in the winner's circle at the fifth event of the FedEx Cup Fall, a series of seven tournaments played after the TOUR Championship that finalizes eligibility for the 2024 PGA tour season. The win moves van Rooyen from 125th to 63rd in the FedEx Cup Fall standings and in good shape to retain his card for next year.

Golf: Erik van Rooyen wins PGA Tour title in Mexico, pays tribute to dying friend

Major winner Cameron Smith fired a seven-under-par 63 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. The 30-year-old Australian and headline act at the $2 million Asian Tour International Series event topped the leaderboard along with Spain's Eugenio Chacarra.

In hot, overcast and sometimes blustery conditions on the composite course at Fanling, the 2022 British Open champion Smith carded eight birdies against one bogey. Smith, one of the biggest names to jump ship to the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, made birdies in five of his last seven holes but felt that his round could have gone even better.

However, he was content overall and said "it was all really solid stuff". "I missed one or two shorter putts, but these greens are so tricky here," said the mullet-haired Australian, who is chasing a first victory in the southern Chinese city. "Other than that, it's such a cool track, it's so traditional. "You have to think around here. I love it." Smith and the 23-year-old Chacarra were a shot ahead of Jang Yu-bin of South Korea and Thailand's Gunn Charoenkul at the 62nd edition of Asia's oldest professional golf tournament.

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The American Andy Ogletree, who leads the International Series Order of Merit, was prime among a chasing pack two shots off the lead. Major winners Patrick Reed and Graeme McDowell shot matching 67s and a share of 21st place.

American Talor Gooch, who won three LIV events and this year's lucrative points title,&nbsp;carded 68. The Australian Wade Ormsby, who was victorious when the tournament was last played, in 2020, failed to fire with a first-round 70. The Hong Kong Open is back for the first time in three years following an enforced break because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Major winner Cameron Smith fired a seven-under-par 63 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. The 30-year-old Australian and headline act at the $2 million Asian Tour International Series event topped the leaderboard along with Spain's Eugenio Chacarra.

Major winner Cameron Smith fired a seven-under-par 63 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. The 30-year-old Australian and headline act at the $2 million Asian Tour International Series event topped the leaderboard along with Spain's Eugenio Chacarra. In hot, overcast and sometimes blustery conditions on the composite course at Fanling, the 2022 British Open champion Smith carded eight birdies against one bogey. Smith, one of the biggest names to jump ship to the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, made birdies in five of his last seven holes but felt that his round could have gone even better. However, he was content overall and said "it was all really solid stuff". "I missed one or two shorter putts, but these greens are so tricky here," said the mullet-haired Australian, who is chasing a first victory in the southern Chinese city. "Other than that, it's such a cool track, it's so traditional. "You have to think around here. I love it." Smith and the 23-year-old Chacarra were a shot ahead of Jang Yu-bin of South Korea and Thailand's Gunn Charoenkul at the 62nd edition of Asia's oldest professional golf tournament. Also Read: NBA: Mark Cuban sells majority stake of Dallas Mavericks to Casino tycoon Miriam Adelson The American Andy Ogletree, who leads the International Series Order of Merit, was prime among a chasing pack two shots off the lead. Major winners Patrick Reed and Graeme McDowell shot matching 67s and a share of 21st place. American Talor Gooch, who won three LIV events and this year's lucrative points title, carded 68. The Australian Wade Ormsby, who was victorious when the tournament was last played, in 2020, failed to fire with a first-round 70. The Hong Kong Open is back for the first time in three years following an enforced break because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Golf: Cameron Smith grabs lead after first round of Hong Kong Open

Tiger Woods has revealed his&nbsp;committed to playing at the Hero World Challenge in&nbsp;the Bahamas after caddying for his son Charlie Axel Woods at the&nbsp;Last Chance Regional in September.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference before the start of the Hero World Challenge, Woods made the revelation whilst providing an update on his injury status.&nbsp;

"This event is special and this is the most enjoyable week for the players. Hero’s involvement has elevated this event. But my game feels rusty and I am excited to compete but am curious to see what happens. Have no pain that I had previously," said Woods.&nbsp;

