Sweden's Ryder Cup sensation Ludvig Aberg grabbed a one-shot lead at the RSM Classic on Friday, a bogey-free round of six-under putting him in position to strike for a first US PGA Tour title.

A birdie at the 18th hole on the par-70 Seaside Course capped his 64 and pushed Aberg to 11-under 131 -- one stroke clear of Americans Denny McCarthy, Sam Ryder and Eric Cole.

Cole shot a 66 on the Seaside course where McCarthy posted a 67 and Ryder fired a seven-under 65 on the par-72 Plantation Course, the other layout in use over the first two rounds of the event.

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Aberg and Cole, both in the running for Rookie of the Year honors, are both chasing first tour wins in the tournament that wraps up the FedEx Cup Fall series whose points standings will finalize eligibility for the 2024 PGA Tour season.

Aberg, who helped Europe to a 16.5-11.5 victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup in Italy in September, delivered another dominant performance off the tee.

"I feel like I've been striking the ball quite well, which obviously is nice in the wind, which is quite tricky to kind of maneuver," Aberg said. "I made a few par putts today, I made some 10-footer-ish for par on number one and then it's nice to get those momentum putts and to keep the round going a little bit.

"But there's no guarantees, but if I keep doing what I'm doing today, I like my chances," said Aberg, who won the European Masters this year but has failed to capitalize when in contention in a few other DP World Tour and PGA Tour events.

"I've been in the lead a few times, and every time you do it, it gets easier," the 24-year-old said. "Kind of understand what's going on with your body and your emotions and your mind and try to keep that intact. That's all I can do. Looking forward to a nice couple of days."

Cole, the only rookie to make it to the second FedEx Cup Playoffs event, has three top-five finishes in his past four starts.

He overcame a double bogey and a bogey with seven birdies to keep himself in the hunt.

Ryder, meanwhile, had six birdies and an eagle at the par-five 18th against just one bogey to climb the leaderboard. The 33-year-old is hoping for a strong weekend to secure his spots in the tour's top events next season.

"I'm kind of (on) the bubble for these swing spots to play into these signature events to start the year," Ryder said. "My goal has been to try and have a good fall and play my way into the first couple signature events ... it's kept me motivated and kept me driven throughout the fall."

Sweden's Ryder Cup sensation Ludvig Aberg grabbed a one-shot lead at the RSM Classic on Friday, a bogey-free round of six-under putting him in position to strike for a first US PGA Tour title.

Sweden's Ryder Cup sensation Ludvig Aberg grabbed a one-shot lead at the RSM Classic on Friday, a bogey-free round of six-under putting him in position to strike for a first US PGA Tour title. A birdie at the 18th hole on the par-70 Seaside Course capped his 64 and pushed Aberg to 11-under 131 -- one stroke clear of Americans Denny McCarthy, Sam Ryder and Eric Cole. Cole shot a 66 on the Seaside course where McCarthy posted a 67 and Ryder fired a seven-under 65 on the par-72 Plantation Course, the other layout in use over the first two rounds of the event. Also Read: WADA sends Russian anti-doping agency case to arbitration Aberg and Cole, both in the running for Rookie of the Year honors, are both chasing first tour wins in the tournament that wraps up the FedEx Cup Fall series whose points standings will finalize eligibility for the 2024 PGA Tour season. Aberg, who helped Europe to a 16.5-11.5 victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup in Italy in September, delivered another dominant performance off the tee. "I feel like I've been striking the ball quite well, which obviously is nice in the wind, which is quite tricky to kind of maneuver," Aberg said. "I made a few par putts today, I made some 10-footer-ish for par on number one and then it's nice to get those momentum putts and to keep the round going a little bit. "But there's no guarantees, but if I keep doing what I'm doing today, I like my chances," said Aberg, who won the European Masters this year but has failed to capitalize when in contention in a few other DP World Tour and PGA Tour events. "I've been in the lead a few times, and every time you do it, it gets easier," the 24-year-old said. "Kind of understand what's going on with your body and your emotions and your mind and try to keep that intact. That's all I can do. Looking forward to a nice couple of days." Cole, the only rookie to make it to the second FedEx Cup Playoffs event, has three top-five finishes in his past four starts. He overcame a double bogey and a bogey with seven birdies to keep himself in the hunt. Ryder, meanwhile, had six birdies and an eagle at the par-five 18th against just one bogey to climb the leaderboard. The 33-year-old is hoping for a strong weekend to secure his spots in the tour's top events next season. "I'm kind of (on) the bubble for these swing spots to play into these signature events to start the year," Ryder said. "My goal has been to try and have a good fall and play my way into the first couple signature events ... it's kept me motivated and kept me driven throughout the fall."

Golf: Sweden's Ryder Cup find Ludvig Aberg leads PGA Tour's RSM Classic at halfway mark

Veteran golfer Tiger Woods'&nbsp;ex-girlfriend Erica Herman has dropped her appeal to nullify a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and also shrugged off sexual harassment allegations against him in the latest development on Thursday (Nov 16). It is to be noted that in&nbsp;a lawsuit submitted early this year, in May, Woods was under the pump with some big accusations levied against him.

It was claimed that Woods was having a sexual relationship with Herman while she worked for him at his South Florida restaurant, The Woods Jupiter. In addition, he&nbsp;forced&nbsp;her to sign a non-disclosure agreement or risk being fired.

Back then, Herman’s attorney stated in a filing: "A boss imposing different work conditions on his employee because of their sexual relationship is sexual harassment."

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However, things have changed drastically at present. According&nbsp;to the new court documents filed in Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal, obtained by CNN, and dated November 10, Herman filed an official notice to disregard her appeal aimed at nullifying an NDA that she said required “confidential arbitration in all disputes between” her and the 47-year-old Woods.

The court document reads, "In dismissing this appeal, Erica Herman states that she was never a victim of sexual harassment or sexual abuse at the hands of Tiger Woods or any of his agents and it is her position that she never asserted a claim for such."

The Woods-Herman&nbsp;case has made heads turn for quite some time following the serious charges thrown at the veteran golfer. However, with his former girlfriend dropping all charges, it has once again caught the attention of Woods' fans and critics.

Veteran golfer Tiger Woods' ex-girlfriend Erica Herman has dropped her appeal to nullify a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and also shrugged off sexual harassment allegations against him in the latest development on Thursday (Nov 16).

Veteran golfer Tiger Woods' ex-girlfriend Erica Herman has dropped her appeal to nullify a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and also shrugged off sexual harassment allegations against him in the latest development on Thursday (Nov 16). It is to be noted that in a lawsuit submitted early this year, in May, Woods was under the pump with some big accusations levied against him. It was claimed that Woods was having a sexual relationship with Herman while she worked for him at his South Florida restaurant, The Woods Jupiter. In addition, he forced her to sign a non-disclosure agreement or risk being fired. Back then, Herman’s attorney stated in a filing: "A boss imposing different work conditions on his employee because of their sexual relationship is sexual harassment." Also read: MLB: Shohei Ohtani becomes first to win historic American League Most Valuable Player award twice However, things have changed drastically at present. According to the new court documents filed in Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal, obtained by CNN, and dated November 10, Herman filed an official notice to disregard her appeal aimed at nullifying an NDA that she said required “confidential arbitration in all disputes between” her and the 47-year-old Woods. The court document reads, "In dismissing this appeal, Erica Herman states that she was never a victim of sexual harassment or sexual abuse at the hands of Tiger Woods or any of his agents and it is her position that she never asserted a claim for such." The Woods-Herman case has made heads turn for quite some time following the serious charges thrown at the veteran golfer. However, with his former girlfriend dropping all charges, it has once again caught the attention of Woods' fans and critics.

Golf: Huge relief! Tiger Woods’ ex-girlfriend Erica Herman drops appeal and denies sexual harassment claims

Rory McIlroy said his sudden and surprising decision to resign from the PGA Tour policy board was because he had so many commitments "something had to give".&nbsp;

Following an opening round of one-under par 71 at the $10.5 million DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy explained his move.

"There are only so many hours in the day, and there are only so many days in the week, and I've got a lot going on in my life right now," McIlroy said.&nbsp;

"I am trying to be a world-class golfer, trying to be a good husband and a good father. I've got a growing investment portfolio that's taken up more of my time, I'm involved with the TGL. I've got a lot of stuff going on," said the world number two.

"With the policy board stuff, obviously, it's taken more of my time than ever this year. I just feel like there are people that are there that are able to spend more time and put more energy into it than I am right now. And it's better if someone else takes that spot of mine."

A decision on PGA Tour's Framework of Agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund is due before December 31, but McIlroy did not think it was a bad time for him to leave.

"I think the process is in good hands," he said.&nbsp;

"The PGA Tour agreed to let a sixth player on the policy board, so the players are the ones that are going to control the future anyway. So, I sort of felt comfortable enough to step down, because there are guys on that board that are able to dedicate the time and the energy into it."&nbsp;

"I stepped up and spoke out about something I believed in and obviously, the landscape changed in June with that announcement. It was never in my control, but I was playing a lesser part from there on because of the decisions that were made."

"I'm happy to be busy, I like being busy, but I like being busy doing my own things and my own stuff. And it just got to the point where I just couldn't fit it all.

"As I try to get ramped up for Augusta and all those tournaments, I just can't see myself putting the time and the energy into it."

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After Thursday's first round, McIlroy was four shots behind Dane Nicolai Hojgaard and the French pair Julien Guerrier and Matthieu Pavon.&nbsp;

The two Frenchman were bogey-free for their 67s, while Hojgaard, who represented Europe in the Ryder Cup, made six birdies after an early bogey on the fourth hole.

Defending champion and world number three Jon Rahm, on his fifth appearance, shot his worst round in the tournament – an even-par 72. He was tied 24th.

The $10.5 million season-ending championship has a limited field of 50 players.&nbsp;

While McIlroy has sewn up the Race to Dubai, the other top eight places, which carry a &nbsp;&nbsp;share of the $6 million bonus pool have not been decided. There also the 10 PGA Tour cards on offer for the top-10 non-exempt DP World Tour members.

Rory McIlroy said his sudden and surprising decision to resign from the PGA Tour policy board was because he had so many commitments "something had to give". Following an opening round of one-under par 71 at the $10.

Rory McIlroy said his sudden and surprising decision to resign from the PGA Tour policy board was because he had so many commitments "something had to give". Following an opening round of one-under par 71 at the $10.5 million DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy explained his move. "There are only so many hours in the day, and there are only so many days in the week, and I've got a lot going on in my life right now," McIlroy said. "I am trying to be a world-class golfer, trying to be a good husband and a good father. I've got a growing investment portfolio that's taken up more of my time, I'm involved with the TGL. I've got a lot of stuff going on," said the world number two. "With the policy board stuff, obviously, it's taken more of my time than ever this year. I just feel like there are people that are there that are able to spend more time and put more energy into it than I am right now. And it's better if someone else takes that spot of mine." A decision on PGA Tour's Framework of Agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund is due before December 31, but McIlroy did not think it was a bad time for him to leave. "I think the process is in good hands," he said. "The PGA Tour agreed to let a sixth player on the policy board, so the players are the ones that are going to control the future anyway. So, I sort of felt comfortable enough to step down, because there are guys on that board that are able to dedicate the time and the energy into it." "I stepped up and spoke out about something I believed in and obviously, the landscape changed in June with that announcement. It was never in my control, but I was playing a lesser part from there on because of the decisions that were made." "I'm happy to be busy, I like being busy, but I like being busy doing my own things and my own stuff. And it just got to the point where I just couldn't fit it all. "As I try to get ramped up for Augusta and all those tournaments, I just can't see myself putting the time and the energy into it." ALSO READ | World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson shuts down pitch controversy while Gavaskar terms critics 'morons' After Thursday's first round, McIlroy was four shots behind Dane Nicolai Hojgaard and the French pair Julien Guerrier and Matthieu Pavon. The two Frenchman were bogey-free for their 67s, while Hojgaard, who represented Europe in the Ryder Cup, made six birdies after an early bogey on the fourth hole. Defending champion and world number three Jon Rahm, on his fifth appearance, shot his worst round in the tournament – an even-par 72. He was tied 24th. The $10.5 million season-ending championship has a limited field of 50 players. While McIlroy has sewn up the Race to Dubai, the other top eight places, which carry a share of the $6 million bonus pool have not been decided. There also the 10 PGA Tour cards on offer for the top-10 non-exempt DP World Tour members.

Golf: Rory McIlroy quit PGA Tour board because of heavy workload

Cameron Smith said he was "still a bit asleep" after an early start to his second round but roused himself for a share of second place at the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Open&nbsp;on Friday.

The 2022 British&nbsp;Open&nbsp;champion, the joint overnight leader in the $2 million Asian Tour International Series event, carded six birdies against two bogeys for four-under-par 66.

The Australian was alongside South Korea's Bae Sang-moon on 11-under overall at the halfway stage at a sweltering Fanling, a shot behind leader Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand.

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The 30-year-old Smith, one of the biggest names to make the jump to the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, was out for his second round starting at 6:45 am.

"The 3:30 alarm this morning was a little bit much," said Smith, who is chasing victory at Asia's oldest professional golf tournament for the first time.

"The body wasn't quite there this morning, it was probably still a little bit asleep.

"But I managed to do what I really needed to do and go into the weekend with a shot."

Asked by AFP if he planned to practise in the afternoon, Smith said he was instead going to have a nap.

Phachara goes into the weekend top of the leaderboard after shooting a seven-under-par 63 to go with his opening-round 65.

Lee Chieh-po was among a group of five players on 10-under overall, two shots off the lead, the Taiwanese claiming an ace on the way to a second-round 65.

Major winners Graeme McDowell and Patrick Reed both in the hunt, lurking ominously at eight-under and seven-under respectively.

Australia's Wade Ormsby, who won Asia's oldest professional golf tournament the last time it was staged, in 2020, missed the cut as his title defence fell flat.&nbsp;

Cameron Smith said he was "still a bit asleep" after an early start to his second round but roused himself for a share of second place at the Hong Kong Open on Friday.

Cameron Smith said he was "still a bit asleep" after an early start to his second round but roused himself for a share of second place at the Hong Kong Open on Friday. The 2022 British Open champion, the joint overnight leader in the $2 million Asian Tour International Series event, carded six birdies against two bogeys for four-under-par 66. The Australian was alongside South Korea's Bae Sang-moon on 11-under overall at the halfway stage at a sweltering Fanling, a shot behind leader Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand. Also Read: James Maddison to miss England Euro 2024 qualifiers with ankle injury: Tottenham Hotspur The 30-year-old Smith, one of the biggest names to make the jump to the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, was out for his second round starting at 6:45 am. "The 3:30 alarm this morning was a little bit much," said Smith, who is chasing victory at Asia's oldest professional golf tournament for the first time. "The body wasn't quite there this morning, it was probably still a little bit asleep. "But I managed to do what I really needed to do and go into the weekend with a shot." Asked by AFP if he planned to practise in the afternoon, Smith said he was instead going to have a nap. Phachara goes into the weekend top of the leaderboard after shooting a seven-under-par 63 to go with his opening-round 65. Lee Chieh-po was among a group of five players on 10-under overall, two shots off the lead, the Taiwanese claiming an ace on the way to a second-round 65. Major winners Graeme McDowell and Patrick Reed both in the hunt, lurking ominously at eight-under and seven-under respectively. Australia's Wade Ormsby, who won Asia's oldest professional golf tournament the last time it was staged, in 2020, missed the cut as his title defence fell flat.

Golf: Aussie Cameron Smith holds on to second place in Hong Kong Open with Phachara in lead

Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson said Wednesday that more PGA Tour players will jump to Saudi-backed LIV Golf despite a framework agreement for a merger by the end of 2023.

The 53-year-old US left-hander, among the first to leap from the PGA to the upstart circuit last year, spoke Wednesday ahead of Friday's start of the season-ending LIV Golf Team Championship at Doral.

"I've been fielding calls, as we all have, from players that are free agents to PGA Tour players to DP World Tour players that want to come over," Mickelson said.

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Asked if he expected an "exodus" of talent from the PGA and DP World tours, Mickelson was confident of more movement.

"Do I think that? No. I know that's going to happen," Mickelson said. "When players look at LIV, they're wanting to be a part of it.

"Everybody here is happy and enjoying what we're doing, enjoying the team aspect of it and enjoying each other and the camaraderie and enjoying playing golf globally and all the benefits that come with playing this tour.

"So there are a lot of players that see that and want to be a part of it. The question is how many spots are available. There's a lot more players that want to come than there are spots."

