The long-standing rivalry between PGA Tour and LIV Golf is set to come to an end as they have agreed to merge. LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, an entity controlled by the Saudi crown prince, will now collaborate with PGA Tour to end the brawl that has&nbsp;seen the golf fraternity divided for months. The merging will see the end of all pending litigation and will soon announce a new yet-to-be-named company.

<h2>What was the issue?</h2>

For months, the both PGA Tour and LIV Golf were in hot water as the pro-golfers were suspended from participating in the tournaments organised by the former body. The two have been in court since August 8, 2022, when 11 pro-golfers were suspended from PGA events. PGA had alleged that LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, offered millions of dollars to pro-golfers to break their contracts.

On September 28, 2022, the PGA, challenging LIV’s laws suit from August, filed a countersuit against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) for wrongly participating in the affairs of the PGA administration.

However, the matter has now been resolved and will see the divide between the golfers come to an end in the coming days.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-may-pull-out-of-asia-cup-if-hybrid-model-rejected-report-601189">Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup if hybrid model is rejected: Report</a>

It is reported that the two entities have signed a deal that will see PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s commercial businesses and rights into a new unnamed company. It is also reported that the PIF will invest billions in the new brand that will see the world of golf reach newer heights.

While the terms of the deal were not revealed, as part of the agreement, the three groups will establish “a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour” following the end of the 2023 season, according to a release.

The agreement will however require the approval of the PGA Tour policy board. However, the latest developments are likely to see the end of the civil war between the two major bodies of golf.

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The long-standing rivalry between PGA Tour and LIV Golf is set to come to an end as they have agreed to merge. LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, an entity controlled by the Saudi crown prince, will now collaborate with PGA Tour to end the brawl that has seen the golf fraternity divided for months.

The long-standing rivalry between PGA Tour and LIV Golf is set to come to an end as they have agreed to merge. LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, an entity controlled by the Saudi crown prince, will now collaborate with PGA Tour to end the brawl that has seen the golf fraternity divided for months. The merging will see the end of all pending litigation and will soon announce a new yet-to-be-named company. What was the issue? For months, the both PGA Tour and LIV Golf were in hot water as the pro-golfers were suspended from participating in the tournaments organised by the former body. The two have been in court since August 8, 2022, when 11 pro-golfers were suspended from PGA events. PGA had alleged that LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, offered millions of dollars to pro-golfers to break their contracts. On September 28, 2022, the PGA, challenging LIV’s laws suit from August, filed a countersuit against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) for wrongly participating in the affairs of the PGA administration. However, the matter has now been resolved and will see the divide between the golfers come to an end in the coming days. ALSO READ | Pakistan may pull out of Asia Cup if hybrid model is rejected: Report It is reported that the two entities have signed a deal that will see PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s commercial businesses and rights into a new unnamed company. It is also reported that the PIF will invest billions in the new brand that will see the world of golf reach newer heights. While the terms of the deal were not revealed, as part of the agreement, the three groups will establish “a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour” following the end of the 2023 season, according to a release. The agreement will however require the approval of the PGA Tour policy board. However, the latest developments are likely to see the end of the civil war between the two major bodies of golf. 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 agrees to merge with Saudi-backed rival LIV; deal to end all pending litigation

The civil war that had been raging in the world of golf at least on the face of it now is officially over in a sensational move that caught everyone by surprise the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf have now buried the hatchet. They've ended all litigation against each other the PGA Tour the European Tour and LIV Golf have now signed an agreement that finds common ground between the competing parties.

PGA Tour and LIV Golf end turf war as tours set up new joint venture

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy birdied two of the last four holes to grab a share of the lead after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Tour Memorial Tournament.

World number three McIlroy, who won at Dubai in January but hasn't taken a US PGA title this year, fired a two-under par 70 to stand on six-under 210 after 54 holes at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio.

David Lipsky, an American chasing his first PGA title, closed with back-to-back bogeys and fell into sharing the lead with McIlroy and South Korean Kim Si-woo, who shot 71.

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One stroke back on 211 were Norway's Viktor Hovland and Americans Wyndham Clark, Mark Hubbard, Lee Hodges and Denny McCarthy.

McIlroy, a 23-time PGA winner, had struggled after missing the cut at the Masters and sharing 47th at Quail Hollow,&nbsp;where he's a three-time champion.

But he shared seventh at the PGA Championship two weeks ago at Oak Hill despite feeling uncomfortable over the ball and has found better form with the US Open two weeks away.

"I'm feeling more comfortable than I felt at Oak Hill," McIlroy said. "I wouldn't say I'm 100%. But I'm battling and I'm hanging in there and the course is playing really tough."

"It feels better. I did a lot of real good work last week. I feel like I'm not fighting the club face as much as I have been so I'm able to release it a little bit more and have a little more trust in it."

"And with how tough it's playing this week, you need to trust it."

McIlroy blasted out of a greenside bunker and sank a 10-foot birdie putt at the par-5 fourth, but made bogey at 10 after missing the fairway and taking four to find the green.

He answered with a birdie putt from just outside 25 feet at the par-3 12th then sank a six-foot birdie putt at the par-5 15th and answered a bogey at 16 with a seven-foot birdie putt at 17.

At 18, McIlroy knocked a 70-foot birdie putt almost nine feet past the hole but sank the comeback putt for par and pumped his right fist after booking his place in Sunday's final pairing with Kim and avoiding his first three-putt of the week.

"This course is still very playable from the fairways. I've done a good job of keeping the ball in play, hitting a lot of 3-woods, a lot of irons off tees," McIlroy said.

"What I need to do tomorrow is just stick to that game plan, not try to get ahead of myself, not get too aggressive. If I stick to the game plan I've had for the last three days, I'll be in with a great chance."

<h2>Kim feels 'great'</h2>

World number 38 Kim, who won his fourth PGA title in January at the Sony Open in Hawaii, made his second double bogey of the day at the par-5 11th then answered with birdies at 12, 13 and 15 to own a share of the lead.

"I feel great," said Kim, the 2017 Players Championship winner. "Making two doubles and shoot under par on this course, I'll take it."

Lipsky, ranked 160th, led much of the day and wasn't unhappy despite his poor finish.

"To find myself at the top of the leaderboard, I couldn't be happier," he said. "My short game has always been pretty good. I was able to lean on that today. I was able to hole a few nice par putts as well. Overall pretty happy."

Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion and 2014 Memorial winner, made three straight bogeys starting at eight and a triple-bogey at the par-3 12th on the way to a 75 to stand on 212.

American Justin Suh, the 36-hole leader, fired a 77 to finish on 213.

Reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm, the world number two from Spain, shot 74 to stand on 214. Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler was on 215 after a 68.

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Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy birdied two of the last four holes to grab a share of the lead after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Tour Memorial Tournament.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy birdied two of the last four holes to grab a share of the lead after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Tour Memorial Tournament. World number three McIlroy, who won at Dubai in January but hasn't taken a US PGA title this year, fired a two-under par 70 to stand on six-under 210 after 54 holes at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. David Lipsky, an American chasing his first PGA title, closed with back-to-back bogeys and fell into sharing the lead with McIlroy and South Korean Kim Si-woo, who shot 71. Also Read: PSG confirm Lionel Messi exit after two seasons as Argentine star yet to decide on future One stroke back on 211 were Norway's Viktor Hovland and Americans Wyndham Clark, Mark Hubbard, Lee Hodges and Denny McCarthy. McIlroy, a 23-time PGA winner, had struggled after missing the cut at the Masters and sharing 47th at Quail Hollow, where he's a three-time champion. But he shared seventh at the PGA Championship two weeks ago at Oak Hill despite feeling uncomfortable over the ball and has found better form with the US Open two weeks away. "I'm feeling more comfortable than I felt at Oak Hill," McIlroy said. "I wouldn't say I'm 100%. But I'm battling and I'm hanging in there and the course is playing really tough." "It feels better. I did a lot of real good work last week. I feel like I'm not fighting the club face as much as I have been so I'm able to release it a little bit more and have a little more trust in it." "And with how tough it's playing this week, you need to trust it." McIlroy blasted out of a greenside bunker and sank a 10-foot birdie putt at the par-5 fourth, but made bogey at 10 after missing the fairway and taking four to find the green. He answered with a birdie putt from just outside 25 feet at the par-3 12th then sank a six-foot birdie putt at the par-5 15th and answered a bogey at 16 with a seven-foot birdie putt at 17. At 18, McIlroy knocked a 70-foot birdie putt almost nine feet past the hole but sank the comeback putt for par and pumped his right fist after booking his place in Sunday's final pairing with Kim and avoiding his first three-putt of the week. "This course is still very playable from the fairways. I've done a good job of keeping the ball in play, hitting a lot of 3-woods, a lot of irons off tees," McIlroy said. "What I need to do tomorrow is just stick to that game plan, not try to get ahead of myself, not get too aggressive. If I stick to the game plan I've had for the last three days, I'll be in with a great chance." Kim feels 'great' World number 38 Kim, who won his fourth PGA title in January at the Sony Open in Hawaii, made his second double bogey of the day at the par-5 11th then answered with birdies at 12, 13 and 15 to own a share of the lead. "I feel great," said Kim, the 2017 Players Championship winner. "Making two doubles and shoot under par on this course, I'll take it." Lipsky, ranked 160th, led much of the day and wasn't unhappy despite his poor finish. "To find myself at the top of the leaderboard, I couldn't be happier," he said. "My short game has always been pretty good. I was able to lean on that today. I was able to hole a few nice par putts as well. Overall pretty happy." Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion and 2014 Memorial winner, made three straight bogeys starting at eight and a triple-bogey at the par-3 12th on the way to a 75 to stand on 212. American Justin Suh, the 36-hole leader, fired a 77 to finish on 213. Reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm, the world number two from Spain, shot 74 to stand on 214. Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler was on 215 after a 68. 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 shares lead at PGA Memorial with two others after third round

Australian Minjee Lee fired eight birdies in an eight-under par 64 on Friday to grab a share of the lead alongside Cheyenne Knight in the LPGA Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Lee roared out of the gate with birdies at the first three holes, and was six-under at the turn after birdies at the fifth, eighth and ninth.

The world number five added birdies at the 10th and 12th for a 36-hole total of seven-under par 137.

Knight joined her with a four-under par 68. The American teed off on 10 and was even par through her first nine after two birdies and two bogeys.

She, too, birdied the first through third holes, and capped her round with her sixth birdie of the day at the ninth.

The leading duo had a one-shot lead over world number three Lydia Ko of New Zealand, who carded a 69 for 138.

World number one Ko Jin-young of South Korea waited out a late weather delay to post a six-under par 66 and head a group on 139 that also included sixth-ranked Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand, No. 8 Brooke Henderson of Canada, India's Aditi Ashok and Rose Zhang -- the 20-year-old American making her pro debut after dominating the amateur ranks for the past two years.

The weather was no trouble for early starter Lee, who turned things around after a one-over 73 on Thursday.

"I didn't really feel like my score reflected how I played yesterday, so I just came in with a positive attitude," she said.

"I knew there was probably going to be less wind this morning, so just tried to take advantage of the good conditions that were given to me."

She hit 10 of 14 fairways and 14 of 18 greens, needing 24 putts in her impressive second round.

"I holed some really great putts today," Lee said after her best round since the 2022 Founders Cup -- when she shot a nine-under 63 in the second round on the way to a victory.

"A few long ones and a few mid-range -- I don't think I had any tap-ins, so they were all really great putts," she said.

Knight said her birdie burst to start her back nine was crucial.

"That really got things going and kind of kept the momentum up for me," the American said.

New Zealand's Ko had an early bogey at the third, but responded with back-to-back birdies at the sixth and seventh and another brace at the ninth and 10th.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-1983-wc-winning-team-backs-protesting-wrestlers-urges-them-to-not-immerse-medals-in-ganges-599632">India's 1983 WC winning team backs protesting wrestlers, urges them to not immerse medals in Ganges</a>

"I think I played really consistently," Ko said. "I haven't been playing that great leading up to this week. I played much better and solid on the (Ladies European Tour) event a couple weeks ago, so that was a good momentum shift."

Ko Jin-young was delighted to finish her strong round, after dangerous weather caused play to be suspended late in the day when she had just a few holes to play.

"I played really well today," she said. "I think I'm so lucky to finish, I'm going to go get great sleep and then I'm looking forward to the weekend."

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Australian Minjee Lee fired eight birdies in an eight-under par 64 on Friday to grab a share of the lead alongside Cheyenne Knight in the LPGA Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Australian Minjee Lee fired eight birdies in an eight-under par 64 on Friday to grab a share of the lead alongside Cheyenne Knight in the LPGA Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National in Jersey City, New Jersey. Lee roared out of the gate with birdies at the first three holes, and was six-under at the turn after birdies at the fifth, eighth and ninth. The world number five added birdies at the 10th and 12th for a 36-hole total of seven-under par 137. Knight joined her with a four-under par 68. The American teed off on 10 and was even par through her first nine after two birdies and two bogeys. She, too, birdied the first through third holes, and capped her round with her sixth birdie of the day at the ninth. The leading duo had a one-shot lead over world number three Lydia Ko of New Zealand, who carded a 69 for 138. World number one Ko Jin-young of South Korea waited out a late weather delay to post a six-under par 66 and head a group on 139 that also included sixth-ranked Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand, No. 8 Brooke Henderson of Canada, India's Aditi Ashok and Rose Zhang -- the 20-year-old American making her pro debut after dominating the amateur ranks for the past two years. The weather was no trouble for early starter Lee, who turned things around after a one-over 73 on Thursday. "I didn't really feel like my score reflected how I played yesterday, so I just came in with a positive attitude," she said. "I knew there was probably going to be less wind this morning, so just tried to take advantage of the good conditions that were given to me." She hit 10 of 14 fairways and 14 of 18 greens, needing 24 putts in her impressive second round. "I holed some really great putts today," Lee said after her best round since the 2022 Founders Cup -- when she shot a nine-under 63 in the second round on the way to a victory. "A few long ones and a few mid-range -- I don't think I had any tap-ins, so they were all really great putts," she said. Knight said her birdie burst to start her back nine was crucial. "That really got things going and kind of kept the momentum up for me," the American said. New Zealand's Ko had an early bogey at the third, but responded with back-to-back birdies at the sixth and seventh and another brace at the ninth and 10th. ALSO READ | India's 1983 WC winning team backs protesting wrestlers, urges them to not immerse medals in Ganges "I think I played really consistently," Ko said. "I haven't been playing that great leading up to this week. I played much better and solid on the (Ladies European Tour) event a couple weeks ago, so that was a good momentum shift." Ko Jin-young was delighted to finish her strong round, after dangerous weather caused play to be suspended late in the day when she had just a few holes to play. "I played really well today," she said. "I think I'm so lucky to finish, I'm going to go get great sleep and then I'm looking forward to the weekend." 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 Minjee Lee leads LPGA Americas Open

The mixed-gender Australian Open will have a reduced women's field and revert to a single-cut format on its return to Sydney this year after the previous event in Melbourne in December drew criticism over its convoluted structure. The inaugural dual-gender tournament had an unusual second cut after 54 holes, leaving the top 30 players from each of the men's and women's fields to compete for separate trophies in the final round at Victoria&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Club.