"Commitment to playing came after I caddied for my son. Not concerned about walking 72 holes. Ankle pain has gone. My knee and back hurts though," added the legendary golfer.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroWorldChallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroWorldChallenge</a> begins. <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TigerWoods</a> is here <a href="https://t.co/VAwYLlTDvE">pic.twitter.com/VAwYLlTDvE</a>
— Digvijay Singh Deo (@DiggySinghDeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiggySinghDeo/status/1729515500231594038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Notably, 47-year-old Woods caddied for his son in the second round of the tournament which helped Charlie advance to the Notah Begay III National Championship.&nbsp;

The father-son duo first shared a public golf outing in 2020. At the time, Tiger spoke about how special it felt to have his son by his side on the course.&nbsp;

"I don't think words can describe it.&nbsp;Just the fact that we were able to have this experience together, Charlie and I. It's memories for a lifetime," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-veteran-tiger-woods-set-to-feature-in-5-6-tournaments-in-2024-reports-663618">Also read |&nbsp;Golf: Veteran Tiger Woods set to feature in 5-6 tournaments in 2024 - Reports</a>

<h2>Mentorship role for Woods?</h2>

The 15-time Major champion&nbsp;hosts the Hero World Challenge and it will be his first appearance on the course&nbsp;since he withdrew from the 2023 Masters.&nbsp;

With injuries taking a toll on Woods' body, questions have been arising if the golfing talisman might be transitioning to a leadership role on the&nbsp;tour.&nbsp;

"I’m not a senior yet. Mentoring players is natural progression. Want to pass on the knowledge I have learnt and I learnt as well from asking questions. Enjoy that I can make an impact differently than hitting a golf ball," said Woods during the briefing.&nbsp;

Even if Woods does not fare well on his return to the course, fans would be happy to catch a glimpse of one of the greatest players to have ever played the sport,&nbsp;having&nbsp;some fun with his colleagues.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tiger Woods has revealed his committed to playing at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas after caddying for his son Charlie Axel Woods at the Last Chance Regional in September.

Tiger Woods has revealed his committed to playing at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas after caddying for his son Charlie Axel Woods at the Last Chance Regional in September. Addressing a press conference before the start of the Hero World Challenge, Woods made the revelation whilst providing an update on his injury status. "This event is special and this is the most enjoyable week for the players. Hero’s involvement has elevated this event. But my game feels rusty and I am excited to compete but am curious to see what happens. Have no pain that I had previously," said Woods. "Commitment to playing came after I caddied for my son. Not concerned about walking 72 holes. Ankle pain has gone. My knee and back hurts though," added the legendary golfer. #HeroWorldChallenge begins. @TigerWoods is here pic.twitter.com/VAwYLlTDvE — Digvijay Singh Deo (@DiggySinghDeo) November 28, 2023 × Notably, 47-year-old Woods caddied for his son in the second round of the tournament which helped Charlie advance to the Notah Begay III National Championship. The father-son duo first shared a public golf outing in 2020. At the time, Tiger spoke about how special it felt to have his son by his side on the course. "I don't think words can describe it. Just the fact that we were able to have this experience together, Charlie and I. It's memories for a lifetime," he said. Also read | Golf: Veteran Tiger Woods set to feature in 5-6 tournaments in 2024 - Reports Mentorship role for Woods? The 15-time Major champion hosts the Hero World Challenge and it will be his first appearance on the course since he withdrew from the 2023 Masters. With injuries taking a toll on Woods' body, questions have been arising if the golfing talisman might be transitioning to a leadership role on the tour. "I’m not a senior yet. Mentoring players is natural progression. Want to pass on the knowledge I have learnt and I learnt as well from asking questions. Enjoy that I can make an impact differently than hitting a golf ball," said Woods during the briefing. Even if Woods does not fare well on his return to the course, fans would be happy to catch a glimpse of one of the greatest players to have ever played the sport, having some fun with his colleagues.

'It came after': Tiger Woods reveals what prompted him to commit playing at Hero World Challenge

15-Time Major Winner Tiger Woods is set to return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge in Nassau. The 47-year-old has played just five tournaments since a life-threatening car accident outside Los Angeles in 2021. Woods latest comeback attempt ended after just two starts in the first half of 2023 and he had to pull out of the Masters after a recurrence of the plantar fasciitis injury that forced him to pull out last year's Hero World Challenge. WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo discusses Woods' return with Guardian Golf Correspondent Ewan Murray.