Merger talks have continued between the three tours since a June announcement of a framework agreement, but there is a December 31 deadline for any deal to be completed.

A PGA Tour Policy Board with a majority of players including Tiger Woods must approve any merger deal.

"I think the merger talks allow for it," Mickelson said of players jumping to LIV. "I think it allows and kind of opens the door for that."

One door slammed shut on LIV Golf last week was by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board, which rejected LIV Golf's appeal to have rankings points awarded for its events, citing issues with LIV's limited player turnover rate and team format issues impacting individual play.

LIV players have been banned from PGA Tour events, limiting their ability to earn ranking points.

Mickelson, however, says there's more than meets the eye to the rejection.

"I do want to bring to light as to why exactly they are doing what they are doing. It's not what they are putting out there," Mickelson said.

"There's a lot more going on behind the scenes as to the importance of us to the getting points to (equal) the PGA Tour."

American Brooks Koepka, this year's PGA Championship winner, and Australian Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, are the only LIV players still among the world rankings top 50, a key cutoff point for entry into major tournaments.

<h2>Seeking a major pathway</h2>

Mickelson said the majors need to ensure other top LIV players have a path into their events.

"I think the majors need to protect their product, and there's probably other ways that they can do that by creating slots," Mickelson said.

"If they want to make sure they have the best fields in golf, they could create vehicles for players on LIV to play in majors where they don't have to use the OWGR, which would undermine the TV contract and revenue of the PGA Tour if they gave points to LIV."

Koepka said LIV has plenty of talent that deserves a chance to play in majors.

"I think it's hard to argue that some of these guys here are not the best players in the world," Koepka said. "These guys deserve to be in majors that have been in majors.

"Hopefully there's a pathway for them to at least get into majors because I think there's quite a few guys out here that deserve to be in those."

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Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson said Wednesday that more PGA Tour players will jump to Saudi-backed LIV Golf despite a framework agreement for a merger by the end of 2023.

Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson said Wednesday that more PGA Tour players will jump to Saudi-backed LIV Golf despite a framework agreement for a merger by the end of 2023. The 53-year-old US left-hander, among the first to leap from the PGA to the upstart circuit last year, spoke Wednesday ahead of Friday's start of the season-ending LIV Golf Team Championship at Doral. "I've been fielding calls, as we all have, from players that are free agents to PGA Tour players to DP World Tour players that want to come over," Mickelson said. Also Read: Spain call up Jenni Hermoso for first time since World Cup forced kiss scandal Asked if he expected an "exodus" of talent from the PGA and DP World tours, Mickelson was confident of more movement. "Do I think that? No. I know that's going to happen," Mickelson said. "When players look at LIV, they're wanting to be a part of it. "Everybody here is happy and enjoying what we're doing, enjoying the team aspect of it and enjoying each other and the camaraderie and enjoying playing golf globally and all the benefits that come with playing this tour. "So there are a lot of players that see that and want to be a part of it. The question is how many spots are available. There's a lot more players that want to come than there are spots." Merger talks have continued between the three tours since a June announcement of a framework agreement, but there is a December 31 deadline for any deal to be completed. A PGA Tour Policy Board with a majority of players including Tiger Woods must approve any merger deal. "I think the merger talks allow for it," Mickelson said of players jumping to LIV. "I think it allows and kind of opens the door for that." One door slammed shut on LIV Golf last week was by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board, which rejected LIV Golf's appeal to have rankings points awarded for its events, citing issues with LIV's limited player turnover rate and team format issues impacting individual play. LIV players have been banned from PGA Tour events, limiting their ability to earn ranking points. Mickelson, however, says there's more than meets the eye to the rejection. "I do want to bring to light as to why exactly they are doing what they are doing. It's not what they are putting out there," Mickelson said. "There's a lot more going on behind the scenes as to the importance of us to the getting points to (equal) the PGA Tour." American Brooks Koepka, this year's PGA Championship winner, and Australian Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, are the only LIV players still among the world rankings top 50, a key cutoff point for entry into major tournaments. Seeking a major pathway Mickelson said the majors need to ensure other top LIV players have a path into their events. "I think the majors need to protect their product, and there's probably other ways that they can do that by creating slots," Mickelson said. "If they want to make sure they have the best fields in golf, they could create vehicles for players on LIV to play in majors where they don't have to use the OWGR, which would undermine the TV contract and revenue of the PGA Tour if they gave points to LIV." Koepka said LIV has plenty of talent that deserves a chance to play in majors. "I think it's hard to argue that some of these guys here are not the best players in the world," Koepka said. "These guys deserve to be in majors that have been in majors. "Hopefully there's a pathway for them to at least get into majors because I think there's quite a few guys out here that deserve to be in those." 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: Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson says more players from PGA 'wanting to be part of LIV'

Tommy Fleetwood enjoyed the winning moment as Europe regained the Ryder Cup from a battling United States on Sunday, wrapping up a 16.5-11.5 victory despite a belated American singles charge.

The USA remain without a win on European soil since 1993 while neither team have lifted the trophy away from home in 11 years.

With Europe needing half a point to get over the line, Fleetwood moved 2-up against Rickie Fowler with two holes to play after the American dumped his tee shot on the short par-four 16th into the water.

Fleetwood struck his drive into the heart of the green and calmy stroked his eagle putt to the holeside to ensure Europe a seventh consecutive home victory, before going on to win 3 and 1.

"I think relief, pride, joy," said the Englishman. "Proud of everybody that's been involved this week and just proud that I'm one of the people that gets to play a role in what we came here to do."

US captain Zach Johnson took responsibility for the loss.

"The defeat is on me, I made some poor decisions and I will reflect. Those 12 guys played so hard and fought for our country," he said.

Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland led the way with early victories in the Rome sunshine and Jon Rahm also snatched half a point from Scottie Scheffler on the 18th green.

Luke Donald's Europe started the day four points from lifting the trophy they lost in a record-breaking 19-9 thrashing at Whistling Straits two years ago.

"It was stressful as the US put up a fight today so hats off to them. But I am so proud of my 12 guys. We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything," said Donald.

Europe raced out of the blocks in the Rome sunshine before the USA enjoyed a surge to quieten the huge home crowds, at one point leading in seven matches and tied in another.

But Europe gathered themselves and ended up halving the singles session 6-6.

The Americans were attempting to pull off the biggest Sunday Ryder Cup comeback, having trailed 10.5-5.5 at the start of the day.

But they never recovered from being swept 4-0 in the opening foursomes on Friday, quashing American hopes that their crushing win in 2021 was the start of a period of dominance.

There were jubilant scenes on the 18th green as the final match on the course between Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth, which was halved, came to an end, with the Irishman hugging several teammates on his way down the fairway.

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<h2>Europe's big guns fire</h2>

Rahm grabbed a crucial half-point from a thrilling opening tussle with Scheffler by making birdie on the par-five 18th hole after the world number one thinned a chip across the green.

Hovland had already romped to a 4 and 3 victory over Collin Morikawa to take his personal tally for the event to 3.5 points.

Patrick Cantlay -- the pantomime villain after reports he was refusing to wearing a hat over wanting to be paid at the event before his caddie Joe LaCava angered McIlroy on Saturday -- edged out Justin Rose 2 and 1.

Cantlay was roundly jeered on the first hole and mocked again for a reported protest against the lack of pay for Ryder Cup players, with fans waving their caps at him.

But he continued his good form from Saturday, when he made three straight birdies in his match with Wyndham Clark to beat McIlroy and Matthew Fitzpatrick, by handing Rose his first loss of the week.

McIlroy, who ends the week with four points after his struggles at Whistling Straits, closed out a 3 and 1 victory over Sam Burns despite a late rally from the American.

"This was about redemption and showing what we could do," said McIlroy.

Tyrrell Hatton overcame some nervy late moments to see off British Open champion Brian Harman on the 16th hole and put Europe on the cusp and 14-7 ahead.

Fitzpatrick missed a 19-foot birdie putt to win the Ryder Cup on the last hole as Max Homa kept the fate of the matchplay showdown just about in the balance.

Homa, who was the USA's best player at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club with 3.5 points, bravely opted to take a penalty drop from the rough for an unplayable lie but made a clutch up and down for par.

Brooks Koepka saw off Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg 3 and 2 and Xander Schauffele beat Nicolai Hojgaard by the same scoreline to keep Europe waiting.

But Lowry calmed the nerves by pulling his match with Spieth to all-square on the 16th, clearing the way for Fleetwood to close it out moments later.

&nbsp;

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Tommy Fleetwood enjoyed the winning moment as Europe regained the Ryder Cup from a battling United States on Sunday, wrapping up a 16.5-11.5 victory despite a belated American singles charge.

Tommy Fleetwood enjoyed the winning moment as Europe regained the Ryder Cup from a battling United States on Sunday, wrapping up a 16.5-11.5 victory despite a belated American singles charge. The USA remain without a win on European soil since 1993 while neither team have lifted the trophy away from home in 11 years. With Europe needing half a point to get over the line, Fleetwood moved 2-up against Rickie Fowler with two holes to play after the American dumped his tee shot on the short par-four 16th into the water. Fleetwood struck his drive into the heart of the green and calmy stroked his eagle putt to the holeside to ensure Europe a seventh consecutive home victory, before going on to win 3 and 1. "I think relief, pride, joy," said the Englishman. "Proud of everybody that's been involved this week and just proud that I'm one of the people that gets to play a role in what we came here to do." US captain Zach Johnson took responsibility for the loss. "The defeat is on me, I made some poor decisions and I will reflect. Those 12 guys played so hard and fought for our country," he said. Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland led the way with early victories in the Rome sunshine and Jon Rahm also snatched half a point from Scottie Scheffler on the 18th green. Luke Donald's Europe started the day four points from lifting the trophy they lost in a record-breaking 19-9 thrashing at Whistling Straits two years ago. "It was stressful as the US put up a fight today so hats off to them. But I am so proud of my 12 guys. We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything," said Donald. Europe raced out of the blocks in the Rome sunshine before the USA enjoyed a surge to quieten the huge home crowds, at one point leading in seven matches and tied in another. But Europe gathered themselves and ended up halving the singles session 6-6. The Americans were attempting to pull off the biggest Sunday Ryder Cup comeback, having trailed 10.5-5.5 at the start of the day. But they never recovered from being swept 4-0 in the opening foursomes on Friday, quashing American hopes that their crushing win in 2021 was the start of a period of dominance. There were jubilant scenes on the 18th green as the final match on the course between Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth, which was halved, came to an end, with the Irishman hugging several teammates on his way down the fairway. ALSO READ | CWC 2023: Team wasn’t gelled well, there were no discussions: Moin Khan after Pakistan’s loss to NZ in warm-up Europe's big guns fire Rahm grabbed a crucial half-point from a thrilling opening tussle with Scheffler by making birdie on the par-five 18th hole after the world number one thinned a chip across the green. Hovland had already romped to a 4 and 3 victory over Collin Morikawa to take his personal tally for the event to 3.5 points. Patrick Cantlay -- the pantomime villain after reports he was refusing to wearing a hat over wanting to be paid at the event before his caddie Joe LaCava angered McIlroy on Saturday -- edged out Justin Rose 2 and 1. Cantlay was roundly jeered on the first hole and mocked again for a reported protest against the lack of pay for Ryder Cup players, with fans waving their caps at him. But he continued his good form from Saturday, when he made three straight birdies in his match with Wyndham Clark to beat McIlroy and Matthew Fitzpatrick, by handing Rose his first loss of the week. McIlroy, who ends the week with four points after his struggles at Whistling Straits, closed out a 3 and 1 victory over Sam Burns despite a late rally from the American. "This was about redemption and showing what we could do," said McIlroy. Tyrrell Hatton overcame some nervy late moments to see off British Open champion Brian Harman on the 16th hole and put Europe on the cusp and 14-7 ahead. Fitzpatrick missed a 19-foot birdie putt to win the Ryder Cup on the last hole as Max Homa kept the fate of the matchplay showdown just about in the balance. Homa, who was the USA's best player at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club with 3.5 points, bravely opted to take a penalty drop from the rough for an unplayable lie but made a clutch up and down for par. Brooks Koepka saw off Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg 3 and 2 and Xander Schauffele beat Nicolai Hojgaard by the same scoreline to keep Europe waiting. But Lowry calmed the nerves by pulling his match with Spieth to all-square on the 16th, clearing the way for Fleetwood to close it out moments later. 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: Europe regain Ryder Cup to extend USA's 30-year wait for glory

The Ryder Cup is set for a fiery climax on Sunday after Rory McIlroy's row with Patrick Cantlay's caddie overshadowed the American's late surge in Saturday's fourballs which gave the USA a glimmer of hope.

Sunday's 12 singles matches were already going to be spicy affairs as the USA need a record-breaking comeback from 10.5-5.5 down to win the trophy for the first time on European soil in 30 years.

And there could well be added needle between the two teams following the explosive aftermath of a dramatic and tension-packed win for Cantlay and Wyndham Clark sealed on the 18th green of the Marco Simone course in Rome, the third for the US in the four afternoon fourballs.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-india-fires-10-goals-past-hapless-pak-storm-into-semi-final-641328">Asian Games: India fires 10 goals past hapless Pak, storm into semi-final</a>

Cantlay and Clark prevailed in the day's final fourballs match against McIlroy and Matthew Fitzpatrick, sparking wild celebrations from the US team and fans.

However McIlroy was enraged by the behaviour of Cantlay's caddie Joe LaCava, who was waving his hat and refused to move out of the four-time major winner's way while he was waiting to take a putt which could have halved the hole and match for Europe.

Northern Irishman McIlroy was then filmed having another blazing row with an unidentified member of the USA team in the course carpark, having to be pulled away and bundled into a car by teammate Shane Lowry.

Europe captain Luke Donald told reporters that McIlroy thought "the line was crossed" with LaCava's behaviour, causing a row which dominated headlines following an epic session which ended at nearly 7:00pm local time (1700 GMT).

It was a dramatic third win from four afternoon fourballs for the USA and earned largely thanks to Cantlay, who sunk three crucial putts in the final three holes just as momentum appeared to have definitively swung in the Europeans' favour.

<h2>'Ray of light'</h2>

The most impressive was at 18, a 30-footer drained under huge pressure which eventually led to McIlroy losing his cool with his American counterparts, who had been trailing by seven points at lunchtime after a dismal effort in the morning foursomes.

"Hopefully have a ray of light and we can build on this session and try and pull off a big victory tomorrow," said Cantlay who competed Saturday without a cap, although he denied the gesture was in protest at players not being paid.

"The hat doesn't fit. It didn't fit at Whistling Straits (when the USA crushed Europe 19-9), and didn't fit this week. Everyone knows that," Cantlay added.

The USA still have a massive task on their hands as no team has ever recovered from more than a four-point deficit at the end of the second day.&nbsp;

That leaves Europe still favourites as they seek the four points needed to claim their seventh straight home win in the Ryder Cup.

Robert MacIntyre and Justin Rose cruised to a three and two victory over Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth who had come into the tournament with a formidable matchplay record.

Rose had sunk the key 19-foot putt to halve his Friday fourballs match in stunning fashion and on Saturday the English Ryder Cup veteran repeated the trick on the 16th.

"I just knew there was a huge opportunity today," said Rose.&nbsp;

"Obviously nine and 10, we went one up and... I said to Bobby, the next 20 minutes, we have to put our foot down and get out and get a stranglehold on this match. That's exactly what happened."

<h2>'Win or die trying'</h2>

By that time the USA had already collected two of their afternoon points with convincing wins.

Sam Burns and Collin Morikawa cruised to a 4 and 3 victory over Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg, who ran out of gas after dishing out a record-breaking 9 and 7 foursomes hammering to Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka.

Max Homa and Brian Harman were the only bright spot in the morning foursomes for Johnson's team.&nbsp;

The pair followed that up by prevailing 2 and 1 over Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard, and Harma has no illusions about their chances on Sunday.

"Backs against the wall. We've got a deep hole to climb out of," admitted Harman.&nbsp;

"But we've got some good players and got a good team. So we're going to fight like hell and either win or die trying."

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The Ryder Cup is set for a fiery climax on Sunday after Rory McIlroy's row with Patrick Cantlay's caddie overshadowed the American's late surge in Saturday's fourballs which gave the USA a glimmer of hope.