This year's event at The Australian and The Lakes&nbsp;golf&nbsp;clubs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 will see the women's field trimmed to 84 players with the men's unchanged at 156, organisers said on Wednesday. The men's field will be cut to 60 plus ties after 36 holes, with the women's cut to a pro-rata 32 plus ties. The 54-hole second cut has been scrapped.

Organisers said the changes had been decided after a review of last year's tournaments in Melbourne and following consultation with both the men’s and women’s tour bodies and playing groups. The head of the local women's&nbsp;golf&nbsp;tour said the reduced women's field would ensure a "high-quality competition" that reflected the importance of the national championship and guaranteed players maximum world ranking points.

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"The size of the women's Open field will be reassessed year by year," WPGA Tour of Australasia Chief Executive Officer Karen Lunn said. "Our aim is to grow the depth in the women's game."

Prize-money will remain equal across the men's and women's tournaments, which will be played over four days at The Australian&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Club and co-hosted by The Lakes during the first two days. The men's event will be co-sanctioned by Europe's DP World Tour. Poland's Adrian Meronk claimed the men's title last year, while South African Ashleigh Buhai won the women's event.

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The mixed-gender Australian Open will have a reduced women's field and revert to a single-cut format on its return to Sydney this year after the previous event in Melbourne in December drew criticism over its convoluted structure.

The mixed-gender Australian Open will have a reduced women's field and revert to a single-cut format on its return to Sydney this year after the previous event in Melbourne in December drew criticism over its convoluted structure. The inaugural dual-gender tournament had an unusual second cut after 54 holes, leaving the top 30 players from each of the men's and women's fields to compete for separate trophies in the final round at Victoria Golf Club. This year's event at The Australian and The Lakes golf clubs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 will see the women's field trimmed to 84 players with the men's unchanged at 156, organisers said on Wednesday. The men's field will be cut to 60 plus ties after 36 holes, with the women's cut to a pro-rata 32 plus ties. The 54-hole second cut has been scrapped. Organisers said the changes had been decided after a review of last year's tournaments in Melbourne and following consultation with both the men’s and women’s tour bodies and playing groups. The head of the local women's golf tour said the reduced women's field would ensure a "high-quality competition" that reflected the importance of the national championship and guaranteed players maximum world ranking points. Also Read: Djokovic brushes aside Kosovo row to reach French Open last 32 "The size of the women's Open field will be reassessed year by year," WPGA Tour of Australasia Chief Executive Officer Karen Lunn said. "Our aim is to grow the depth in the women's game." Prize-money will remain equal across the men's and women's tournaments, which will be played over four days at The Australian Golf Club and co-hosted by The Lakes during the first two days. The men's event will be co-sanctioned by Europe's DP World Tour. Poland's Adrian Meronk claimed the men's title last year, while South African Ashleigh Buhai won the women's event. 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: Australian Open organisers cut women's field in mixed-gender event

The men's and women's Australian Open golf events will again take place at the same courses at the same time after the format's debut success, organisers said Wednesday.

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said last year's tournaments, also with an equal split between men and women for prize money, had a "resoundingly positive impact".

"Last year the world-first national open format pushed boundaries and broke new ground for golf," he added, with the biggest crowds in a decade.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-clears-intent-ahead-of-sevilla-clash-says-im-going-to-do-everything-i-can-to-try-and-win-it-598481">Jose Mourinho clears intent ahead of Sevilla clash, says 'I’m going to do everything I can to try and win it'</a>

"The event will be further enhanced this year and will again talk to our commitment to growing golf as a sport for all."

Sutherland has previously said that he wanted golf to have a more "inclusive look and feel" and that commercial partners "absolutely love this concept".

In Melbourne last year Poland's Adrian Meronk won the men's Australian Open, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, while South Africa's British Open champion Ashleigh Buhai took the women's title.

This year's tournaments will be hosted in Sydney on November 30-December 3 at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Australian Golf Club across the four days. The nearby Lakes Golf Club is co-hosting for the first two days.

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The men's and women's Australian Open golf events will again take place at the same courses at the same time after the format's debut success, organisers said Wednesday.

The men's and women's Australian Open golf events will again take place at the same courses at the same time after the format's debut success, organisers said Wednesday. Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said last year's tournaments, also with an equal split between men and women for prize money, had a "resoundingly positive impact". "Last year the world-first national open format pushed boundaries and broke new ground for golf," he added, with the biggest crowds in a decade. Also Read: Jose Mourinho clears intent ahead of Sevilla clash, says 'I’m going to do everything I can to try and win it' "The event will be further enhanced this year and will again talk to our commitment to growing golf as a sport for all." Sutherland has previously said that he wanted golf to have a more "inclusive look and feel" and that commercial partners "absolutely love this concept". In Melbourne last year Poland's Adrian Meronk won the men's Australian Open, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, while South Africa's British Open champion Ashleigh Buhai took the women's title. This year's tournaments will be hosted in Sydney on November 30-December 3 at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Australian Golf Club across the four days. The nearby Lakes Golf Club is co-hosting for the first two days. 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 Open events for men and women to take place at same course after initial success

Argentina's Emiliano Grillo birdied the second playoff hole to defeat American Adam Schenk on Sunday to win the PGA Tour's Charles Schwab Challenge for his first triumph in eight years.

The 30-year-old South American fired a two-under par 68 and despite a closing double bogey finished level with Schenk on eight-under 272 for 72 holes at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

After both parred 18 to begin the playoff, they went to the par-3 16th and Grillo's tee shot landed just inside five feet.

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Schenk, seeking his first PGA title, missed the green but chipped within three feet only for Grillo to make his putt for the long-sought title.

"It has been such a ride," Grillo said. "It makes me think of where I am coming from. It makes me think of my family... They say the second is harder than the first. It definitely was.

"I'm on top of the world right now. Hopefully I can stay there for at least one more week."

Grillo won his only prior PGA title at the 2015 Frys.com Open, beating American Kevin Na with a birdie on the second playoff hole in his debut as a PGA member.

The only other Argentine winner of the event was Roberto De Vicenzo in 1957, the first Colonial champion from outside the United States.

World number one Scottie Scheffler, who made a hole-in-one in shooting 67, shared third on 273 with England's Harry Hall, who shot 73 after a bogey on 18 to miss the playoff.

"Winning on the PGA Tour is a lot closer than I thought it was," Hall said. "Coming down the stretch there you don't need amazing golf to get it done."

Grillo, who had four birdies and two bogeys in the first seven holes, made a 17-foot birdie putt at the 12th and curled in a birdie putt from just inside 20 feet at the par-3 16th, little knowing he'd win with another birdie on the same hole after a double bogey at 18.

"I made a double on 18 and honestly I didn't care," Grillo said. "I'd have liked to get it on the 72nd but I closed with some great swings at 18 and two great birdies at 16."

Hall missed a 16-foot par putt to slip two adrift of Grillo, while Schenk made an eight-footer to birdie 16 and reach eight-under.

But Grillo went way right off the 18th tee, took a penalty drop, needed two more to reach the green and two-putted for double bogey to create a three-way tie for the lead.

Hall, ranked 197th, found water off the 18th tee and made bogey. Schenk missed a 15-foot birdie putt and tapped in for a playoff.

"The last was a little bit funky," Hall said. "I hit a great shot. It overdrew on the went and went really far. I didn't think I could reach that. It went 340 (yards)."

<h2>'I'll learn from it'</h2>

Hall and Schenk shared the 54-hole lead but stumbled back.

Schenk made a bogey at six after finding a fairway bunker, another at 10 after hitting greenside sand and missed the green at the par-3 13th for a third bogey.

Hall opened with back-to-back birdies but missed four-foot par putts at the fifth and par-3 eighth and made bogey at the par-5 11th.

"Missed a couple inside five feet," Hall said. "I don't normally do that. I'll learn from it."

Scheffler aced the 189-yard eighth hole with a 7-iron.

"It was nice," Scheffler said. "It landed where I wanted it to, everybody started standing up and I was fortunate it went in."

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Argentina's Emiliano Grillo birdied the second playoff hole to defeat American Adam Schenk on Sunday to win the PGA Tour's Charles Schwab Challenge for his first triumph in eight years.

Argentina's Emiliano Grillo birdied the second playoff hole to defeat American Adam Schenk on Sunday to win the PGA Tour's Charles Schwab Challenge for his first triumph in eight years. The 30-year-old South American fired a two-under par 68 and despite a closing double bogey finished level with Schenk on eight-under 272 for 72 holes at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. After both parred 18 to begin the playoff, they went to the par-3 16th and Grillo's tee shot landed just inside five feet. Also Read: Formula One: Max Verstappen extends lead with dominant victory in Monaco rain Schenk, seeking his first PGA title, missed the green but chipped within three feet only for Grillo to make his putt for the long-sought title. "It has been such a ride," Grillo said. "It makes me think of where I am coming from. It makes me think of my family... They say the second is harder than the first. It definitely was. "I'm on top of the world right now. Hopefully I can stay there for at least one more week." Grillo won his only prior PGA title at the 2015 Frys.com Open, beating American Kevin Na with a birdie on the second playoff hole in his debut as a PGA member. The only other Argentine winner of the event was Roberto De Vicenzo in 1957, the first Colonial champion from outside the United States. World number one Scottie Scheffler, who made a hole-in-one in shooting 67, shared third on 273 with England's Harry Hall, who shot 73 after a bogey on 18 to miss the playoff. "Winning on the PGA Tour is a lot closer than I thought it was," Hall said. "Coming down the stretch there you don't need amazing golf to get it done." Grillo, who had four birdies and two bogeys in the first seven holes, made a 17-foot birdie putt at the 12th and curled in a birdie putt from just inside 20 feet at the par-3 16th, little knowing he'd win with another birdie on the same hole after a double bogey at 18. "I made a double on 18 and honestly I didn't care," Grillo said. "I'd have liked to get it on the 72nd but I closed with some great swings at 18 and two great birdies at 16." Hall missed a 16-foot par putt to slip two adrift of Grillo, while Schenk made an eight-footer to birdie 16 and reach eight-under. But Grillo went way right off the 18th tee, took a penalty drop, needed two more to reach the green and two-putted for double bogey to create a three-way tie for the lead. Hall, ranked 197th, found water off the 18th tee and made bogey. Schenk missed a 15-foot birdie putt and tapped in for a playoff. "The last was a little bit funky," Hall said. "I hit a great shot. It overdrew on the went and went really far. I didn't think I could reach that. It went 340 (yards)." 'I'll learn from it' Hall and Schenk shared the 54-hole lead but stumbled back. Schenk made a bogey at six after finding a fairway bunker, another at 10 after hitting greenside sand and missed the green at the par-3 13th for a third bogey. Hall opened with back-to-back birdies but missed four-foot par putts at the fifth and par-3 eighth and made bogey at the par-5 11th. "Missed a couple inside five feet," Hall said. "I don't normally do that. I'll learn from it." Scheffler aced the 189-yard eighth hole with a 7-iron. "It was nice," Scheffler said. "It landed where I wanted it to, everybody started standing up and I was fortunate it went 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: Emiliano Grillo wins PGA Tour's Charles Schwab Challenge for first title in eight years

Tiger Woods ruled himself out on Tuesday of playing in the US Open as he recovers from right ankle surgery, organisers said.

The 47-year-old 15-time major champion -- which includes three US Open crowns -- underwent further surgery in April on his ankle, which was severely injured in a car accident in 2021.

The US Open, the third of the four majors, runs June 15-18 at the Los Angeles Country Club's North Course.&nbsp;

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Woods most recently competed at the Masters in April but he withdrew early in the third round and it was then decided that he would undergo another operation.

"Tiger Woods, who won this championship in 2000, 2002 and 2008, has withdrawn as an exempt player while still recovering from his recent surgery," read the statement from organisers.

Woods battled to make the cut at Augusta National but was visibly limping at times on the storied course where he has won five times.

Woods has competed in just five tournaments since his February 2021 car crash near Los Angeles, completing 72 holes only twice.

He played four rounds in his surprise return to golf at last year's Masters and at the Genesis Invitational PGA Tour event at Riviera Country Club in February.

He reiterated at Riviera that his competitive schedule would be extremely limited, saying he hoped to play in all four majors and perhaps "a couple" of other events.

At Augusta he acknowledged that he wonders each time he plays the Masters if it will be his last time there.

"I don't know how many more I have in me," he said, adding that he felt "very lucky" to still have his right leg.

"It has been tough and will always be tough. The ability and endurance of what my leg will do going forward will never be the same. That's why I can't prepare and play as many tournaments as I like.

"But that's my future and I'm OK with that."

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Tiger Woods ruled himself out on Tuesday of playing in the US Open as he recovers from right ankle surgery, organisers said. The 47-year-old 15-time major champion -- which includes three US Open crowns -- underwent further surgery in April on his ankle, which was severely injured in a car accident in 2021.

Tiger Woods ruled himself out on Tuesday of playing in the US Open as he recovers from right ankle surgery, organisers said. The 47-year-old 15-time major champion -- which includes three US Open crowns -- underwent further surgery in April on his ankle, which was severely injured in a car accident in 2021. The US Open, the third of the four majors, runs June 15-18 at the Los Angeles Country Club's North Course. Also Read: Nuggets' Nikola Jokic scores 8th triple-double of 2023 postseason, breaks 56-year-old record Woods most recently competed at the Masters in April but he withdrew early in the third round and it was then decided that he would undergo another operation. "Tiger Woods, who won this championship in 2000, 2002 and 2008, has withdrawn as an exempt player while still recovering from his recent surgery," read the statement from organisers. Woods battled to make the cut at Augusta National but was visibly limping at times on the storied course where he has won five times. Woods has competed in just five tournaments since his February 2021 car crash near Los Angeles, completing 72 holes only twice. He played four rounds in his surprise return to golf at last year's Masters and at the Genesis Invitational PGA Tour event at Riviera Country Club in February. He reiterated at Riviera that his competitive schedule would be extremely limited, saying he hoped to play in all four majors and perhaps "a couple" of other events. At Augusta he acknowledged that he wonders each time he plays the Masters if it will be his last time there. "I don't know how many more I have in me," he said, adding that he felt "very lucky" to still have his right leg. "It has been tough and will always be tough. The ability and endurance of what my leg will do going forward will never be the same. That's why I can't prepare and play as many tournaments as I like. "But that's my future and I'm OK with that." 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: Convalescent Tiger Woods decides not to play US Open

Brooks Koepka has claimed his fifth major title by winning the US PGA Championship in Rochester, New York. The American continued his fine form to become the first LIV golfer to win a major title. Is it impossible for the U.S to overlook Koepka for this year's Ryder Cup?

Brooks Koepka becomes first LIV golfer to win a major

Brooks Koepka outdueled Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler in a back-nine battle Sunday to win the PGA Championship for his fifth major title, giving Saudi-backed LIV Golf a milestone major triumph.

The 33-year-old American&nbsp;captured his third PGA Championship and became the first&nbsp;player to win a major since joining LIV, firing a three-under par 67 to finish 72 holes at Oak Hill on nine-under 271.

"It's incredible," said Koepka, only the 20th player to win five or more majors. "I'm not sure I even dreamed when I was a kid I would win this many."