Tiger Woods' comeback begins, set to return at Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods is making a comeback to professional golf after recovering from ankle surgery at Hero World Challenge which is scheduled to be played from November 30 to December 3 at the Albany Golf Club. Woods last played at the Masters in August earlier this year but withdrew after the second round.

Speaking to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the tournament, Woods acknowledged that he missed it (professional golf) but that he was able to be a part of both his kids' lives during the time off.

"Being at home has allowed me to be a part of both my kids' lives. As a competitive player I want to come and compete and play," he said.&nbsp;

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Woods had said that in 2021 it was clear that he wouldn't play in as many tournaments and that he had to get his ankle fixed. The golfer finally got the surgery done in April earlier this year. He had sustained the injury in&nbsp;a car wreck in 2021.

"As I explained in 2021 that eventually I won't be playing in as many events and that I would have to get this ankle fused or replaced either way. I kind of pushed the limits too fast on it (ankle) but had a very successful fusion (ankle)," said Woods.

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The golfer, while talking about the hard part, said: "The hard part was not the surgery, but it was the boringness post it doing nothing. But, here comes the bright part that I get to experience this (playing) again and being able to come out here and compete&nbsp;again. I missed it!"

Answering the question about the current condition of professional golf compared to last year, Woods agreed that the game is in a better place.

"Now that players are in control of the board (PGA) and we have our direct involvement to get any kind of deal going forward. This is our tour and we are going to run it that way."

"Not to say that we are not going take advice from critical people, that's out job, our fiduciary responsibility but our responsibility is to make sure that tour gets better and we have abilities of all the kids coming and abilities to take care of the people that drive eyeballs to our sport. These players invest their lives playing the sport and we are going make sure that they are taken care of," he added.

Tiger Woods is making a comeback to professional golf after recovering from ankle surgery at Hero World Challenge which is scheduled to be played from November 30 to December 3 at the Albany Golf Club.

Tiger Woods is making a comeback to professional golf after recovering from ankle surgery at Hero World Challenge which is scheduled to be played from November 30 to December 3 at the Albany Golf Club. Woods last played at the Masters in August earlier this year but withdrew after the second round. Speaking to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the tournament, Woods acknowledged that he missed it (professional golf) but that he was able to be a part of both his kids' lives during the time off. "Being at home has allowed me to be a part of both my kids' lives. As a competitive player I want to come and compete and play," he said. Also Read: Virat Kohli takes break from white-ball cricket, to skip ODIs and T20Is on India's tour of South Africa Woods had said that in 2021 it was clear that he wouldn't play in as many tournaments and that he had to get his ankle fixed. The golfer finally got the surgery done in April earlier this year. He had sustained the injury in a car wreck in 2021. "As I explained in 2021 that eventually I won't be playing in as many events and that I would have to get this ankle fused or replaced either way. I kind of pushed the limits too fast on it (ankle) but had a very successful fusion (ankle)," said Woods. × The golfer, while talking about the hard part, said: "The hard part was not the surgery, but it was the boringness post it doing nothing. But, here comes the bright part that I get to experience this (playing) again and being able to come out here and compete again. I missed it!" Answering the question about the current condition of professional golf compared to last year, Woods agreed that the game is in a better place. "Now that players are in control of the board (PGA) and we have our direct involvement to get any kind of deal going forward. This is our tour and we are going to run it that way." "Not to say that we are not going take advice from critical people, that's out job, our fiduciary responsibility but our responsibility is to make sure that tour gets better and we have abilities of all the kids coming and abilities to take care of the people that drive eyeballs to our sport. These players invest their lives playing the sport and we are going make sure that they are taken care of," he added.

'I missed it,' says Tiger Woods on his comeback to professional golf at Hero World Challenge

Hall of Famer Tiger Woods returns to competitive Golf later this week at the Hero World challenge in the Bahamas. Woods has not played a competitive round of Golf since the Masters in April and admits to being rusty. But he believes he can still win at the elite level. Woods is also neck deep in negotiations over the future of professional Golf in his role as Player Director on the PGA Tour’s policy board and believes the players now control their own futures. Woods and fellow co-host Dr Pawan Munjal spoke to WION’s Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo in Nassau.