The Ryder Cup is set for a fiery climax on Sunday after Rory McIlroy's row with Patrick Cantlay's caddie overshadowed the American's late surge in Saturday's fourballs which gave the USA a glimmer of hope. Sunday's 12 singles matches were already going to be spicy affairs as the USA need a record-breaking comeback from 10.5-5.5 down to win the trophy for the first time on European soil in 30 years. And there could well be added needle between the two teams following the explosive aftermath of a dramatic and tension-packed win for Cantlay and Wyndham Clark sealed on the 18th green of the Marco Simone course in Rome, the third for the US in the four afternoon fourballs. Also Read: Asian Games: India fires 10 goals past hapless Pak, storm into semi-final Cantlay and Clark prevailed in the day's final fourballs match against McIlroy and Matthew Fitzpatrick, sparking wild celebrations from the US team and fans. However McIlroy was enraged by the behaviour of Cantlay's caddie Joe LaCava, who was waving his hat and refused to move out of the four-time major winner's way while he was waiting to take a putt which could have halved the hole and match for Europe. Northern Irishman McIlroy was then filmed having another blazing row with an unidentified member of the USA team in the course carpark, having to be pulled away and bundled into a car by teammate Shane Lowry. Europe captain Luke Donald told reporters that McIlroy thought "the line was crossed" with LaCava's behaviour, causing a row which dominated headlines following an epic session which ended at nearly 7:00pm local time (1700 GMT). It was a dramatic third win from four afternoon fourballs for the USA and earned largely thanks to Cantlay, who sunk three crucial putts in the final three holes just as momentum appeared to have definitively swung in the Europeans' favour. 'Ray of light' The most impressive was at 18, a 30-footer drained under huge pressure which eventually led to McIlroy losing his cool with his American counterparts, who had been trailing by seven points at lunchtime after a dismal effort in the morning foursomes. "Hopefully have a ray of light and we can build on this session and try and pull off a big victory tomorrow," said Cantlay who competed Saturday without a cap, although he denied the gesture was in protest at players not being paid. "The hat doesn't fit. It didn't fit at Whistling Straits (when the USA crushed Europe 19-9), and didn't fit this week. Everyone knows that," Cantlay added. The USA still have a massive task on their hands as no team has ever recovered from more than a four-point deficit at the end of the second day. That leaves Europe still favourites as they seek the four points needed to claim their seventh straight home win in the Ryder Cup. Robert MacIntyre and Justin Rose cruised to a three and two victory over Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth who had come into the tournament with a formidable matchplay record. Rose had sunk the key 19-foot putt to halve his Friday fourballs match in stunning fashion and on Saturday the English Ryder Cup veteran repeated the trick on the 16th. "I just knew there was a huge opportunity today," said Rose. "Obviously nine and 10, we went one up and... I said to Bobby, the next 20 minutes, we have to put our foot down and get out and get a stranglehold on this match. That's exactly what happened." 'Win or die trying' By that time the USA had already collected two of their afternoon points with convincing wins. Sam Burns and Collin Morikawa cruised to a 4 and 3 victory over Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg, who ran out of gas after dishing out a record-breaking 9 and 7 foursomes hammering to Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka. Max Homa and Brian Harman were the only bright spot in the morning foursomes for Johnson's team. The pair followed that up by prevailing 2 and 1 over Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard, and Harma has no illusions about their chances on Sunday. "Backs against the wall. We've got a deep hole to climb out of," admitted Harman. "But we've got some good players and got a good team. So we're going to fight like hell and either win or die trying." 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: Ryder Cup set for spicy climax after Rory McIlroy's spat amid Team USA surge

Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg led Europe's charge towards Ryder Cup glory on Saturday as the event's biggest ever foursomes win contributed to a 9.5-2.5 third-session lead over the shellshocked USA in Rome.

Captain Luke Donald said on Friday he wants a "historic week" from Europe, gunning to reclaim the Ryder Cup lost in a record 19-9 thrashing two years ago at the hands of the USA, who are trying to win on this side of the Atlantic for the first time since 1993.

And his team have already delivered that at the Marco Simone course in Rome with Hovland and Aberg's 9 and 7 destruction of Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, the only player in the field from the Saudi Arabia-backed rebel LIV Golf circuit.

The Scandinavian pair steamrollered Scheffler and Koepka in the sort of display which Donald would have been dreaming of before his team arrived for work with the Eternal city still enveloped in darkness.

It handily eclipsed the previous biggest Ryder Cup foursomes win 44 years ago, when Americans Tom Kite and Hale Irwin thumped Ken Brown and Des Smyth 7 and 6.

Scheffler and Koepka's games broke down in the face of an unprecedented onslaught and the former was left with his head in his hands after conceding the match at the 11th, a series of duffed shots over the green leaving him and his partner no option but to admit defeat.

"I don't think we could have done a whole lot better," said Hovland, possibly the world's most in-form golfer.

"He's a stud (Aberg). He doesn't miss a shot, so it's easy when I'm playing well and he's playing well and we are just feeding off of each other."

Donald opted to switch the usual schedule and open with the alternate shot foursomes instead of fourballs and his team have made sure that decision has paid off handsomely.

The Americans didn't win a single match in a day for the first ever time on Friday but did manage to get some red on the board on Saturday through Max Homa and Brian Harman, who cruised to a 4 and 2 win over Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trent-bridge-cricket-ground-to-rename-pavilion-end-after-former-england-great-stuart-broad-641200">Trent Bridge cricket ground to rename Pavilion End after former England bowler Stuart Broad</a>

<h2>Big hole</h2>

Homa and Harman will be straight back out in the afternoon's fourballs against Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard.

"We obviously are in a big hole, but we have the right guys to dig ourselves out of it," said Homa.

However Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton secured a dramatic 2 and 1 victory against Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay to ensure Europe won a third straight session.

And Rory McIlroy and Fleetwood won their second straight foursomes match to complete another morning rout, this time claiming the spoils 2 and 1 over Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth after Northern Irishman McIlroy sank a 15-footer on 17.

The European duo had been three up with six to play but formidable matchplay duo Thomas and Spieth gave the Americans hope of salvaging some pride until a collapse on the penultimate hole gave McIlroy the chance to seal the point.

"They get more special as you go on because you realise you don't have that many left. Hopefully I have a few Ryder Cups left in me," said four-time major winner McIlroy.&nbsp;

"It's been an absolute pleasure to share the golf course with this man beside me over the last couple of days."

It was another brilliant end to a session on a day which started in emotional fashion as glorious sunshine slowly crept over the course and buoyant home fans chanted "Europe's on fire, USA is terrified" before the start of play.

Supporters unfurled a large banner depicting Spanish Ryder Cup icon Seve Ballesteros, bringing vice-captain Jose Maria Olazabal to the verge of tears at the Italian message "forever in our hearts".

A large and loud crowd have delighted in the performance of the European team, and the players have responded to that passion with performances that will leave the USA's chances all-but gone if they don't turn the tide in the afternoon's fourballs.

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Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg led Europe's charge towards Ryder Cup glory on Saturday as the event's biggest ever foursomes win contributed to a 9.5-2.5 third-session lead over the shellshocked USA in Rome.

Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg led Europe's charge towards Ryder Cup glory on Saturday as the event's biggest ever foursomes win contributed to a 9.5-2.5 third-session lead over the shellshocked USA in Rome. Captain Luke Donald said on Friday he wants a "historic week" from Europe, gunning to reclaim the Ryder Cup lost in a record 19-9 thrashing two years ago at the hands of the USA, who are trying to win on this side of the Atlantic for the first time since 1993. And his team have already delivered that at the Marco Simone course in Rome with Hovland and Aberg's 9 and 7 destruction of Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, the only player in the field from the Saudi Arabia-backed rebel LIV Golf circuit. The Scandinavian pair steamrollered Scheffler and Koepka in the sort of display which Donald would have been dreaming of before his team arrived for work with the Eternal city still enveloped in darkness. It handily eclipsed the previous biggest Ryder Cup foursomes win 44 years ago, when Americans Tom Kite and Hale Irwin thumped Ken Brown and Des Smyth 7 and 6. Scheffler and Koepka's games broke down in the face of an unprecedented onslaught and the former was left with his head in his hands after conceding the match at the 11th, a series of duffed shots over the green leaving him and his partner no option but to admit defeat. "I don't think we could have done a whole lot better," said Hovland, possibly the world's most in-form golfer. "He's a stud (Aberg). He doesn't miss a shot, so it's easy when I'm playing well and he's playing well and we are just feeding off of each other." Donald opted to switch the usual schedule and open with the alternate shot foursomes instead of fourballs and his team have made sure that decision has paid off handsomely. The Americans didn't win a single match in a day for the first ever time on Friday but did manage to get some red on the board on Saturday through Max Homa and Brian Harman, who cruised to a 4 and 2 win over Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka. ALSO READ | Trent Bridge cricket ground to rename Pavilion End after former England bowler Stuart Broad Big hole Homa and Harman will be straight back out in the afternoon's fourballs against Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard. "We obviously are in a big hole, but we have the right guys to dig ourselves out of it," said Homa. However Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton secured a dramatic 2 and 1 victory against Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay to ensure Europe won a third straight session. And Rory McIlroy and Fleetwood won their second straight foursomes match to complete another morning rout, this time claiming the spoils 2 and 1 over Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth after Northern Irishman McIlroy sank a 15-footer on 17. The European duo had been three up with six to play but formidable matchplay duo Thomas and Spieth gave the Americans hope of salvaging some pride until a collapse on the penultimate hole gave McIlroy the chance to seal the point. "They get more special as you go on because you realise you don't have that many left. Hopefully I have a few Ryder Cups left in me," said four-time major winner McIlroy. "It's been an absolute pleasure to share the golf course with this man beside me over the last couple of days." It was another brilliant end to a session on a day which started in emotional fashion as glorious sunshine slowly crept over the course and buoyant home fans chanted "Europe's on fire, USA is terrified" before the start of play. Supporters unfurled a large banner depicting Spanish Ryder Cup icon Seve Ballesteros, bringing vice-captain Jose Maria Olazabal to the verge of tears at the Italian message "forever in our hearts". A large and loud crowd have delighted in the performance of the European team, and the players have responded to that passion with performances that will leave the USA's chances all-but gone if they don't turn the tide in the afternoon's fourballs. 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: Record breakers Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg help Europe turn Ryder Cup screw

Matt Fitzpatrick said he feels more confident heading into the Ryder Cup after last year's U.S. Open triumph as he aims to earn his first points and create happier memories this year on his third appearance in the biennial event. The Englishman lost all five matches he contested across his Ryder Cup debut at age 22 in 2016 when the United States won 17-11, and in Europe's 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits two years ago.

Fitzpatrick, 29, said he is a better player after those experiences and knows how to prepare for tournaments such as the Ryder Cup after winning a major championship last year. "(It) does a world of good. You definitely feel much more like you belong," Fitzpatrick told reporters on Wednesday. "I think just having that confidence is a big help. "You feel like you've had that success at the highest level before, and you feel that ... you can repeat that."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bukayo-saka-joins-arsenals-growing-injury-list-two-miss-next-two-fixtures-arteta-639934">Bukayo Saka joins Arsenal's growing injury list, to miss next two fixtures: Arteta</a>

Fitzpatrick said he was disappointed by his previous two appearances in the event but added that, in hindsight, he felt 2016 was too early for his Ryder Cup debut. "You build it up to be this amazing thing that you wanted to be part of, thinking that you'll get a real good go at it, and obviously I never did," he said. "Looking back, you could argue that I probably wasn't necessarily ready for 2016. "I was still really young ... and my game wasn't necessarily ready for that. I wasn't obviously the longest back then. I was pretty short. There's quite a lot of technical difference in my swing between now and then as well. "But at the same time ... it's what you learn from. And I feel like I know much more how to get ready for an event like this now."

The 44th Ryder Cup begins at the Marco Simone Golf &amp; Country Club in Rome on Friday.

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Matt Fitzpatrick said he feels more confident heading into the Ryder Cup after last year's U.S. Open triumph as he aims to earn his first points and create happier memories this year on his third appearance in the biennial event.

Matt Fitzpatrick said he feels more confident heading into the Ryder Cup after last year's U.S. Open triumph as he aims to earn his first points and create happier memories this year on his third appearance in the biennial event. The Englishman lost all five matches he contested across his Ryder Cup debut at age 22 in 2016 when the United States won 17-11, and in Europe's 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits two years ago. Fitzpatrick, 29, said he is a better player after those experiences and knows how to prepare for tournaments such as the Ryder Cup after winning a major championship last year. "(It) does a world of good. You definitely feel much more like you belong," Fitzpatrick told reporters on Wednesday. "I think just having that confidence is a big help. "You feel like you've had that success at the highest level before, and you feel that ... you can repeat that." Also read: Bukayo Saka joins Arsenal's growing injury list, to miss next two fixtures: Arteta Fitzpatrick said he was disappointed by his previous two appearances in the event but added that, in hindsight, he felt 2016 was too early for his Ryder Cup debut. "You build it up to be this amazing thing that you wanted to be part of, thinking that you'll get a real good go at it, and obviously I never did," he said. "Looking back, you could argue that I probably wasn't necessarily ready for 2016. "I was still really young ... and my game wasn't necessarily ready for that. I wasn't obviously the longest back then. I was pretty short. There's quite a lot of technical difference in my swing between now and then as well. "But at the same time ... it's what you learn from. And I feel like I know much more how to get ready for an event like this now." The 44th Ryder Cup begins at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome on Friday. 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: Team Europe's Matt Fitzpatrick finally feels like he belongs at the Ryder Cup

Sahith Theegala cruised to a maiden PGA Tour title on Sunday, romping to victory by two strokes at the Fortinet Championship in northern California.

Theegala, who started the final round sitting on a two-shot lead, never looked like squandering that advantage during a composed final round on the Silverado Resort's north course in Napa.

The 25-year-old from California carded a four-under-par 68 including seven birdies to finish on 21 under for a comfortable win with a crowd of close family and friends looking on from the galleries.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-ferraris-carlos-sainz-wins-singapore-gpa-to-end-red-bull-win-streak-636916">Formula One: Ferrari's Carlos Sainz wins Singapore GPA to end Red Bull win streak</a>

Theegala's procession to the title was effectively sealed on the 14th hole, when he rolled in a superb 20-foot birdie putt to pull five shots clear.

South Korea's Kim Seong-hyeon, playing in the group ahead, raised hopes of a rally with back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th holes to trim Theegala's lead to three shots, but the leader would not be denied.&nbsp;

Theegala responded to Kim's challenge by drilling a superb second shot from the fairway to seven feet of the hole on the par-four 16th.&nbsp;He then coolly rolled in the birdie putt to take a four-shot lead with just two holes remaining.

A solid par on the par-three 17th left Theegala four clear heading to the par-five 18th, and although Kim bagged another birdie on the last to cut the lead back to three, the outcome was never in doubt.

Theegala played conservatively to close with a bogey for an aggregate 267.

"It doesn't feel real, it's probably not going to sink in for a while," an elated Theegala said after the win.

"But man, there was a lot of good golf, and that was probably the most fun I've had on a golf course in my life. Family and friends cheering me on, it's mind-blowing.

"This feeling is incredible and I couldn't have done it without my whole team and everyone out here. It's a team effort and for me to put it together like this means the world."

Kim finished on 19 under after a closing four-under-par 68.

Australia's Cam Davis finished alone in third on 17 under after a closing 70, one clear of Eric Cole on 16 under, who also finished with a 70.

Two-time major champion Justin Thomas's challenge faded on the final round with a level-par 72 to leave him in fifth on 15 under, six off the lead.

Brendon Todd finished in sixth on 14 under after moving up the leaderboard with a six-under-par 66 to close.

The day's biggest mover was Troy Merritt, whose seven-under-par 65 was good enough to propel him 30 places up the leaderboard into a four-way tie for seventh on 13 under.

Merritt finished alongside Max Homa, who closed with a three-under-par 69, England's Callum Tarren and US veteran Matt Kuchar.

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Sahith Theegala cruised to a maiden PGA Tour title on Sunday, romping to victory by two strokes at the Fortinet Championship in northern California. Theegala, who started the final round sitting on a two-shot lead, never looked like squandering that advantage during a composed final round on the Silverado Resort's north course in Napa.