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Norway's 11th-ranked Hovland, chasing his first major title, and American Scheffler, last year's Masters winner and the new world number one, shared second on 273.

"I put up a good fight. I played great today," Scheffler said. "I gave the guys on top of the leaderboard something to think about and I made a little bit much a move.

"But Brooks just played some fantastic golf this week. He played too good this weekend for me to catch up to him."

There were a smattering of boos for Koepka as he walked onto the 18th green to make the concluding putts for the title, a sign of the bitter acrimony that has engulfed golf since the launch of the LIV circuit last year.

But Koepka calmly finished off an impressive romp, his first major win since 2021 knee surgery sidelined him for most of the past two seasons.

"I look back at where we were two years ago," Koepka said. "I'm so happy right now. I'm at a loss for words. But this is the coolest thing."

Australia's Cam Davis and American Kurt Kitayama shared fourth on 277 with another LIV player, American Bryson DeChambeau.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy shared seventh on 278 with Austrian Sepp Straka.

Koepka was among the stars who jumped from the PGA Tour to breakaway LIV Golf, which offered record $25 million purses for 54-hole events, despite concern over Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

The PGA banned LIV talent from its events, with a legal fight between them due in court next May. In the meantime, the majors have provided the only outlet for competition between players from the rival tours.

In all, there were six major winners from LIV in the field of 156 with a combined 15 major crowns, none of them won since joining the upstart circuit, including Australian Cam Smith's British Open title last July.

Koepka led entering the final round at last month's Masters but, in his words, "choked" away the green jacket to Spain's Jon Rahm.

After sharing second at Augusta National with LIV's Phil Mickelson, Koepka's three PGA wins puts him behind only Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen.

In the closing drama, Hovland sank a birdie putt from just inside eight feet at 14 but Koepka matched him from just inside four feet to reach nine-under and stay one ahead of the 11th-ranked Norwegian with Scheffler three back.

Hovland was undone by a 9-iron shot from a fairway bunker at 16, where he embedded his ball into the bunker wall and went on to make double bogey.

Koepka sank a birdie putt at 16 from just inside five feet to reach 10-under and lead by four.

"I thought I handled myself pretty well," Hovland said. "Pretty unfortunate on 16 but I don't feel like I gave it away.

"Brooks deserved to win. He hit a lot of great putts and a lot of great shots."

Scheffler birdied 18 from just inside 16 feet and Koepka took bogey at 17 after finding the right rough off the tee, sending Koepka to the final hole two up on the American.

Koepka dropped his approach inside 10 feet and two-putted for victory.

<h2>Ace for US club pro</h2>

World number three McIlroy from Northern Ireland was trying to win his first major title since 2014.

McIlroy's playing partner, US club professional Michael Block, aced the 151-yard par-3 15th on the fly with a 7-iron and was cheered all the way along his walk to the hole. It was the first hole-in-one by a club pro in the PGA since 1999.

Block shot 71 to share 15th on 281, earning a spot in next year's PGA field.

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Brooks Koepka outdueled Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler in a back-nine battle Sunday to win the PGA Championship for his fifth major title, giving Saudi-backed LIV Golf a milestone major triumph.

Brooks Koepka outdueled Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler in a back-nine battle Sunday to win the PGA Championship for his fifth major title, giving Saudi-backed LIV Golf a milestone major triumph. The 33-year-old American captured his third PGA Championship and became the first player to win a major since joining LIV, firing a three-under par 67 to finish 72 holes at Oak Hill on nine-under 271. "It's incredible," said Koepka, only the 20th player to win five or more majors. "I'm not sure I even dreamed when I was a kid I would win this many." Also Read: Manchester City celebrate third successive Premier League title triumph with 1-0 win over Chelsea Norway's 11th-ranked Hovland, chasing his first major title, and American Scheffler, last year's Masters winner and the new world number one, shared second on 273. "I put up a good fight. I played great today," Scheffler said. "I gave the guys on top of the leaderboard something to think about and I made a little bit much a move. "But Brooks just played some fantastic golf this week. He played too good this weekend for me to catch up to him." There were a smattering of boos for Koepka as he walked onto the 18th green to make the concluding putts for the title, a sign of the bitter acrimony that has engulfed golf since the launch of the LIV circuit last year. But Koepka calmly finished off an impressive romp, his first major win since 2021 knee surgery sidelined him for most of the past two seasons. "I look back at where we were two years ago," Koepka said. "I'm so happy right now. I'm at a loss for words. But this is the coolest thing." Australia's Cam Davis and American Kurt Kitayama shared fourth on 277 with another LIV player, American Bryson DeChambeau. Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy shared seventh on 278 with Austrian Sepp Straka. Koepka was among the stars who jumped from the PGA Tour to breakaway LIV Golf, which offered record $25 million purses for 54-hole events, despite concern over Saudi Arabia's human rights record. The PGA banned LIV talent from its events, with a legal fight between them due in court next May. In the meantime, the majors have provided the only outlet for competition between players from the rival tours. In all, there were six major winners from LIV in the field of 156 with a combined 15 major crowns, none of them won since joining the upstart circuit, including Australian Cam Smith's British Open title last July. Koepka led entering the final round at last month's Masters but, in his words, "choked" away the green jacket to Spain's Jon Rahm. After sharing second at Augusta National with LIV's Phil Mickelson, Koepka's three PGA wins puts him behind only Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen. In the closing drama, Hovland sank a birdie putt from just inside eight feet at 14 but Koepka matched him from just inside four feet to reach nine-under and stay one ahead of the 11th-ranked Norwegian with Scheffler three back. Hovland was undone by a 9-iron shot from a fairway bunker at 16, where he embedded his ball into the bunker wall and went on to make double bogey. Koepka sank a birdie putt at 16 from just inside five feet to reach 10-under and lead by four. "I thought I handled myself pretty well," Hovland said. "Pretty unfortunate on 16 but I don't feel like I gave it away. "Brooks deserved to win. He hit a lot of great putts and a lot of great shots." Scheffler birdied 18 from just inside 16 feet and Koepka took bogey at 17 after finding the right rough off the tee, sending Koepka to the final hole two up on the American. Koepka dropped his approach inside 10 feet and two-putted for victory. Ace for US club pro World number three McIlroy from Northern Ireland was trying to win his first major title since 2014. McIlroy's playing partner, US club professional Michael Block, aced the 151-yard par-3 15th on the fly with a 7-iron and was cheered all the way along his walk to the hole. It was the first hole-in-one by a club pro in the PGA since 1999. Block shot 71 to share 15th on 281, earning a spot in next year's PGA field. 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: Brooks Koepka wins fifth major with PGA Championship title

Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland and Corey Conners delivered clutch birdies and grinded out par saves to share the lead after Friday's second round of the PGA Championship as rivals stumbled at rainy Oak Hill. Second-ranked American Scheffler, last year's Masters champion, and Canada's Conners, chasing his first major title, each fired two-under par 68 to finish 36 holes level at the top on five-under 135.

"Felt like I grinded it out pretty well," Scheffler said. "Didn't hit as many fairways as I would hope to but to shoot two-under was good, solid golf."

Conners, who won his second PGA Tour title at last month's Texas Open, worked magic with his putter when needed.

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"Very pleased," Conners said. "The conditions were tricky out there, faced some wind, some rain. I made a bunch of key putts to keep momentum going, and that was really the key to the day."

Norway's 11th-ranked Hovland, also seeking a first major crown, sank a five-foot birdie putt at the 18th hole to shoot 67 and make it three at the top.

"The score has been great but the way I've plodded my way around here, very pleased with that," he said. "I was trying to give myself the most stress-free pars and a couple birdie looks as well."

Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 US Open champion, closed with a bogey to share fourth with fellow American Justin Suh on 137.

"It has been a few years, but it doesn't mean I don't know how to do it," DeChambeau said of winning. "I'm definitely trending in the right direction finally."

Four-time major winner Brooks Koepka and England's Callum Tarren were on 138 and England's Justin Rose and Canadian Taylor Pendrith on 139 as only nine players stood under par.

Scheffler, who would return to world number one with a victory, had two sets of back-to-back birdies but closed with a bogey.

"I was just trying to grind," he said. "I'm in a good position going into the weekend."

Conners consistently made putts from nine to 12 feet for pars and birdies.

"Definitely was a challenging day," he said. "But I felt like I played really solid."

Hovland adopted a patient and conservative philosophy and will stick with it.

"It's nice to have a chance, but we've got a lot of golf left," Hovland said. "I just have to keep being patient and hitting middle of the greens and let the pieces fall wherever they fall."

Koepka birdied three of the last four holes to shoot 66.

"Knew I needed a good round," said Koepka. "Happy to shoot under par and get back in the race."

Rose, the 2013 US Open and 2016 Rio Olympic champion, won in February at Pebble Beach for his first triumph since 2019. He could be the first Englishman to win a PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1916 and 1919.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, chasing his first major victory since 2014, fired a 69 to stand on level par 140. He found water and made bogeys at six and seven but birdied nine from 44 feet and 18 from 16 feet.

"It was a bit of a grind again," McIlroy said. "I had to score as best as I could. Rode my luck a little bit. Pretty erratic off the tee, Need to tighten it up over the weekend."

American Michael Block shared 10th on 140, the best 36-hole spot for a club professional since 1988.

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Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland and Corey Conners delivered clutch birdies and grinded out par saves to share the lead after Friday's second round of the PGA Championship as rivals stumbled at rainy Oak Hill.

Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland and Corey Conners delivered clutch birdies and grinded out par saves to share the lead after Friday's second round of the PGA Championship as rivals stumbled at rainy Oak Hill. Second-ranked American Scheffler, last year's Masters champion, and Canada's Conners, chasing his first major title, each fired two-under par 68 to finish 36 holes level at the top on five-under 135. "Felt like I grinded it out pretty well," Scheffler said. "Didn't hit as many fairways as I would hope to but to shoot two-under was good, solid golf." Conners, who won his second PGA Tour title at last month's Texas Open, worked magic with his putter when needed. ALSO READ: Basketball: LeBron James, Barak Obama among others pay tribute to NBA great Jim Brown, who passed away aged 87 "Very pleased," Conners said. "The conditions were tricky out there, faced some wind, some rain. I made a bunch of key putts to keep momentum going, and that was really the key to the day." Norway's 11th-ranked Hovland, also seeking a first major crown, sank a five-foot birdie putt at the 18th hole to shoot 67 and make it three at the top. "The score has been great but the way I've plodded my way around here, very pleased with that," he said. "I was trying to give myself the most stress-free pars and a couple birdie looks as well." Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 US Open champion, closed with a bogey to share fourth with fellow American Justin Suh on 137. "It has been a few years, but it doesn't mean I don't know how to do it," DeChambeau said of winning. "I'm definitely trending in the right direction finally." Four-time major winner Brooks Koepka and England's Callum Tarren were on 138 and England's Justin Rose and Canadian Taylor Pendrith on 139 as only nine players stood under par. Scheffler, who would return to world number one with a victory, had two sets of back-to-back birdies but closed with a bogey. "I was just trying to grind," he said. "I'm in a good position going into the weekend." Conners consistently made putts from nine to 12 feet for pars and birdies. "Definitely was a challenging day," he said. "But I felt like I played really solid." Hovland adopted a patient and conservative philosophy and will stick with it. "It's nice to have a chance, but we've got a lot of golf left," Hovland said. "I just have to keep being patient and hitting middle of the greens and let the pieces fall wherever they fall." Koepka birdied three of the last four holes to shoot 66. "Knew I needed a good round," said Koepka. "Happy to shoot under par and get back in the race." Rose, the 2013 US Open and 2016 Rio Olympic champion, won in February at Pebble Beach for his first triumph since 2019. He could be the first Englishman to win a PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1916 and 1919. Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, chasing his first major victory since 2014, fired a 69 to stand on level par 140. He found water and made bogeys at six and seven but birdied nine from 44 feet and 18 from 16 feet. "It was a bit of a grind again," McIlroy said. "I had to score as best as I could. Rode my luck a little bit. Pretty erratic off the tee, Need to tighten it up over the weekend." American Michael Block shared 10th on 140, the best 36-hole spot for a club professional since 1988. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Golf: Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland and Corey Conners share lead after second round in PGA Championship

Eric Cole, still chasing a first career win, charged to the top of the PGA Championship first-round leaderboard ahead of a pack of major winners on Thursday before play was halted due to darkness, bringing the curtain down on a wild day at Oak Hill.

Starting on the back nine, the PGA Tour rookie mixed six birdies with a bogey to reach five-under par with four holes to play. Former U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau holds the overnight clubhouse lead after carding a four-under 66.

Lurking a shot further back on three-under are a pair of Masters winners in world number two Scottie Scheffler and LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;hope Dustin Johnson, along with Canadian Corey Conners. "It was a good day, five-under through the holes that I played was good," said Cole. "I played solid for the most part and got a couple of good breaks when I needed them, so it was a good day."

From scores to temperatures, it was a day of highs and lows as a treacherous East Course bared its teeth with only 19 in the 156-player field getting under par. An overnight frost delayed the start of play by nearly two hours, with&nbsp;golfers and spectators bundled up in wool hats, gloves, and winter coats as action finally got underway.

By mid-morning the freezing temperatures and frost had given way to sunny skies before an evening chill arrived with 33&nbsp;golfers still on the course. World number one Jon Rahm wrestled with the gnarly rough and crater-like bunkers, the Masters champion slumping to a six-over 76 to leave him 11 shots off the pace.

Rahm, who has made the cut at each of the last 14 major championships, the longest current streak of its kind, was undone by an ugly six-hole stretch around the turn that included five bogeys. "Couldn't find the fairway and the fairways that I missed cost me bogeys," said Rahm.

The Spaniard was not alone. U.S. Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick also had a 76, as did Australian Jason Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner who arrived at Oak Hill riding the momentum from his Byron Nelson victory on Sunday.

But at least they avoided being waist-deep in mud like Tom Kim, who waded into a swamp in search of his ball only to get stuck. The South Korean eventually managed to crawl out before washing himself off in a nearby creek and finishing with a three-over 73.

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'MESSY'

DeChambeau, who missed last year's PGA Championship as he was recovering from surgery on his left hand, started on the back nine and reached the turn at one under. From there he went bogey-free and added three birdies to put a LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;member top of the leaderboard.

Scheffler also began on the back nine and reached the turn at one-under before adding birdies at the par-three fifth and the par-four eighth, where his approach shot settled three feet from the cup, enroute to his first bogey-free round in a major.

"It was a grind today," said Scheffler. "The&nbsp;golf&nbsp;course is very tough. And I think these are probably the easiest conditions we are going to have all week." World number three Rory McIlroy, who missed the cut at last month's Masters, got off to a slow start and reached the turn at three-over but steadied the ship coming home and finished his day with a one-over 71.

"Messy," McIlroy said of his round. "Didn't hit the ball well at all. Thought I did really well to shoot one-over in the end ... but I am going to need to play a lot better than that if I want to feature in this tournament." Brooks Koepka, who finished joint runner-up at the Masters, opened with a 72 while Jordan Spieth, making his seventh attempt at completing the coveted career Grand Slam of&nbsp;golf's four majors, shot a 73.

