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

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith will lead the challenge of the LIV brigade with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory Mcilroy aiming to deny their rivals once again. Anirban Lahiri is the only Indian golfer in the fray at Oak Hill Country Club and had finished inside the Top-Five at the 2015 edition of the tournament. Lahiri spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the second major of the year.

“Well the thing is, we prefer not to talk too much about politics because at the end of the day that's what this is. The world of golf has become entrenched in politics unfortunately with different organisations vying for power and essentially. Retaining power or dictating terms essentially. It’s a sad situation that we find ourselves in,” said Lahiri while he exclusively spoke to WION.

There has been a conflict surrounding the LIV Golf and PGA where 16 golfers have pulled out of the PGA Championships. Paul Casey was the latest to join the casualty list with Sam Stevens taking his place instead at the 2023 PGA Championship in Oak Hill, Pittsford.

Speaking on the issue Lahiri opened up on the latest sitiaution surrounding the European tour where the situation is more dilute. &nbsp;

“Organisations are themselves now potentially compromising professional golfers and professional golf. So, what is happening is very sad. I am really glad that i am not an active European tour member right now, I haven't been for a while because it would have put me also in a very sticky situation. But for someone like lee, or Poulter or Henrick, these guys have been legends. They are Ryder cup legends, they have supported a lot of their home events. All that is suddenly forgotten. It is very very sad. It is very political and it is very unfortunate,” added Lahiri.

Speaking on his current run he reflected on how he usually started his season and why he found it hard to get started at the start of the season.

“I think I started off this season almost trying a little bit too hard. I was getting in my own way; I think that’s been something I’m guilty of over the many years that I have played professional golf. i think we all get really amped up and really excited when we start a season. I didn’t play that early in the year and I had to reset,” Lahiri added.

The current war of politics between PGA and LIB leaves only 16 golfers from the Saudi-backed league that will be present at Oak Hill this week. As things stand the following golfers from the LIV golf will take guards in the event starting from Thursday.

Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Talor Gooch, Abraham Ancer, Mito Pereira, Phil Mickelson, Dean Burmester, Thomas Pieters, Harold Varner III, Anirban Lahiri, Brendan Seele, Sihwan Kim.

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York.

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith will lead the challenge of the LIV brigade with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory Mcilroy aiming to deny their rivals once again. Anirban Lahiri is the only Indian golfer in the fray at Oak Hill Country Club and had finished inside the Top-Five at the 2015 edition of the tournament. Lahiri spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the second major of the year. “Well the thing is, we prefer not to talk too much about politics because at the end of the day that's what this is. The world of golf has become entrenched in politics unfortunately with different organisations vying for power and essentially. Retaining power or dictating terms essentially. It’s a sad situation that we find ourselves in,” said Lahiri while he exclusively spoke to WION. There has been a conflict surrounding the LIV Golf and PGA where 16 golfers have pulled out of the PGA Championships. Paul Casey was the latest to join the casualty list with Sam Stevens taking his place instead at the 2023 PGA Championship in Oak Hill, Pittsford. Speaking on the issue Lahiri opened up on the latest sitiaution surrounding the European tour where the situation is more dilute. “Organisations are themselves now potentially compromising professional golfers and professional golf. So, what is happening is very sad. I am really glad that i am not an active European tour member right now, I haven't been for a while because it would have put me also in a very sticky situation. But for someone like lee, or Poulter or Henrick, these guys have been legends. They are Ryder cup legends, they have supported a lot of their home events. All that is suddenly forgotten. It is very very sad. It is very political and it is very unfortunate,” added Lahiri. Speaking on his current run he reflected on how he usually started his season and why he found it hard to get started at the start of the season. “I think I started off this season almost trying a little bit too hard. I was getting in my own way; I think that’s been something I’m guilty of over the many years that I have played professional golf. i think we all get really amped up and really excited when we start a season. I didn’t play that early in the year and I had to reset,” Lahiri added. The current war of politics between PGA and LIB leaves only 16 golfers from the Saudi-backed league that will be present at Oak Hill this week. As things stand the following golfers from the LIV golf will take guards in the event starting from Thursday. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Talor Gooch, Abraham Ancer, Mito Pereira, Phil Mickelson, Dean Burmester, Thomas Pieters, Harold Varner III, Anirban Lahiri, Brendan Seele, Sihwan Kim.

EXCLUSIVE | 'I didn’t play that early in the year and had to reset' - Anirban Lahiri reflects on his run

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Johnson birdied his final hole in regulation to get into the playoff then birdied the par-four 18th with a putt from off the green. South Africa's Grace had putted first in the playoff, also from the fringe, narrowly missing.

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Australia's British Open champion Smith was closest to the hole, but his putt was never on track.

Johnson scooped the $4 million first prize from the $25 million purse and joined Talor Gooch -- winner of the previous two events -- and Brooks Koepka as two-time winners in the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit's first 14 events.

The former world number one had claimed his first LIV title at Boston last year.

Atop the leaderboard going into the third and final round, Johnson shook off triple-bogey on the 10th hole to card a three-under 67 to join Grace and Smith on 17-under.

"Obviously after I made seven on 10 -- everything I could do wrong I did wrong on the hole --but to fight back and birdie 18 two times in a row, I'm really happy with that," Johnson said.

Smith, five back with nine to play, carded a bogey-free nine-under par 61 while Grace -- who shot 61 in the first round -- closed with a five-under 65.

Grace helped South Africa's Stinger team, headed by Louis Oosthuizen, to capture the team title with a 40-under par total.

The next LIV tournament is at Trump National in Washington in two weeks. But next week Johnson and Smith will be among 18 LIV rebels teeing it up in the second major of the season, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York.

LIV, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, split the sport last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and the DP World Tour with lucrative contracts.

Amid the acrimony, organizers of the major championships have maintained qualifying standards that allow LIV golfers to compete, setting the stage for them to take on loyalists including Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain and world number two Scottie Scheffler at Oak Hill.

"I'm really playing well," Johnson said. "Got a lot of momentum going into next week."

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Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Johnson birdied his final hole in regulation to get into the playoff then birdied the par-four 18th with a putt from off the green. South Africa's Grace had putted first in the playoff, also from the fringe, narrowly missing. Also Read: La Liga: Barcelona thrash Espanyol 4-2 to win first title since 2019 Australia's British Open champion Smith was closest to the hole, but his putt was never on track. Johnson scooped the $4 million first prize from the $25 million purse and joined Talor Gooch -- winner of the previous two events -- and Brooks Koepka as two-time winners in the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit's first 14 events. The former world number one had claimed his first LIV title at Boston last year. Atop the leaderboard going into the third and final round, Johnson shook off triple-bogey on the 10th hole to card a three-under 67 to join Grace and Smith on 17-under. "Obviously after I made seven on 10 -- everything I could do wrong I did wrong on the hole --but to fight back and birdie 18 two times in a row, I'm really happy with that," Johnson said. Smith, five back with nine to play, carded a bogey-free nine-under par 61 while Grace -- who shot 61 in the first round -- closed with a five-under 65. Grace helped South Africa's Stinger team, headed by Louis Oosthuizen, to capture the team title with a 40-under par total. The next LIV tournament is at Trump National in Washington in two weeks. But next week Johnson and Smith will be among 18 LIV rebels teeing it up in the second major of the season, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York. LIV, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, split the sport last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and the DP World Tour with lucrative contracts. Amid the acrimony, organizers of the major championships have maintained qualifying standards that allow LIV golfers to compete, setting the stage for them to take on loyalists including Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain and world number two Scottie Scheffler at Oak Hill. "I'm really playing well," Johnson said. "Got a lot of momentum going into next week." 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: Dustin Johnson wins LIV Tulsa trophy ahead of PGA Championship

Tiger Woods was not on the full field list for next week's PGA Championship, the golf major's organisers said on Wednesday (May 10), as the 15-times major champion continues to recover from an ankle surgery.

Woods, who withdrew from the Masters midway through last month's tournament due to injury, underwent fusion surgery on a bone in his ankle to address his post-traumatic arthritis from a previous talus bone fracture.

The 47-year-old has limited his participation in events following a 2021 car crash, which required his leg to be rebuilt. He has also had multiple knee and back operations.

The PGA Championship, the year's second major, takes place from May 18-21 in Rochester, New York. Woods has won the tournament four times with his last victory coming in 2007.

The next major after the PGA Championship is the U.S. Open from June 15-18.

<h2>Woods’ latest controversy</h2>

15-time major champion Tiger Woods has been accused of sexual harassment by ex-girlfriend Erica Herman. According to a court filing by Herman's attorney in Florida on Friday, Woods is accused of pursuing a sexual relationship while she worked for him and then forcing her to sign a non-disclosure agreement or she'd be fired from her job.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-every-nation-should-be-jealous-of-india-except-afghanistan-swanns-glaring-remark-before-odi-wc-591310">IPL 2023: Every nation should be jealous of India except Afghanistan - Swann's glaring remark before ODI WC</a>

"Tiger Woods, the internationally renowned athlete and one of the most powerful figures in global sports, decided to pursue a sexual relationship with his employee, then -- according to him -- forced her to sign an NDA about it or else be fired from her job," a court document said.

"And, when he became disgruntled with their sexual relationship, he tricked her into leaving her home, locked her out, took her cash, pets, and personal possessions, and tried to strong-arm her into signing a different NDA,” the court filing read.

It is reported that Herman worked at Woods’ South Florida restaurant, The Woods Jupiter when she was harassed.

Recently Woods, in a shocking move, parted ways with his long-time caddie Joe LaCava. The two were together for 12 years which saw Woods lift 12 trophies. The decision comes after Tiger, who had announced that he has had another surgery on his right leg, left the Masters without competing for all 72-holes due to wild weather, sending a shock to every golf fan on the planet.