Sahith Theegala cruised to a maiden PGA Tour title on Sunday, romping to victory by two strokes at the Fortinet Championship in northern California. Theegala, who started the final round sitting on a two-shot lead, never looked like squandering that advantage during a composed final round on the Silverado Resort's north course in Napa. The 25-year-old from California carded a four-under-par 68 including seven birdies to finish on 21 under for a comfortable win with a crowd of close family and friends looking on from the galleries. Also Read: Formula One: Ferrari's Carlos Sainz wins Singapore GPA to end Red Bull win streak Theegala's procession to the title was effectively sealed on the 14th hole, when he rolled in a superb 20-foot birdie putt to pull five shots clear. South Korea's Kim Seong-hyeon, playing in the group ahead, raised hopes of a rally with back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th holes to trim Theegala's lead to three shots, but the leader would not be denied. Theegala responded to Kim's challenge by drilling a superb second shot from the fairway to seven feet of the hole on the par-four 16th. He then coolly rolled in the birdie putt to take a four-shot lead with just two holes remaining. A solid par on the par-three 17th left Theegala four clear heading to the par-five 18th, and although Kim bagged another birdie on the last to cut the lead back to three, the outcome was never in doubt. Theegala played conservatively to close with a bogey for an aggregate 267. "It doesn't feel real, it's probably not going to sink in for a while," an elated Theegala said after the win. "But man, there was a lot of good golf, and that was probably the most fun I've had on a golf course in my life. Family and friends cheering me on, it's mind-blowing. "This feeling is incredible and I couldn't have done it without my whole team and everyone out here. It's a team effort and for me to put it together like this means the world." Kim finished on 19 under after a closing four-under-par 68. Australia's Cam Davis finished alone in third on 17 under after a closing 70, one clear of Eric Cole on 16 under, who also finished with a 70. Two-time major champion Justin Thomas's challenge faded on the final round with a level-par 72 to leave him in fifth on 15 under, six off the lead. Brendon Todd finished in sixth on 14 under after moving up the leaderboard with a six-under-par 66 to close. The day's biggest mover was Troy Merritt, whose seven-under-par 65 was good enough to propel him 30 places up the leaderboard into a four-way tie for seventh on 13 under. Merritt finished alongside Max Homa, who closed with a three-under-par 69, England's Callum Tarren and US veteran Matt Kuchar. 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: Sahith Theegala wins maiden PGA Tour title with Fortinet Championship victory

Rory McIlroy says he is at the front of the Ludvig Aberg "bandwagon" as the rising star prepares to make his Ryder Cup debut later this month.

Aberg was hailed as a generational talent by Europe captain Luke Donald after he gave the 23-year-old Swede one of his six wild cards for the upcoming contest against the United States.

The former world number one amateur only turned professional in June but won the final qualifying event in Switzerland and will make the quickest transition from the amateur ranks to the Ryder Cup in the contest's history.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rugby-world-cup-organisers-apologise-to-fans-working-on-new-versions-of-national-anthems-635628">Rugby World Cup organisers apologise to fans, working on new versions of national anthems</a>

Four-time major winner McIlroy, in the field for this week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, said he had played alongside Aberg in practice at the Ryder Cup venue, near Rome, this week.

World number two McIlroy teamed up with Tommy Fleetwood, losing to Aberg and Viktor Hovland.

"I had an opportunity to play with Ludvig for the first time on Monday, which I was excited about," he said. "I told him I've been looking forward to this for a while."

Asked if Aberg had lived up to his expectations, Mcllroy added: "Probably exceeded them. Everyone talks about what a great driver of the golf ball he is, which he is.

"The ball-striking is incredible. But I was really impressed with his wedge play and how he can sort of control his trajectory with shorter clubs. I was on the bandwagon before and I'm certainly at the front of it now."

McIlroy partnered Shane Lowry and Ian Poulter, twice, in the last Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in 2021, but lost all three matches.

He beat Xander Schauffele in the opening singles on the final day but Europe crashed to a humiliating 19-9 defeat.

The 34-year-old, who was left out of a session for the first time since making his debut in 2010, talked of the pain of the defeat.

"We're not used to playing for other people in this game, and you go out there and you're playing for your team-mates, you want to do well for them," he said.

"I felt like I didn't do that and I felt like I didn't give a good account of myself and that stung and the scoreline stung."

The Ryder Cup takes place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club from September 29 to October 1.

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Rory McIlroy says he is at the front of the Ludvig Aberg "bandwagon" as the rising star prepares to make his Ryder Cup debut later this month. Aberg was hailed as a generational talent by Europe captain Luke Donald after he gave the 23-year-old Swede one of his six wild cards for the upcoming contest against the United States.

Rory McIlroy says he is at the front of the Ludvig Aberg "bandwagon" as the rising star prepares to make his Ryder Cup debut later this month. Aberg was hailed as a generational talent by Europe captain Luke Donald after he gave the 23-year-old Swede one of his six wild cards for the upcoming contest against the United States. The former world number one amateur only turned professional in June but won the final qualifying event in Switzerland and will make the quickest transition from the amateur ranks to the Ryder Cup in the contest's history. Also Read: Rugby World Cup organisers apologise to fans, working on new versions of national anthems Four-time major winner McIlroy, in the field for this week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, said he had played alongside Aberg in practice at the Ryder Cup venue, near Rome, this week. World number two McIlroy teamed up with Tommy Fleetwood, losing to Aberg and Viktor Hovland. "I had an opportunity to play with Ludvig for the first time on Monday, which I was excited about," he said. "I told him I've been looking forward to this for a while." Asked if Aberg had lived up to his expectations, Mcllroy added: "Probably exceeded them. Everyone talks about what a great driver of the golf ball he is, which he is. "The ball-striking is incredible. But I was really impressed with his wedge play and how he can sort of control his trajectory with shorter clubs. I was on the bandwagon before and I'm certainly at the front of it now." McIlroy partnered Shane Lowry and Ian Poulter, twice, in the last Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in 2021, but lost all three matches. He beat Xander Schauffele in the opening singles on the final day but Europe crashed to a humiliating 19-9 defeat. The 34-year-old, who was left out of a session for the first time since making his debut in 2010, talked of the pain of the defeat. "We're not used to playing for other people in this game, and you go out there and you're playing for your team-mates, you want to do well for them," he said. "I felt like I didn't do that and I felt like I didn't give a good account of myself and that stung and the scoreline stung." The Ryder Cup takes place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club from September 29 to October 1. 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: Rory McIlroy backs rising start Ludvig Aberg to deliver at Ryder Cup

Yin Ruoning is set to become world number one after recording her third straight top-three LPGA finish on Sunday and the Chinese 20-year-old said the top ranking would mark another milestone in her bid to emulate compatriot Feng Shanshan. Feng, who retired in August last year, had 10 wins on the elite women's tour and was the first Chinese player, man or woman, to win a&nbsp;golf&nbsp;major when she claimed the title at the 2012 Women's PGA Championship.

Yin also won her first major at the same event in June and described Feng as an "inspiration" to her. Ranked outside the top 400 a year ago, Yin finished third at the LPGA Queen City Championship in Cincinnati on Sunday, behind winner Minjee Lee of Australia and England's Charlie Hull.

She had also finished third at the CPKC Women's Open in Canada and the Portland Classic last month. "I've got goosebumps," Yin said when asked about how it would feel to take over from American Lilia Vu as world number one when the rankings are updated later on Monday. "World number one is the big step on the way to chasing Shanshan. "It means a lot. For me it's like dream come true ... It's just amazing. My mind is blank right now. Maybe I can't say something until I finally see my name as world number one."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spains-soccer-chief-luis-rubiales-quits-following-kiss-scandal-634759">Spain's soccer chief Luis Rubiales quits following kiss scandal</a>

Yin said she would soon have the chance to talk with Feng, who will coach China's team at the Asian Games, which begin on Sept. 23 in Hangzhou. "I didn't get a lot of chances to chat with Shanshan," Yin said. "But I'm looking forward to going back to China and play the Asian Games and spend more time with her."

Yin Ruoning is set to become world number one after recording her third straight top-three LPGA finish on Sunday and the Chinese 20-year-old said the top ranking would mark another milestone in her bid to emulate compatriot Feng Shanshan.

Yin Ruoning is set to become world number one after recording her third straight top-three LPGA finish on Sunday and the Chinese 20-year-old said the top ranking would mark another milestone in her bid to emulate compatriot Feng Shanshan. Feng, who retired in August last year, had 10 wins on the elite women's tour and was the first Chinese player, man or woman, to win a golf major when she claimed the title at the 2012 Women's PGA Championship. Yin also won her first major at the same event in June and described Feng as an "inspiration" to her. Ranked outside the top 400 a year ago, Yin finished third at the LPGA Queen City Championship in Cincinnati on Sunday, behind winner Minjee Lee of Australia and England's Charlie Hull. She had also finished third at the CPKC Women's Open in Canada and the Portland Classic last month. "I've got goosebumps," Yin said when asked about how it would feel to take over from American Lilia Vu as world number one when the rankings are updated later on Monday. "World number one is the big step on the way to chasing Shanshan. "It means a lot. For me it's like dream come true ... It's just amazing. My mind is blank right now. Maybe I can't say something until I finally see my name as world number one." Also read: Spain's soccer chief Luis Rubiales quits following kiss scandal Yin said she would soon have the chance to talk with Feng, who will coach China's team at the Asian Games, which begin on Sept. 23 in Hangzhou. "I didn't get a lot of chances to chat with Shanshan," Yin said. "But I'm looking forward to going back to China and play the Asian Games and spend more time with her."

Golf: China's Yin Ruoning a 'big step' closer to replicating inspirational Feng Shanshan

Two polarising figures, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former India cricket captain and ex-US president Donald Trump, were seen playing a game of golf in the US. MS Dhoni, widely regarded as one of India's greatest captains, was earlier spotted in attendance during the US Open Men's quarterfinal clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Alex Zverev.

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Like us, <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> is a tennis fan too 🥹 
 
Indian cricket sensation Mahendra Singh Dhoni was in the audience for the quarter-final clash between <a href="https://twitter.com/carlosalcaraz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carlosalcaraz</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexZverev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexZverev</a> 🎾<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SonySportsNetwork?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SonySportsNetwork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/usopen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usopen</a> <a href="https://t.co/STPmLlCdvS">pic.twitter.com/STPmLlCdvS</a>
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) <a href="https://twitter.com/SonySportsNetwk/status/1699703346557526469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Trump hosted Dhoni for a game of golf, a photo and a video of which has gone viral on social media.

Donning a light blue shirt, Dhoni's photo with Trump was shared by MS' entrepreneur friend, Hitesh Sanghvi, on his Instagram handle, who wrote, “Golf with @mahi7781, @realdonaldtrump and @rajiv.knack…….thank you mr president for hosting us."&nbsp;

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<h3>YOU CAN WATCH THE VIDEO HERE -</h3>

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The craze for MS Dhoni - the cricketer, and more so for the person that he is, goes beyond the cricketing world, with the former US President inviting him over for a golf game in his country.&nbsp;

Dhoni, who earlier this year, won the IPL 2023 title with Chennai Super Kings - joint-most in the tournament's history, didn't hang his boots from cricket, saying the love and appreciation he received from the fans motivates him to push for another year.

"You do get emotional; in the first game at CSK, everyone was chanting my name. My eyes were full of water. I needed to take some time off in the dugout. I realised I need to enjoy this. I think they love me for what I am; they love that I am so grounded. I don't try to portray something I'm not. Just keep it simple," Dhoni told broadcasters during the IPL 2023 final post-match presentation.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-stokes-okay-with-players-deciding-against-signing-ecbs-new-central-contracts-to-make-fortune-elsewhere-633413">Ben Stokes 'okay' with players deciding against signing ECB's new central contracts to make fortune elsewhere</a>

After beating defending champions Gujarat Titans in the rain-hit three-day-long IPL finale, Dhoni said he has ample time on his hands to take a call on his IPL future. 
 
"Looking for an answer? This is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love I have received all over. The easy thing would be to walk away from here, but the harder thing would be working hard for 9 months and try to play another IPL. It would be a gift from me, won't be easy on the body," Dhoni added.

Meanwhile, nursing a knee injury throughout the tournament, MS Dhoni didn't bat much, scoring just 104 runs in limited outings, with the best of 32*. He kept wickets in every game, displaying his commitment towards his team.&nbsp;

Following the tournament, Dhoni underwent knee surgery and was said to be taking proper care, given what is at stake.

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Two polarising figures, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former India cricket captain and ex-US president Donald Trump, were seen playing a game of golf in the US. MS Dhoni, widely regarded as one of India's greatest captains, was earlier spotted in attendance during the US Open Men's quarterfinal clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Alex Zverev.

Two polarising figures, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former India cricket captain and ex-US president Donald Trump, were seen playing a game of golf in the US. MS Dhoni, widely regarded as one of India's greatest captains, was earlier spotted in attendance during the US Open Men's quarterfinal clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Alex Zverev. Like us, @msdhoni is a tennis fan too 🥹 Indian cricket sensation Mahendra Singh Dhoni was in the audience for the quarter-final clash between @carlosalcaraz & @AlexZverev 🎾#SonySportsNetwork #USOpen | @usopen pic.twitter.com/STPmLlCdvS — Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 7, 2023 × Trump hosted Dhoni for a game of golf, a photo and a video of which has gone viral on social media. Donning a light blue shirt, Dhoni's photo with Trump was shared by MS' entrepreneur friend, Hitesh Sanghvi, on his Instagram handle, who wrote, “Golf with @mahi7781, @realdonaldtrump and @rajiv.knack…….thank you mr president for hosting us." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hitesh Sanghvi (@hitesh412740) × YOU CAN WATCH THE VIDEO HERE - pic.twitter.com/tYnjcjHG8z — 💥 (@Johnsmaink) September 8, 2023 × The craze for MS Dhoni - the cricketer, and more so for the person that he is, goes beyond the cricketing world, with the former US President inviting him over for a golf game in his country. Dhoni, who earlier this year, won the IPL 2023 title with Chennai Super Kings - joint-most in the tournament's history, didn't hang his boots from cricket, saying the love and appreciation he received from the fans motivates him to push for another year. "You do get emotional; in the first game at CSK, everyone was chanting my name. My eyes were full of water. I needed to take some time off in the dugout. I realised I need to enjoy this. I think they love me for what I am; they love that I am so grounded. I don't try to portray something I'm not. Just keep it simple," Dhoni told broadcasters during the IPL 2023 final post-match presentation. ALSO READ: Ben Stokes 'okay' with players deciding against signing ECB's new central contracts to make fortune elsewhere After beating defending champions Gujarat Titans in the rain-hit three-day-long IPL finale, Dhoni said he has ample time on his hands to take a call on his IPL future. "Looking for an answer? This is the best time to announce my retirement. But the amount of love I have received all over. The easy thing would be to walk away from here, but the harder thing would be working hard for 9 months and try to play another IPL. It would be a gift from me, won't be easy on the body," Dhoni added. Meanwhile, nursing a knee injury throughout the tournament, MS Dhoni didn't bat much, scoring just 104 runs in limited outings, with the best of 32*. He kept wickets in every game, displaying his commitment towards his team. Following the tournament, Dhoni underwent knee surgery and was said to be taking proper care, given what is at stake. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

MS Dhoni plays golf with former US president Donald Trump, picture & video go viral - WATCH

Europe's latest Ryder Cup rookie Ludvig Aberg could be a 'generational player' who will do amazing things in the game, Europe captain Luke Donald said on Monday. The 23-year-old Swede was named as one of Donald's six picks for the match in Rome having won the European Masters title in Crans Montana at the weekend.

Remarkably, Aberg only turned professional in June having excelled on the U.S. college scene and will now become the first player to appear in a Ryder Cup team without contesting a major. "I have faith in Ludvig, I think he'll be a generational player," Donald said after naming two other rookies, Austrian Sepp Straka and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard, in his team. "He's going to be around a long time and do amazing things. If he wasn't going to play this one, he was going to play the next eight. That's how good I think he is."

Aberg made his professional debut at the Canadian Open where he made the cut and in July recorded a top-five finish at the John Deere Classic, three strokes behind Straka. His first tournament as a professional on the DP World Tour saw him finish in a tie for fourth at the Czech Masters before his dazzling victory last weekend in Switzerland.

"I challenged him to come over and play a couple of events in Europe and he tied for fifth in the Czech Republic and then yesterday, four birdies in the last five holes, he made it look like a walk in the park," Donald said.

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No other player has gone from amateur to Ryder Cup selection in such a short space of time. "If you told me a couple of months ago I would be having these kind of conversations I wouldn't have believed you but I'm super fortunate to be in this situation," Aberg said.

Donald, who won on all four of his Ryder Cup appearances as a player, has no doubt that Aberg will be up to the task when the match gets under way against the U.S. in Rome on Sept. 30.