Eric Cole, still chasing a first career win, charged to the top of the PGA Championship first-round leaderboard ahead of a pack of major winners on Thursday before play was halted due to darkness, bringing the curtain down on a wild day at Oak Hill.

Eric Cole, still chasing a first career win, charged to the top of the PGA Championship first-round leaderboard ahead of a pack of major winners on Thursday before play was halted due to darkness, bringing the curtain down on a wild day at Oak Hill. Starting on the back nine, the PGA Tour rookie mixed six birdies with a bogey to reach five-under par with four holes to play. Former U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau holds the overnight clubhouse lead after carding a four-under 66. Lurking a shot further back on three-under are a pair of Masters winners in world number two Scottie Scheffler and LIV Golf hope Dustin Johnson, along with Canadian Corey Conners. "It was a good day, five-under through the holes that I played was good," said Cole. "I played solid for the most part and got a couple of good breaks when I needed them, so it was a good day." From scores to temperatures, it was a day of highs and lows as a treacherous East Course bared its teeth with only 19 in the 156-player field getting under par. An overnight frost delayed the start of play by nearly two hours, with golfers and spectators bundled up in wool hats, gloves, and winter coats as action finally got underway. By mid-morning the freezing temperatures and frost had given way to sunny skies before an evening chill arrived with 33 golfers still on the course. World number one Jon Rahm wrestled with the gnarly rough and crater-like bunkers, the Masters champion slumping to a six-over 76 to leave him 11 shots off the pace. Rahm, who has made the cut at each of the last 14 major championships, the longest current streak of its kind, was undone by an ugly six-hole stretch around the turn that included five bogeys. "Couldn't find the fairway and the fairways that I missed cost me bogeys," said Rahm. The Spaniard was not alone. U.S. Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick also had a 76, as did Australian Jason Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner who arrived at Oak Hill riding the momentum from his Byron Nelson victory on Sunday. But at least they avoided being waist-deep in mud like Tom Kim, who waded into a swamp in search of his ball only to get stuck. The South Korean eventually managed to crawl out before washing himself off in a nearby creek and finishing with a three-over 73. Also Read: Florida judge rules in favour of Tiger Woods over NDA dispute against ex-girlfriend - Report 'MESSY' DeChambeau, who missed last year's PGA Championship as he was recovering from surgery on his left hand, started on the back nine and reached the turn at one under. From there he went bogey-free and added three birdies to put a LIV Golf member top of the leaderboard. Scheffler also began on the back nine and reached the turn at one-under before adding birdies at the par-three fifth and the par-four eighth, where his approach shot settled three feet from the cup, enroute to his first bogey-free round in a major. "It was a grind today," said Scheffler. "The golf course is very tough. And I think these are probably the easiest conditions we are going to have all week." World number three Rory McIlroy, who missed the cut at last month's Masters, got off to a slow start and reached the turn at three-over but steadied the ship coming home and finished his day with a one-over 71. "Messy," McIlroy said of his round. "Didn't hit the ball well at all. Thought I did really well to shoot one-over in the end ... but I am going to need to play a lot better than that if I want to feature in this tournament." Brooks Koepka, who finished joint runner-up at the Masters, opened with a 72 while Jordan Spieth, making his seventh attempt at completing the coveted career Grand Slam of golf's four majors, shot a 73.

Golf: Eric Cole leads PGA Championship, chased by pack of major winners

Eric Cole, who spent the night atop the PGA Championship leaderboard, was back at Oak Hill early on Friday to complete his opening round, turning over the lead to Bryson DeChambeau after a double-bogey start to his day. Leading by one stroke, the PGA Tour rookie got off to a nervous start by sending his first shot into the creek lining the par four sixth.

A missed short putt added to a wobbly start for the American, who took a six to drop into a tie for second with world number two Scottie Scheffler, former world number one Dustin Johnson and Canadian Corey Conners on three-under. Cole steadied the ship by closing out with three consecutive pars to leave LIV Golf hope DeChambeau leading by one on four-under 66.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-eric-cole-leads-pga-championship-chased-by-pack-of-major-winners-593951">Golf: Eric Cole leads PGA Championship, chased by pack of major winners</a>

(PGA Championship live streaming is available on FanCode)

While Cole had a double-bogey start, six-times major winner Phil Mickelson was closing out his first round with a double bogey on the 18th to finish at three-over 73.

With a massive 156 player field and officials scrambling to get the year's second major back on schedule, players were headed back out for their second rounds while others were closing out their first.

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Eric Cole, who spent the night atop the PGA Championship leaderboard, was back at Oak Hill early on Friday to complete his opening round, turning over the lead to Bryson DeChambeau after a double-bogey start to his day.

Eric Cole, who spent the night atop the PGA Championship leaderboard, was back at Oak Hill early on Friday to complete his opening round, turning over the lead to Bryson DeChambeau after a double-bogey start to his day. Leading by one stroke, the PGA Tour rookie got off to a nervous start by sending his first shot into the creek lining the par four sixth. A missed short putt added to a wobbly start for the American, who took a six to drop into a tie for second with world number two Scottie Scheffler, former world number one Dustin Johnson and Canadian Corey Conners on three-under. Cole steadied the ship by closing out with three consecutive pars to leave LIV Golf hope DeChambeau leading by one on four-under 66. Also Read: Golf: Eric Cole leads PGA Championship, chased by pack of major winners (PGA Championship live streaming is available on FanCode) While Cole had a double-bogey start, six-times major winner Phil Mickelson was closing out his first round with a double bogey on the 18th to finish at three-over 73. With a massive 156 player field and officials scrambling to get the year's second major back on schedule, players were headed back out for their second rounds while others were closing out their first. 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: Eric Cole double-bogey hands Bryson DeChambeau PGA Championship lead

A Florida judge ruled in favour of golf player Tiger Woods on Wednesday, rejecting his former girlfriend Erica Herman's request to nullify a non-disclosure agreement she signed when they began dating in 2017, U.S. media reported, citing court documents.

Herman had asked a judge to void the agreement, citing a recent law that limits enforcing such agreements in sexual harassment and assault cases. Herman had not accused Woods of harassment or assault in court papers. However, in a cover sheet accompanying the complaint, her lawyer Benjamin Hodas checked "yes" as to whether the case involved allegations of sexual abuse.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/veteran-rafael-nadal-set-to-reveal-decision-on-french-open-amid-injury-concerns-593511">Veteran Rafael Nadal set to reveal decision on French Open amid injury concerns</a>

She had also claimed that "because of the aggressive use of the Woods NDA against her," she was unsure whether she may disclose, among other things, facts giving rise to legal claims she believes she has. In Wednesday's ruling, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Metzger said that Herman's claims had been “implausibly pled," granting Woods' requests to compel arbitration, the New York Times reported.

The judge wrote that Herman could have provided factual specificity for any claim relating to sexual assault or sexual harassment, but "she has not done so,” according to the newspaper.

A lawyer for Herman could not be immediately reached, while an agent for Woods did not respond to an email request for comment outside regular business hours. 
 
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A Florida judge ruled in favour of golf player Tiger Woods on Wednesday, rejecting his former girlfriend Erica Herman's request to nullify a non-disclosure agreement she signed when they began dating in 2017, U.

A Florida judge ruled in favour of golf player Tiger Woods on Wednesday, rejecting his former girlfriend Erica Herman's request to nullify a non-disclosure agreement she signed when they began dating in 2017, U.S. media reported, citing court documents. Herman had asked a judge to void the agreement, citing a recent law that limits enforcing such agreements in sexual harassment and assault cases. Herman had not accused Woods of harassment or assault in court papers. However, in a cover sheet accompanying the complaint, her lawyer Benjamin Hodas checked "yes" as to whether the case involved allegations of sexual abuse. Also Read: Veteran Rafael Nadal set to reveal decision on French Open amid injury concerns She had also claimed that "because of the aggressive use of the Woods NDA against her," she was unsure whether she may disclose, among other things, facts giving rise to legal claims she believes she has. In Wednesday's ruling, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Metzger said that Herman's claims had been “implausibly pled," granting Woods' requests to compel arbitration, the New York Times reported. The judge wrote that Herman could have provided factual specificity for any claim relating to sexual assault or sexual harassment, but "she has not done so,” according to the newspaper. A lawyer for Herman could not be immediately reached, while an agent for Woods did not respond to an email request for comment outside regular business hours. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Florida judge rules in favour of Tiger Woods over NDA dispute against ex-girlfriend - Report

Top-ranked Jon Rahm seeks his second consecutive major title, Rory McIlroy wants his first major victory since 2014 and Jordan Spieth just hopes to play when the PGA Championship tees off on Thursday.

A field of 156 players, 16 of them from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League, chase the Wanamaker Trophy at Oak Hill, where discipline and patience will be as vital as any club.

"Discipline is going to be a huge factor this week," McIlroy said. "You've got to keep it out of those fairway bunkers.

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"If someone can keep their discipline and not start firing at those pins and know that middles of the greens is a pretty good leave on most holes, I think that's (key)."

Oak Hill offers tricky pin locations with thick rough and shifting tee box areas to make every challenge unique.

"Discipline is a really good way to describe what one needs this week," Rahm said. "It's challenging, but it's one of those where if you hit the shots you're supposed to hit -- put it in the fairway, go to the center of the green -- nothing crazy should be happening.

"If you can get those up-and-downs, it's not only a confidence booster, but it's something that will keep the round going."

Rahm, the 2021 US Open champion, captured his fourth title of the year and second major last month at the Masters.

Rahm is an oddsmakers' co-favorite alongside second-ranked American Scottie Scheffler, who would overtake the Spaniard with a victory.

If Rahm wins, he would be halfway to a calendar-year Grand Slam and only a British Open shy of a career Slam.

"It doesn't happen often that a player wins more than one major in a year," Rahm said. "So it would be amazing to be able to join my name to that list."

Only five players in the past 70 years have won the first two majors of a season, the most recent being Spieth in 2015.

Spieth, who would complete a career Slam by winning the PGA, tested his injured left wrist during a workout Tuesday and a nine-hole practice round with Rahm.

The 29-year-old American is set to start Thursday morning alongside Norway's Viktor Hovland and Irishman Shane Lowry, but his status for the event remains uncertain.

McIlroy took a mental health break after missing the cut at last month's Masters and played only one PGA tuneup.

"I needed it at the time," McIlroy said. "Whether it works this week or not remains to be seen."

The four-time major winner said he has lowered expectations to better deal with whatever golf sends his way.

"Just trying to be in a good spot with taking what comes," he said.

And should that fifth major title never come, so be it.

"If I don't win another tournament for the rest of my career, I still see my career as a success," McIlroy said. "I still stand up here as a successful person in my eyes."

<h2>A major win for LIV?</h2>

Six LIV players with a combined 15 major titles are at Oak Hill, including reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia, six-time major winner Phil Mickelson and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka.

England's Paul Casey reduced the LIV contingent by withdrawing Tuesday, American Sam Stevens replacing him.

Saudi financing and record prize money lured some big names from the PGA Tour to LIV, prompting the tour to ban LIV players and spark a legal fight due to hit courts next May.

Until then, majors mark the only place for LIV and PGA players to compete.

Americans Mickelson and Koepka shared second at the Masters, the top major result by an active LIV player.

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson won last week's LIV crown in Tulsa but another US contender could be Talor Gooch, a LIV winner last month in Australia and Singapore.

"I imagine he's going to keep playing well. He's a world-class ball striker and just a supreme talent," sixth-ranked Max Homa said.

"He beat every single person and he shot 62-62 in back-to-back rounds (in Adelaide). I'd say it's very impressive."

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Top-ranked Jon Rahm seeks his second consecutive major title, Rory McIlroy wants his first major victory since 2014 and Jordan Spieth just hopes to play when the PGA Championship tees off on Thursday.

Top-ranked Jon Rahm seeks his second consecutive major title, Rory McIlroy wants his first major victory since 2014 and Jordan Spieth just hopes to play when the PGA Championship tees off on Thursday. A field of 156 players, 16 of them from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League, chase the Wanamaker Trophy at Oak Hill, where discipline and patience will be as vital as any club. "Discipline is going to be a huge factor this week," McIlroy said. "You've got to keep it out of those fairway bunkers. Also Read: NBA West Finals 2023: Jokic leads Nuggets past Lakers in Game 1 "If someone can keep their discipline and not start firing at those pins and know that middles of the greens is a pretty good leave on most holes, I think that's (key)." Oak Hill offers tricky pin locations with thick rough and shifting tee box areas to make every challenge unique. "Discipline is a really good way to describe what one needs this week," Rahm said. "It's challenging, but it's one of those where if you hit the shots you're supposed to hit -- put it in the fairway, go to the center of the green -- nothing crazy should be happening. "If you can get those up-and-downs, it's not only a confidence booster, but it's something that will keep the round going." Rahm, the 2021 US Open champion, captured his fourth title of the year and second major last month at the Masters. Rahm is an oddsmakers' co-favorite alongside second-ranked American Scottie Scheffler, who would overtake the Spaniard with a victory. If Rahm wins, he would be halfway to a calendar-year Grand Slam and only a British Open shy of a career Slam. "It doesn't happen often that a player wins more than one major in a year," Rahm said. "So it would be amazing to be able to join my name to that list." Only five players in the past 70 years have won the first two majors of a season, the most recent being Spieth in 2015. Spieth, who would complete a career Slam by winning the PGA, tested his injured left wrist during a workout Tuesday and a nine-hole practice round with Rahm. The 29-year-old American is set to start Thursday morning alongside Norway's Viktor Hovland and Irishman Shane Lowry, but his status for the event remains uncertain. McIlroy took a mental health break after missing the cut at last month's Masters and played only one PGA tuneup. "I needed it at the time," McIlroy said. "Whether it works this week or not remains to be seen." The four-time major winner said he has lowered expectations to better deal with whatever golf sends his way. "Just trying to be in a good spot with taking what comes," he said. And should that fifth major title never come, so be it. "If I don't win another tournament for the rest of my career, I still see my career as a success," McIlroy said. "I still stand up here as a successful person in my eyes." A major win for LIV? Six LIV players with a combined 15 major titles are at Oak Hill, including reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia, six-time major winner Phil Mickelson and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka. England's Paul Casey reduced the LIV contingent by withdrawing Tuesday, American Sam Stevens replacing him. Saudi financing and record prize money lured some big names from the PGA Tour to LIV, prompting the tour to ban LIV players and spark a legal fight due to hit courts next May. Until then, majors mark the only place for LIV and PGA players to compete. Americans Mickelson and Koepka shared second at the Masters, the top major result by an active LIV player. Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson won last week's LIV crown in Tulsa but another US contender could be Talor Gooch, a LIV winner last month in Australia and Singapore. "I imagine he's going to keep playing well. He's a world-class ball striker and just a supreme talent," sixth-ranked Max Homa said. "He beat every single person and he shot 62-62 in back-to-back rounds (in Adelaide). I'd say it's very impressive." 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: John Rahm, Rory McIlroy call discipline key ahead of PGA Championship

On Tuesday (May 16), Aditi Ashok created history by becoming&nbsp;the first Indian female golfer to enter the top 50 in the world rankings following her T5 place finish at the LPGA Founders Cup. The 25-year-old golfer has been in sublime form and scored an average of&nbsp;1.89 points to climb up the ladder in the world rankings by 15 spots and now occupies the 49th spot in the international world ranking.