Golf gears up for 15-time major winner Tiger Woods’ comeback at the Hero World Challenge

Ahead of Tiger Woods' return to action in the Hero World Challenge, reports&nbsp;have emerged which states that the veteran golfer is set to feature in multiple tournaments next year. For most of 2023, Woods has been away from action due to injury concerns. In April, he suffered an ankle injury and underwent surgery and is now set to mark his return in the forthcoming Hero World Challenge Albany, Bahamas.

Thus, Woods is now looking to make up for the lost time and is targetting to play 5-6 tournaments in 2024. As per a post from NUCLR Golf on X, formerly Twitter,&nbsp;Taylor Zarzour&nbsp;confirmed that the legendary American golfer&nbsp;could play in "five to six regular tournaments" in 2024. One of the biggest reasons for Woods sounding so optimistic is that he&nbsp;cited the lack of pain while walking and, hence, is confident of more participation.

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WOODS TO RETURN TO LIMELIGHT IN HERO WORLD CHALLENGE

Talking about Woods' return to spotlight at his own&nbsp;Hero World Challenge event, in Bahamas, his opening round will take place on&nbsp;Thursday, with the veteran&nbsp;set to&nbsp;tee off at 11:52 a.m. ET. He’ll play the first round alongside his close friend Justin Thomas.&nbsp;It will be interesting to see how Woods fights all odds and makes a mark in his first-ever tournament since competitive return post a long injury layoff.

Irrespective of how he fares in the Hero World Challenge, Woods is looking set to once again try and become the competitor that he was going ahead with more tournament appearances from now on.

Ahead of Tiger Woods' return to action in the Hero World Challenge, reports have emerged which states that the veteran golfer is set to feature in multiple tournaments next year.

Ahead of Tiger Woods' return to action in the Hero World Challenge, reports have emerged which states that the veteran golfer is set to feature in multiple tournaments next year. For most of 2023, Woods has been away from action due to injury concerns. In April, he suffered an ankle injury and underwent surgery and is now set to mark his return in the forthcoming Hero World Challenge Albany, Bahamas. Thus, Woods is now looking to make up for the lost time and is targetting to play 5-6 tournaments in 2024. As per a post from NUCLR Golf on X, formerly Twitter, Taylor Zarzour confirmed that the legendary American golfer could play in "five to six regular tournaments" in 2024. One of the biggest reasons for Woods sounding so optimistic is that he cited the lack of pain while walking and, hence, is confident of more participation. Also read: FC Cincinnati midfielder Luciano Acosta named MLS Most Valuable Player WOODS TO RETURN TO LIMELIGHT IN HERO WORLD CHALLENGE Talking about Woods' return to spotlight at his own Hero World Challenge event, in Bahamas, his opening round will take place on Thursday, with the veteran set to tee off at 11:52 a.m. ET. He’ll play the first round alongside his close friend Justin Thomas. It will be interesting to see how Woods fights all odds and makes a mark in his first-ever tournament since competitive return post a long injury layoff. Irrespective of how he fares in the Hero World Challenge, Woods is looking set to once again try and become the competitor that he was going ahead with more tournament appearances from now on.

Golf: Veteran Tiger Woods set to feature in 5-6 tournaments in 2024 - Reports

It has been nearly four years since Adam Scott tasted victory, leaving the former world number one desperate to break the drought at this week's Australian PGA Championship. Scott has played solid golf since his last win at the Genesis Invitational in California in 2020, and finished tied for fifth at this month's Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

However, the 43-year-old's near-misses have generated frustration as well as encouragement. "It’s nice to play well … (but) I obviously haven’t found it that easy to win over the last couple of years,” Australia's first and only Masters winner told reporters on Wednesday.

"I played well in Bermuda but it’s not a win, and it’s hard to fake that confidence of closing out a tournament, and beating the entire field." Scott is among the headliners at Royal Queensland this week, just shaded by compatriot Cameron Smith, the defending champion and British Open winner, for pulling power.

Scott won the first of his two Australian PGA Championship trophies 10 years ago in his prime and the second in 2019. Less than two months after winning the 2019 event, he broke a four-year victory drought on the U.S. PGA Tour by claiming the Genesis Invitational.