"He hits some of the most amazing shots. If you look at his statistics this year he would be the number one driver in the world ahead of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler and those are pretty high standards for someone just coming out of college," the Englishman said. "We knew what he was doing in the college scene. You look at what he did in those four years and the only comparable players really were Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm. He is that good. I played with him in Detroit and was blown away by his game."

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Europe's latest Ryder Cup rookie Ludvig Aberg could be a 'generational player' who will do amazing things in the game, Europe captain Luke Donald said on Monday.

Europe's latest Ryder Cup rookie Ludvig Aberg could be a 'generational player' who will do amazing things in the game, Europe captain Luke Donald said on Monday. The 23-year-old Swede was named as one of Donald's six picks for the match in Rome having won the European Masters title in Crans Montana at the weekend. Remarkably, Aberg only turned professional in June having excelled on the U.S. college scene and will now become the first player to appear in a Ryder Cup team without contesting a major. "I have faith in Ludvig, I think he'll be a generational player," Donald said after naming two other rookies, Austrian Sepp Straka and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard, in his team. "He's going to be around a long time and do amazing things. If he wasn't going to play this one, he was going to play the next eight. That's how good I think he is." Aberg made his professional debut at the Canadian Open where he made the cut and in July recorded a top-five finish at the John Deere Classic, three strokes behind Straka. His first tournament as a professional on the DP World Tour saw him finish in a tie for fourth at the Czech Masters before his dazzling victory last weekend in Switzerland. "I challenged him to come over and play a couple of events in Europe and he tied for fifth in the Czech Republic and then yesterday, four birdies in the last five holes, he made it look like a walk in the park," Donald said. Also read: NFL: Terence Steele, Dallas Cowboys agreed to five-year extension deal No other player has gone from amateur to Ryder Cup selection in such a short space of time. "If you told me a couple of months ago I would be having these kind of conversations I wouldn't have believed you but I'm super fortunate to be in this situation," Aberg said. Donald, who won on all four of his Ryder Cup appearances as a player, has no doubt that Aberg will be up to the task when the match gets under way against the U.S. in Rome on Sept. 30. "He hits some of the most amazing shots. If you look at his statistics this year he would be the number one driver in the world ahead of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler and those are pretty high standards for someone just coming out of college," the Englishman said. "We knew what he was doing in the college scene. You look at what he did in those four years and the only comparable players really were Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm. He is that good. I played with him in Detroit and was blown away by his game." 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: Ludvig Aberg can be 'generational player', claims Europe captain Luke Donald

Robert MacIntyre heads a group of six players fighting for one spot on Luke Donald's European Ryder Cup team this week at the final qualifying event in Switzerland.

Donald will name his six captain's picks on Monday following the European Masters tournament at Crans-Montana, where several hopefuls for the biennial matchplay showdown are targeting an automatic berth.

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This year's matches will be held in Rome from September 29 until October 1, with Europe desperate to regain the trophy after their humiliating 19-9 defeat by the United States at Whistling Straits two years ago.

The absences of LIV Golf rebels and Ryder Cup stalwarts Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter have left the race for the European team more open than in recent editions.

Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy, via the European points list, have already secured places in the 12-team, as have Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton, through the world points list.

Tommy Fleetwood is currently set to qualify from the world points list, but is skipping the European Masters and could be usurped by Matt Fitzpatrick.

The former US Open champion only needs to finish in a tie for seventh with one other player or better to snatch the spot and leave Fleetwood needing a pick, alongside fellow former Ryder Cup stars Shane Lowry and Justin Rose.

The race for the third and final place on the European list is far less clear-cut.

Scotland's MacIntyre holds a 126-point lead over German Yannik Paul and both players would be sure of a Ryder Cup debut with victory in Switzerland on Sunday.

Pole Adrian Meronk and Victor Perez of France both need at least top-two finishes to have any chance, while rising Danish star Rasmus Hojgaard and Spain's Adrian Otaegui need to win.

<h2>All eyes on Donald</h2>

An automatic place would save any of that sextet having to sweat over Donald's decision on Monday.

The former world number one is expected to pick whomever misses out of Fleetwood and Fitzpatrick, alongside Rose, Lowry and possibly big-hitting Sepp Straka of Austria.

Others have been tipped for a possible wildcard selection despite being out of the running for automatic qualification, including Ramus Hojgaard's twin brother Nicolai, Irishman Seamus Power and former Ryder Cup winner Alex Noren.

Donald may opt for an even more left-field choice.

Sweden's Ludvig Aberg, who only turned professional in June, could force his way into the reckoning.

The 23-year-old, who was the amateur world number one before joining the pro ranks, has posted top-four finishes on both the PGA Tour and European Tour in the last two months.

"All those (Ryder Cup) conversations are very flattering," said Aberg, who will play with Ryder Cup vice-captains Edoardo Molinari and Nicolas Colsaerts in Crans-Montana.

"It would mean the world. As a young person growing up in Europe, I watched the Ryder Cup for so many years.

"It's a dream come true if you were to be picked for it once in your career. So I would love it, but it's not up to me."

Donald will have tough calls to make as he bids to supplement the obvious firepower of Rahm, McIlroy and the in-form Hovland.

The USA have not lifted the trophy on European soil since 1993 but will land in Italy as favourites, with three of this year's major champions, including LIV star Brooks Koepka, and world number one Scottie Scheffler in their ranks.

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Robert MacIntyre heads a group of six players fighting for one spot on Luke Donald's European Ryder Cup team this week at the final qualifying event in Switzerland.

Robert MacIntyre heads a group of six players fighting for one spot on Luke Donald's European Ryder Cup team this week at the final qualifying event in Switzerland. Donald will name his six captain's picks on Monday following the European Masters tournament at Crans-Montana, where several hopefuls for the biennial matchplay showdown are targeting an automatic berth. Also Read: Asia Cup: Babar, Iftikhar and bowlers dismantle Nepal as Pakistan win by 238 runs This year's matches will be held in Rome from September 29 until October 1, with Europe desperate to regain the trophy after their humiliating 19-9 defeat by the United States at Whistling Straits two years ago. The absences of LIV Golf rebels and Ryder Cup stalwarts Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter have left the race for the European team more open than in recent editions. Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy, via the European points list, have already secured places in the 12-team, as have Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton, through the world points list. Tommy Fleetwood is currently set to qualify from the world points list, but is skipping the European Masters and could be usurped by Matt Fitzpatrick. The former US Open champion only needs to finish in a tie for seventh with one other player or better to snatch the spot and leave Fleetwood needing a pick, alongside fellow former Ryder Cup stars Shane Lowry and Justin Rose. The race for the third and final place on the European list is far less clear-cut. Scotland's MacIntyre holds a 126-point lead over German Yannik Paul and both players would be sure of a Ryder Cup debut with victory in Switzerland on Sunday. Pole Adrian Meronk and Victor Perez of France both need at least top-two finishes to have any chance, while rising Danish star Rasmus Hojgaard and Spain's Adrian Otaegui need to win. All eyes on Donald An automatic place would save any of that sextet having to sweat over Donald's decision on Monday. The former world number one is expected to pick whomever misses out of Fleetwood and Fitzpatrick, alongside Rose, Lowry and possibly big-hitting Sepp Straka of Austria. Others have been tipped for a possible wildcard selection despite being out of the running for automatic qualification, including Ramus Hojgaard's twin brother Nicolai, Irishman Seamus Power and former Ryder Cup winner Alex Noren. Donald may opt for an even more left-field choice. Sweden's Ludvig Aberg, who only turned professional in June, could force his way into the reckoning. The 23-year-old, who was the amateur world number one before joining the pro ranks, has posted top-four finishes on both the PGA Tour and European Tour in the last two months. "All those (Ryder Cup) conversations are very flattering," said Aberg, who will play with Ryder Cup vice-captains Edoardo Molinari and Nicolas Colsaerts in Crans-Montana. "It would mean the world. As a young person growing up in Europe, I watched the Ryder Cup for so many years. "It's a dream come true if you were to be picked for it once in your career. So I would love it, but it's not up to me." Donald will have tough calls to make as he bids to supplement the obvious firepower of Rahm, McIlroy and the in-form Hovland. The USA have not lifted the trophy on European soil since 1993 but will land in Italy as favourites, with three of this year's major champions, including LIV star Brooks Koepka, and world number one Scottie Scheffler in their ranks. 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: Six players battle for single Ryder Cup place at European Masters

United States Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson today announced that Sam Burns, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have been named to the U.S. Team as Captain’s Picks for the 44th Ryder Cup, which will take place September 29 - October 1 at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy.

US team lineup for the upcoming Ryder Cup

LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka was among US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson's six picks for the biennial match play showdown with Europe announced on Tuesday.

Koepka grabbed his fifth major title at the PGA Championship this year, just weeks after a runner-up finish at the Masters.

He is a three-time Ryder Cup player, but his inclusion comes after LIV Golf roiled the golf world and with European players who jumped to the Saudi Arabia-backed league banned from Ryder Cup participation.

US players remained eligible because even though they were suspended by the PGA Tour they remained members of the PGA of America.

Tensions between the established tours and LIV Golf rebels have eased somewhat since the announcement that the PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced a deal to merge with LIV's Saudi backers.

Johnson's other captain's selections were Collin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Sam Burns and Justin Thomas.

Thomas could be Johnson's most controversial selection.

The two-time major winner has struggled this season, finishing 71st in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup standings and missing the playoffs.

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He missed the cut in three of four major championships.

But Thomas has been a solid performer in international match play competition. In two Ryder Cup appearances he has a 6-2-1 record.

Thomas, 30, has been one of the Americans' best performers in international match-play competitions. He has a 6-2-1 record in two previous Ryder Cup appearances and a 10-3-2 mark in three Presidents Cups.

Johnson said his aim in making the selections was to complement the six automatic qualifiers -- world number one Scottie Scheffler, US Open winner Wyndham Clark, British Open champion Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele.

The Ryder Cup will take place in Rome from September 29 until October 1.

The United States will be trying to retain the trophy that they won in a crushing 19-9 triumph at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin in 2021.

The Americans lead the all-time series 27-14 but have not won the Cup on foreign soil since 1993.

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LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka was among US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson's six picks for the biennial match play showdown with Europe announced on Tuesday. Koepka grabbed his fifth major title at the PGA Championship this year, just weeks after a runner-up finish at the Masters.

LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka was among US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson's six picks for the biennial match play showdown with Europe announced on Tuesday. Koepka grabbed his fifth major title at the PGA Championship this year, just weeks after a runner-up finish at the Masters. He is a three-time Ryder Cup player, but his inclusion comes after LIV Golf roiled the golf world and with European players who jumped to the Saudi Arabia-backed league banned from Ryder Cup participation. US players remained eligible because even though they were suspended by the PGA Tour they remained members of the PGA of America. Tensions between the established tours and LIV Golf rebels have eased somewhat since the announcement that the PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced a deal to merge with LIV's Saudi backers. Johnson's other captain's selections were Collin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Sam Burns and Justin Thomas. Thomas could be Johnson's most controversial selection. The two-time major winner has struggled this season, finishing 71st in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup standings and missing the playoffs. ALSO READ | Dhoni groomed them and handed over to Kohli: Ishant Sharma on smooth transition of Indian bowlers He missed the cut in three of four major championships. But Thomas has been a solid performer in international match play competition. In two Ryder Cup appearances he has a 6-2-1 record. Thomas, 30, has been one of the Americans' best performers in international match-play competitions. He has a 6-2-1 record in two previous Ryder Cup appearances and a 10-3-2 mark in three Presidents Cups. Johnson said his aim in making the selections was to complement the six automatic qualifiers -- world number one Scottie Scheffler, US Open winner Wyndham Clark, British Open champion Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele. The Ryder Cup will take place in Rome from September 29 until October 1. The United States will be trying to retain the trophy that they won in a crushing 19-9 triumph at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin in 2021. The Americans lead the all-time series 27-14 but have not won the Cup on foreign soil since 1993. 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: LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka among captain's picks for US Ryder Cup team

Viktor Hovland outdueled Xander Schauffele through Sunday's storm-hit final round to win the US PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship, capturing the $18 million FedEx Cup top prize by five strokes.

The 25-year-old Norwegian fired a bogey-free seven-under par 63 to stand on 27-under after 72 holes at East Lake in Atlanta while American Schauffele was second after matching his season-low round with a 62.

"It's just pretty surreal standing here right now, playing basically my best golf the last two weeks," said Hovland as he held the playoff trophy. "It couldn't have happened at a better moment."

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World number five Hovland shook off a storm delay of one hour and 53 minutes early in his round that dumped nearly half an inch of rain, making four birdies in the first six holes to fight off the reigning Olympic champion.

Starting scores in the FedEx Cup playoff finale were staggered based on season points, with top-ranked Scottie Scheffler at 10-under, Hovland next at 8-under and Schauffele on 3-under.

Hovland made up the deficit in the first round and charged from there.

Schauffele, winless this season, opened with seven birdies in the first 12 holes but settled for the $6.5 million runner-up prize from a $75 million bonus pool.

"The game plan before starting today was middle of the green, make a lot of pars and make Xander get after it, which he did early so I had to change my game plan a little bit," Hovland said.

Schauffele sank an 18-foot birdie putt at the par-3 11th and a 12-foot birdie putt at 12 to pull within three to set up the late drama.

Hovland stayed three ahead by sinking a pressure-packed 23-foot putt -- his longest of the week -- to save par at the 14th.

"I was happy I didn't make a bogey," Hovland said. "I was staring at five on 14. When that putt went in, that was just huge for momentum because two shots with four holes to go is a lot different from three shots.

"That was just a big one for momentum and after that I really relaxed."

Hovland curled in a birdie putt at 16 from just beyond 10 feet -- his first birdie since the sixth hole -- and sank a 12-foot birdie putt at 17 to seize a five-stroke edge and seal the triumph.

"He played great. I didn't do enough," Schauffele said. "I thought 62 would have let me get close to him, but the closest I got was three shots back. He played unbelievably well. He made important putts and he's just played like a champ.

"I'll hold my head up high. It was the most fun I had losing in quite some time. It's such a weird feeling. I shot 62. I lost by five. Just kudos to Havi."

It was the sixth career PGA Tour victory for Hovland, who also won the Memorial and last week's BMW Championship this season and managed his best major showing, a runner-up finish at the PGA Championship.

Combined with his victory last week, Hovland's back-to-back triumphs and those by Lucas Glover the prior two weeks at Greensboro and Memphis marked the first time since 1950 the PGA Tour had consecutive back-to-back event winners.

American Wyndham Clark, the US Open winner, was third on 16-under after closing on 65 with four-time major winner Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland fourth on 14-under after a 65 and American Patrick Cantlay fifth on 13-under after firing 66.

<h2>Low scoring early</h2>

Hovland's six-stroke lead entering the final round matched the largest 54-hole lead on tour this season but was also the margin Rory McIlroy rallied from to defeat Scheffler in 2022, so Hovland knew work remained.

Hovland opened with a 16-foot birdie before the storm, then came back to make a 15-foot par putt at the second.

Schauffele birdied three holes in a row starting at the third Hovland answered with birdies at five and six.

Schauffele sank an 11-foot putt at the eighth. He shot 30 on the front nine to Hovland's 31 to pull within five. They had the event's lowest front-nine Sunday final pairing score since 2007.

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Viktor Hovland outdueled Xander Schauffele through Sunday's storm-hit final round to win the US PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship, capturing the $18 million FedEx Cup top prize by five strokes.