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&nbsp;

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Tiger Woods was not on the full field list for next week's PGA Championship, the golf major's organisers said on Wednesday (May 10), as the 15-times major champion continues to recover from an ankle surgery.

Tiger Woods was not on the full field list for next week's PGA Championship, the golf major's organisers said on Wednesday (May 10), as the 15-times major champion continues to recover from an ankle surgery. Woods, who withdrew from the Masters midway through last month's tournament due to injury, underwent fusion surgery on a bone in his ankle to address his post-traumatic arthritis from a previous talus bone fracture. The 47-year-old has limited his participation in events following a 2021 car crash, which required his leg to be rebuilt. He has also had multiple knee and back operations. The PGA Championship, the year's second major, takes place from May 18-21 in Rochester, New York. Woods has won the tournament four times with his last victory coming in 2007. The next major after the PGA Championship is the U.S. Open from June 15-18. Woods’ latest controversy 15-time major champion Tiger Woods has been accused of sexual harassment by ex-girlfriend Erica Herman. According to a court filing by Herman's attorney in Florida on Friday, Woods is accused of pursuing a sexual relationship while she worked for him and then forcing her to sign a non-disclosure agreement or she'd be fired from her job. ALSO READ | IPL 2023: Every nation should be jealous of India except Afghanistan - Swann's glaring remark before ODI WC "Tiger Woods, the internationally renowned athlete and one of the most powerful figures in global sports, decided to pursue a sexual relationship with his employee, then -- according to him -- forced her to sign an NDA about it or else be fired from her job," a court document said. "And, when he became disgruntled with their sexual relationship, he tricked her into leaving her home, locked her out, took her cash, pets, and personal possessions, and tried to strong-arm her into signing a different NDA,” the court filing read. It is reported that Herman worked at Woods’ South Florida restaurant, The Woods Jupiter when she was harassed. Recently Woods, in a shocking move, parted ways with his long-time caddie Joe LaCava. The two were together for 12 years which saw Woods lift 12 trophies. The decision comes after Tiger, who had announced that he has had another surgery on his right leg, left the Masters without competing for all 72-holes due to wild weather, sending a shock to every golf fan on the planet. 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.

Tiger Woods not included in field list for PGA Championship, set to continue recovery from ankle injury

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."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-gives-green-signal-to-new-standalone-sprint-format-586093">Formula One gives green signal to new standalone sprint format</a>

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

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

Sam Burns captured the biggest title of his career by winning the WGC Match Play Championship on Sunday, routing Cameron Young 6&amp;5 in an all-American final.

World number 15 Burns took a $3.5 million top prize at Austin Country Club in Texas by making eight birdies in the last 10 holes to dispatch 17th-ranked Young, last year's British Open runner-up.

"What a week. Man, I'm so tired," Burns said. "It was fun playing Cam. I know he didn't have his best stuff."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-celine-boutier-wins-lpga-drive-on-championship-title-576056">Celine Boutier wins LPGA Drive On Championship title</a>

It was the fifth career PGA title for Burns, who won all seven of his matches to become the first player to capture the WGC Match Play in his debut since Australian Geoff Ogilvy in 2006.

"I just tried to stack one good swing after another," Burns said. "Really have tried to put the hard work in and it's nice to see it paying off on the golf course."

Burns dethroned top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler in 21 holes in morning semi-finals while Young, last year's PGA Rookie of the Year, ousted third-ranked Rory McIlroy in 19 holes.

"Felt like I found something this morning at the end of my match with Scottie and kind of was able to carry that on this afternoon," Burns said.

"It's huge. I haven't played my best golf the past couple months and was really struggling with my swing the past couple weeks."

Young, who chased his first PGA victory, settled for his sixth runner-up showing.

"Frustrating to lose today," Young said. "Out here you have to make a bunch of birdies and I just didn't quite do it."

In the final, Young won the second hole with a five-foot birdie putt but Burns dropped his approach inches from the hole for a birdie to claim the fifth and pull level.

Burns nearly holed out from 45 yards and birdied to win the par-5 sixth then took the par-3 seventh when Young missed a six-foot par putt and captured his fourth consecutive hole with a 20-foot birdie putt at the eighth, seizing a 3-up advantage.

Burns sank a 12-foot birdie putt to win the 10th for a 4-up lead and made a 24-foot birdie putt at the par-3 11th, although Young tied the hole with a 22-foot birdie putt.

Young found water to lose the par-5 12th and fall 5-down then plunked his ball into water shy of the 13th green and moments later surrendered the match.

<h2>McIlroy takes third</h2>

McIlroy, who will overtake Spain's Jon Rahm to become world number two, led after every hole in defeating top-ranked Scheffler 2&amp;1 in the third-place match to claim bragging rights ahead of the Masters in two weeks at Augusta National.

"It's nice to walk away with a win after the disappointment of this morning not being able to put Cam away," McIlroy said.

"Overall it has been a really good week, something to really build on going into Augusta."

McIlroy can complete a career Grand Slam with a Masters triumph.

"I feel a lot better about things compared to two weeks ago (after missing the cut) at the Players Championship," he said. "All eyes on Augusta and just making sure the game is ready but everything feels in really good order."

Four-time major winner McIlroy, the 2015 WGC Match Play champion from Northern Ireland, and reigning Masters champion Scheffler, who won the Players Championship earlier this month, each stumbled late in the semis.

McIlroy was 2 up with three holes to play but Young birdied to win the par-5 16th, birdied 18 to equalize and birdied the par-5 12th from nine feet to win the match.

Scheffler birdied 18 to force extra holes, missed a four-foot birdie putt for the match at the second extra hole and Burns sank a 14-foot birdie putt at the next to advance.

It's a bit frustrating," Scheffler said. "But I put up a good fight."

Sam Burns captured the biggest title of his career by winning the WGC Match Play Championship on Sunday, routing Cameron Young 6&5 in an all-American final. World number 15 Burns took a $3.

Sam Burns captured the biggest title of his career by winning the WGC Match Play Championship on Sunday, routing Cameron Young 6&5 in an all-American final. World number 15 Burns took a $3.5 million top prize at Austin Country Club in Texas by making eight birdies in the last 10 holes to dispatch 17th-ranked Young, last year's British Open runner-up. "What a week. Man, I'm so tired," Burns said. "It was fun playing Cam. I know he didn't have his best stuff." Also Read: Celine Boutier wins LPGA Drive On Championship title It was the fifth career PGA title for Burns, who won all seven of his matches to become the first player to capture the WGC Match Play in his debut since Australian Geoff Ogilvy in 2006. "I just tried to stack one good swing after another," Burns said. "Really have tried to put the hard work in and it's nice to see it paying off on the golf course." Burns dethroned top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler in 21 holes in morning semi-finals while Young, last year's PGA Rookie of the Year, ousted third-ranked Rory McIlroy in 19 holes. "Felt like I found something this morning at the end of my match with Scottie and kind of was able to carry that on this afternoon," Burns said. "It's huge. I haven't played my best golf the past couple months and was really struggling with my swing the past couple weeks." Young, who chased his first PGA victory, settled for his sixth runner-up showing. "Frustrating to lose today," Young said. "Out here you have to make a bunch of birdies and I just didn't quite do it." In the final, Young won the second hole with a five-foot birdie putt but Burns dropped his approach inches from the hole for a birdie to claim the fifth and pull level. Burns nearly holed out from 45 yards and birdied to win the par-5 sixth then took the par-3 seventh when Young missed a six-foot par putt and captured his fourth consecutive hole with a 20-foot birdie putt at the eighth, seizing a 3-up advantage. Burns sank a 12-foot birdie putt to win the 10th for a 4-up lead and made a 24-foot birdie putt at the par-3 11th, although Young tied the hole with a 22-foot birdie putt. Young found water to lose the par-5 12th and fall 5-down then plunked his ball into water shy of the 13th green and moments later surrendered the match. McIlroy takes third McIlroy, who will overtake Spain's Jon Rahm to become world number two, led after every hole in defeating top-ranked Scheffler 2&1 in the third-place match to claim bragging rights ahead of the Masters in two weeks at Augusta National. "It's nice to walk away with a win after the disappointment of this morning not being able to put Cam away," McIlroy said. "Overall it has been a really good week, something to really build on going into Augusta." McIlroy can complete a career Grand Slam with a Masters triumph. "I feel a lot better about things compared to two weeks ago (after missing the cut) at the Players Championship," he said. "All eyes on Augusta and just making sure the game is ready but everything feels in really good order." Four-time major winner McIlroy, the 2015 WGC Match Play champion from Northern Ireland, and reigning Masters champion Scheffler, who won the Players Championship earlier this month, each stumbled late in the semis. McIlroy was 2 up with three holes to play but Young birdied to win the par-5 16th, birdied 18 to equalize and birdied the par-5 12th from nine feet to win the match. Scheffler birdied 18 to force extra holes, missed a four-foot birdie putt for the match at the second extra hole and Burns sank a 14-foot birdie putt at the next to advance. It's a bit frustrating," Scheffler said. "But I put up a good fight."

Golf: Sam Burns wins WGC Match Play Championship in all-American final

Rory McIlroy admitted on Tuesday that the PGA Tour's top golfers were reaping the benefits of the emergence of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;circuit.

McIlroy, one of the staunchest defenders of the PGA Tour in its bitter feud with LIV over the past year, said the launch of the upstart tour had forced the US-based circuit to innovate.

The Northern Ireland star was speaking ahead of this week's Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, which will tee off on Thursday without its reigning champion Cam Smith -- who has since defected to LIV.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-kurt-kitayama-gets-maiden-pga-tour-win-at-arnold-palmer-invitational-568987">Kurt Kitayama gets maiden PGA Tour win at Arnold Palmer Invitational</a>

The PGA Tour has responded to emergence of the lucrative LIV circuit by introducing its own money-spinning no-cut events starting in 2024.

McIlroy acknowledged on Tuesday that those changes would probably not have happened had it not been for the rise of LIV&nbsp;Golf.