Meanwhile, USA's Nelly Korda remains atop with an average of 8.40 points whereas Korea’s Jin Young Ko comes next, with 8.38 average points after surpassing New Zealand's Lydia Ko's 7.84. Jin Young clinched the LPGA Founders Cup, seeing a rise in points and almost narrowing the gap with Korda.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-world-number-one-novak-djokovic-says-big-four-rivalries-made-him-tougher-592592">Tennis: World number one Novak Djokovic says 'Big Four' rivalries made him tougher</a>

Recently, Aditi opined on her progress at the LPGA LA Championship, "We were almost trying to hit the next wedge because there's water short of the green, but I decided to hit that one a little more full, and we got the number exactly right because it landed in the hole, so we're like, OK, maybe it's not a bad number."

"I think five or six birdies around this place is pretty good for a round, but just trying to focus on not dropping as many shots. I think I bogeyed three par-threes, so maybe just focus on hitting the middle of the green on the par threes and staying in position," she added.

After her impressive run at the LPGA LA Championship, Aditi will now shift her focus to the Aramco Series Florida, which kicks off next week and is a part of the Ladies European Tour. Currently, the young Indian golfer is spearheading the Race to Costa Del Sol, the Order of Merit for LET.

On Tuesday (May 16), Aditi Ashok created history by becoming the first Indian female golfer to enter the top 50 in the world rankings following her T5 place finish at the LPGA Founders Cup.

On Tuesday (May 16), Aditi Ashok created history by becoming the first Indian female golfer to enter the top 50 in the world rankings following her T5 place finish at the LPGA Founders Cup. The 25-year-old golfer has been in sublime form and scored an average of 1.89 points to climb up the ladder in the world rankings by 15 spots and now occupies the 49th spot in the international world ranking. Meanwhile, USA's Nelly Korda remains atop with an average of 8.40 points whereas Korea’s Jin Young Ko comes next, with 8.38 average points after surpassing New Zealand's Lydia Ko's 7.84. Jin Young clinched the LPGA Founders Cup, seeing a rise in points and almost narrowing the gap with Korda. Also Read: Tennis: World number one Novak Djokovic says 'Big Four' rivalries made him tougher Recently, Aditi opined on her progress at the LPGA LA Championship, "We were almost trying to hit the next wedge because there's water short of the green, but I decided to hit that one a little more full, and we got the number exactly right because it landed in the hole, so we're like, OK, maybe it's not a bad number." "I think five or six birdies around this place is pretty good for a round, but just trying to focus on not dropping as many shots. I think I bogeyed three par-threes, so maybe just focus on hitting the middle of the green on the par threes and staying in position," she added. After her impressive run at the LPGA LA Championship, Aditi will now shift her focus to the Aramco Series Florida, which kicks off next week and is a part of the Ladies European Tour. Currently, the young Indian golfer is spearheading the Race to Costa Del Sol, the Order of Merit for LET.

Golf: HISTORIC! Aditi Ashok creates history, becomes first Indian female golfer to enter top 50

The DP World&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;said it has imposed a new round of suspensions and&nbsp;fines&nbsp;on 26&nbsp;players&nbsp;who breached its rules by competing in&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Golf and Asian&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;events without permission. The DP World&nbsp;Tour, formerly known as the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Tour, said in a statement on Thursday that the sanctions were related to events that took place from June 22, 2022 to April 2, 2023.

Last month the&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine&nbsp;players&nbsp;who competed in the first two events on the Saudi-backed&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;circuit in 2022 without permission. The&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;said the new sanctions were determined on a case-by-case basis to recognise differences among&nbsp;tournaments and the impact it had on the&nbsp;Tour's broadcast partners and sponsors.

The&nbsp;fines&nbsp;ranged from 12,500 pounds ($15,776.25) to 100,000 pounds for each breach, while the total suspension imposed on any player was a maximum of eight DP World&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;events. Last week, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood resigned their&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;memberships, becoming ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-australia-rugby-star-jarryd-hayne-sentenced-to-four-years-and-nine-months-for-sexually-assaulting-a-woman-591538">Ex-Australia Rugby star Jarryd Hayne sentenced to four years and nine months for sexually assaulting a woman</a>

Westwood has previously criticised the&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;for its sanctions. "People say I knew exactly what would happen, but nobody told us the extent of the punishments," Westwood told the Daily Telegraph newspaper this month. "The way I view it is that, as a&nbsp;European&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;member, I was allowed to be a member of the PGA&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;without any problem for all those years. "Tell me, what is the difference? Just because&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;is funded by the Saudis – a country where my&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;used to play and where we were encouraged to play?"

Critics have said the $255 million&nbsp;LIV&nbsp;Series is a vehicle for Saudi Arabia to try to improve its image in the face of criticism of its human rights record.

The DP World Tour said it has imposed a new round of suspensions and fines on 26 players who breached its rules by competing in LIV Golf and Asian Tour events without permission.

The DP World Tour said it has imposed a new round of suspensions and fines on 26 players who breached its rules by competing in LIV Golf and Asian Tour events without permission. The DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, said in a statement on Thursday that the sanctions were related to events that took place from June 22, 2022 to April 2, 2023. Last month the Tour won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine players who competed in the first two events on the Saudi-backed LIV circuit in 2022 without permission. The Tour said the new sanctions were determined on a case-by-case basis to recognise differences among tournaments and the impact it had on the Tour's broadcast partners and sponsors. The fines ranged from 12,500 pounds ($15,776.25) to 100,000 pounds for each breach, while the total suspension imposed on any player was a maximum of eight DP World Tour events. Last week, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood resigned their Tour memberships, becoming ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup. Also Read: Ex-Australia Rugby star Jarryd Hayne sentenced to four years and nine months for sexually assaulting a woman Westwood has previously criticised the Tour for its sanctions. "People say I knew exactly what would happen, but nobody told us the extent of the punishments," Westwood told the Daily Telegraph newspaper this month. "The way I view it is that, as a European Tour member, I was allowed to be a member of the PGA Tour without any problem for all those years. "Tell me, what is the difference? Just because LIV is funded by the Saudis – a country where my Tour used to play and where we were encouraged to play?" Critics have said the $255 million LIV Series is a vehicle for Saudi Arabia to try to improve its image in the face of criticism of its human rights record.

Golf: DP World Tour issues new sanctions on 26 players

United States Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, looking for leadership and experience, named Jim Furyk as one of his vice captains on Monday for this year's event in Italy. Furyk boasts a wealth of Ryder Cup experience having played in the biennial competition between the United States and Europe in nine consecutive editions from 1997 while serving as captain in 2018 and vice captain in 2016 and 2021.

"Jim and I have been friends for more than 20 years. He's an amazing leader, mentor and someone I trust," said Johnson. "He understands what it takes to compete at the highest level, and how to be a team player. I will be leaning on his experience a ton in the lead up to Marco Simone in September."

Johnson previously appointed former Ryder Cup captains Steve Stricker and Davis Love III as vice captains. Additional vice captains will be announced at a later date. Furyk, a 17-times winner on the PGA Tour, has gone 10-20-4 in Ryder Cup play but is one of the most experienced American&nbsp;golfers in the history of the biennial event.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-denver-nuggets-star-nikola-jokic-escapes-ban-after-clash-with-phoenix-suns-owner-590468">NBA: Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic escapes ban after clash with Phoenix Suns owner</a>

"I've been involved in the Ryder Cup since 1997, and my passion for this event is unmatched," said Furyk, who last week was named U.S. team captain for the 2024 Presidents Cup. "Captain Zach Johnson shares that passion, and I can't wait to get to Italy to help our U.S. team work toward retaining the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone."

The U.S. defeated Europe 19-9 to win the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in 2021, but the team have not won the competition on European soil since 1993. The 2023 Ryder Cup will be played from Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Marco Simone&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;&amp; Country Club in Rome.

United States Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, looking for leadership and experience, named Jim Furyk as one of his vice captains on Monday for this year's event in Italy.

United States Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, looking for leadership and experience, named Jim Furyk as one of his vice captains on Monday for this year's event in Italy. Furyk boasts a wealth of Ryder Cup experience having played in the biennial competition between the United States and Europe in nine consecutive editions from 1997 while serving as captain in 2018 and vice captain in 2016 and 2021. "Jim and I have been friends for more than 20 years. He's an amazing leader, mentor and someone I trust," said Johnson. "He understands what it takes to compete at the highest level, and how to be a team player. I will be leaning on his experience a ton in the lead up to Marco Simone in September." Johnson previously appointed former Ryder Cup captains Steve Stricker and Davis Love III as vice captains. Additional vice captains will be announced at a later date. Furyk, a 17-times winner on the PGA Tour, has gone 10-20-4 in Ryder Cup play but is one of the most experienced American golfers in the history of the biennial event. Also Read: NBA: Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic escapes ban after clash with Phoenix Suns owner "I've been involved in the Ryder Cup since 1997, and my passion for this event is unmatched," said Furyk, who last week was named U.S. team captain for the 2024 Presidents Cup. "Captain Zach Johnson shares that passion, and I can't wait to get to Italy to help our U.S. team work toward retaining the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone." The U.S. defeated Europe 19-9 to win the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in 2021, but the team have not won the competition on European soil since 1993. The 2023 Ryder Cup will be played from Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome.

Golf: Jim Furyk named as third U.S. vice-captain for Ryder Cup

The DP World Tour has threatened Spain's Sergio Garcia with "appropriate action" after he failed to pay a 100,000 pound ($126,000) fine imposed by a sports arbitration panel within 30 days for playing in a LIV Golf event.

The DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, last month won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine LIV Golf players who competed in conflicting events without permission. Seventeen players, including Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, were each fined 100,000 pounds – a sanction imposed in July 2022 and upheld last month by an independent UK-based panel for sports resolutions.

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"The DP World Tour today confirmed that 16 out of 17 players have paid their fines which were imposed for serious breaches of the Tour's Conflicting Tournament Regulation last June," the DP World Tour said in a statement on Thursday.

"Sergio Garcia has not paid his £100,000 fine, nor has he given any indication that he intends to. We will therefore take appropriate action if he continues not to respect the Sport Resolutions panel's decision," the statement said.

Garcia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The tour added that it would next week announce further sanctions for players who breached the regulations. Garcia, the 2017 Masters Champion, along with Poulter, Westwood and Richard Bland resigned their DP World Tour memberships on Wednesday, becoming ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup.

The DP World Tour has threatened Spain's Sergio Garcia with "appropriate action" after he failed to pay a 100,000 pound ($126,000) fine imposed by a sports arbitration panel within 30 days for playing in a LIV Golf event.

The DP World Tour has threatened Spain's Sergio Garcia with "appropriate action" after he failed to pay a 100,000 pound ($126,000) fine imposed by a sports arbitration panel within 30 days for playing in a LIV Golf event. The DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, last month won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine LIV Golf players who competed in conflicting events without permission. Seventeen players, including Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, were each fined 100,000 pounds – a sanction imposed in July 2022 and upheld last month by an independent UK-based panel for sports resolutions. Also Read: Golf: Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood not eligible for Ryder Cup after resigning Tour membership "The DP World Tour today confirmed that 16 out of 17 players have paid their fines which were imposed for serious breaches of the Tour's Conflicting Tournament Regulation last June," the DP World Tour said in a statement on Thursday. "Sergio Garcia has not paid his £100,000 fine, nor has he given any indication that he intends to. We will therefore take appropriate action if he continues not to respect the Sport Resolutions panel's decision," the statement said. Garcia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The tour added that it would next week announce further sanctions for players who breached the regulations. Garcia, the 2017 Masters Champion, along with Poulter, Westwood and Richard Bland resigned their DP World Tour memberships on Wednesday, becoming ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup.

Golf: DP World Tour threatens Spaniard Sergio Garcia 'with appropriate action' after he fails to pay fine

Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood will be ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup after the DP World Tour confirmed on Wednesday that they had resigned their Tour memberships. Their resignations come a month after the DP World Tour, which was formerly known as the European Tour, won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine players who featured in conflicting LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;events without permission.

The DP World said in a statement they had been sanctioned for serious breaches of the Tour’s Conflicting Tournament Regulation committed last June, after playing in the first Saudi-backed LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;event in England. The trio of Poulter, Garcia and Westwood have played in 28 Ryder Cups between them.

"The DP World Tour would like to thank the four players for the contribution they have made to the Tour and in particular to Sergio, Ian and Lee for the significant part they have played in Europe’s success in the Ryder Cup over many years," the Tour said in a statement. "Their resignations, however, along with the sanctions imposed upon them, are a consequence of their own choices. "The Tour has a responsibility to its entire membership to administer the member regulations which each player signs up to." The DP World Tour added it would provide further updates on other sanctioned members on Thursday.

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This year's Ryder Cup takes place at the Marco Simone&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;and Country Club near Rome from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. Garcia is the Ryder Cup's record points scorer with 28.5, while Westwood has played a record 11 matches, being part of seven winning teams. Poulter, another Ryder Cup stalwart, has played a key role in some of Europe's biggest successes in the biennial contest against the United States.

Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood will be ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup after the DP World Tour confirmed on Wednesday that they had resigned their Tour memberships.

Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood will be ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup after the DP World Tour confirmed on Wednesday that they had resigned their Tour memberships. Their resignations come a month after the DP World Tour, which was formerly known as the European Tour, won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine players who featured in conflicting LIV Golf events without permission. The DP World said in a statement they had been sanctioned for serious breaches of the Tour’s Conflicting Tournament Regulation committed last June, after playing in the first Saudi-backed LIV Golf event in England. The trio of Poulter, Garcia and Westwood have played in 28 Ryder Cups between them. "The DP World Tour would like to thank the four players for the contribution they have made to the Tour and in particular to Sergio, Ian and Lee for the significant part they have played in Europe’s success in the Ryder Cup over many years," the Tour said in a statement. "Their resignations, however, along with the sanctions imposed upon them, are a consequence of their own choices. "The Tour has a responsibility to its entire membership to administer the member regulations which each player signs up to." The DP World Tour added it would provide further updates on other sanctioned members on Thursday. Also Read: Golf: Tiger Woods, caddie Joe LaCava part ways after 12 years This year's Ryder Cup takes place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. Garcia is the Ryder Cup's record points scorer with 28.5, while Westwood has played a record 11 matches, being part of seven winning teams. Poulter, another Ryder Cup stalwart, has played a key role in some of Europe's biggest successes in the biennial contest against the United States.

Golf: Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood not eligible for Ryder Cup after resigning Tour membership

Northern Ireland golf star Rory McIlroy revealed on Tuesday he had taken a break from the sport to focus on his "mental and emotional well-being" in the wake of his missed cut at the Masters last month.

McIlroy returns to the PGA Tour this week at the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina feeling refreshed following a three-week hiatus from the sport in the wake of his disappointing Augusta campaign.

The 33-year-old four-time major champion withdrew from the RBC Heritage tournament last month immediately after the Masters without giving an explanation.