Viktor Hovland outdueled Xander Schauffele through Sunday's storm-hit final round to win the US PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship, capturing the $18 million FedEx Cup top prize by five strokes. The 25-year-old Norwegian fired a bogey-free seven-under par 63 to stand on 27-under after 72 holes at East Lake in Atlanta while American Schauffele was second after matching his season-low round with a 62. "It's just pretty surreal standing here right now, playing basically my best golf the last two weeks," said Hovland as he held the playoff trophy. "It couldn't have happened at a better moment." Also Read: Neeraj Chopra clinches historic gold in javelin throw with 88.17m in World Athletics Championship final World number five Hovland shook off a storm delay of one hour and 53 minutes early in his round that dumped nearly half an inch of rain, making four birdies in the first six holes to fight off the reigning Olympic champion. Starting scores in the FedEx Cup playoff finale were staggered based on season points, with top-ranked Scottie Scheffler at 10-under, Hovland next at 8-under and Schauffele on 3-under. Hovland made up the deficit in the first round and charged from there. Schauffele, winless this season, opened with seven birdies in the first 12 holes but settled for the $6.5 million runner-up prize from a $75 million bonus pool. "The game plan before starting today was middle of the green, make a lot of pars and make Xander get after it, which he did early so I had to change my game plan a little bit," Hovland said. Schauffele sank an 18-foot birdie putt at the par-3 11th and a 12-foot birdie putt at 12 to pull within three to set up the late drama. Hovland stayed three ahead by sinking a pressure-packed 23-foot putt -- his longest of the week -- to save par at the 14th. "I was happy I didn't make a bogey," Hovland said. "I was staring at five on 14. When that putt went in, that was just huge for momentum because two shots with four holes to go is a lot different from three shots. "That was just a big one for momentum and after that I really relaxed." Hovland curled in a birdie putt at 16 from just beyond 10 feet -- his first birdie since the sixth hole -- and sank a 12-foot birdie putt at 17 to seize a five-stroke edge and seal the triumph. "He played great. I didn't do enough," Schauffele said. "I thought 62 would have let me get close to him, but the closest I got was three shots back. He played unbelievably well. He made important putts and he's just played like a champ. "I'll hold my head up high. It was the most fun I had losing in quite some time. It's such a weird feeling. I shot 62. I lost by five. Just kudos to Havi." It was the sixth career PGA Tour victory for Hovland, who also won the Memorial and last week's BMW Championship this season and managed his best major showing, a runner-up finish at the PGA Championship. Combined with his victory last week, Hovland's back-to-back triumphs and those by Lucas Glover the prior two weeks at Greensboro and Memphis marked the first time since 1950 the PGA Tour had consecutive back-to-back event winners. American Wyndham Clark, the US Open winner, was third on 16-under after closing on 65 with four-time major winner Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland fourth on 14-under after a 65 and American Patrick Cantlay fifth on 13-under after firing 66. Low scoring early Hovland's six-stroke lead entering the final round matched the largest 54-hole lead on tour this season but was also the margin Rory McIlroy rallied from to defeat Scheffler in 2022, so Hovland knew work remained. Hovland opened with a 16-foot birdie before the storm, then came back to make a 15-foot par putt at the second. Schauffele birdied three holes in a row starting at the third Hovland answered with birdies at five and six. Schauffele sank an 11-foot putt at the eighth. He shot 30 on the front nine to Hovland's 31 to pull within five. They had the event's lowest front-nine Sunday final pairing score since 2007. 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: Viktor Hovland outlasts Xander Schauffele to win US PGA Tour Championship

Viktor Hovland shrugged off severe heat and a storm delay to seize a six-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship.

The 25-year-old Norwegian fired a four-under par 66 to stand on 20-under after 54 holes at East Lake in Atlanta with American Xander Schauffele a distant second.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/major-league-soccer-messi-scores-after-coming-off-bench-as-inter-miami-beat-new-york-red-bulls-629597">Major League Soccer: Messi scores after coming off bench as Inter Miami beat New York Red Bulls</a>

Temperatures soared near 100 degrees (37.7 Celsuis) before a late-round storm stoppage, but neither weather nor rivals could slow fifth-ranked Hovland, who won last week's BMW Championship and became the man to beat for the $18 million top prize.

Americans Collin Morikawa and Keegan Bradley shared third on 13-under with Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain sharing fifth on 11-under with top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and his US countryman Wyndham Clark, the US Open champion.

Starting scores in the FedEx Cup playoff finale were staggered based on season points, with top-ranked Scheffler at 10-under, Hovland next at 8-under and rivals at lesser levels.

Hovland shot 68 and 64 to share the lead after the first and second rounds, aided by the unique format.

Tokyo Olympic champion Schauffele, who has never fired an over-par round at East Lake, shot 68 while Hovland made five birdies against a lone bogey.

Hovland was about to tee off at the 12th with a four-stroke lead when a storm halted play for 75 minutes.

When he resumed, Hovland found the fairway and green then hit a 10-foot birdie putt and followed by sinking a 22-foot birdie putt at 13 to reach 20-under and lead Schauffele by six.

Hovland took his first bogey at 14, finding the left rough and pitching to the green then missing a 22-foot par putt from the fringe.

Schauffele answered a bogey at the par-3 15th with a 12-foot birdie putt at 16 to stay five adrift but Hovland responded with a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-3 15th, stretching the lead back to six.

Hovland lipped out on a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-5 18th but still matched the largest 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour this season.

It's also the same margin Rory McIlroy rallied from last year to defeat Scheffler and win the Tour Championship.

<h2>First bogey a double</h2>

Morikawa, who hadn't made a bogey all week, shared the lead with Hovland at 16-under until a double bogey at the par-4 fifth -- finding greenside rough, chipping into a bunker, blasting out and two putting.

Schauffele made a 14-foot birdie putt from the fringe at seven to pull within one but Hovland birdied the par-5 sixth from three feet and Schauffele made bogey at the par-4 eighth, taking four to reach the green, to leave Hovland three ahead.

Hovland sank a birdie putt at seven from just beyond 11 feet and kept a four-stroke edge at the turn after Schauffele holed an eight-foot birdie at 10 but made bogey at 12 after his tee shot landed behind a tree.

Morikawa, a two-time major winner who hasn't won since the 2021 DP World Tour Championship at Dubai, fired a 73 to fall back.

McIlroy, a four-time major champion battling a back injury,&nbsp;shot 71 and was 11 off the pace.

Scheffler, this year's Players champion and last year's Masters winner, fired a 73.

Bradley, the 2011 PGA Championship winner, shot 70. Rahm fired a 71.

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Viktor Hovland shrugged off severe heat and a storm delay to seize a six-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship.

Viktor Hovland shrugged off severe heat and a storm delay to seize a six-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Tour's season-ending Tour Championship. The 25-year-old Norwegian fired a four-under par 66 to stand on 20-under after 54 holes at East Lake in Atlanta with American Xander Schauffele a distant second. Also Read: Major League Soccer: Messi scores after coming off bench as Inter Miami beat New York Red Bulls Temperatures soared near 100 degrees (37.7 Celsuis) before a late-round storm stoppage, but neither weather nor rivals could slow fifth-ranked Hovland, who won last week's BMW Championship and became the man to beat for the $18 million top prize. Americans Collin Morikawa and Keegan Bradley shared third on 13-under with Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain sharing fifth on 11-under with top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and his US countryman Wyndham Clark, the US Open champion. Starting scores in the FedEx Cup playoff finale were staggered based on season points, with top-ranked Scheffler at 10-under, Hovland next at 8-under and rivals at lesser levels. Hovland shot 68 and 64 to share the lead after the first and second rounds, aided by the unique format. Tokyo Olympic champion Schauffele, who has never fired an over-par round at East Lake, shot 68 while Hovland made five birdies against a lone bogey. Hovland was about to tee off at the 12th with a four-stroke lead when a storm halted play for 75 minutes. When he resumed, Hovland found the fairway and green then hit a 10-foot birdie putt and followed by sinking a 22-foot birdie putt at 13 to reach 20-under and lead Schauffele by six. Hovland took his first bogey at 14, finding the left rough and pitching to the green then missing a 22-foot par putt from the fringe. Schauffele answered a bogey at the par-3 15th with a 12-foot birdie putt at 16 to stay five adrift but Hovland responded with a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-3 15th, stretching the lead back to six. Hovland lipped out on a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-5 18th but still matched the largest 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour this season. It's also the same margin Rory McIlroy rallied from last year to defeat Scheffler and win the Tour Championship. First bogey a double Morikawa, who hadn't made a bogey all week, shared the lead with Hovland at 16-under until a double bogey at the par-4 fifth -- finding greenside rough, chipping into a bunker, blasting out and two putting. Schauffele made a 14-foot birdie putt from the fringe at seven to pull within one but Hovland birdied the par-5 sixth from three feet and Schauffele made bogey at the par-4 eighth, taking four to reach the green, to leave Hovland three ahead. Hovland sank a birdie putt at seven from just beyond 11 feet and kept a four-stroke edge at the turn after Schauffele holed an eight-foot birdie at 10 but made bogey at 12 after his tee shot landed behind a tree. Morikawa, a two-time major winner who hasn't won since the 2021 DP World Tour Championship at Dubai, fired a 73 to fall back. McIlroy, a four-time major champion battling a back injury, shot 71 and was 11 off the pace. Scheffler, this year's Players champion and last year's Masters winner, fired a 73. Bradley, the 2011 PGA Championship winner, shot 70. Rahm fired a 71. 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: Viktor Hovland takes six-stroke lead after third round at PGA Tour Championship

PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan said Tuesday he is confident of meeting a December 31 deadline to hammer out details of the tour's merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Speaking ahead of this week's Tour Championship playoff finale in Atlanta, Monahan said he expected a deal for the new circuit to be in place by January 1.

The PGA Tour stunned world golf in June after announcing a shock agreement with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf aimed at ending the sport's two-year civil war.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-james-harden-fined-100000-over-philadelphia-sixers-no-play-threat-628077">NBA: James Harden fined $100,000 over Philadelphia Sixers no-play threat</a>

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.

Under the agreement signed by all sides in June, a December 31 deadline was set to finalise the details for the new circuit.

Despite ongoing scepticism, Monahan told reporters on Tuesday there was no reason to believe the deadline would not be met.

"As I sit here today, I'm confident we will reach an agreement that achieves a positive outcome for the PGA Tour and our fans - I see it and I'm certain of it," Monahan said.

"We have put an end to the divisive and distracting litigation, we have safeguards that are in place to put the PGA Tour in a position to control our future."

Asked if he believed a deal would be in place by January 1, Monahan replied: "We're confident that we're going to reach a positive outcome for the PGA Tour...I don't have any reason to think that we won't be successful."

Monahan refused to be drawn on whether he believed the rebel LIV Golf circuit had a viable long-term future.

"I think there are a lot of questions that are specific questions that are going to come ... as it relates to elements of what is in the framework agreement and elements of what we're talking about," Monahan said.

"I'm not going to talk publicly about them until we've completed those discussions and I can answer that question specifically and directly."

Monahan meanwhile said he expects the PGA Tour to open 2024 with its traditional Sentry Tournament of Champions on Maui, despite devastating wildfires on the island that have left more than 100 people dead.

The Sentry tournament takes place at the Kapalua Golf Club's Plantation Course on Maui each year, around 11 miles from Lahaina, the ocean-side town left in ruins during the fires.

However Monahan cautioned that any decision to play the tournament would be dependent on the good will of local authorities.

"At this point there's so many unknowns, and we want to be respectful of the challenges," Monahan said.

"We want to help be a part of the revitalization. There are a lot of considerations. If we're allowed to, if we're invited, if we're embraced -- given all that needs to be accomplished, we will be there 100 percent.

"But I think at this point right now that's outside of our hands."

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PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan said Tuesday he is confident of meeting a December 31 deadline to hammer out details of the tour's merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan said Tuesday he is confident of meeting a December 31 deadline to hammer out details of the tour's merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Speaking ahead of this week's Tour Championship playoff finale in Atlanta, Monahan said he expected a deal for the new circuit to be in place by January 1. The PGA Tour stunned world golf in June after announcing a shock agreement with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf aimed at ending the sport's two-year civil war. Also Read: NBA: James Harden fined $100,000 over Philadelphia Sixers no-play threat 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. Under the agreement signed by all sides in June, a December 31 deadline was set to finalise the details for the new circuit. Despite ongoing scepticism, Monahan told reporters on Tuesday there was no reason to believe the deadline would not be met. "As I sit here today, I'm confident we will reach an agreement that achieves a positive outcome for the PGA Tour and our fans - I see it and I'm certain of it," Monahan said. "We have put an end to the divisive and distracting litigation, we have safeguards that are in place to put the PGA Tour in a position to control our future." Asked if he believed a deal would be in place by January 1, Monahan replied: "We're confident that we're going to reach a positive outcome for the PGA Tour...I don't have any reason to think that we won't be successful." Monahan refused to be drawn on whether he believed the rebel LIV Golf circuit had a viable long-term future. "I think there are a lot of questions that are specific questions that are going to come ... as it relates to elements of what is in the framework agreement and elements of what we're talking about," Monahan said. "I'm not going to talk publicly about them until we've completed those discussions and I can answer that question specifically and directly." Monahan meanwhile said he expects the PGA Tour to open 2024 with its traditional Sentry Tournament of Champions on Maui, despite devastating wildfires on the island that have left more than 100 people dead. The Sentry tournament takes place at the Kapalua Golf Club's Plantation Course on Maui each year, around 11 miles from Lahaina, the ocean-side town left in ruins during the fires. However Monahan cautioned that any decision to play the tournament would be dependent on the good will of local authorities. "At this point there's so many unknowns, and we want to be respectful of the challenges," Monahan said. "We want to help be a part of the revitalization. There are a lot of considerations. If we're allowed to, if we're invited, if we're embraced -- given all that needs to be accomplished, we will be there 100 percent. "But I think at this point right now that's outside of our hands." 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: PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan confident of meeting December deadline for Saudi deal

Australia's Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, fired a three-under-par 68 on Sunday for a blowout victory at the LIV Golf League event at Trump National Bedminster.

The 29-year-old from Brisbane finished 54 holes at the New Jersey layout on 12-under 201 with India's Anirban Lahiri a distant second, seven strokes adrift.

"That was a good day," Smith said. "I'm looking forward to a couple weeks with the clubs down."

Smith moved atop LIV's season points list with the victory.

"That was the goal since the start of the year, to at least be up there with a shot at it with one tournament to go. Ticking the box in that department this week."

Smith, a six-time winner on the US PGA Tour before jumping last year to the Saudi-backed upstart series, captured his third career LIV Golf title, having taken last year's Chicago trophy and last month's London crown.

There was little suspense after Phil Mickelson's challenge faded early.

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Smith began the final round with a four-stroke lead over six-time major winner Mickelson but opened with a bogey.

After Smith and Mickelson made bogeys at the third hole, the Aussie saw his lead trimmed to two when Mickelson birdied the par-3 fourth.

Smith boosted his lead with a birdie at the sixth and Mickelson plunked two in the water at the par-3 seventh on his way to a quintuple-bogey 8 that dropped the 53-year-old US left-hander eight adrift -- leaving Smith five ahead of the field with 11 to play.

Smith reeled off three birdies in a row starting at the par-5 eighth, stretching his lead to seven strokes, and cruised from there.

Ripper GC, captained by Smith, won the team competition on 20-under, defeating Crushers and Stinger by 11 strokes.

&nbsp;

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Australia's Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, fired a three-under-par 68 on Sunday for a blowout victory at the LIV Golf League event at Trump National Bedminster.

Australia's Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, fired a three-under-par 68 on Sunday for a blowout victory at the LIV Golf League event at Trump National Bedminster. The 29-year-old from Brisbane finished 54 holes at the New Jersey layout on 12-under 201 with India's Anirban Lahiri a distant second, seven strokes adrift. "That was a good day," Smith said. "I'm looking forward to a couple weeks with the clubs down." Smith moved atop LIV's season points list with the victory. "That was the goal since the start of the year, to at least be up there with a shot at it with one tournament to go. Ticking the box in that department this week." Smith, a six-time winner on the US PGA Tour before jumping last year to the Saudi-backed upstart series, captured his third career LIV Golf title, having taken last year's Chicago trophy and last month's London crown. There was little suspense after Phil Mickelson's challenge faded early. ALSO READ | India couldn't perform in ICC tournaments due to internal issues, claims former Pakistan captain Smith began the final round with a four-stroke lead over six-time major winner Mickelson but opened with a bogey. After Smith and Mickelson made bogeys at the third hole, the Aussie saw his lead trimmed to two when Mickelson birdied the par-3 fourth. Smith boosted his lead with a birdie at the sixth and Mickelson plunked two in the water at the par-3 seventh on his way to a quintuple-bogey 8 that dropped the 53-year-old US left-hander eight adrift -- leaving Smith five ahead of the field with 11 to play. Smith reeled off three birdies in a row starting at the par-5 eighth, stretching his lead to seven strokes, and cruised from there. Ripper GC, captained by Smith, won the team competition on 20-under, defeating Crushers and Stinger by 11 strokes. 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: Australia's Cameron Smith captures LIV-Golf Bedminster crown

Bryson DeChambeau became the fourth player on a top-level tour to shoot 58, making birdies on his last four holes to capture his first LIV Golf title at the rain-softened Greenbrier on Sunday.