"I'm not going to sit here and lie; I think the emergence of LIV or the emergence of a competitor to the PGA Tour has benefited everyone that plays elite professional&nbsp;golf,"&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;told a press conference.

"I think when you've been the biggest&nbsp;golf&nbsp;league in the biggest market in the world for the last 60 years, there's not a lot of incentive to innovate.&nbsp;

"This has caused a ton of innovation at the PGA Tour. What was quite, I would say, an antiquated system is being revamped to try to mirror where we're at in the world in the 21st century with the media landscape.

"The PGA Tour isn't just competing with LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;or other sports. It's competing with Instagram and TikTok and everything else that's trying to take eyeballs away from the PGA Tour as a product.

<h2>Monahan defends 'no-cut'</h2>

"LIV coming along, it's definitely had a massive impact on the game, but I think everyone who's a professional golfer is going to benefit from it going forward."

McIlroy's remarks were mirrored by world number one Jon Rahm, who agreed that the momentum for change on the PGA Tour had been driven by LIV&nbsp;Golf's emergence.

"Without a doubt," Rahm said. "Without LIV&nbsp;Golf, this wouldn't have happened.

"So to an extent, we should be thankful this threat has made the PGA Tour want to change things. I wish it didn't come to the PGA Tour being under fire from somebody else to make those changes and make things better for the players, but I guess it is what we needed.&nbsp;

"So, yeah, it is because of LIV&nbsp;Golf. Otherwise, we wouldn't have seen any of this."

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan meanwhile defended the introduction of no-cut events from 2024, noting that the PGA Tour had held similar format tournaments in the past.

"The players that are competing in our events in this new format next year will have earned the right to compete in them and they will have earned it through top-50 position in the FedExCup this year," Monahan said.

"The PGA Tour has always had limited-field, no-cut 72-hole stroke play events. In fact, Jack Nicklaus won 17 times in that format. Arnold Palmer won 23. Tiger Woods won 26.&nbsp;

"To me, those wins, the format did not diminish those accomplishments as we sit here today. I think as we look out to 2024, 2025, 2026, the same will hold true."

LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;held its inaugural season in 2022, luring a slew of PGA Tour players and major winners with huge signing bonuses and 54-hole tournaments offering purses which dwarf the richest events on the PGA Tour.

The tour faced stinging criticism from human rights groups however who say the circuit is "sports washing" by Saudi Arabia in an attempt to improve the kingdom's international image.

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Rory McIlroy admitted on Tuesday that the PGA Tour's top golfers were reaping the benefits of the emergence of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf circuit.

Rory McIlroy admitted on Tuesday that the PGA Tour's top golfers were reaping the benefits of the emergence of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf circuit. McIlroy, one of the staunchest defenders of the PGA Tour in its bitter feud with LIV over the past year, said the launch of the upstart tour had forced the US-based circuit to innovate. The Northern Ireland star was speaking ahead of this week's Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, which will tee off on Thursday without its reigning champion Cam Smith -- who has since defected to LIV. Read More: Kurt Kitayama gets maiden PGA Tour win at Arnold Palmer Invitational The PGA Tour has responded to emergence of the lucrative LIV circuit by introducing its own money-spinning no-cut events starting in 2024. McIlroy acknowledged on Tuesday that those changes would probably not have happened had it not been for the rise of LIV Golf. "I'm not going to sit here and lie; I think the emergence of LIV or the emergence of a competitor to the PGA Tour has benefited everyone that plays elite professional golf," McIlroy told a press conference. "I think when you've been the biggest golf league in the biggest market in the world for the last 60 years, there's not a lot of incentive to innovate. "This has caused a ton of innovation at the PGA Tour. What was quite, I would say, an antiquated system is being revamped to try to mirror where we're at in the world in the 21st century with the media landscape. "The PGA Tour isn't just competing with LIV Golf or other sports. It's competing with Instagram and TikTok and everything else that's trying to take eyeballs away from the PGA Tour as a product. Monahan defends 'no-cut' "LIV coming along, it's definitely had a massive impact on the game, but I think everyone who's a professional golfer is going to benefit from it going forward." McIlroy's remarks were mirrored by world number one Jon Rahm, who agreed that the momentum for change on the PGA Tour had been driven by LIV Golf's emergence. "Without a doubt," Rahm said. "Without LIV Golf, this wouldn't have happened. "So to an extent, we should be thankful this threat has made the PGA Tour want to change things. I wish it didn't come to the PGA Tour being under fire from somebody else to make those changes and make things better for the players, but I guess it is what we needed. "So, yeah, it is because of LIV Golf. Otherwise, we wouldn't have seen any of this." PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan meanwhile defended the introduction of no-cut events from 2024, noting that the PGA Tour had held similar format tournaments in the past. "The players that are competing in our events in this new format next year will have earned the right to compete in them and they will have earned it through top-50 position in the FedExCup this year," Monahan said. "The PGA Tour has always had limited-field, no-cut 72-hole stroke play events. In fact, Jack Nicklaus won 17 times in that format. Arnold Palmer won 23. Tiger Woods won 26. "To me, those wins, the format did not diminish those accomplishments as we sit here today. I think as we look out to 2024, 2025, 2026, the same will hold true." LIV Golf held its inaugural season in 2022, luring a slew of PGA Tour players and major winners with huge signing bonuses and 54-hole tournaments offering purses which dwarf the richest events on the PGA Tour. The tour faced stinging criticism from human rights groups however who say the circuit is "sports washing" by Saudi Arabia in an attempt to improve the kingdom's international image. 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: Players reaping benefits from LIV circuit, admit Rahm, McIlroy

World number one Jon Rahm says the continuous tussle for the top ranking among himself, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler "speaks to the greatness of the game of&nbsp;golf&nbsp;right now."

Spain's Rahm returned to the top of the rankings with his victory at Riviera two weeks ago, his third US PGA Tour title of 2023 carrying him past reigning Masters champion Scheffler.

Scheffler had regained the summit just a week earlier, replacing McIlroy atop the rankings after his victory at the Phoenix Open.

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Both second-ranked Scheffler and No. 3 McIlroy have a chance to return to number one this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida, where Rahm said on Tuesday that the tight race at the top was a testament to the current state of the game.

"I do know this is the most amount of No. 1 changes in this short period of time," Rahm said. "I saw some of those stats, because it's just really interesting, which speaks to the greatness of the game of&nbsp;golf&nbsp;right now -- how good everybody's been playing," Rahm said.

Rahm himself has been in dominant form. His victory in the Genesis Invitational at Riviera was his fifth win in nine worldwide starts, a run that included his third Spanish Open triumph in October and victory in the DP World Tour Championship in November.

He opened 2023 with US Tour wins in the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii and the American Express in La Quinta, California.

After closing out a two-shot victory over Max Homa to return to the top of the rankings for the first time since March of 2022, Rahm said he didn't "need a ranking to validate anything."

But he acknowledged on Tuesday there was "a lot of satisfaction that comes when you get to be No. 1 when the other players have been playing great&nbsp;golf&nbsp;as well.

"Scottie had a great year last year, Rory had a great year last year, and then towards the end of the year I kind of picked up."

Rahm was also pleased to get back to the top with a victory.

"I think one of those times that I got to it, it was after, I think it was (Justin Thomas) had a bad finish, and I finished 10th in a tournament and you get back to number one.

"That doesn't feel nearly as well."

Rahm, who headlines a field that features 43 of the top 50 players in the world, is making just his second start at Bay Hill, where he finished tied for 17th last year with what he called a "horrible, horrible week on the greens".

"Four three-putts alone on the back nine on Sunday," Rahm recalled. "So very encouraged knowing that if I could keep my ball striking the level that I know I can and have a decent week on the greens, I'll have a chance."

Scheffler is the defending champion. He clawed out a one-stroke victory in brutal fourth-round conditions, his second win in three starts after he had claimed his first career title in Phoenix just weeks before.

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World number one Jon Rahm says the continuous tussle for the top ranking among himself, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler "speaks to the greatness of the game of golf right now.

World number one Jon Rahm says the continuous tussle for the top ranking among himself, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler "speaks to the greatness of the game of golf right now." Spain's Rahm returned to the top of the rankings with his victory at Riviera two weeks ago, his third US PGA Tour title of 2023 carrying him past reigning Masters champion Scheffler. Scheffler had regained the summit just a week earlier, replacing McIlroy atop the rankings after his victory at the Phoenix Open. Also Read: Lydia Ko not taking Women's World Championship lightly Both second-ranked Scheffler and No. 3 McIlroy have a chance to return to number one this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida, where Rahm said on Tuesday that the tight race at the top was a testament to the current state of the game. "I do know this is the most amount of No. 1 changes in this short period of time," Rahm said. "I saw some of those stats, because it's just really interesting, which speaks to the greatness of the game of golf right now -- how good everybody's been playing," Rahm said. Rahm himself has been in dominant form. His victory in the Genesis Invitational at Riviera was his fifth win in nine worldwide starts, a run that included his third Spanish Open triumph in October and victory in the DP World Tour Championship in November. He opened 2023 with US Tour wins in the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii and the American Express in La Quinta, California. After closing out a two-shot victory over Max Homa to return to the top of the rankings for the first time since March of 2022, Rahm said he didn't "need a ranking to validate anything." But he acknowledged on Tuesday there was "a lot of satisfaction that comes when you get to be No. 1 when the other players have been playing great golf as well. "Scottie had a great year last year, Rory had a great year last year, and then towards the end of the year I kind of picked up." Rahm was also pleased to get back to the top with a victory. "I think one of those times that I got to it, it was after, I think it was (Justin Thomas) had a bad finish, and I finished 10th in a tournament and you get back to number one. "That doesn't feel nearly as well." Rahm, who headlines a field that features 43 of the top 50 players in the world, is making just his second start at Bay Hill, where he finished tied for 17th last year with what he called a "horrible, horrible week on the greens". "Four three-putts alone on the back nine on Sunday," Rahm recalled. "So very encouraged knowing that if I could keep my ball striking the level that I know I can and have a decent week on the greens, I'll have a chance." Scheffler is the defending champion. He clawed out a one-stroke victory in brutal fourth-round conditions, his second win in three starts after he had claimed his first career title in Phoenix just weeks before. 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 says tussle for top place is 'really interesting'

A dawn scramble to find his clubs had Adam Scott at "panic stations" ahead of his early tee time for the opening round of the Australian PGA Championship but the former world number one shook off the drama to make a bright start at Royal Queensland.