On Tuesday McIlroy revealed he had skipped the tournament for his own wellbeing, adding that the turmoil that has rocked golf in the past year since the emergence of the breakaway LIV circuit had taken a toll.

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"I needed a break for me," McIlroy told NBC's Golf Channel.&nbsp;

"Obviously, after the disappointment of Augusta, it's been a pretty taxing 12 months mentally, so it was nice to just try to disconnect a little bit and get away from it."

McIlroy has emerged as one of the most trenchant critics of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf, which has lured several of his Ryder Cup team-mates from the PGA Tour with the offer of lucrative purses and no-cut fields.

McIlroy however said Tuesday he is focused on his future, starting with this week's tournament.

"It's nice to come back and feel refreshed and I think we're on a pretty busy run here from now until after the play-offs so I'm excited to get going," McIlroy said.

"I think it was a bit of a combination of a few things, and just after the disappointment of Augusta and how I played there, it was just more for my mental and emotional wellbeing I just needed to be at home for those few weeks but, as I said, looking forward to getting back this week."

McIlroy said his absence from the tour had left him in a "better headspace than I was."

"I think for me it was a nice reset because I still had to realize that there are three more majors this year, there is a ton left to play for," McIlroy said.&nbsp;

"I needed to leave the last 12 months in the rearview mirror and focus on what's ahead of me. I think the last three weeks has helped me gain that perspective and put me back on the right track."

McIlroy did not give interviews after his Masters exit, and has not been put on the official interview schedule for this week's event at Quail Hollow, where he has won three times before.

His decision to miss the RBC Heritage was the second designated PGA Tour event he has missed this season after skipping the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii in January.

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Northern Ireland golf star Rory McIlroy revealed on Tuesday he had taken a break from the sport to focus on his "mental and emotional well-being" in the wake of his missed cut at the Masters last month.

Northern Ireland golf star Rory McIlroy revealed on Tuesday he had taken a break from the sport to focus on his "mental and emotional well-being" in the wake of his missed cut at the Masters last month. McIlroy returns to the PGA Tour this week at the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina feeling refreshed following a three-week hiatus from the sport in the wake of his disappointing Augusta campaign. The 33-year-old four-time major champion withdrew from the RBC Heritage tournament last month immediately after the Masters without giving an explanation. On Tuesday McIlroy revealed he had skipped the tournament for his own wellbeing, adding that the turmoil that has rocked golf in the past year since the emergence of the breakaway LIV circuit had taken a toll. Also Read: Sixers' Joel Embiid named NBA Most Valuable Player "I needed a break for me," McIlroy told NBC's Golf Channel. "Obviously, after the disappointment of Augusta, it's been a pretty taxing 12 months mentally, so it was nice to just try to disconnect a little bit and get away from it." McIlroy has emerged as one of the most trenchant critics of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf, which has lured several of his Ryder Cup team-mates from the PGA Tour with the offer of lucrative purses and no-cut fields. McIlroy however said Tuesday he is focused on his future, starting with this week's tournament. "It's nice to come back and feel refreshed and I think we're on a pretty busy run here from now until after the play-offs so I'm excited to get going," McIlroy said. "I think it was a bit of a combination of a few things, and just after the disappointment of Augusta and how I played there, it was just more for my mental and emotional wellbeing I just needed to be at home for those few weeks but, as I said, looking forward to getting back this week." McIlroy said his absence from the tour had left him in a "better headspace than I was." "I think for me it was a nice reset because I still had to realize that there are three more majors this year, there is a ton left to play for," McIlroy said. "I needed to leave the last 12 months in the rearview mirror and focus on what's ahead of me. I think the last three weeks has helped me gain that perspective and put me back on the right track." McIlroy did not give interviews after his Masters exit, and has not been put on the official interview schedule for this week's event at Quail Hollow, where he has won three times before. His decision to miss the RBC Heritage was the second designated PGA Tour event he has missed this season after skipping the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii in January. 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 feeling 'fresh' after mental health break

For all his success, Jon Rahm has yet to successfully defend a title on the PGA Tour but the Spaniard can change that at this week's Mexico Open where he will be a red-hot favourite in his second start since winning the Masters. World number one Rahm has already won four times on the PGA Tour this season and a win at Vidanta Vallarta this week would make him the first player to win five times in a season since Justin Thomas accomplished the feat in 2017.

"Obviously I would love for this to be something I'm doing in Spain right now this close to the Masters, but this is the next closest thing," Rahm told reporters on Wednesday. "The Mexican crowd, the Mexican people have all accepted me not as one of their own but like you just mentioned as an Hispanic playing&nbsp;golf&nbsp;as the champion at the Masters, they've taken me in very, very well."

Rahm has made six prior starts as the defending champion on the PGA Tour and his best result in those title defences came at La Quinta in 2019 when he finished in sixth place. At last year's Mexico Open, Rahm pulled out of a four-way tie during the final round with a 12-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole and held on for a one-shot victory over Tony Finau, Brandon Wu and Kurt Kitayama.

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"To be able to come here and go wire to wire, take the lead on Thursday and never give it up and never really be trailing from that point on was big," said Rahm. "To get it done in any Spanish-speaking country makes it a lot more special, there's always a little bit of extra pressure, extra motivation for me to want to win."

In 11 PGA Tour events this season, Rahm has four wins, seven top-10 finishes and zero missed cuts. Rahm has not had much downtime since the Masters as he teed it up the following week at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina where he finished in a share of 15th place but feels good about the state of his game nonetheless. "Playing Hilton Head helped getting in a competitive mode right afterwards. I think in a weird sense it did help, so I'm glad I went. It was a lot of fun, played good&nbsp;golf," said Rahm. "Feeling good with the game where it's at right now."

For all his success, Jon Rahm has yet to successfully defend a title on the PGA Tour but the Spaniard can change that at this week's Mexico Open where he will be a red-hot favourite in his second start since winning the Masters.

For all his success, Jon Rahm has yet to successfully defend a title on the PGA Tour but the Spaniard can change that at this week's Mexico Open where he will be a red-hot favourite in his second start since winning the Masters. World number one Rahm has already won four times on the PGA Tour this season and a win at Vidanta Vallarta this week would make him the first player to win five times in a season since Justin Thomas accomplished the feat in 2017. "Obviously I would love for this to be something I'm doing in Spain right now this close to the Masters, but this is the next closest thing," Rahm told reporters on Wednesday. "The Mexican crowd, the Mexican people have all accepted me not as one of their own but like you just mentioned as an Hispanic playing golf as the champion at the Masters, they've taken me in very, very well." Rahm has made six prior starts as the defending champion on the PGA Tour and his best result in those title defences came at La Quinta in 2019 when he finished in sixth place. At last year's Mexico Open, Rahm pulled out of a four-way tie during the final round with a 12-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole and held on for a one-shot victory over Tony Finau, Brandon Wu and Kurt Kitayama. Also Read: World number one Iga Swiatek calls for prize money equality between WTA and ATP events "To be able to come here and go wire to wire, take the lead on Thursday and never give it up and never really be trailing from that point on was big," said Rahm. "To get it done in any Spanish-speaking country makes it a lot more special, there's always a little bit of extra pressure, extra motivation for me to want to win." In 11 PGA Tour events this season, Rahm has four wins, seven top-10 finishes and zero missed cuts. Rahm has not had much downtime since the Masters as he teed it up the following week at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina where he finished in a share of 15th place but feels good about the state of his game nonetheless. "Playing Hilton Head helped getting in a competitive mode right afterwards. I think in a weird sense it did help, so I'm glad I went. It was a lot of fun, played good golf," said Rahm. "Feeling good with the game where it's at right now."

Golf: World number one Jon Rahm feeling right at home ahead of Mexico Open title defence

The PGA Tour Latinoamerica and PGA Tour Canada will merge into a single circuit that will begin play in early 2024, the PGA Tour said on Tuesday as it offers a new pathway for&nbsp;golfers to move up the ranks. The newly-branded PGA Tour Americas will stage 16 events across Latin America, Canada and the United States from February through September with 15 cards up for grabs on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour.

"We are thrilled about PGA Tour Americas and the role this tour will play in preparing players for the next step in their professional&nbsp;golf&nbsp;journey," Alex Baldwin, who oversees PGA Tour Americas, the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Q-School and PGA Tour University, said in a news release.

"PGA Tour Americas will be an extremely competitive tour aimed at identifying, developing and transitioning top-performing players to the next level as they ascend through the ranks and strive to reach the highest level of professional&nbsp;golf, the PGA Tour."

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The first half of the season will be the Latin America Swing and include the top 60 finishers from both the 2022-2023 PGA Tour Latinoamerica points list and the 2023 PGA Tour Canada points list. The top 60 players from the Latin America Swing move on to compete in the North America Swing from June through September with the top 10 on the season-long points list earning Korn Ferry Tour membership.

Five conditional Korn Ferry Tour cards are available to the top two finishers in the Latin America Swing and top three from the North America Swing in the case that they do not finish in the top 10 on the final PGA Tour Americas points list.

The schedule for the inaugural season will be announced in September with details regarding purses and points distribution to be released closer to the start of play in February.

The PGA Tour Latinoamerica and PGA Tour Canada will merge into a single circuit that will begin play in early 2024, the PGA Tour said on Tuesday as it offers a new pathway for golfers to move up the ranks.

The PGA Tour Latinoamerica and PGA Tour Canada will merge into a single circuit that will begin play in early 2024, the PGA Tour said on Tuesday as it offers a new pathway for golfers to move up the ranks. The newly-branded PGA Tour Americas will stage 16 events across Latin America, Canada and the United States from February through September with 15 cards up for grabs on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour. "We are thrilled about PGA Tour Americas and the role this tour will play in preparing players for the next step in their professional golf journey," Alex Baldwin, who oversees PGA Tour Americas, the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Q-School and PGA Tour University, said in a news release. "PGA Tour Americas will be an extremely competitive tour aimed at identifying, developing and transitioning top-performing players to the next level as they ascend through the ranks and strive to reach the highest level of professional golf, the PGA Tour." Also read: Formula One gives green signal to new standalone sprint format The first half of the season will be the Latin America Swing and include the top 60 finishers from both the 2022-2023 PGA Tour Latinoamerica points list and the 2023 PGA Tour Canada points list. The top 60 players from the Latin America Swing move on to compete in the North America Swing from June through September with the top 10 on the season-long points list earning Korn Ferry Tour membership. Five conditional Korn Ferry Tour cards are available to the top two finishers in the Latin America Swing and top three from the North America Swing in the case that they do not finish in the top 10 on the final PGA Tour Americas points list. The schedule for the inaugural season will be announced in September with details regarding purses and points distribution to be released closer to the start of play in February.

Golf: PGA Tour merges Canadian and Latin circuits, creates new player pathway

American Lilia Vu&nbsp;won her first major title on Sunday, defeating compatriot Angel Yin with a birdie on the first playoff hole to capture the LPGA Chevron Championship.

In the year's first women's golf major, Vu and Yin each finished 72 holes on 10-under par 278 on the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at The Woodlands near Houston, Texas.

Vu, who birdied 17 and 18 to grab the clubhouse lead, was forced to extra holes when Yin birdied 18 as well.

But Yin found water on her approach in the playoff and Vu sank a tension-packed 14-foot birdie putt for the victory.

"I can't even put into words what I was feeling," Vu said. "I was nervous. I was scared. I was cold. I just wanted to hit the putt and just be done with it.

"I just saw my line and speed -- I knew it was going to be a fast putt -- and trusted myself."

Moments after making the winning putt, Vu followed a tournament tradition that began at its former home in California of jumping into water, taking her plunge into the same chilly greenside lake where Yin's ball sank earlier.

"I had a tough, not easy, past two days," Vu said. "I was definitely my own enemy. I don't know how I pulled this out. I'm just really happy and proud."

Vu fired a four-under 68 and set the score to beat. Yin unraveled with bogeys at 16 and 17 but sank a six-foot birdie putt at the par-5 18th to shoot 72 and force the playoff.

Vu had considered giving up golf years before, but said after the win that, "everything happens for a reason," and for all the bad things she has faced, "I think of myself as the biggest obstacle."

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World number 12 Vu won the $765,000 top prize in only her ninth major start. The 25-year-old American won her first LPGA title in February at Thailand and becomes the tour's first multi-event winner this year.

She became the 21st player to claim her first major title at the event.

World number 172 Yin, in only her third LPGA start of 2023, hadn't managed a top-10 LPGA finish since sharing third in last May's Founders Cup.

But the 24-year-old from Los Angeles had been the 2019 US Women's Open runner-up and took a Ladies European Tour victory at Dubai in 2017.

"I feel like I felt when I started the round," Yin said. "Not much has changed other than I lost. Just happy with how I am playing.

"Today just wasn't hitting it very good and 16 and 17 was just bad club decision, bad club decision and bad mindset on 16 off the tee."

<h2>Vu began four adrift</h2>

Playing in cool and windy conditions, Vu was four adrift of co-leader Yin when the round began.

Vu birdied the second and par-3 third and added another at the par-5 eighth before stumbling with her lone bogey to close the front nine. She followed seven pars with birdies at 17 and 18.

Yin birdied the par-5 13th to seize the lead alone at 11-under, one ahead of Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul, who closed with a double bogey to fall out of contention.

Yin landed a pressure chip inches from the hole to set up a par at 14 and but stumbled late, finding a fairway bunker at 16 and missing a six-foot par putt then landing in a bunker on the way to a bogey at the par-3 17th, forcing her to birdie the 18th just to force a playoff.

Yin went six feet past the hole on a long eagle putt but made the comeback effort.

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American Lilia Vu won her first major title on Sunday, defeating compatriot Angel Yin with a birdie on the first playoff hole to capture the LPGA Chevron Championship.