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Naturally, Scott will hope his home event can be the circuit-breaker again. "I feel like I’ve got all the game to win more. I’m healthy still and at 43 moving well. "If I were to win this week or next week (at the Australian Open) it could be a springboard."

Scott and Smith ended up on opposing sides of the golfing schism wrought by LIV Golf, the former being the president of the U.S. tour's players' advisory council and the latter a staunch member of the Saudi-backed breakaway series.

The rival circuits, along with the European DP World Tour, announced plans in June to merge and end the sport's bitter divide.

The merger is supposed to be ratified by the end of the year but an ongoing U.S. Justice Department probe into anti-trust issues has raised concerns the deal may be delayed.

Scott said it was "really hard" to know if the tie-up would go through."There’s four or five other interested parties in investing in the PGA Tour like PIF," he added, referring to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. "So management have a lot of work to do to get some final deals on the table."

It has been nearly four years since Adam Scott tasted victory, leaving the former world number one desperate to break the drought at this week's Australian PGA Championship.

It has been nearly four years since Adam Scott tasted victory, leaving the former world number one desperate to break the drought at this week's Australian PGA Championship. Scott has played solid golf since his last win at the Genesis Invitational in California in 2020, and finished tied for fifth at this month's Butterfield Bermuda Championship. However, the 43-year-old's near-misses have generated frustration as well as encouragement. "It’s nice to play well … (but) I obviously haven’t found it that easy to win over the last couple of years,” Australia's first and only Masters winner told reporters on Wednesday. "I played well in Bermuda but it’s not a win, and it’s hard to fake that confidence of closing out a tournament, and beating the entire field." Scott is among the headliners at Royal Queensland this week, just shaded by compatriot Cameron Smith, the defending champion and British Open winner, for pulling power. Scott won the first of his two Australian PGA Championship trophies 10 years ago in his prime and the second in 2019. Less than two months after winning the 2019 event, he broke a four-year victory drought on the U.S. PGA Tour by claiming the Genesis Invitational. Also Read: Zimbabwe in danger of missing out from T20 World Cup next year after losing to Uganda Naturally, Scott will hope his home event can be the circuit-breaker again. "I feel like I’ve got all the game to win more. I’m healthy still and at 43 moving well. "If I were to win this week or next week (at the Australian Open) it could be a springboard." Scott and Smith ended up on opposing sides of the golfing schism wrought by LIV Golf, the former being the president of the U.S. tour's players' advisory council and the latter a staunch member of the Saudi-backed breakaway series. The rival circuits, along with the European DP World Tour, announced plans in June to merge and end the sport's bitter divide. The merger is supposed to be ratified by the end of the year but an ongoing U.S. Justice Department probe into anti-trust issues has raised concerns the deal may be delayed. Scott said it was "really hard" to know if the tie-up would go through."There’s four or five other interested parties in investing in the PGA Tour like PIF," he added, referring to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. "So management have a lot of work to do to get some final deals on the table."

Former number one Adam Scott desperate to break drought at Australian PGA Championship

Jordan Spieth will serve the remainder of Rory McIlroy's term as a player director the PGA Tour's policy board. Commissioner Jay Monahan announced the change to tour members on Monday. The term runs through the end of 2024. Spieth's selection was voted on by the five other player directors: Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson.

"With Rory McIlroy resigning from the PGA Tour Policy Board last week, per the PGA Tour Tournament Regulations, the five remaining Player Directors have elected Jordan Spieth to serve the remainder of Rory's term which expires at the end of 2024," Monahan wrote to members, according to an email obtained by&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Channel.

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"Jordan has extensive experience with the Tour's governance process, having served two years on the Player Advisory Council (2017-18) including PAC Chairman in 2018 and three years (2019-21) as a Player Director."

McIlroy resigned last week, citing the time commitment as the biggest factor. He also acknowledged that the agreement between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which backs LIV&nbsp;Golf, over future cooperation affected his role on the board.

Spieth, 30, is a 13-time winner on the PGA Tour with major victories at the Masters (2015), U.S. Open (2015) and The Open Championship (2017).

Jordan Spieth will serve the remainder of Rory McIlroy's term as a player director the PGA Tour's policy board. Commissioner Jay Monahan announced the change to tour members on Monday.