The search for the clubs, eventually found in Scott's manager's room, was a minor hiccup in the Australian's reunion with former caddie Steve Williams on Thursday.

Things otherwise proceeded smoothly for the pair as Scott shot a 66 for the early clubhouse lead before finishing the day in a group tied for fourth at five-under, a stroke behind local co-leaders Min Woo Lee, Jason Scrivener and John Lyras

"It was panic stations ... Steve was kicking doors down," Scott joked of the frantic search for his bag.

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Despite the 6 a.m. tee time, a big crowd had already assembled at the 10th hole at Royal Queensland where 2013 Masters winner Scott started his round.

Most were there to see his playing partner Cameron Smith, however, on the British Open champion's long-awaited return to his home state Queensland.

After a busy lead-up of fan, media and sponsor engagements, headline act Smith started slowly but finished with three birdies in his last four holes to card a 68 and lie three shots behind the leaders.

A tired Smith said his brain was a little "foggy" as he made the turn without a birdie and he hoped home fans would not expect him to win the A$2 million ($1.35 million) event co-sanctioned by Europe's DP World Tour.

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"I mean, for sure I’m here to try and play my best golf but sometimes you play your best golf and finish 20th," he said.

"I went out there, did what I had to do."

Min Woo Lee, the brother of twice major-winning women's golfer Minjee Lee, enjoyed an "awesome" day as he rolled in some monster putts to rack up seven birdies in his round of 65.

A dawn scramble to find his clubs had Adam Scott at "panic stations" ahead of his early tee time for the opening round of the Australian PGA Championship but the former world number one shook off the drama to make a bright start at Royal Queensland.

A dawn scramble to find his clubs had Adam Scott at "panic stations" ahead of his early tee time for the opening round of the Australian PGA Championship but the former world number one shook off the drama to make a bright start at Royal Queensland. The search for the clubs, eventually found in Scott's manager's room, was a minor hiccup in the Australian's reunion with former caddie Steve Williams on Thursday. Things otherwise proceeded smoothly for the pair as Scott shot a 66 for the early clubhouse lead before finishing the day in a group tied for fourth at five-under, a stroke behind local co-leaders Min Woo Lee, Jason Scrivener and John Lyras "It was panic stations ... Steve was kicking doors down," Scott joked of the frantic search for his bag. Also Read: Qatar World Cup: FIFA opens proceedings against Mexican FA, Ecuador fans over controversial chants Despite the 6 a.m. tee time, a big crowd had already assembled at the 10th hole at Royal Queensland where 2013 Masters winner Scott started his round. Most were there to see his playing partner Cameron Smith, however, on the British Open champion's long-awaited return to his home state Queensland. After a busy lead-up of fan, media and sponsor engagements, headline act Smith started slowly but finished with three birdies in his last four holes to card a 68 and lie three shots behind the leaders. A tired Smith said his brain was a little "foggy" as he made the turn without a birdie and he hoped home fans would not expect him to win the A$2 million ($1.35 million) event co-sanctioned by Europe's DP World Tour. Also Read: FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo to join Messi in illustrious list in Portugal's opening tie vs Ghana "I mean, for sure I’m here to try and play my best golf but sometimes you play your best golf and finish 20th," he said. "I went out there, did what I had to do." Min Woo Lee, the brother of twice major-winning women's golfer Minjee Lee, enjoyed an "awesome" day as he rolled in some monster putts to rack up seven birdies in his round of 65.

Adam Scott recovers from 'panic stations' to make bright start at Australian PGA

Canada's Mackenzie Hughes sank an eight-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole Sunday to defeat Austria's Sepp Straka and win the PGA Sanderson Farms Championship. The 31-year-old from Hamilton captured his second career PGA crown after he and Straka both finished 72 holes on 17-under par 271 at The Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi.

"Words can't describe it," Hughes said. "I've been working so hard, putting in some hours. It just feels so good. "It's the coolest feeling in the world. Winning happens so infrequently that when we do get to win it's super special."

World number 82 Hughes won his only prior PGA title at the 2016 RSM Classic, winning a five-man playoff that week with a par on the third extra hole. "Definitely it feels a little sweeter than the first one," Hughes said. "I was just fighting like hell to stay in it. Somehow I was able to pull through."

Ending a six-year title drought was a thrill. "This is the stuff that makes you feel alive," Hughes said. "It's a feeling you crave and a feeling you want more of -- it will keep me working hard." Hughes made two great par saves at 18 to give himself the chance at the winning putt there. At 18 in regulation, Hughes was way left off the tee an over the green, but putted from 35 yards to within four feet of the hole and made the par putt to force the playoff.

Straka fired a five-under 67 in regulation while Hughes shot 69. The playoff began at 18 and Straka had a 20-foot birdie putt while Hughes was in a bunker. Hughes blasted out to five feet, Straka missed his putt and both tapped in to extend matters. "Those par saves down the stretch, I was just trying to will the ball in the hole," Hughes said. "That kind of describes my game a bit, that grit and that perseverance. The second one felt harder than the first one that's for sure."

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Again they played 18, this time Hughes and Straka each having birdie putts. Straka missed from the fringe leaving Hughes an eight-footer for the victory. Hughes rolled in the putt and pumped his right first in celebration.

"Probably a little bit of relief. It has been a while," Hughes said of his emotions at that moment. "I've had some close calls. Finishing second, while it's still great, kind of stings when you are that close.&nbsp; "I just wasn't going to accept that today."

Straka, ranked 36th, won his first PGA title in February at the Honda Classic and nearly grabbed his second in August before losing a playoff to Will Zalatoris at the St. Jude Championship. "Hit good putts. Gave myself good chances. Unfortunately I couldn't convert," Straka said. "I played great golf on a tough Sunday. It's good to know my game is in a good spot."

South African Garrick Higgo was third on 272 after a closing 68, finishing one stroke ahead of countryman Dean Burmester. American Mark Hubbard, the 54-hole leader seeking his first PGA title, fired a 74 to share fifth on 275 with compatriots Nick Hardy and Keegan Bradley and Argentina's Emiliano Grillo.

Canada's Mackenzie Hughes sank an eight-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole Sunday to defeat Austria's Sepp Straka and win the PGA Sanderson Farms Championship.

Canada's Mackenzie Hughes sank an eight-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole Sunday to defeat Austria's Sepp Straka and win the PGA Sanderson Farms Championship. The 31-year-old from Hamilton captured his second career PGA crown after he and Straka both finished 72 holes on 17-under par 271 at The Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi. "Words can't describe it," Hughes said. "I've been working so hard, putting in some hours. It just feels so good. "It's the coolest feeling in the world. Winning happens so infrequently that when we do get to win it's super special." World number 82 Hughes won his only prior PGA title at the 2016 RSM Classic, winning a five-man playoff that week with a par on the third extra hole. "Definitely it feels a little sweeter than the first one," Hughes said. "I was just fighting like hell to stay in it. Somehow I was able to pull through." Ending a six-year title drought was a thrill. "This is the stuff that makes you feel alive," Hughes said. "It's a feeling you crave and a feeling you want more of -- it will keep me working hard." Hughes made two great par saves at 18 to give himself the chance at the winning putt there. At 18 in regulation, Hughes was way left off the tee an over the green, but putted from 35 yards to within four feet of the hole and made the par putt to force the playoff. Straka fired a five-under 67 in regulation while Hughes shot 69. The playoff began at 18 and Straka had a 20-foot birdie putt while Hughes was in a bunker. Hughes blasted out to five feet, Straka missed his putt and both tapped in to extend matters. "Those par saves down the stretch, I was just trying to will the ball in the hole," Hughes said. "That kind of describes my game a bit, that grit and that perseverance. The second one felt harder than the first one that's for sure." ALSO READ | Former Masters champion Adam Scott doesn't view LIV Series as 'pure evil' for golf Again they played 18, this time Hughes and Straka each having birdie putts. Straka missed from the fringe leaving Hughes an eight-footer for the victory. Hughes rolled in the putt and pumped his right first in celebration. "Probably a little bit of relief. It has been a while," Hughes said of his emotions at that moment. "I've had some close calls. Finishing second, while it's still great, kind of stings when you are that close. "I just wasn't going to accept that today." Straka, ranked 36th, won his first PGA title in February at the Honda Classic and nearly grabbed his second in August before losing a playoff to Will Zalatoris at the St. Jude Championship. "Hit good putts. Gave myself good chances. Unfortunately I couldn't convert," Straka said. "I played great golf on a tough Sunday. It's good to know my game is in a good spot." South African Garrick Higgo was third on 272 after a closing 68, finishing one stroke ahead of countryman Dean Burmester. American Mark Hubbard, the 54-hole leader seeking his first PGA title, fired a 74 to share fifth on 275 with compatriots Nick Hardy and Keegan Bradley and Argentina's Emiliano Grillo.

Mackenzie Hughes beats Sepp Straka in playoff to clinch PGA Sanderson Farms title

Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson and three other golfers dropped out of a lawsuit on Tuesday which was filed against the&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Tour last month over its decision to suspend players who participated on the new LIV Golf circuit. Mickelson, who counts six major championships among his 45 career&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Tour wins, asked to be dismissed from the lawsuit along with Talor Gooch, Ian Poulter and Hudson Swafford. The players' decision to drop out of the lawsuit comes about a month after the&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Tour, in a bid to curb the ongoing threat posed by LIV Golf, made sweeping changes including increased purses and an earnings assurance programme.