American Lilia Vu won her first major title on Sunday, defeating compatriot Angel Yin with a birdie on the first playoff hole to capture the LPGA Chevron Championship. In the year's first women's golf major, Vu and Yin each finished 72 holes on 10-under par 278 on the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at The Woodlands near Houston, Texas. Vu, who birdied 17 and 18 to grab the clubhouse lead, was forced to extra holes when Yin birdied 18 as well. But Yin found water on her approach in the playoff and Vu sank a tension-packed 14-foot birdie putt for the victory. "I can't even put into words what I was feeling," Vu said. "I was nervous. I was scared. I was cold. I just wanted to hit the putt and just be done with it. "I just saw my line and speed -- I knew it was going to be a fast putt -- and trusted myself." Moments after making the winning putt, Vu followed a tournament tradition that began at its former home in California of jumping into water, taking her plunge into the same chilly greenside lake where Yin's ball sank earlier. "I had a tough, not easy, past two days," Vu said. "I was definitely my own enemy. I don't know how I pulled this out. I'm just really happy and proud." Vu fired a four-under 68 and set the score to beat. Yin unraveled with bogeys at 16 and 17 but sank a six-foot birdie putt at the par-5 18th to shoot 72 and force the playoff. Vu had considered giving up golf years before, but said after the win that, "everything happens for a reason," and for all the bad things she has faced, "I think of myself as the biggest obstacle." Also Read: World number 1 Iga Swiatek claims her successive Stuttgart Open title, beats Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets World number 12 Vu won the $765,000 top prize in only her ninth major start. The 25-year-old American won her first LPGA title in February at Thailand and becomes the tour's first multi-event winner this year. She became the 21st player to claim her first major title at the event. World number 172 Yin, in only her third LPGA start of 2023, hadn't managed a top-10 LPGA finish since sharing third in last May's Founders Cup. But the 24-year-old from Los Angeles had been the 2019 US Women's Open runner-up and took a Ladies European Tour victory at Dubai in 2017. "I feel like I felt when I started the round," Yin said. "Not much has changed other than I lost. Just happy with how I am playing. "Today just wasn't hitting it very good and 16 and 17 was just bad club decision, bad club decision and bad mindset on 16 off the tee." Vu began four adrift Playing in cool and windy conditions, Vu was four adrift of co-leader Yin when the round began. Vu birdied the second and par-3 third and added another at the par-5 eighth before stumbling with her lone bogey to close the front nine. She followed seven pars with birdies at 17 and 18. Yin birdied the par-5 13th to seize the lead alone at 11-under, one ahead of Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul, who closed with a double bogey to fall out of contention. Yin landed a pressure chip inches from the hole to set up a par at 14 and but stumbled late, finding a fairway bunker at 16 and missing a six-foot par putt then landing in a bunker on the way to a bogey at the par-3 17th, forcing her to birdie the 18th just to force a playoff. Yin went six feet past the hole on a long eagle putt but made the comeback effort. 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: American Lilia Vu wins first major title with LPGA Chevron Championship victory

Tiger Woods said on Wednesday he has had another surgery on his lower right leg, which was severely injured in his 2021 car accident. A post on the 15-time major champion's official Twitter feed said he underwent a "subtalar fusion procedure to address his post-traumatic arthritis from his previous talus fracture".

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The subtalar joint is located just below the ankle joint, and a fusion can relieve pain. No timetable was given for Woods's return, although the statement called the surgery, performed by Dr. Martin O'Malley at HSS Sports Medicine in New York City, a success.

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Woods most recently competed at the Masters, where he withdrew early in the third round complaining of a return of painful plantar fasciitis in his foot. The ailment, inflammation of the tissue band on the bottom of the foot, had caused him to pull out of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in November.

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I am disappointed to have to WD this morning due to reaggravating my plantar fasciitis. Thank you to the fans and to <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheMasters</a> who have shown me so much love and support. Good luck to the players today!
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods/status/1645032270414114818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Woods had battled to make the cut at Augusta National, where weather delays made the event even more challenging, but was visibly limping at times on the storied course where he has won five times.

Woods has competed in just five tournaments since his February 2021 car crash near Los Angeles, completing 72 holes only twice.

He played four rounds in his surprise return to golf at last year's Masters and at the Genesis Invitational PGA Tour event at Riviera Country Club in February.

He withdrew from the 2022 PGA Championship after making the cut and missed the cut at the British Open at St. Andrews last year.

There was no indication in Wednesday's statement if Woods would be fit for the next major of the year, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill May 18-21.

He reiterated at Riviera in February that his competitive schedule would be extremely limited, saying he hoped to play in all four majors and perhaps "a couple" of other events.

At Augusta this month he acknowledged that he wonders each time he plays the Masters if it will be his last time there.

"I don't know how many more I have in me," he said, adding that he felt "very lucky" to still have his right leg.

"It has been tough and will always be tough. The ability and endurance of what my leg will do going forward will never be the same. That's why I can't prepare and play as many tournaments as I like.

"But that's my future and I'm OK with that."

Tiger Woods said on Wednesday he has had another surgery on his lower right leg, which was severely injured in his 2021 car accident. A post on the 15-time major champion's official Twitter feed said he underwent a "subtalar fusion procedure to address his post-traumatic arthritis from his previous talus fracture".

Tiger Woods said on Wednesday he has had another surgery on his lower right leg, which was severely injured in his 2021 car accident. A post on the 15-time major champion's official Twitter feed said he underwent a "subtalar fusion procedure to address his post-traumatic arthritis from his previous talus fracture". pic.twitter.com/qlsq32JpQi — Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 19, 2023 × The subtalar joint is located just below the ankle joint, and a fusion can relieve pain. No timetable was given for Woods's return, although the statement called the surgery, performed by Dr. Martin O'Malley at HSS Sports Medicine in New York City, a success. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic prevails in three sets in Banja Luka, beats French teenager Luca Van Assche in opening round Woods most recently competed at the Masters, where he withdrew early in the third round complaining of a return of painful plantar fasciitis in his foot. The ailment, inflammation of the tissue band on the bottom of the foot, had caused him to pull out of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in November. I am disappointed to have to WD this morning due to reaggravating my plantar fasciitis. Thank you to the fans and to @TheMasters who have shown me so much love and support. Good luck to the players today! — Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 9, 2023 × Woods had battled to make the cut at Augusta National, where weather delays made the event even more challenging, but was visibly limping at times on the storied course where he has won five times. Woods has competed in just five tournaments since his February 2021 car crash near Los Angeles, completing 72 holes only twice. He played four rounds in his surprise return to golf at last year's Masters and at the Genesis Invitational PGA Tour event at Riviera Country Club in February. He withdrew from the 2022 PGA Championship after making the cut and missed the cut at the British Open at St. Andrews last year. There was no indication in Wednesday's statement if Woods would be fit for the next major of the year, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill May 18-21. He reiterated at Riviera in February that his competitive schedule would be extremely limited, saying he hoped to play in all four majors and perhaps "a couple" of other events. At Augusta this month he acknowledged that he wonders each time he plays the Masters if it will be his last time there. "I don't know how many more I have in me," he said, adding that he felt "very lucky" to still have his right leg. "It has been tough and will always be tough. The ability and endurance of what my leg will do going forward will never be the same. That's why I can't prepare and play as many tournaments as I like. "But that's my future and I'm OK with that."

Tiger Woods undergoes another surgery on his lower right leg after withdrawing early from Masters

Golf: Adelaide is playing host to the first ever Australian Liv golf event, but not without controversy, including concerns from Amnesty International. Watch the video to know more.

LIV Golf league: Australia to host first-ever event

LIV Golf boss Greg Norman says "a long list" of players want to join the rebel tour as Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson on Wednesday conceded it would benefit from more depth.

Norman, who is preparing for the Saudi-backed circuit's first event in his Australian homeland this week, said some of the names would "surprise" people.

"It's an ongoing process. We've got a long list of players who want to come in. We just don't have the ability today because players are under contract," he told NewsCorp Australia, without giving names.

"But we'll get to a position where there will be a relegation series and places will start opening up.

"It's incredible the amount of players who want to come on board," he added. "It would surprise you how good those names are."

Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, LIV split the golf world last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) with lucrative contracts to its 54-hole, no-cut experiment.

Now in its second season, it has faced resistance from traditionalists and struggled for credibility in the United States, in particular.

Campaigners accuse Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" -- using sport to deflect from its human rights record, including the murder and dismembering of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul consulate in 2018.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-ac-milan-enter-semis-after-girouds-equaliser-against-napoli-583905">Champions League: AC Milan enter semis after Giroud's equaliser against Napoli</a>

But LIV looks to have been embraced by Australians with tickets selling out for this week's event in Adelaide.

Koepka, runner-up at the Masters two weeks ago, and current British Open champion Cameron Smith are among the top names who have defected to LIV.

They headline the action at The Grange Golf Club this week.

Phil Mickelson, who tied for second with Koepka at Augusta, and Dustin Johnson also jumped ship to LIV, as did Patrick Reed, who finished fourth at the Masters.

There have been no more recent big-name defections, and if there are it would be a another setback for the US PGA Tour.

Koepka, who had a two-stroke lead going into the final round at the Masters but imploded to finish four strokes behind winner Jon Rahm, said he had not spoken to any players about making the move to LIV because it was "not my style".

But he added: "I'm sure there's a bunch of guys who are still looking to come over, whether that be college players, younger players, to guys who have played on the PGA Tour and the DP Tour.

"And yes, you can always add depth to anything -- the stronger we get, the better we are."

Two-time major winner Johnson agreed that more star power was needed to grow LIV.

"Obviously the better players we have playing the stronger LIV gets and it's better for the game," he said.&nbsp;

"But I haven't talked to Greg this week, so I can't really comment too much on what he was saying."

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LIV Golf boss Greg Norman says "a long list" of players want to join the rebel tour as Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson on Wednesday conceded it would benefit from more depth.

LIV Golf boss Greg Norman says "a long list" of players want to join the rebel tour as Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson on Wednesday conceded it would benefit from more depth. Norman, who is preparing for the Saudi-backed circuit's first event in his Australian homeland this week, said some of the names would "surprise" people. "It's an ongoing process. We've got a long list of players who want to come in. We just don't have the ability today because players are under contract," he told NewsCorp Australia, without giving names. "But we'll get to a position where there will be a relegation series and places will start opening up. "It's incredible the amount of players who want to come on board," he added. "It would surprise you how good those names are." Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, LIV split the golf world last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) with lucrative contracts to its 54-hole, no-cut experiment. Now in its second season, it has faced resistance from traditionalists and struggled for credibility in the United States, in particular. Campaigners accuse Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" -- using sport to deflect from its human rights record, including the murder and dismembering of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul consulate in 2018. Also Read: Champions League: AC Milan enter semis after Giroud's equaliser against Napoli But LIV looks to have been embraced by Australians with tickets selling out for this week's event in Adelaide. Koepka, runner-up at the Masters two weeks ago, and current British Open champion Cameron Smith are among the top names who have defected to LIV. They headline the action at The Grange Golf Club this week. Phil Mickelson, who tied for second with Koepka at Augusta, and Dustin Johnson also jumped ship to LIV, as did Patrick Reed, who finished fourth at the Masters. There have been no more recent big-name defections, and if there are it would be a another setback for the US PGA Tour. Koepka, who had a two-stroke lead going into the final round at the Masters but imploded to finish four strokes behind winner Jon Rahm, said he had not spoken to any players about making the move to LIV because it was "not my style". But he added: "I'm sure there's a bunch of guys who are still looking to come over, whether that be college players, younger players, to guys who have played on the PGA Tour and the DP Tour. "And yes, you can always add depth to anything -- the stronger we get, the better we are." Two-time major winner Johnson agreed that more star power was needed to grow LIV. "Obviously the better players we have playing the stronger LIV gets and it's better for the game," he said. "But I haven't talked to Greg this week, so I can't really comment too much on what he was saying." 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.

'Long list' of players keen to join LIV Golf, says rebel circuit boss Greg Norman

England's Matt Fitzpatrick beat defending champion Jordan Spieth in a thrilling sudden-death playoff on Sunday to win the PGA's RBC Heritage tournament.

The pair, who played in the same group in the final round, both ended regulation play on 17-under 267 after Spieth shot 66 and Fitzpatrick 68 at Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

It took until the third hole of the playoff for a champion to be decided when Fitzpatrick produced a brilliant 9-iron approach shot on the par-4 18th and made a simple birdie putt to win.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-barcelona-maintain-11-point-lead-after-goalless-draw-against-getafe-583117">La Liga: Barcelona maintain 11-point lead at the top after goalless draw against Getafe</a>

Spieth, who beat fellow American Patrick Cantlay in a playoff last year, had over-hit his approach going to the back of the green and needed two putts to make par.

Fitzpatrick, the US Open champion, becomes the first Englishman to win the tournament since Nick Faldo in 1984 and he did so in the town where he spent many of his family vacations after first visiting as a six-year-old.

"It's hard to describe. I said to (caddie) Billy (Foster), it doesn't get better than this -- walking down here, just looking around. It's a course I dreamed of playing when I was young," he said, with his family congratulating him at the side of the green.

"I managed to play a couple of times with&nbsp;my dad and yes, this one means more than anything."

Spieth had made four birdies in the opening six holes but he missed a short putt for bogey on the par-3 14th and left the door open for Fitzpatrick.

The Englishman then made birdies on the 15th and 16th to grab a share of the lead and could have won it at the death if Spieth hadn't made a tricky six-footer to force the playoff.

"It was a really good round. I got off to a dream start and then just kind of hung in there for a little while and then made a nice putt to get into the playoff, and then played the playoff really well," said Spieth.

"Someone was going to make a birdie. It wasn't going to be a bogey to lose that playoff the way that we were both playing today. He just did what he needed to do on 15 in, when it had been kind of me and Patrick for a little while there. He just snuck in and played some tremendous golf."

Cantlay, the other member of the leading group, finished in third after carding a 68 to leave him one shot behind Fitzpatrick and Spieth.

Cantlay paid the price for bogeys on the par-4 13th and the par-3 14th, where his ball had stuck in the wood barrier by the waterside green.

Xander Schauffele's final-round 66 earned him fourth place, two shots behind the leaders after he ended with a late surge by making birdies on 15, 16 and 17.

World number two Scottie Scheffler's final round of 70 left him 12-under overall and tied for 11th while Masters champion and world number one Jon Rahm shot 68 but was tied for 15th, six shots off the pace.

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England's Matt Fitzpatrick beat defending champion Jordan Spieth in a thrilling sudden-death playoff on Sunday to win the PGA's RBC Heritage tournament. The pair, who played in the same group in the final round, both ended regulation play on 17-under 267 after Spieth shot 66 and Fitzpatrick 68 at Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

England's Matt Fitzpatrick beat defending champion Jordan Spieth in a thrilling sudden-death playoff on Sunday to win the PGA's RBC Heritage tournament. The pair, who played in the same group in the final round, both ended regulation play on 17-under 267 after Spieth shot 66 and Fitzpatrick 68 at Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It took until the third hole of the playoff for a champion to be decided when Fitzpatrick produced a brilliant 9-iron approach shot on the par-4 18th and made a simple birdie putt to win. Also Read: La Liga: Barcelona maintain 11-point lead at the top after goalless draw against Getafe Spieth, who beat fellow American Patrick Cantlay in a playoff last year, had over-hit his approach going to the back of the green and needed two putts to make par. Fitzpatrick, the US Open champion, becomes the first Englishman to win the tournament since Nick Faldo in 1984 and he did so in the town where he spent many of his family vacations after first visiting as a six-year-old. "It's hard to describe. I said to (caddie) Billy (Foster), it doesn't get better than this -- walking down here, just looking around. It's a course I dreamed of playing when I was young," he said, with his family congratulating him at the side of the green. "I managed to play a couple of times with my dad and yes, this one means more than anything." Spieth had made four birdies in the opening six holes but he missed a short putt for bogey on the par-3 14th and left the door open for Fitzpatrick. The Englishman then made birdies on the 15th and 16th to grab a share of the lead and could have won it at the death if Spieth hadn't made a tricky six-footer to force the playoff. "It was a really good round. I got off to a dream start and then just kind of hung in there for a little while and then made a nice putt to get into the playoff, and then played the playoff really well," said Spieth. "Someone was going to make a birdie. It wasn't going to be a bogey to lose that playoff the way that we were both playing today. He just did what he needed to do on 15 in, when it had been kind of me and Patrick for a little while there. He just snuck in and played some tremendous golf." Cantlay, the other member of the leading group, finished in third after carding a 68 to leave him one shot behind Fitzpatrick and Spieth. Cantlay paid the price for bogeys on the par-4 13th and the par-3 14th, where his ball had stuck in the wood barrier by the waterside green. Xander Schauffele's final-round 66 earned him fourth place, two shots behind the leaders after he ended with a late surge by making birdies on 15, 16 and 17. World number two Scottie Scheffler's final round of 70 left him 12-under overall and tied for 11th while Masters champion and world number one Jon Rahm shot 68 but was tied for 15th, six shots off the pace. 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: Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick wins PGA's RBC Heritage

The final-round Masters showdown between eventual victor Jon Rahm and LIV&nbsp;Golf's Brooks Koepka was the most-watched&nbsp;golf&nbsp;telecast on any network in five years, CBS said on Tuesday.