Jordan Spieth will serve the remainder of Rory McIlroy's term as a player director the PGA Tour's policy board. Commissioner Jay Monahan announced the change to tour members on Monday. The term runs through the end of 2024. Spieth's selection was voted on by the five other player directors: Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson. "With Rory McIlroy resigning from the PGA Tour Policy Board last week, per the PGA Tour Tournament Regulations, the five remaining Player Directors have elected Jordan Spieth to serve the remainder of Rory's term which expires at the end of 2024," Monahan wrote to members, according to an email obtained by Golf Channel. Also read: NFL bans Denver Broncos defender Kareem Jackson four games for risky hits "Jordan has extensive experience with the Tour's governance process, having served two years on the Player Advisory Council (2017-18) including PAC Chairman in 2018 and three years (2019-21) as a Player Director." McIlroy resigned last week, citing the time commitment as the biggest factor. He also acknowledged that the agreement between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which backs LIV Golf, over future cooperation affected his role on the board. Spieth, 30, is a 13-time winner on the PGA Tour with major victories at the Masters (2015), U.S. Open (2015) and The Open Championship (2017).

Golf: Jordan Spieth replaces Rory McIlroy on PGA Tour board

Australian number one Cameron Smith hopes to earn enough ranking points on his home tour and in next year's majors to qualify for another Olympics at Paris next year.

The former world number two has slipped to 18th since joining the breakaway LIV Golf circuit where players are unable to earn ranking points.

Only the top 60 are eligible to qualify for Paris, while Smith also faces competition for spots on Australia's team from compatriots including major winners Jason Day and Adam Scott.

That has put the onus on Smith to mount a strong defence of his Australian PGA Championship title this week at the Royal Queensland Golf Club to shore up his ranking.

"Yeah I definitely want to be there, 100%," the former British Open winner told reporters of the Olympics on Tuesday.

"I know the criteria, don't know if that can change."

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Smith, who finished in a tie for 10th at the Tokyo Olympics, will also be able to earn points at the Australian Open in Sydney next week.

"I've got these couple of events and four more looks again in the majors, so hopefully I can keep that ranking up," added Smith.

"To wear the coat of arms on the chest again would be pretty special."

LIV's bid to have its players earn ranking points was unanimously rejected last month by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) due to concerns about the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit's format.

While the four majors have allowed LIV players to compete, those who earned exemptions into them due to past results could one day be left out as they are not earning ranking points.

Australian number one Cameron Smith hopes to earn enough ranking points on his home tour and in next year's majors to qualify for another Olympics at Paris next year.

Australian number one Cameron Smith hopes to earn enough ranking points on his home tour and in next year's majors to qualify for another Olympics at Paris next year. The former world number two has slipped to 18th since joining the breakaway LIV Golf circuit where players are unable to earn ranking points. Only the top 60 are eligible to qualify for Paris, while Smith also faces competition for spots on Australia's team from compatriots including major winners Jason Day and Adam Scott. That has put the onus on Smith to mount a strong defence of his Australian PGA Championship title this week at the Royal Queensland Golf Club to shore up his ranking. "Yeah I definitely want to be there, 100%," the former British Open winner told reporters of the Olympics on Tuesday. "I know the criteria, don't know if that can change." ALSO READ | STAGGERING! Record 1.25 million fans attended ODI World Cup, reveals ICC Smith, who finished in a tie for 10th at the Tokyo Olympics, will also be able to earn points at the Australian Open in Sydney next week. "I've got these couple of events and four more looks again in the majors, so hopefully I can keep that ranking up," added Smith. "To wear the coat of arms on the chest again would be pretty special." LIV's bid to have its players earn ranking points was unanimously rejected last month by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) due to concerns about the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit's format. While the four majors have allowed LIV players to compete, those who earned exemptions into them due to past results could one day be left out as they are not earning ranking points.

Golf: Australia's Cameron Smith eyeing Paris Olympics amid rankings doubt

Golf superstar&nbsp;Tiger&nbsp;Woods&nbsp;will play the Hero World Challenge he hosts in the Bahamas, his first competitive golf start since the Masters. The 15-time major champion announced his intention on social media on Saturday. "Tournament host @TigerWoods to play in the 2023 #Hero WorldChallenge," a post on Twitter, which is being rebranded as 'X' said, adding that Justin Rose and Lucas Glover would round out the 20-man field for the November 30-December 3 event at Albany in the Bahamas.