The $255 million LIV series is being bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which critics say is a vehicle for the country to try to improve its image in the face of criticism of its human rights record. "I am focused on moving forward and extremely happy being a part of LIV, while also grateful for my time on the Tour," Mickelson said in a statement provided by LIV Golf. 
 
"I am pleased that the players on Tour are finally being heard, respected, and valued and are benefitting from the changes recently implemented. With LIV's involvement in these issues, the players' rights will be protected, and I no longer feel it is necessary for me to be part of the proceedings."

Mickelson and a long list of golfers filed the lawsuit in early August over its decision to suspend players, including Mickelson, for playing on the new LIV Golf circuit. It was reported in July that the U.S. Justice Department was investigating whether the&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Tour broke antitrust law in fending off the LIV Golf circuit. "LIV stands with the players whom the&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Tour has treated so poorly, but we also recognize that to be successful, we no longer need a wide array of players to be on the suit," LIV said in a statement. 
 
"We have our players' backs and will press our case in court against the&nbsp;PGA's anti-competitive behavior."

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The lawsuit also shed light on the status of fan favourite Mickelson, who took a self-imposed break in February when excerpts from an unauthorised biography revealed he had called the Saudis "scary" but was willing to look past their human rights record. According to the lawsuit, Mickelson was suspended by the&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Tour in March for, among other alleged reasons, trying to recruit players to LIV Golf and that his appeal was denied. 
 
Mickelson applied for reinstatement in June, the lawsuit says, but that request was denied given his participation in the inaugural LIV event earlier that month.

In addition to denying Mickelson's request, the lawsuit said the golfer was forbidden from seeking reinstatement until March 2023, which was then extended until March 2024 after he played the second LIV event. Mickelson's ban was only announced in June, shortly after he teed off in the first LIV event, when the&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Tour announced its decision to suspend all members who joined the lucrative series and said anyone else who made the jump would face the same fate.

Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson and three other golfers dropped out of a lawsuit on Tuesday which was filed against the PGA Tour last month over its decision to suspend players who participated on the new LIV Golf circuit.

Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson and three other golfers dropped out of a lawsuit on Tuesday which was filed against the PGA Tour last month over its decision to suspend players who participated on the new LIV Golf circuit. Mickelson, who counts six major championships among his 45 career PGA Tour wins, asked to be dismissed from the lawsuit along with Talor Gooch, Ian Poulter and Hudson Swafford. The players' decision to drop out of the lawsuit comes about a month after the PGA Tour, in a bid to curb the ongoing threat posed by LIV Golf, made sweeping changes including increased purses and an earnings assurance programme. The $255 million LIV series is being bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which critics say is a vehicle for the country to try to improve its image in the face of criticism of its human rights record. "I am focused on moving forward and extremely happy being a part of LIV, while also grateful for my time on the Tour," Mickelson said in a statement provided by LIV Golf. "I am pleased that the players on Tour are finally being heard, respected, and valued and are benefitting from the changes recently implemented. With LIV's involvement in these issues, the players' rights will be protected, and I no longer feel it is necessary for me to be part of the proceedings." Mickelson and a long list of golfers filed the lawsuit in early August over its decision to suspend players, including Mickelson, for playing on the new LIV Golf circuit. It was reported in July that the U.S. Justice Department was investigating whether the PGA Tour broke antitrust law in fending off the LIV Golf circuit. "LIV stands with the players whom the PGA Tour has treated so poorly, but we also recognize that to be successful, we no longer need a wide array of players to be on the suit," LIV said in a statement. "We have our players' backs and will press our case in court against the PGA's anti-competitive behavior." ALSO READ | Dutch cyclist Mathieu Van der Poel sentenced, fined after pleading guilty to assault of teenage girls The lawsuit also shed light on the status of fan favourite Mickelson, who took a self-imposed break in February when excerpts from an unauthorised biography revealed he had called the Saudis "scary" but was willing to look past their human rights record. According to the lawsuit, Mickelson was suspended by the PGA Tour in March for, among other alleged reasons, trying to recruit players to LIV Golf and that his appeal was denied. Mickelson applied for reinstatement in June, the lawsuit says, but that request was denied given his participation in the inaugural LIV event earlier that month. In addition to denying Mickelson's request, the lawsuit said the golfer was forbidden from seeking reinstatement until March 2023, which was then extended until March 2024 after he played the second LIV event. Mickelson's ban was only announced in June, shortly after he teed off in the first LIV event, when the PGA Tour announced its decision to suspend all members who joined the lucrative series and said anyone else who made the jump would face the same fate.

Phil Mickelson and three others pull out of LIV Golf lawsuit against PGA Tour

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

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

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

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

Rory McIlroy has been energized by the return of golf spectators after Covid-19 protocols eased, snapping an 18-month win drought and seizing a favoured role at the PGA Championship.

The four-time major winner from Northern Ireland won the PGA by a record eight strokes at Kiawah Island in 2012 and returns to the coastal resort confident and happy. He's even glad to hear people yell annoying comments after tee shots again.

"Love the 'mashed potatoes' guys again," McIlroy said Tuesday. "I don't even care about the stupid comments. I'm just glad that everyone is back here."

McIlroy watched a Champions League football semi-final played in an empty stadium and felt sorry for the players, knowing the empty feeling after nearly a year of shotmaking on silent courses.

"It's funny, ever since I was 16 years old I've had thousands of people watch me play golf pretty much every time I teed it up," McIlroy said.

"Playing in that environment for 14, 15 years and then sort of going the complete opposite, it's just different. It was like playing practice rounds. It was easy to lose concentration."

About 10,000 people a day will watch the world's top golfers challenge the brutal layout and blustery winds of Kiawah Island. It's about one-third of the number who saw McIlroy win in 2012 but it's plenty to get excited about.

"You want to play in front of people. You want to feel that atmosphere," he said. "I'm glad that we're getting back to some sort of normalcy and when you hit good shots and hole putts there are claps and rewards and encouragement."

McIlroy looked around the 7,876-yard layout, the longest in major golf history, and remarked how much he had changed in nine years.

"It seems longer. It seems like there's been a lot of time that's passed, and I feel like I'm a different person and a different player," McIlroy said.

"I'm in a completely different place in my life. Everything has changed, really. I feel like a completely different person.

"I think a lot has changed for the better. I'm standing up here probably more confident in myself, happier with where I am in my life, and just sort of enjoying life, enjoying everything a bit more."

<h2>'A great test'&nbsp;</h2>

One thing he doesn't expect to enjoy again is a blowout victory.

"Just because I did that doesn't mean that I'm going to find it any easier this week than anyone else," McIlroy said. "It's a really tough test, especially when the wind is blowing like this. Those last few holes out there are brutal.

"It's going to be a great test. I've maybe got some better memories and better vibes here than most of the other guys do, and that's obviously nice, but not sure it's going to enable me to play any better."

Another key change is that the 2012 edition was played in August when the balls were more likely to stay up in deep rough near the greens.

"It's not going to be as easy around the greens as it was last time," McIlroy said. "If the wind keeps up like this again this week, that's what you're going to have do well is chip and putt well."

McIlroy has been trying to see bigger pictures instead of short-term goals and said that helped him win at Quail Hollow two weeks ago.

"It was great to get a win, but I'm thinking way beyond that," he said.

"When you think that way, something like that just happens to fall into your lap. It's almost like the less you try, the more things sort of go your way."

Rory McIlroy has been energized by the return of golf spectators after Covid-19 protocols eased, snapping an 18-month win drought and seizing a favoured role at the PGA Championship.

Rory McIlroy has been energized by the return of golf spectators after Covid-19 protocols eased, snapping an 18-month win drought and seizing a favoured role at the PGA Championship. The four-time major winner from Northern Ireland won the PGA by a record eight strokes at Kiawah Island in 2012 and returns to the coastal resort confident and happy. He's even glad to hear people yell annoying comments after tee shots again. "Love the 'mashed potatoes' guys again," McIlroy said Tuesday. "I don't even care about the stupid comments. I'm just glad that everyone is back here." McIlroy watched a Champions League football semi-final played in an empty stadium and felt sorry for the players, knowing the empty feeling after nearly a year of shotmaking on silent courses. "It's funny, ever since I was 16 years old I've had thousands of people watch me play golf pretty much every time I teed it up," McIlroy said. "Playing in that environment for 14, 15 years and then sort of going the complete opposite, it's just different. It was like playing practice rounds. It was easy to lose concentration." About 10,000 people a day will watch the world's top golfers challenge the brutal layout and blustery winds of Kiawah Island. It's about one-third of the number who saw McIlroy win in 2012 but it's plenty to get excited about. "You want to play in front of people. You want to feel that atmosphere," he said. "I'm glad that we're getting back to some sort of normalcy and when you hit good shots and hole putts there are claps and rewards and encouragement." McIlroy looked around the 7,876-yard layout, the longest in major golf history, and remarked how much he had changed in nine years. "It seems longer. It seems like there's been a lot of time that's passed, and I feel like I'm a different person and a different player," McIlroy said. "I'm in a completely different place in my life. Everything has changed, really. I feel like a completely different person. "I think a lot has changed for the better. I'm standing up here probably more confident in myself, happier with where I am in my life, and just sort of enjoying life, enjoying everything a bit more." 'A great test' One thing he doesn't expect to enjoy again is a blowout victory. "Just because I did that doesn't mean that I'm going to find it any easier this week than anyone else," McIlroy said. "It's a really tough test, especially when the wind is blowing like this. Those last few holes out there are brutal. "It's going to be a great test. I've maybe got some better memories and better vibes here than most of the other guys do, and that's obviously nice, but not sure it's going to enable me to play any better." Another key change is that the 2012 edition was played in August when the balls were more likely to stay up in deep rough near the greens. "It's not going to be as easy around the greens as it was last time," McIlroy said. "If the wind keeps up like this again this week, that's what you're going to have do well is chip and putt well." McIlroy has been trying to see bigger pictures instead of short-term goals and said that helped him win at Quail Hollow two weeks ago. "It was great to get a win, but I'm thinking way beyond that," he said. "When you think that way, something like that just happens to fall into your lap. It's almost like the less you try, the more things sort of go your way."