The telecast, during which Rahm came back from a two-shot deficit on Sunday to win his second major and reclaim the world number one ranking, averaged 12.06 million viewers, up 19% compared with Scottie Scheffler's win at last year's Masters.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-one-was-for-seve-ballesteros-says-jon-rahm-after-masters-triumph-580822">'This one was for Seve Ballesteros,' says Jon Rahm after Masters triumph</a>

Ratings for Rahm's victory peaked at more than 15 million viewers&nbsp;from 7:00-7:15 p.m ET (2300-2315 GMT), as Rahm was putting the finishing touches on his four-shot victory over Koepka and Phil Mickelson.

The Masters has long been one of the most anticipated&nbsp;golf&nbsp;events, but the 2023 edition had added intrigue given it was the first since the start of the Saudi-backed LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;circuit, which drew in a prominent group of players like Koepka and Mickelson.

The final-round Masters showdown between eventual victor Jon Rahm and LIV Golf's Brooks Koepka was the most-watched golf telecast on any network in five years, CBS said on Tuesday.

The final-round Masters showdown between eventual victor Jon Rahm and LIV Golf's Brooks Koepka was the most-watched golf telecast on any network in five years, CBS said on Tuesday. The telecast, during which Rahm came back from a two-shot deficit on Sunday to win his second major and reclaim the world number one ranking, averaged 12.06 million viewers, up 19% compared with Scottie Scheffler's win at last year's Masters. Also Read: 'This one was for Seve Ballesteros,' says Jon Rahm after Masters triumph Ratings for Rahm's victory peaked at more than 15 million viewers from 7:00-7:15 p.m ET (2300-2315 GMT), as Rahm was putting the finishing touches on his four-shot victory over Koepka and Phil Mickelson. The Masters has long been one of the most anticipated golf events, but the 2023 edition had added intrigue given it was the first since the start of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, which drew in a prominent group of players like Koepka and Mickelson.

Golf: STAGGERING! Masters final-round telecast ratings hit five-year high

The late Seve Ballesteros, who inspired not just his nation, Spain, but the entire European continent, would be a proud man up there today. On his birthday, Jon Rahm, who grew up idolising the magician, won the 87th&nbsp;Masters in a rather imperious fashion.

Starting his final round two shots behind American Brooks Koepka, Rahm did not need any miracle shots like Seve was prone to pull off in his wins. Instead, he was rock-solid in his three-under-par 69. And with Koepka finally proving he is human with an error-filled 75, it was a four-shot winning margin over two LIV Golf stars – the ageless Phil Mickelson being the other one.

Belying his age and current form, the 52-year-old Mickelson showed his love for the golf course where he has won three times and shot a sublime seven-under par 65. It catapulted him to tied second place at eight-under par 280, but the charge that included two birdies in his last two holes, could not prevent Rahm from getting his first Green Jacket.

The win also takes the 28-year-old back to No. 1 position in the Official World Golf Ranking. “This one is for Seve,” said a composed Rahm, who was hugged by an emotional Jose Maria Olazabal – the other two-time Masters champion from Spain – after the win.

“Hard to put it into words. Obviously, we all dream of things like this as players, and you try to visualise what it's going to feel like. And when I hit that third shot on the green, and I could tell it was close from the crowd’s reaction, the wave of emotion of so many things just overtook me. Never thought I was going to cry after winning a golf tournament, but I got very close on that 18th hole.

“And a lot of it is because of what it means to me, and to Spanish golf. And to play the way I did on Sunday, only one bogey in difficult conditions, it’s hard to explain. I am really proud of myself.”

It was a long day for Rahm, as he had to first complete 12 holes from the third round. He was four adrift when play resumed, but quickly reduced the margin on the seventh hole where he converted his nine-footer for birdie and Koepka missed a 10-footer for par.

Rahm said the only time he felt frustrated was when he missed a shot birdie putt on the 16th&nbsp;hole after making three-putt pars on the 13th&nbsp;and 15th&nbsp;holes.

“What is going on the outside is not always a reflection of the inside,” said Rahm. “I was calm. I never got frustrated, except for that stretch of holes in the morning. I never felt like anything was out of control. But obviously, you’re nervous, there is tension out there. “That’s what you strive for, right? You don’t want to panic, and I never panicked. I felt comfortable with my game, and I had a plan to execute, and that’s all I can do.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-one-was-for-seve-ballesteros-says-jon-rahm-after-masters-triumph-580822">'This one was for Seve Ballesteros,' says Jon Rahm after Masters triumph</a>

While Rahm was solid, Koepka found an inopportune moment to lose his touch. He made bogeys on the first three par-3 holes, and missed several putts from inside 6-10 feet range.

“Obviously, it’s super disappointing. Didn’t play good enough to win. Hit some shots where I also feel like I didn’t get some good breaks, the ball on ninth; on fourth and sixth…I hit some good shots and just ended up in terrible spots, from where it was quite difficult,” said Koepka, who improved his world ranking from 118 to No39.

Mickelson, who jumped 353 spots to inside top-100 of the world rankings at No72, was delighted with his efforts. “It was evident to me that I was hitting a lot of good shots, but I wasn’t getting the score out of it. Today was a great day for me to stay present and just keep hitting good shots,” said the three-time Masters champion.

“And I’m hopeful that this kind of catapults me into playing the rest of the year the way I believe I’m playing. I really worked hard in the off-season to get ready. Today, I kind of let it happen rather than trying to force it, and I had a really good day and made some noise. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, but it was really a lot of fun for me to play at this level again.”

American-Indian Sahith Reddy Theegala hit the shot of the day when he chipped in from the spot from where Tiger Woods hit his magic shot on the 16th&nbsp;hole in the 2005 edition. The 25-year-old, whose parents went to the US from Hyderabad, shot a five-under par 67 in the final round and was in ninth place at five-under par.

Jordan Spieth (66), Patrick Reed (68) and Russell Henley (70) were tied fourth at seven-under par.

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The late Seve Ballesteros, who inspired not just his nation, Spain, but the entire European continent, would be a proud man up there today. On his birthday, Jon Rahm, who grew up idolising the magician, won the 87th Masters in a rather imperious fashion.

The late Seve Ballesteros, who inspired not just his nation, Spain, but the entire European continent, would be a proud man up there today. On his birthday, Jon Rahm, who grew up idolising the magician, won the 87th Masters in a rather imperious fashion. Starting his final round two shots behind American Brooks Koepka, Rahm did not need any miracle shots like Seve was prone to pull off in his wins. Instead, he was rock-solid in his three-under-par 69. And with Koepka finally proving he is human with an error-filled 75, it was a four-shot winning margin over two LIV Golf stars – the ageless Phil Mickelson being the other one. Belying his age and current form, the 52-year-old Mickelson showed his love for the golf course where he has won three times and shot a sublime seven-under par 65. It catapulted him to tied second place at eight-under par 280, but the charge that included two birdies in his last two holes, could not prevent Rahm from getting his first Green Jacket. The win also takes the 28-year-old back to No. 1 position in the Official World Golf Ranking. “This one is for Seve,” said a composed Rahm, who was hugged by an emotional Jose Maria Olazabal – the other two-time Masters champion from Spain – after the win. “Hard to put it into words. Obviously, we all dream of things like this as players, and you try to visualise what it's going to feel like. And when I hit that third shot on the green, and I could tell it was close from the crowd’s reaction, the wave of emotion of so many things just overtook me. Never thought I was going to cry after winning a golf tournament, but I got very close on that 18th hole. “And a lot of it is because of what it means to me, and to Spanish golf. And to play the way I did on Sunday, only one bogey in difficult conditions, it’s hard to explain. I am really proud of myself.” It was a long day for Rahm, as he had to first complete 12 holes from the third round. He was four adrift when play resumed, but quickly reduced the margin on the seventh hole where he converted his nine-footer for birdie and Koepka missed a 10-footer for par. Rahm said the only time he felt frustrated was when he missed a shot birdie putt on the 16th hole after making three-putt pars on the 13th and 15th holes. “What is going on the outside is not always a reflection of the inside,” said Rahm. “I was calm. I never got frustrated, except for that stretch of holes in the morning. I never felt like anything was out of control. But obviously, you’re nervous, there is tension out there. “That’s what you strive for, right? You don’t want to panic, and I never panicked. I felt comfortable with my game, and I had a plan to execute, and that’s all I can do.” Also Read: 'This one was for Seve Ballesteros,' says Jon Rahm after Masters triumph While Rahm was solid, Koepka found an inopportune moment to lose his touch. He made bogeys on the first three par-3 holes, and missed several putts from inside 6-10 feet range. “Obviously, it’s super disappointing. Didn’t play good enough to win. Hit some shots where I also feel like I didn’t get some good breaks, the ball on ninth; on fourth and sixth…I hit some good shots and just ended up in terrible spots, from where it was quite difficult,” said Koepka, who improved his world ranking from 118 to No39. Mickelson, who jumped 353 spots to inside top-100 of the world rankings at No72, was delighted with his efforts. “It was evident to me that I was hitting a lot of good shots, but I wasn’t getting the score out of it. Today was a great day for me to stay present and just keep hitting good shots,” said the three-time Masters champion. “And I’m hopeful that this kind of catapults me into playing the rest of the year the way I believe I’m playing. I really worked hard in the off-season to get ready. Today, I kind of let it happen rather than trying to force it, and I had a really good day and made some noise. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, but it was really a lot of fun for me to play at this level again.” American-Indian Sahith Reddy Theegala hit the shot of the day when he chipped in from the spot from where Tiger Woods hit his magic shot on the 16th hole in the 2005 edition. The 25-year-old, whose parents went to the US from Hyderabad, shot a five-under par 67 in the final round and was in ninth place at five-under par. Jordan Spieth (66), Patrick Reed (68) and Russell Henley (70) were tied fourth at seven-under par. 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.

Jon Rahm 'Masters' Augusta

Spaniard Jon Rahm captured the biggest win of his career at the Masters on Sunday and said he felt the presence of his idol, the late Seve Ballesteros, helping pull him through.

Rahm's triumph, which marked his second major title, was made extra special given it came on the 40th anniversary of his compatriot's second win at Augusta National and on what would have been Ballesteros' 66th birthday.

"Still really hasn't sinked in yet. I'm looking at the scores, and I still think I have a couple more holes left to win," said Rahm, who looked to the sky with his hands in prayer after his winning putt. "Can't really say anything else. This one was for Seve. He was up there helping, and help he did."

Ballesteros, who died of brain cancer in 2011, inspired a generation of golfers in his country and counts two Masters titles among his five major championships. Rahm trailed Brooks Koepka by two shots entering the final round and needed four holes to close the gap, pulled ahead at the par-three sixth and never relinquished the lead.

The Spaniard, whose last major triumph came at the 2021 U.S. Open, was a pre-tournament favourite at Augusta National but was unaware of the significance of what day the final round fell on until he arrived on site. "I was told a lot of things about why this could be the year, and I just didn't want to buy into it too much," said Rahm, who will reclaim top spot in the world rankings.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jon-rahm-claims-masters-title-for-second-major-victory-580816">Jon Rahm claims Masters title for second major victory</a>

The tournament did not begin as planned for Rahm, who made a disastrous start with a four-putt double-bogey on his first hole on Thursday but he refused to let that moment define his week. Rahm, who has said Ballesteros is the reason he took up golf and that he dreamed of matching everything he achieved in the sport, was the sentimental favourite when he set out in the final pairing with Koepka.

"I kept hearing, 'Seve! Seve! Seve! Do it for Seve!' I heard that the entire back nine," said Rahm. "That might have been the hardest thing to control today, is the emotion of knowing what it could be if I were to win; that might have been the hardest thing."

With victory all but sewn up, Rahm pulled his drive into the trees on the last and hit a provisional. He then did his best impression of Ballesteros, who earned a reputation as the game's all-time escape artist, and got up and down for par.

"For me to get it done on the 40th anniversary of his win, his birthday, on Easter Sunday, it's incredibly meaningful," said Rahm. "To finish it off the way I did - an unusual par, very much a Seve par, it was in a non-purposeful way, a testament to him, and I know he was pulling for me today, and it was a great Sunday."

Spaniard Jon Rahm captured the biggest win of his career at the Masters on Sunday and said he felt the presence of his idol, the late Seve Ballesteros, helping pull him through.

Spaniard Jon Rahm captured the biggest win of his career at the Masters on Sunday and said he felt the presence of his idol, the late Seve Ballesteros, helping pull him through. Rahm's triumph, which marked his second major title, was made extra special given it came on the 40th anniversary of his compatriot's second win at Augusta National and on what would have been Ballesteros' 66th birthday. "Still really hasn't sinked in yet. I'm looking at the scores, and I still think I have a couple more holes left to win," said Rahm, who looked to the sky with his hands in prayer after his winning putt. "Can't really say anything else. This one was for Seve. He was up there helping, and help he did." Ballesteros, who died of brain cancer in 2011, inspired a generation of golfers in his country and counts two Masters titles among his five major championships. Rahm trailed Brooks Koepka by two shots entering the final round and needed four holes to close the gap, pulled ahead at the par-three sixth and never relinquished the lead. The Spaniard, whose last major triumph came at the 2021 U.S. Open, was a pre-tournament favourite at Augusta National but was unaware of the significance of what day the final round fell on until he arrived on site. "I was told a lot of things about why this could be the year, and I just didn't want to buy into it too much," said Rahm, who will reclaim top spot in the world rankings. Also Read: Jon Rahm claims Masters title for second major victory The tournament did not begin as planned for Rahm, who made a disastrous start with a four-putt double-bogey on his first hole on Thursday but he refused to let that moment define his week. Rahm, who has said Ballesteros is the reason he took up golf and that he dreamed of matching everything he achieved in the sport, was the sentimental favourite when he set out in the final pairing with Koepka. "I kept hearing, 'Seve! Seve! Seve! Do it for Seve!' I heard that the entire back nine," said Rahm. "That might have been the hardest thing to control today, is the emotion of knowing what it could be if I were to win; that might have been the hardest thing." With victory all but sewn up, Rahm pulled his drive into the trees on the last and hit a provisional. He then did his best impression of Ballesteros, who earned a reputation as the game's all-time escape artist, and got up and down for par. "For me to get it done on the 40th anniversary of his win, his birthday, on Easter Sunday, it's incredibly meaningful," said Rahm. "To finish it off the way I did - an unusual par, very much a Seve par, it was in a non-purposeful way, a testament to him, and I know he was pulling for me today, and it was a great Sunday."

'This one was for Seve Ballesteros,' says Jon Rahm after Masters triumph

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