Woods&nbsp;suffered severe leg injuries in a 2021 car crash and was sidelined until the 2022 Masters, where he finished 47th. He withdrew in the third round of this year's Masters in April and had ankle surgery later that month to treat arthritis linked to injuries suffered in his 2021 crash.

Woods, who shares the record for PGA Tour victories with Sam Snead at 82, has struggled to walk courses for four rounds since his return from the accident. He caddied for son Charlie in a 54-hole tournament in November and also put in an appearance before last week's PGA Tour event in Mexico, the tour's first event to be played on a course that he designed.

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At El Cardonal at Diamonte,&nbsp;Woods&nbsp;was seen walking comfortably down a long staircase and visiting with players, including fellow American Stewart Cink, the 2009 British Open winner who declared&nbsp;Woods&nbsp;was in "go mode" and had returned to practicing.

Woods&nbsp;has made just five PGA Tour starts since the California car crash in which he suffered multiple breaks in his right tibia and fibula. The 47-year-old has made the cut four times but completed 72 holes just twice. The inactivity has seen his world ranking plummet to a career-worst 1,307th.

In February,&nbsp;Woods&nbsp;completed four rounds at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. It was his first start in seven months, and&nbsp;Woods&nbsp;reiterated at Riviera that his competitive schedule would remain extremely limited.

At Augusta National in April he acknowledged that he wonders each time he plays the Masters if it will be his last time there, and he was unable to achieve his goal this season of competing in all four majors and perhaps "a couple" of other events.

"It has been tough and will always be tough," he said at the Masters. "The ability and endurance of what my leg will do going forward will never be the same. That's why I can't prepare and play as many tournaments as I like. "But that's my future and I'm OK with that."

Golf superstar Tiger Woods will play the Hero World Challenge he hosts in the Bahamas, his first competitive golf start since the Masters. The 15-time major champion announced his intention on social media on Saturday.

Golf superstar Tiger Woods will play the Hero World Challenge he hosts in the Bahamas, his first competitive golf start since the Masters. The 15-time major champion announced his intention on social media on Saturday. "Tournament host @TigerWoods to play in the 2023 #Hero WorldChallenge," a post on Twitter, which is being rebranded as 'X' said, adding that Justin Rose and Lucas Glover would round out the 20-man field for the November 30-December 3 event at Albany in the Bahamas. Woods suffered severe leg injuries in a 2021 car crash and was sidelined until the 2022 Masters, where he finished 47th. He withdrew in the third round of this year's Masters in April and had ankle surgery later that month to treat arthritis linked to injuries suffered in his 2021 crash. Woods, who shares the record for PGA Tour victories with Sam Snead at 82, has struggled to walk courses for four rounds since his return from the accident. He caddied for son Charlie in a 54-hole tournament in November and also put in an appearance before last week's PGA Tour event in Mexico, the tour's first event to be played on a course that he designed. Also read: Tennis: Novak Djokovic eyes ATP Finals record after last-four demolition of Carlos Alcaraz At El Cardonal at Diamonte, Woods was seen walking comfortably down a long staircase and visiting with players, including fellow American Stewart Cink, the 2009 British Open winner who declared Woods was in "go mode" and had returned to practicing. Woods has made just five PGA Tour starts since the California car crash in which he suffered multiple breaks in his right tibia and fibula. The 47-year-old has made the cut four times but completed 72 holes just twice. The inactivity has seen his world ranking plummet to a career-worst 1,307th. In February, Woods completed four rounds at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. It was his first start in seven months, and Woods reiterated at Riviera that his competitive schedule would remain extremely limited. At Augusta National in April he acknowledged that he wonders each time he plays the Masters if it will be his last time there, and he was unable to achieve his goal this season of competing in all four majors and perhaps "a couple" of other events. "It has been tough and will always be tough," he said at the Masters. "The ability and endurance of what my leg will do going forward will never be the same. That's why I can't prepare and play as many tournaments as I like. "But that's my future and I'm OK with that."

Golf: Tiger Woods to return to competitive action at Hero World Challenge

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