McIlroy energized and confident in PGA return to Kiawah

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh has already warned rising young stars against rich offers from upstart Super League Golf, pitching career-building versus a quick money grab.

Waugh said Tuesday his pitch to stay with the PGA Tour format is a simple warning about short-term profits and long-term benefits.

"Particularly for younger players that are going to have a 20-year career out here, I just don't think they're going to be better off in that format than they already are," Waugh said Tuesday.

"I've talked to a bunch of them. You look them in the eye and just say, 'Be careful what you wish for,' because short-term gain feels good for a little while, but long-term gain is what makes lives."

US and European reports have the fledgling group backed by Saudi Arabia interests and pitching a global circuit with players competing in team and solo formats and contract offers from $30 million to $50 million.

Golf Channel reported that representatives from Super League had plans to meet with a few managers of some of golf's top players on Tuesday at Kiawah Island, revealing no names of anyone involved.

Waugh said people should be "very mindful" about the source of the hefty guaranteed paychecks as well as the potential loss of playing in PGA Tour, major and Ryder Cup events for those who join the Super League.

"Money is money, right, and so money needs to have a return and have all those things that are associated with it, but some money is better than other money," he said.

"If the only weapon you have is money, that's what you're going to lead with. I think that's what's going on."

Waugh warned that even past PGA Championship winners, such as 50-year-old Phil Mickelson -- a reported Super League target, would find themselves out of future PGAs and Ryder Cups should they make the jump and lose PGA membership.

Waugh said he didn't see any major problems with the PGA Tour, which started a bonus system for players based upon fame as a way to combat Super League moves.

"I don't think anything is hugely broken, so I'm not sure what the solve is for totally, other than an outside body trying to disrupt and get into the game in a way that I don't think is in the best long-term interest of the game," Waugh said.

"Our view is that the ecosystem of the game works very well. It has never worked better."

US and European tours have tightened their partnership in response to opening moves to establish the Super League.

"Should it be a hostile takeover of the game I think is way too far," Waugh said. "They've created this conversation... change is happening and I think it's healthy change. Is it enough? I'm not sure yet.

"The game is not in crisis. I think the players have never been better served than they are right now."

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh has already warned rising young stars against rich offers from upstart Super League Golf, pitching career-building versus a quick money grab.

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh has already warned rising young stars against rich offers from upstart Super League Golf, pitching career-building versus a quick money grab. Waugh said Tuesday his pitch to stay with the PGA Tour format is a simple warning about short-term profits and long-term benefits. "Particularly for younger players that are going to have a 20-year career out here, I just don't think they're going to be better off in that format than they already are," Waugh said Tuesday. "I've talked to a bunch of them. You look them in the eye and just say, 'Be careful what you wish for,' because short-term gain feels good for a little while, but long-term gain is what makes lives." US and European reports have the fledgling group backed by Saudi Arabia interests and pitching a global circuit with players competing in team and solo formats and contract offers from $30 million to $50 million. Golf Channel reported that representatives from Super League had plans to meet with a few managers of some of golf's top players on Tuesday at Kiawah Island, revealing no names of anyone involved. Waugh said people should be "very mindful" about the source of the hefty guaranteed paychecks as well as the potential loss of playing in PGA Tour, major and Ryder Cup events for those who join the Super League. "Money is money, right, and so money needs to have a return and have all those things that are associated with it, but some money is better than other money," he said. "If the only weapon you have is money, that's what you're going to lead with. I think that's what's going on." Waugh warned that even past PGA Championship winners, such as 50-year-old Phil Mickelson -- a reported Super League target, would find themselves out of future PGAs and Ryder Cups should they make the jump and lose PGA membership. Waugh said he didn't see any major problems with the PGA Tour, which started a bonus system for players based upon fame as a way to combat Super League moves. "I don't think anything is hugely broken, so I'm not sure what the solve is for totally, other than an outside body trying to disrupt and get into the game in a way that I don't think is in the best long-term interest of the game," Waugh said. "Our view is that the ecosystem of the game works very well. It has never worked better." US and European tours have tightened their partnership in response to opening moves to establish the Super League. "Should it be a hostile takeover of the game I think is way too far," Waugh said. "They've created this conversation... change is happening and I think it's healthy change. Is it enough? I'm not sure yet. "The game is not in crisis. I think the players have never been better served than they are right now."

PGA boss: 'Be careful what you wish for' with Super League

Englishman Lee Westwood was crowned Europe`s number one golfer for the third time in his career with a second-placed finish on Sunday behind compatriot Matthew Fitzpatrick, who won the European Tour`s season-ending DP World Tour Championship. 
 
Westwood won the Harry Vardon Trophy again 20 years after he first lifted it, with a steady final-round 68 at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai to go 14-under for the tournament and finish one stroke behind Fitzpatrick, who took home $3 million for his victory. 
 
Westwood won $2 million for finishing at the top of the Race to Dubai leaderboard, while overnight co-leader Patrick Reed lost the chance to become the first American to claim the honour as he ended tied in third place with Viktor Hovland at 13-under. 
 
"It`s been a bizarre season... The European Tour have done an incredible job to pick the season up again from July and have tournaments on every week," Westwood, who made five birdies and had one bogey, said. 
 
"The culmination of it all here, it was a great finish, sat there watching it. Thrills and spills, the Race to Dubai up for grabs and the tournament up for grabs. 
 
"It`s been 20 years since I sat there at Valderrama, to win the Order of Merit as it was then. It`s not getting any easier, I`m not getting any younger." 
 
Westwood said he would love to play in the Ryder Cup again, with the event pushed to next year due to the COVID-19 crisis. 
 
"At some point I`m hoping the captaincy is going to be offered," Westwood added. "I`ve played 10 Ryder Cups, at certain times you have to move into different chapters of your life. If I did qualify, I would give it my all and be ready for it." 
 
Fitzpatrick, who had a share of the lead before the final round, began with birdies on the opening four holes and added a further gain before the turn and finished steadily to seal his first Rolex Series win.

Englishman Lee Westwood was crowned Europe`s number one golfer for the third time in his career with a second-placed finish on Sunday behind compatriot Matthew Fitzpatrick, who won the European Tour`s season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

Englishman Lee Westwood was crowned Europe`s number one golfer for the third time in his career with a second-placed finish on Sunday behind compatriot Matthew Fitzpatrick, who won the European Tour`s season-ending DP World Tour Championship. Westwood won the Harry Vardon Trophy again 20 years after he first lifted it, with a steady final-round 68 at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai to go 14-under for the tournament and finish one stroke behind Fitzpatrick, who took home $3 million for his victory. Westwood won $2 million for finishing at the top of the Race to Dubai leaderboard, while overnight co-leader Patrick Reed lost the chance to become the first American to claim the honour as he ended tied in third place with Viktor Hovland at 13-under. "It`s been a bizarre season... The European Tour have done an incredible job to pick the season up again from July and have tournaments on every week," Westwood, who made five birdies and had one bogey, said. "The culmination of it all here, it was a great finish, sat there watching it. Thrills and spills, the Race to Dubai up for grabs and the tournament up for grabs. "It`s been 20 years since I sat there at Valderrama, to win the Order of Merit as it was then. It`s not getting any easier, I`m not getting any younger." Westwood said he would love to play in the Ryder Cup again, with the event pushed to next year due to the COVID-19 crisis. "At some point I`m hoping the captaincy is going to be offered," Westwood added. "I`ve played 10 Ryder Cups, at certain times you have to move into different chapters of your life. If I did qualify, I would give it my all and be ready for it." Fitzpatrick, who had a share of the lead before the final round, began with birdies on the opening four holes and added a further gain before the turn and finished steadily to seal his first Rolex Series win.

Westwood crowned European number one, Fitzpatrick wins in Dubai

Robert Streb overcame gusting winds to fire a spotless nine-under 63 to grab a two stroke lead after the second round of the RSM Classic on Friday.

The 33-year-old American, who is gunning for his second win on the PGA Tour, birdied nine holes including his last two to sit 14-under par heading into the weekend, with overnight co-leader Camilo Villegas of Columbia lurking two back.

Streb tied his career-low round on the Plantation Course on Friday and even though the last four winners of the tournament have held the 36-hole lead, he said he did not want to get ahead of himself.

"I don't want to be the one that breaks the streak," he said.

"There's still a lot of golf left, still got to go play and we'll see what happens."

Four-time PGA Tour winner Villegas hit a daring approach shot on his final hole and then coolly converted an eagle putt to follow up his opening round 64 with a solid 66.

"I got a little lucky to be honest," he said of his eagle on the par-five 18th.

"I pushed my drive, it bounced on the cart path. I only had a nine iron so I was able to be a little more aggressive to the pin."

Bronson Burgoon jumped up the leaderboard behind a bogey-free 63 and is three strokes off the lead alongside fellow American Patton Kizzire.

Burgoon has seen disappointing results recently but said the adjustments he made to his game are starting to pay off.

"It's been a struggle for a while," he said.

"I made some changes that I felt like I needed to make to be able to compete out here.

"So for the last six, seven months it's been pretty frustrating, but I'm working towards something and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year and next year."

Robert Streb overcame gusting winds to fire a spotless nine-under 63 to grab a two stroke lead after the second round of the RSM Classic on Friday. The 33-year-old American, who is gunning for his second win on the PGA Tour, birdied nine holes including his last two to sit 14-under par heading into the weekend, with overnight co-leader Camilo Villegas of Columbia lurking two back.