Bryson DeChambeau claims first LIV tournament victory after record final round

Phil Mickelson has placed bets worth a total of more than $1 billion during his career, including a $400,000 wager on the outcome of the 2012 Ryder Cup, according to excerpts from a forthcoming book published in US media on Thursday.

The revelations about Mickelson's betting are contained in "Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk" by professional US gambler Billy Walters, a former close associate of the six-time major winner.

In an extended excerpt from the book published by the FirePit Collective website on Thursday, Walters detailed frenzied betting by Mickelson over the past three decades.

A biography of Mickelson published in 2022 by US golf writer Alan Shipnuck reported that the golfer had racked up more than $40 million in gambling losses throughout his career.

Mickelson last year acknowledged he had struggled with gambling in the past, describing his betting as "reckless and embarrassing" and revealing that he had undergone "hundreds of hours of therapy" to address the issue.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canadian-open-2023-carlos-alcaraz-comes-from-behind-to-beat-hubert-hurkacz-seals-quarters-berth-624406">Canadian Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz comes from behind to beat Hubert Hurkacz, seals quarters berth</a>

However, Walters said the scale of Mickelson's losses had been significantly under-reported, and estimated the golfer had in fact made bets worth more than $1 billion in total.

"Based on our relationship and what I've since learned from others, Phil's gambling losses approached not $40 million as has been previously reported, but much closer to $100 million," Walters wrote. &nbsp;"In all, he wagered a total of more than $1 billion during the past three decades."

Walters and Mickelson's relationship ruptured when Walters was investigated and subsequently convicted and jailed over an insider trading scam.

Mickelson wasn't charged, but repaid almost $1 million from money made in the deal.

Walters says in the book he never passed on inside information to Mickelson on the stock deal probed by authorities.

"All Phil had to do was publicly say it. He refused," Walters wrote.

"The outcome cost me my freedom, tens of millions of dollars and a heartbreak I still struggle with daily."

Walters meanwhile added that Mickelson had attempted to place a massive bet on the United States to win during the 2012 Ryder Cup, looking to wager $400,000 on an American victory.

Walters said he rebuffed the approach, comparing Mickelson to Pete Rose, the former baseball player and coach who was permanently banned from the sport in 1989 for betting on games he was involved in.

"I could not believe what I was hearing," Walters wrote, claiming he told Mickelson: "'Have you lost your ... mind?' I told him, 'Don't you remember what happened to Pete Rose?'"

"'You're seen as a modern-day Arnold Palmer,' I added. 'You'd risk all that for this?' I want no part of it."

Mickelson triggered uproar in world golf last year after becoming one of the earliest and highest-profile defectors to the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf circuit in a lucrative deal reportedly worth $200 million.

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Phil Mickelson has placed bets worth a total of more than $1 billion during his career, including a $400,000 wager on the outcome of the 2012 Ryder Cup, according to excerpts from a forthcoming book published in US media on Thursday.

Phil Mickelson has placed bets worth a total of more than $1 billion during his career, including a $400,000 wager on the outcome of the 2012 Ryder Cup, according to excerpts from a forthcoming book published in US media on Thursday. The revelations about Mickelson's betting are contained in "Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk" by professional US gambler Billy Walters, a former close associate of the six-time major winner. In an extended excerpt from the book published by the FirePit Collective website on Thursday, Walters detailed frenzied betting by Mickelson over the past three decades. A biography of Mickelson published in 2022 by US golf writer Alan Shipnuck reported that the golfer had racked up more than $40 million in gambling losses throughout his career. Mickelson last year acknowledged he had struggled with gambling in the past, describing his betting as "reckless and embarrassing" and revealing that he had undergone "hundreds of hours of therapy" to address the issue. ALSO READ: Canadian Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz comes from behind to beat Hubert Hurkacz, seals quarters berth However, Walters said the scale of Mickelson's losses had been significantly under-reported, and estimated the golfer had in fact made bets worth more than $1 billion in total. "Based on our relationship and what I've since learned from others, Phil's gambling losses approached not $40 million as has been previously reported, but much closer to $100 million," Walters wrote. "In all, he wagered a total of more than $1 billion during the past three decades." Walters and Mickelson's relationship ruptured when Walters was investigated and subsequently convicted and jailed over an insider trading scam. Mickelson wasn't charged, but repaid almost $1 million from money made in the deal. Walters says in the book he never passed on inside information to Mickelson on the stock deal probed by authorities. "All Phil had to do was publicly say it. He refused," Walters wrote. "The outcome cost me my freedom, tens of millions of dollars and a heartbreak I still struggle with daily." Walters meanwhile added that Mickelson had attempted to place a massive bet on the United States to win during the 2012 Ryder Cup, looking to wager $400,000 on an American victory. Walters said he rebuffed the approach, comparing Mickelson to Pete Rose, the former baseball player and coach who was permanently banned from the sport in 1989 for betting on games he was involved in. "I could not believe what I was hearing," Walters wrote, claiming he told Mickelson: "'Have you lost your ... mind?' I told him, 'Don't you remember what happened to Pete Rose?'" "'You're seen as a modern-day Arnold Palmer,' I added. 'You'd risk all that for this?' I want no part of it." Mickelson triggered uproar in world golf last year after becoming one of the earliest and highest-profile defectors to the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf circuit in a lucrative deal reportedly worth $200 million. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Golf: Phil Mickelson bets topped $1 billion, says former gambling associate

The PGA Tour on Monday unveiled its 2024 schedule for the FedExCup regular season that will see a return to a calendar-year programme and the playoff champion pocketing a record $25 million bonus. The season, consisting of 36 events, tees off in January with The Sentry in Hawaii and concludes in August at the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina with 70 players advancing to the playoffs.

Three playoff tournaments culminating with the 30-player Tour Championship at East Lake will determine the winner of the $25 million payout, an increase from the $18 million that will be paid out to this year's champion. The season will also feature eight "signature" events with a limited field.

Those include three player-hosted invitationals - The Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational and Memorial - which will have a 36-hole cut and increased prize money. The other five - The Sentry, AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, RBC Heritage, Wells Fargo Championship, and Travelers Championship - will have no cut.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-womens-world-cup-on-pace-to-smash-attendance-records-says-fas-chief-executive-james-johnson-623387">FIFA Women's World Cup on pace to smash attendance records, says FA's chief executive James Johnson</a>

"We are excited about the roll-out of the PGA Tour's reimagined schedule and what the season will offer to our fans: a January start with stars competing head-to-head more often, alongside the weekly drama of life-altering moments and the emergence of new stars," said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.

The 2023 FedExCup regular season concluded on Sunday at the Wyndham Championship with Jon Rahm atop the leaderboard heading into the playoffs, which begin on Thursday with the St. Jude Championship in Memphis.

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The PGA Tour on Monday unveiled its 2024 schedule for the FedExCup regular season that will see a return to a calendar-year programme and the playoff champion pocketing a record $25 million bonus.

The PGA Tour on Monday unveiled its 2024 schedule for the FedExCup regular season that will see a return to a calendar-year programme and the playoff champion pocketing a record $25 million bonus. The season, consisting of 36 events, tees off in January with The Sentry in Hawaii and concludes in August at the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina with 70 players advancing to the playoffs. Three playoff tournaments culminating with the 30-player Tour Championship at East Lake will determine the winner of the $25 million payout, an increase from the $18 million that will be paid out to this year's champion. The season will also feature eight "signature" events with a limited field. Those include three player-hosted invitationals - The Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational and Memorial - which will have a 36-hole cut and increased prize money. The other five - The Sentry, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, RBC Heritage, Wells Fargo Championship, and Travelers Championship - will have no cut. Also read: FIFA Women's World Cup on pace to smash attendance records, says FA's chief executive James Johnson "We are excited about the roll-out of the PGA Tour's reimagined schedule and what the season will offer to our fans: a January start with stars competing head-to-head more often, alongside the weekly drama of life-altering moments and the emergence of new stars," said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. The 2023 FedExCup regular season concluded on Sunday at the Wyndham Championship with Jon Rahm atop the leaderboard heading into the playoffs, which begin on Thursday with the St. Jude Championship in Memphis. 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: PGA Tour releases 2024 FedExCup schedule

Lucas Glover clinched his fifth career PGA Tour title with a final round of two-under par 68 on Sunday to capture the season-closing Wyndham Championship.

The 43-year-old American won by two strokes over Russell Henley and South Korean An Byeong-hun at Greensboro, North Carolina, in the final event before the PGA playoffs.

The 2009 US Open champion took his first tournament since the John Deere Classic two years ago to ensure his place in the FedEx Cup playoffs, catapulted from 112th to 49th in the season points standings.

Glover has battled with the "yips" frequently through the past decade but said he had found the consistency he needs to win.

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"It starts and ends there with me and you know it has been a long road, 10 years of fighting something and to find something that completely changed the momentum and everything was obviously a blessing," he said.

The top 70 players in the standings advance to the playoffs and that prospect added some extra spice to the final round at Sedgefield Country Club.

Two-time major winner Justin Thomas and Australian Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, both missed out on playoff spots by a single stroke.

The FedEx Cup playoffs begin with the St.Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee next week before moving on to the BMW Championship in Illinois and conclude in three weeks at the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

Glover began his round with a bogey on the par-4 first hole but birdies on the fourth, eighth and 11th put him back in contention.&nbsp;

The final groups were forced to wait more than two hours due to a storm delay before coming back onto the course.

Glover kept his cool to finish with pars on each of his remaining four holes while Henley concluded with three straight bogeys.

Henley had no doubt that the delay had impacted his game.

"I just never got comfortable, felt a little jittery out there, just never got into a good sync with my swing, felt kind of rushed from the top of my swing, just didn't do a good job of handling the restart," he said.

Thomas finished one place outside the playoff spots in 71st but came agonizingly close to making it on the final hole.

His chip for birdie from well off the green came out off the flagpole, causing Thomas to collapse on his back in frustration.

"I did my part. I played the best I could and I fought as hard as I could and shot the lowest I possibly could," he said.

Scott had never missed out on the playoffs before and gave his all to keep that streak going with his 63 on Sunday.

"I think I'm actually getting to the point where I've got to put that stuff aside and not play to keep a streak of playing playoffs going but play to win stuff, not just be there to make the numbers up," said the Australian after his round but before his fate was known.

"If it does end, I think it's a good thing. I think it gives me a good chance to have a look at what I need to do differently to be more competitive in whatever competition I'm playing in."

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Lucas Glover clinched his fifth career PGA Tour title with a final round of two-under par 68 on Sunday to capture the season-closing Wyndham Championship. The 43-year-old American won by two strokes over Russell Henley and South Korean An Byeong-hun at Greensboro, North Carolina, in the final event before the PGA playoffs.

Lucas Glover clinched his fifth career PGA Tour title with a final round of two-under par 68 on Sunday to capture the season-closing Wyndham Championship. The 43-year-old American won by two strokes over Russell Henley and South Korean An Byeong-hun at Greensboro, North Carolina, in the final event before the PGA playoffs. The 2009 US Open champion took his first tournament since the John Deere Classic two years ago to ensure his place in the FedEx Cup playoffs, catapulted from 112th to 49th in the season points standings. Glover has battled with the "yips" frequently through the past decade but said he had found the consistency he needs to win. Also Read: Arsenal beat Manchester City 4-1 on penalties to lift Community Shield "It starts and ends there with me and you know it has been a long road, 10 years of fighting something and to find something that completely changed the momentum and everything was obviously a blessing," he said. The top 70 players in the standings advance to the playoffs and that prospect added some extra spice to the final round at Sedgefield Country Club. Two-time major winner Justin Thomas and Australian Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, both missed out on playoff spots by a single stroke. The FedEx Cup playoffs begin with the St.Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee next week before moving on to the BMW Championship in Illinois and conclude in three weeks at the Tour Championship in Atlanta. Glover began his round with a bogey on the par-4 first hole but birdies on the fourth, eighth and 11th put him back in contention. The final groups were forced to wait more than two hours due to a storm delay before coming back onto the course. Glover kept his cool to finish with pars on each of his remaining four holes while Henley concluded with three straight bogeys. Henley had no doubt that the delay had impacted his game. "I just never got comfortable, felt a little jittery out there, just never got into a good sync with my swing, felt kind of rushed from the top of my swing, just didn't do a good job of handling the restart," he said. Thomas finished one place outside the playoff spots in 71st but came agonizingly close to making it on the final hole. His chip for birdie from well off the green came out off the flagpole, causing Thomas to collapse on his back in frustration. "I did my part. I played the best I could and I fought as hard as I could and shot the lowest I possibly could," he said. Scott had never missed out on the playoffs before and gave his all to keep that streak going with his 63 on Sunday. "I think I'm actually getting to the point where I've got to put that stuff aside and not play to keep a streak of playing playoffs going but play to win stuff, not just be there to make the numbers up," said the Australian after his round but before his fate was known. "If it does end, I think it's a good thing. I think it gives me a good chance to have a look at what I need to do differently to be more competitive in whatever competition I'm playing in." 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: Lucas Glover wins Wyndham Championship for fifth PGA Tour career title

Russell Henley fired a four-under par 66 on Friday to maintain his one-stroke lead in the Wyndham Championship as Justin Thomas boosted his bid to make the US PGA Tour playoffs.

Henley couldn't match the fireworks of his first-round 62 at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina. But his five birdies and one bogey gave him a 12-under par total of 128, one clear of Billy Horschel -- who signed for a 62 of his own for 129.

"I would say just off the tee didn't quite get it in the fairway quite as much," Henley said of the difference in his rounds so far this week, adding that the back nine played "a little bit more difficult" in drizzly conditions and a changed wind.

Henley, who ended a five-year title drought with his fourth tour victory at Mayakoba, Mexico, in November, said his plan for the weekend would be to "continue the same things: Just committing to my lines, committing to what I decide to hit off the tee and just making the best swing that I can."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-rusher-kamara-defender-lammons-handed-3-game-bans-over-2022-vegas-nightclub-brawl-622537">NFL: Rusher Kamara, defender Lammons handed 3-game bans over 2022 Vegas nightclub brawl</a>

One thing he won't do is get ahead of himself. He was chasing a wire-to-wire victory at Sedgefield in 2021 when a birdie at the 10th hole on Sunday had him feeling "in control of the tournament."

Instead, he missed the six-man playoff won by Kevin Kisner.

"It's why I've got to play all 72 holes," Henley said. "It's just hard to do, hard to finish it off, but I'm excited hopefully for another good weekend."

Horschel squeezed past a quartet of players sharing third on 10-under 130 with a round that included an eagle at the eighth and seven birdies.

Horschel, hoping to salvage a disappointing season, said his game has been improving in recent weeks.

"There's been a lot of positive stuff coming, a lot more confidence in my ability to strike the golf ball, which has been the biggest issue all year," he said.

But at 116th in the FedEx Cup playoff standings, Horschel had a mountain to climb to try to push his way into the top 70 that qualify, with this week the last opportunity.

"I know I have to win or finish solo second," he said. "If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't."

<h2>- Thomas climbs -</h2>

Former world number one Justin Thomas, who is also trying to muscle his way into the playoffs from 79th in the standings, went the right direction with a five-under par 65 that put him at five-under 135 heading into the weekend.

Australian veteran Adam Scott, 81st in the standings, went the wrong way with a one-over 71 that left him eight off the pace.

Well ahead of them the group at 10-under featured South Korean An Byeong-hun, Canadian Adam Svensson and Americans Lucas Glover and Brendon Todd.

Todd had eight birdies in his seven-under 63, Glover posted a 64, Svensson carded a 67 and An -- coming off a bogey-free 63 -- had two eagles and a double-bogey in his 67.

"Two eagles, still four shots worse than yesterday," An said. "Today was a little disappointing.

Some of the sting was relieved by a 66-foot eagle putt at the 15th, his sixth hole of the day, and a hole out for eagle from 94 yards out in the fairway at his final hole, the par-four ninth.

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Russell Henley fired a four-under par 66 on Friday to maintain his one-stroke lead in the Wyndham Championship as Justin Thomas boosted his bid to make the US PGA Tour playoffs.