Robert Streb overcame gusting winds to fire a spotless nine-under 63 to grab a two stroke lead after the second round of the RSM Classic on Friday. The 33-year-old American, who is gunning for his second win on the PGA Tour, birdied nine holes including his last two to sit 14-under par heading into the weekend, with overnight co-leader Camilo Villegas of Columbia lurking two back. Streb tied his career-low round on the Plantation Course on Friday and even though the last four winners of the tournament have held the 36-hole lead, he said he did not want to get ahead of himself. "I don't want to be the one that breaks the streak," he said. "There's still a lot of golf left, still got to go play and we'll see what happens." Four-time PGA Tour winner Villegas hit a daring approach shot on his final hole and then coolly converted an eagle putt to follow up his opening round 64 with a solid 66. "I got a little lucky to be honest," he said of his eagle on the par-five 18th. "I pushed my drive, it bounced on the cart path. I only had a nine iron so I was able to be a little more aggressive to the pin." Bronson Burgoon jumped up the leaderboard behind a bogey-free 63 and is three strokes off the lead alongside fellow American Patton Kizzire. Burgoon has seen disappointing results recently but said the adjustments he made to his game are starting to pay off. "It's been a struggle for a while," he said. "I made some changes that I felt like I needed to make to be able to compete out here. "So for the last six, seven months it's been pretty frustrating, but I'm working towards something and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year and next year."

American golfer Robert Streb grabs second round lead at RSM Classic

Three players who continue to test positive for COVID-19 teed off together in Thursday's opening round of the US PGA Workday Charity Open under "clarified" rules for symptomatic participation.

South Africa's&nbsp;Dylan Frittelli and Americans Denny McCarthy and Nick Watney began with pars at the 10th hole at Muirfield Village in their morning start after having limited access to facilities at the Ohio, layout.

The PGA Tour protocol guidelines involve players and caddies who meet the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) "Return to Work" guidelines after consultation with infectious disease experts and PGA medical advisor Dr. Tom Hospel.

Those allow condition returns to competition for players and caddies who continue to test positive for coronavirus if at least 10 days have passed since the symptoms first appeared and 72 hours have passed since fever has disappeared and issues such as cough and shortness of breath have improved.

"In the beginning stages of the illness, that virus is assumed to be active virus that can cause infection, can be contagious," Hospel said.

"As time passes and as symptoms resolve (the) theory is that this virus, this particle that has being detected... is no longer active or contagious.

"What we've learned along the way is that in some instances, individuals can continue to test positive for weeks if not months beyond when their illness started, and the thought is that those individuals are no longer contagious."

A 10-day isolation was required for those testing positive but under July 1 revisions, an infected player or caddie can return if there are no symptoms displayed once two negative tests are taken at least 24 hours apart.

The CDC and experts say tests used by the tour show the possibility of detecting virus even after infectious aspect of it is gone and a person is no longer contagious.

The PGA decided players and caddies who meet that criteria will be grouped together or play alone and have no access to indoor facilities "out of an abundance of caution."

"They have complied with the guidance from the CDC, they have met the medical requirements for isolation, and with respect to the opinions of our medical advisors, including infectious disease experts and the CDC, they're clear to play," PGA Tour vice president for administration Andy Levinson said.

Three players who continue to test positive for COVID-19 teed off together in Thursday's opening round of the US PGA Workday Charity Open under "clarified" rules for symptomatic participation.

Three players who continue to test positive for COVID-19 teed off together in Thursday's opening round of the US PGA Workday Charity Open under "clarified" rules for symptomatic participation. South Africa's Dylan Frittelli and Americans Denny McCarthy and Nick Watney began with pars at the 10th hole at Muirfield Village in their morning start after having limited access to facilities at the Ohio, layout. The PGA Tour protocol guidelines involve players and caddies who meet the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) "Return to Work" guidelines after consultation with infectious disease experts and PGA medical advisor Dr. Tom Hospel. Those allow condition returns to competition for players and caddies who continue to test positive for coronavirus if at least 10 days have passed since the symptoms first appeared and 72 hours have passed since fever has disappeared and issues such as cough and shortness of breath have improved. "In the beginning stages of the illness, that virus is assumed to be active virus that can cause infection, can be contagious," Hospel said. "As time passes and as symptoms resolve (the) theory is that this virus, this particle that has being detected... is no longer active or contagious. "What we've learned along the way is that in some instances, individuals can continue to test positive for weeks if not months beyond when their illness started, and the thought is that those individuals are no longer contagious." A 10-day isolation was required for those testing positive but under July 1 revisions, an infected player or caddie can return if there are no symptoms displayed once two negative tests are taken at least 24 hours apart. The CDC and experts say tests used by the tour show the possibility of detecting virus even after infectious aspect of it is gone and a person is no longer contagious. The PGA decided players and caddies who meet that criteria will be grouped together or play alone and have no access to indoor facilities "out of an abundance of caution." "They have complied with the guidance from the CDC, they have met the medical requirements for isolation, and with respect to the opinions of our medical advisors, including infectious disease experts and the CDC, they're clear to play," PGA Tour vice president for administration Andy Levinson said.

Three COVID-positive players tee off together at PGA event

Golfers based outside the United States will face a 14-day quarantine before they are able to compete on the US PGA Tour when the circuit resumes play next month, tour officials said Wednesday.

Britain's Matthew Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood and Italy's Francesco Molinari are among around 25 golfers who would need to move quickly to arrive in time for the US PGA's planned June 11 return at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas.

Despite moves by the tour to help players and caddies based outside US borders return for events, the 14-day quarantine will be in force and those coming over from Britain would face another two-week isolation when they return across the Atlantic Ocean.

"We're working with the federal government to facilitate the return of players and caddies who are currently residing outside of the United States, and we're optimistic that's going to occur," said Andy Levinson, tour vice president of tournament administration.

"We're optimistic we'll be able to facilitate their return prior to our return to competition."

Helping players return doesn't mean the players could escape two weeks of quarantine, however, as a protective measure due to the coronavirus pandemic that shut down most sports, including the US PGA Tour, in March.

"That is currently in place, and it is likely to continue, so it's imperative that those constituents that we have that need to come back in the United States do so at least two weeks prior to our return to competition," Levinson said.

It's uncertain how many of the 25 players Levinson said are outside US borders would even want to return for events given the isolation required.

The tour outlined its coronavirus safety rules for its return, with at least the first four events to be played without spectators.

Coronavirus testing and daily temperature taking will be part of plan, devised in consultation with medical experts and government leaders in tournament host sites.

Nasal swab tests for the deadly virus would start when players and caddies perform a pre-travel screening test. They would be tested again when they arrive at event lodging.

When they arrive at the course each day, players and caddies will face health questions and thermometer readings before they can enter.

If a player's temperature is above 100.4 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius)&nbsp;on any day, he will be given a coronavirus test.

With up to two days needed for results, golfers will be able to only practice and play -- observing social distancing protocols -- while awaiting results. They would be banned from other course facilities.

Any player who tests positive for the virus must immediately quarantine for at least 10 days. If a player tests positive after making the 36-hole cut, he will be paid last-place prize money.

Medical privacy laws prohibit virus test results being made public, but players withdrawing for unknown reasons will come under scrutiny for such a situation.

And contact tracing will be used to try and contain any other possible positive tests.

"We're not going to play if we can't do it in a safe and healthy environment," PGA Tour chief of operations Tyler Dennis said.

The John Deere Classic at Sylvis, Illinois, on July 9-12 is the first possible event on a revamped US PGA schedule that could be open to fans.

<h2>- No handshakes allowed -</h2>

PGA staff, including rules and scoring officials, security, select clubhouse, tournament and volunteer staff, trainers and coaches will be permitted at the event. No family members will be allowed on site.

The tour will provide face masks and disinfectant wipes and cover test costs for players, caddies and essential staff.

Players will retrieve golf balls from holes and are urged to remove and replace their own clubs from the bag.

Caddies can rake bunkers and tend flagsticks but must use sanitary wipes on the equipment after doing so.

And there will be no handshakes after the round. Courses will be roped off for safety reasons even without spectators.

A player and caddie would share a cart back to the clubhouse if players are pulled off the course due to bad weather approaching.

A tour-hired charter flight will carry players and caddies between tournaments, but they have virus tests within 24 hours of departure. Only those who test negative can board the plane.

Golfers based outside the United States will face a 14-day quarantine before they are able to compete on the US PGA Tour when the circuit resumes play next month, tour officials said Wednesday.