Russell Henley fired a four-under par 66 on Friday to maintain his one-stroke lead in the Wyndham Championship as Justin Thomas boosted his bid to make the US PGA Tour playoffs. Henley couldn't match the fireworks of his first-round 62 at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina. But his five birdies and one bogey gave him a 12-under par total of 128, one clear of Billy Horschel -- who signed for a 62 of his own for 129. "I would say just off the tee didn't quite get it in the fairway quite as much," Henley said of the difference in his rounds so far this week, adding that the back nine played "a little bit more difficult" in drizzly conditions and a changed wind. Henley, who ended a five-year title drought with his fourth tour victory at Mayakoba, Mexico, in November, said his plan for the weekend would be to "continue the same things: Just committing to my lines, committing to what I decide to hit off the tee and just making the best swing that I can." ALSO READ: NFL: Rusher Kamara, defender Lammons handed 3-game bans over 2022 Vegas nightclub brawl One thing he won't do is get ahead of himself. He was chasing a wire-to-wire victory at Sedgefield in 2021 when a birdie at the 10th hole on Sunday had him feeling "in control of the tournament." Instead, he missed the six-man playoff won by Kevin Kisner. "It's why I've got to play all 72 holes," Henley said. "It's just hard to do, hard to finish it off, but I'm excited hopefully for another good weekend." Horschel squeezed past a quartet of players sharing third on 10-under 130 with a round that included an eagle at the eighth and seven birdies. Horschel, hoping to salvage a disappointing season, said his game has been improving in recent weeks. "There's been a lot of positive stuff coming, a lot more confidence in my ability to strike the golf ball, which has been the biggest issue all year," he said. But at 116th in the FedEx Cup playoff standings, Horschel had a mountain to climb to try to push his way into the top 70 that qualify, with this week the last opportunity. "I know I have to win or finish solo second," he said. "If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't." - Thomas climbs - Former world number one Justin Thomas, who is also trying to muscle his way into the playoffs from 79th in the standings, went the right direction with a five-under par 65 that put him at five-under 135 heading into the weekend. Australian veteran Adam Scott, 81st in the standings, went the wrong way with a one-over 71 that left him eight off the pace. Well ahead of them the group at 10-under featured South Korean An Byeong-hun, Canadian Adam Svensson and Americans Lucas Glover and Brendon Todd. Todd had eight birdies in his seven-under 63, Glover posted a 64, Svensson carded a 67 and An -- coming off a bogey-free 63 -- had two eagles and a double-bogey in his 67. "Two eagles, still four shots worse than yesterday," An said. "Today was a little disappointing. Some of the sting was relieved by a 66-foot eagle putt at the 15th, his sixth hole of the day, and a hole out for eagle from 94 yards out in the fairway at his final hole, the par-four ninth. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Golf: Russell Henley maintains one-shot lead at Wyndham Championship

Lee Hodges heads into Saturday's third round of the PGA Tour's 3M Open with a four-stroke lead after shooting an impressive seven-under-par 64 in Blaine, Minnesota on Friday. A two-hour rain delay meant that play was suspended at TPC Twin Cities due to darkness, with 11 players still on the course, but none of those still to finish their rounds were within 10 shots of the lead after Hodges birdied four of his final six holes.

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63-64 for Lee Hodges 🔥 
 
He leads by four after a dream start <a href="https://twitter.com/3MOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@3MOpen</a>. <a href="https://t.co/dzTSmK3uV8">pic.twitter.com/dzTSmK3uV8</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1685113039207510016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Tyler Duncan is nearest to Hodges, on 11-under after his bogey-free 67, while Kevin Streelman, J.T. Poston, defending champion Tony Finau and Brandt Snedeker are all five shots behind Hodges.

Overnight leader Hodges was two-under for the day when play was suspended, and returned to drain a 25-foot birdie putt at the ninth hole to seize the solo lead. He then produced an immaculate back nine with back-to-back birdies on 13 and 14 and ended in style with a birdie on the par-3 17th and then the par-5 18th. Hodges, chasing a first US PGA Tour title, is 74th in the FedExCup standings, with the top 70 heading into the playoffs next month.

"I know where I'm at, but trying harder or changing what I'm doing's not going to make me play better or anything like that. I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing and see how it turns out," said the 28-year-old from Alabama.

"With my caddie...we've committed to every shot we've hit so far, which has been great. We'll continue to do it, because what do we have to lose?" he added.

Streelman and Poston shared the clubhouse lead at 10-under when the storm rolled through.

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Streelman had three birdies without a bogey after adjusting to the changed course conditions on Friday morning.

"I didn't make a ton of putts, but kind of did what I was supposed to," he said. "The greens were running beautifully today, much faster than yesterday. We all jammed our first putts pretty far past the hole so that took some on-course adjusting."

Poston carded his second straight 66, rolling in five birdies without a bogey.

Finau had to wait out the delay, but had four of his eight birdies on the back nine as he also carded a second straight 66.

Former world number one Justin Thomas, who added the event to his schedule as he battles to make the season-ending FedEx Cup playoffs, carded an even-par 71 that left him looking at a missed cut.

Thomas's six birdies included four in his last five holes, but he had two double bogeys, including finding the water twice at the par-five 18th, his ninth hole of the day.

That left him at 2-under, two short of the projected cut. 
 
&nbsp;

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Lee Hodges heads into Saturday's third round of the PGA Tour's 3M Open with a four-stroke lead after shooting an impressive seven-under-par 64 in Blaine, Minnesota on Friday.

Lee Hodges heads into Saturday's third round of the PGA Tour's 3M Open with a four-stroke lead after shooting an impressive seven-under-par 64 in Blaine, Minnesota on Friday. A two-hour rain delay meant that play was suspended at TPC Twin Cities due to darkness, with 11 players still on the course, but none of those still to finish their rounds were within 10 shots of the lead after Hodges birdied four of his final six holes. 63-64 for Lee Hodges 🔥 He leads by four after a dream start @3MOpen. pic.twitter.com/dzTSmK3uV8 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 29, 2023 × Tyler Duncan is nearest to Hodges, on 11-under after his bogey-free 67, while Kevin Streelman, J.T. Poston, defending champion Tony Finau and Brandt Snedeker are all five shots behind Hodges. Overnight leader Hodges was two-under for the day when play was suspended, and returned to drain a 25-foot birdie putt at the ninth hole to seize the solo lead. He then produced an immaculate back nine with back-to-back birdies on 13 and 14 and ended in style with a birdie on the par-3 17th and then the par-5 18th. Hodges, chasing a first US PGA Tour title, is 74th in the FedExCup standings, with the top 70 heading into the playoffs next month. "I know where I'm at, but trying harder or changing what I'm doing's not going to make me play better or anything like that. I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing and see how it turns out," said the 28-year-old from Alabama. "With my caddie...we've committed to every shot we've hit so far, which has been great. We'll continue to do it, because what do we have to lose?" he added. Streelman and Poston shared the clubhouse lead at 10-under when the storm rolled through. ALSO READ: Juventus excluded from European competition next season over FFP breach - UEFA Streelman had three birdies without a bogey after adjusting to the changed course conditions on Friday morning. "I didn't make a ton of putts, but kind of did what I was supposed to," he said. "The greens were running beautifully today, much faster than yesterday. We all jammed our first putts pretty far past the hole so that took some on-course adjusting." Poston carded his second straight 66, rolling in five birdies without a bogey. Finau had to wait out the delay, but had four of his eight birdies on the back nine as he also carded a second straight 66. Former world number one Justin Thomas, who added the event to his schedule as he battles to make the season-ending FedEx Cup playoffs, carded an even-par 71 that left him looking at a missed cut. Thomas's six birdies included four in his last five holes, but he had two double bogeys, including finding the water twice at the par-five 18th, his ninth hole of the day. That left him at 2-under, two short of the projected cut. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Golf: Lee Hodges leads 3M Open after dazzling finish, Justin Thomas misses cut

Lee Hodges sizzled in sweltering conditions on Thursday, grabbing eight birdies in an eight-under par 63 to take a one-shot first-round lead at the US PGA Tour 3M Open in Blaine, Minnesota. Hodges opened with three straight birdies at the 10th, 11th and 12th holes at TPC Twin Cities. He tapped in from inches away at the 10th then rolled in a 32-footer at 11.

He made another trio of birdies around the turn at 18, one and two, then put together back-to-back birdies at six and seven to break free of a group of four players sharing second on seven-under 64.

"Everything," Hodges said of what went well. "Really committed to every shot out there, hit a lot of really good ones."

Hodges, chasing a first US PGA Tour title, said poor starts had contributed to three missed cuts in his last four events, so his strong start was key.

"To see that wedge shot go to an inch on the first hole and then make that 40-footer on the second hole, I was like, "All right, here we go, might as well make a lot of birdies if we're going to make a couple."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-coach-vlatko-andonovski-admits-team-is-yet-to-fire-at-womens-world-cup-following-netherlands-draw-620115">USA coach Vlatko Andonovski admits team is yet to fire at Women's World Cup following Netherlands draw</a>

The quartet on seven-under included former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, who had seven birdies without a bogey.

Brandt Snedeker and Tyler Duncan also had seven birdies and no bogeys while Kevin Streelman joined the group with an eagle at the 18th, capping a round that also featured six birdies and one bogey.

"All in all it was very solid, didn't miss too many and made an awesome finish there, a great three-iron into 18 and then buried the putt," said Streelman after drilling a 16-footer.

Matsuyama played before the worst of the afternoon's gusty winds, but he needed some treatment for mild heat-related symptoms after his round.

"It got really hot out there on the back nine," the Japanese star said. "I'll relax this afternoon and hopefully get ready to play well again tomorrow."

Americans Justin Suh and Nick Hardy and Argentina's Emiliano Grillo were tied at six-under.

Hardy closed with an unlikely birdie at 18, where the rookie's drive went well right and finished up behind a tree.

"I had an angle to hit the shot, I just had to hook a nine-iron with no follow-through," said Hardy, who ended up bending his club on the shot that nevertheless left him an 11-foot birdie putt.

Defending champion Tony Finau was in another big group on five-under par 66. He teed off on 10 and was five-under through his first four holes thanks to three birdies and a 49-foot eagle at the 12th.

Struggling former world number one Justin Thomas, who added the tournament to his schedule as he tries to avoid missing the FedEx Cup playoffs for the first time since 2014, carded a two-under par 69.

"I played really well," said Thomas, who is also trying to secure a US Ryder Cup berth. "I think everybody that played this afternoon was pretty shocked with that wind. It was not only blowing hard, but it was blowing in different directions."

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Lee Hodges sizzled in sweltering conditions on Thursday, grabbing eight birdies in an eight-under par 63 to take a one-shot first-round lead at the US PGA Tour 3M Open in Blaine, Minnesota.

Lee Hodges sizzled in sweltering conditions on Thursday, grabbing eight birdies in an eight-under par 63 to take a one-shot first-round lead at the US PGA Tour 3M Open in Blaine, Minnesota. Hodges opened with three straight birdies at the 10th, 11th and 12th holes at TPC Twin Cities. He tapped in from inches away at the 10th then rolled in a 32-footer at 11. He made another trio of birdies around the turn at 18, one and two, then put together back-to-back birdies at six and seven to break free of a group of four players sharing second on seven-under 64. "Everything," Hodges said of what went well. "Really committed to every shot out there, hit a lot of really good ones." Hodges, chasing a first US PGA Tour title, said poor starts had contributed to three missed cuts in his last four events, so his strong start was key. "To see that wedge shot go to an inch on the first hole and then make that 40-footer on the second hole, I was like, "All right, here we go, might as well make a lot of birdies if we're going to make a couple." ALSO READ: USA coach Vlatko Andonovski admits team is yet to fire at Women's World Cup following Netherlands draw The quartet on seven-under included former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, who had seven birdies without a bogey. Brandt Snedeker and Tyler Duncan also had seven birdies and no bogeys while Kevin Streelman joined the group with an eagle at the 18th, capping a round that also featured six birdies and one bogey. "All in all it was very solid, didn't miss too many and made an awesome finish there, a great three-iron into 18 and then buried the putt," said Streelman after drilling a 16-footer. Matsuyama played before the worst of the afternoon's gusty winds, but he needed some treatment for mild heat-related symptoms after his round. "It got really hot out there on the back nine," the Japanese star said. "I'll relax this afternoon and hopefully get ready to play well again tomorrow." Americans Justin Suh and Nick Hardy and Argentina's Emiliano Grillo were tied at six-under. Hardy closed with an unlikely birdie at 18, where the rookie's drive went well right and finished up behind a tree. "I had an angle to hit the shot, I just had to hook a nine-iron with no follow-through," said Hardy, who ended up bending his club on the shot that nevertheless left him an 11-foot birdie putt. Defending champion Tony Finau was in another big group on five-under par 66. He teed off on 10 and was five-under through his first four holes thanks to three birdies and a 49-foot eagle at the 12th. Struggling former world number one Justin Thomas, who added the tournament to his schedule as he tries to avoid missing the FedEx Cup playoffs for the first time since 2014, carded a two-under par 69. "I played really well," said Thomas, who is also trying to secure a US Ryder Cup berth. "I think everybody that played this afternoon was pretty shocked with that wind. It was not only blowing hard, but it was blowing in different directions." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Golf: Lee Hodges grabs first-round lead at PGA Tour 3M Open as he chases maiden US PGA Tour title

Shubhankar Sharma finished tied 8th at the Open- the best performance by an Indian at golf's oldest Major. The 27-year-old has won plaudits for his stellar show at Royal Liverpool and he spoke to Wion Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on the highs of the past week.

Shubhankar reflects on stellar performance at the Open

India's ace golfer Shubhankar Sharma created history at the recently concluded The Open in the United Kingdom. He finished eighth in what was the best result ever for an Indian at Hoylake. Shubhankar's T8 is also the second best finish for an Indian after Anibaran Lahiri's T5 at the PGA Championship in 2015.

Reflecting on his success at the Open, the golfer spoke to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo and shared what it was like to compete among world's finest in extremely tough conditions over the four days of the tournament.

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"I'd probably rank this finish higher than my wins on the European tour," said Shubhankar who had a bogey-free final day in horrid conditions. "You are always on the edge, especially the first two days when just one bad hole can take you out of the tournament. And the last two days the weather was very rough. There was incessant rain on the final day, every shot was tough from a wedge shot to a 220-yard two-hand one."

Also Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-lionel-messis-king-sized-gesture-towards-david-beckham-in-atlanta-win-619644">Lionel Messi's king-sized gesture towards David Beckham in win over Atlanta</a>

"I just tried to stay in the zone. Not Looking up at the leaderboard, not thinking too much about the shots. So yeah, considering everything, I am really happy with the my performance," added the golfer.

Sharma also spoke about the mental aspect of the game and said that it is always a challenge to stay in the moment at the Majors but the presence of his family kept him calm.

"It is never easy. You try your best to stay in the moment by retelling yourself again and again," he said when asked how did keep the overwhelming thoughts away after first round when he was 1-under and just two off the lead. "You try not get too elated or disappointed with a single shot and keep the level headedness throughout that is something which has worked well for me."

"However, it wouldn't have been possible without my family. Their presence kept me grounded and calm during the tournament," added Sharma.

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India's ace golfer Shubhankar Sharma created history at the recently concluded The Open in the United Kingdom. He finished eighth in what was the best result ever for an Indian at Hoylake.

India's ace golfer Shubhankar Sharma created history at the recently concluded The Open in the United Kingdom. He finished eighth in what was the best result ever for an Indian at Hoylake. Shubhankar's T8 is also the second best finish for an Indian after Anibaran Lahiri's T5 at the PGA Championship in 2015. Reflecting on his success at the Open, the golfer spoke to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo and shared what it was like to compete among world's finest in extremely tough conditions over the four days of the tournament. × "I'd probably rank this finish higher than my wins on the European tour," said Shubhankar who had a bogey-free final day in horrid conditions. "You are always on the edge, especially the first two days when just one bad hole can take you out of the tournament. And the last two days the weather was very rough. There was incessant rain on the final day, every shot was tough from a wedge shot to a 220-yard two-hand one." Also Watch | Lionel Messi's king-sized gesture towards David Beckham in win over Atlanta "I just tried to stay in the zone. Not Looking up at the leaderboard, not thinking too much about the shots. So yeah, considering everything, I am really happy with the my performance," added the golfer. Sharma also spoke about the mental aspect of the game and said that it is always a challenge to stay in the moment at the Majors but the presence of his family kept him calm. "It is never easy. You try your best to stay in the moment by retelling yourself again and again," he said when asked how did keep the overwhelming thoughts away after first round when he was 1-under and just two off the lead. "You try not get too elated or disappointed with a single shot and keep the level headedness throughout that is something which has worked well for me." "However, it wouldn't have been possible without my family. Their presence kept me grounded and calm during the tournament," added Sharma. 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.

WION Exclusive: 'Probably rank this higher than other wins,' says Shubhankar on record finish at The Open

Shubhankar reflects on stellar performance at the Open | WION Sports

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