Golfers based outside the United States will face a 14-day quarantine before they are able to compete on the US PGA Tour when the circuit resumes play next month, tour officials said Wednesday. Britain's Matthew Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood and Italy's Francesco Molinari are among around 25 golfers who would need to move quickly to arrive in time for the US PGA's planned June 11 return at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite moves by the tour to help players and caddies based outside US borders return for events, the 14-day quarantine will be in force and those coming over from Britain would face another two-week isolation when they return across the Atlantic Ocean. "We're working with the federal government to facilitate the return of players and caddies who are currently residing outside of the United States, and we're optimistic that's going to occur," said Andy Levinson, tour vice president of tournament administration. "We're optimistic we'll be able to facilitate their return prior to our return to competition." Helping players return doesn't mean the players could escape two weeks of quarantine, however, as a protective measure due to the coronavirus pandemic that shut down most sports, including the US PGA Tour, in March. "That is currently in place, and it is likely to continue, so it's imperative that those constituents that we have that need to come back in the United States do so at least two weeks prior to our return to competition," Levinson said. It's uncertain how many of the 25 players Levinson said are outside US borders would even want to return for events given the isolation required. The tour outlined its coronavirus safety rules for its return, with at least the first four events to be played without spectators. Coronavirus testing and daily temperature taking will be part of plan, devised in consultation with medical experts and government leaders in tournament host sites. Nasal swab tests for the deadly virus would start when players and caddies perform a pre-travel screening test. They would be tested again when they arrive at event lodging. When they arrive at the course each day, players and caddies will face health questions and thermometer readings before they can enter. If a player's temperature is above 100.4 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) on any day, he will be given a coronavirus test. With up to two days needed for results, golfers will be able to only practice and play -- observing social distancing protocols -- while awaiting results. They would be banned from other course facilities. Any player who tests positive for the virus must immediately quarantine for at least 10 days. If a player tests positive after making the 36-hole cut, he will be paid last-place prize money. Medical privacy laws prohibit virus test results being made public, but players withdrawing for unknown reasons will come under scrutiny for such a situation. And contact tracing will be used to try and contain any other possible positive tests. "We're not going to play if we can't do it in a safe and healthy environment," PGA Tour chief of operations Tyler Dennis said. The John Deere Classic at Sylvis, Illinois, on July 9-12 is the first possible event on a revamped US PGA schedule that could be open to fans. - No handshakes allowed - PGA staff, including rules and scoring officials, security, select clubhouse, tournament and volunteer staff, trainers and coaches will be permitted at the event. No family members will be allowed on site. The tour will provide face masks and disinfectant wipes and cover test costs for players, caddies and essential staff. Players will retrieve golf balls from holes and are urged to remove and replace their own clubs from the bag. Caddies can rake bunkers and tend flagsticks but must use sanitary wipes on the equipment after doing so. And there will be no handshakes after the round. Courses will be roped off for safety reasons even without spectators. A player and caddie would share a cart back to the clubhouse if players are pulled off the course due to bad weather approaching. A tour-hired charter flight will carry players and caddies between tournaments, but they have virus tests within 24 hours of departure. Only those who test negative can board the plane.

Up to 25 golfers face 14-day quarantine before US PGA return

The PGA Tour is changing its qualification guidelines for next season by allowing more golfers to retain their eligibility status even if they had an off season in 2019-20.

Normally golfers who don't finish in the top 125 of the FedEx Cup standings will lose their PGA spots for the next season.

But because of the shortening of the 2019-20 season due to the Covid-19 outbreak, organizers are now allowing exempt players to retain their playing status for 2020-21 regardless of where they finish.

The Tour has revised its schedule and is due to resume play on June 11 with an invitational event in Fort Worth, Texas.

"This eligibility update, contingent upon the planned restart of the season at the Charles Schwab Challenge the week of June 8, was deemed the best and most equitable solution for the membership," a Tour spokesman said in a news release on Thursday.

The Tour also decided to not have the top players from the development Korn Ferry Tour earn promotions to the PGA. Their positions will be filled by players who fell from the top 125.

Also, eligibility for the Tournament of Champions, normally limited to event winners from the prior year, will be altered for next year.

In addition to all 2020 winners, non-winners who finish in the top 30 of the FedEx Cup playoff points list and who qualified for the 2020 Tour Championship will be able to compete in the Tournament of Champions.

The PGA Tour is changing its qualification guidelines for next season by allowing more golfers to retain their eligibility status even if they had an off season in 2019-20.

The PGA Tour is changing its qualification guidelines for next season by allowing more golfers to retain their eligibility status even if they had an off season in 2019-20. Normally golfers who don't finish in the top 125 of the FedEx Cup standings will lose their PGA spots for the next season. But because of the shortening of the 2019-20 season due to the Covid-19 outbreak, organizers are now allowing exempt players to retain their playing status for 2020-21 regardless of where they finish. The Tour has revised its schedule and is due to resume play on June 11 with an invitational event in Fort Worth, Texas. "This eligibility update, contingent upon the planned restart of the season at the Charles Schwab Challenge the week of June 8, was deemed the best and most equitable solution for the membership," a Tour spokesman said in a news release on Thursday. The Tour also decided to not have the top players from the development Korn Ferry Tour earn promotions to the PGA. Their positions will be filled by players who fell from the top 125. Also, eligibility for the Tournament of Champions, normally limited to event winners from the prior year, will be altered for next year. In addition to all 2020 winners, non-winners who finish in the top 30 of the FedEx Cup playoff points list and who qualified for the 2020 Tour Championship will be able to compete in the Tournament of Champions.

PGA alters playing status guidelines due to coronavirus

The top US health and infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci suggested sports being played in empty stadium in a bid to repoen professional tournaments in America.

"There's a way of doing that," Fauci said, in a US Snapchat show "Good Luck America", adding, "Nobody comes to the stadiums. Put (athletes) in big hotels, wherever you want to play".&nbsp;

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"Keep them very well-surveilled, but have them tested like every week and make sure they don't wind up infecting each other or their families, and just let them play the season out," Fauci added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-likely-passed-the-peak-of-coronavirus-cases-292764">Trump says US likely 'passed the peak' of coronavirus cases</a>

He also said reliable antibody testing and fast results are key for the return of sports.&nbsp;

The US is the worst-affected country with the novel coronavirus that has killed over 28,000 and infected more than 600,000 others.&nbsp;

The NBA is also considering a model similar to one suggested by Fauci for getting their season restatrted either in the Bahamas or Las Vegas.&nbsp;

On March 11, the NBA&nbsp;was shut down after Utah center got infected with the virus, and National Hockey League, Major League Soccer and the PGA Tour quickly took cue from it and followed a similar action.&nbsp;

Reports suggest the PGA is mulling over a return on June 11 without the presence of any fans, starting with the Texas Open, which was original scheduled from May 21-24.&nbsp;

However, New York mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday spoke against the idea of restarting large-scale sporting events and concerts.&nbsp;

"Those big events should be one of the last things we should bring back online. The last thing we should do is gather 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 people in one place," the governor told CNN.&nbsp;

"That is the opposite of social distancing, so I think it could take quite a while."

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Monday said California city might not hold high-profile events before 2021.&nbsp;

The top US health and infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci suggested sports being played in empty stadium in a bid to repoen professional tournaments in America.

The top US health and infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci suggested sports being played in empty stadium in a bid to repoen professional tournaments in America. "There's a way of doing that," Fauci said, in a US Snapchat show "Good Luck America", adding, "Nobody comes to the stadiums. Put (athletes) in big hotels, wherever you want to play". Also read | US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours "Keep them very well-surveilled, but have them tested like every week and make sure they don't wind up infecting each other or their families, and just let them play the season out," Fauci added. Also read | Trump says US likely 'passed the peak' of coronavirus cases He also said reliable antibody testing and fast results are key for the return of sports. The US is the worst-affected country with the novel coronavirus that has killed over 28,000 and infected more than 600,000 others. The NBA is also considering a model similar to one suggested by Fauci for getting their season restatrted either in the Bahamas or Las Vegas. On March 11, the NBA was shut down after Utah center got infected with the virus, and National Hockey League, Major League Soccer and the PGA Tour quickly took cue from it and followed a similar action. Reports suggest the PGA is mulling over a return on June 11 without the presence of any fans, starting with the Texas Open, which was original scheduled from May 21-24. However, New York mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday spoke against the idea of restarting large-scale sporting events and concerts. "Those big events should be one of the last things we should bring back online. The last thing we should do is gather 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 people in one place," the governor told CNN. "That is the opposite of social distancing, so I think it could take quite a while." Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Monday said California city might not hold high-profile events before 2021.

Top US health expert Anthony Fauci says 'empty stadiums' a way to restart sporting activities

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco.

Waugh, in an interview on SiriusXM radio, said the first option would be to play the tournament as currently scheduled at Harding Park.

A second option would be to hold the first major championship of the year there but without spectators and a potential third option would be to move it to another location should play in California prove impossible.

The tournament has already been postponed from May as the coronavirus pandemic up-ended the golfing calendar along with the rest of the sports world.

Under the revamped plans agreed by golf's governing bodies, the US PGA Championship in August would be followed by the US Open in September and the Masters at Augusta National in November. The British Open has been cancelled.

"The plan is to do it as normally as possible, with fans, obviously, and have a fairly normal PGA Championship at Harding Park," Waugh said.

"If the safest way, and/or the only way to do it is without fans, we're fully prepared to do that. We believe that having it as a television event is worth doing regardless of whether there's fans there or not.

"Obviously, that'll change the experience, but we think the world is starved for some entertainment, and particularly in sports."

California Governor Gavin Newsom said this month that he does not anticipate having crowds at sporting events in the state this year.

Waugh said that if California or San Francisco City authorities decide the tournament can't be held at Harding Park, the PGA could try to find an alternate venue.

"It makes it simpler if there aren't any fans to think about things like that," he said. "We don't certainly have a plan C right now, but we'd be prepared to think about that if that became a possibility.

"We're going to do everything we can to play the PGA Championship this year."&nbsp;

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco.

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco. Waugh, in an interview on SiriusXM radio, said the first option would be to play the tournament as currently scheduled at Harding Park. A second option would be to hold the first major championship of the year there but without spectators and a potential third option would be to move it to another location should play in California prove impossible. The tournament has already been postponed from May as the coronavirus pandemic up-ended the golfing calendar along with the rest of the sports world. Under the revamped plans agreed by golf's governing bodies, the US PGA Championship in August would be followed by the US Open in September and the Masters at Augusta National in November. The British Open has been cancelled. "The plan is to do it as normally as possible, with fans, obviously, and have a fairly normal PGA Championship at Harding Park," Waugh said. "If the safest way, and/or the only way to do it is without fans, we're fully prepared to do that. We believe that having it as a television event is worth doing regardless of whether there's fans there or not. "Obviously, that'll change the experience, but we think the world is starved for some entertainment, and particularly in sports." California Governor Gavin Newsom said this month that he does not anticipate having crowds at sporting events in the state this year. Waugh said that if California or San Francisco City authorities decide the tournament can't be held at Harding Park, the PGA could try to find an alternate venue. "It makes it simpler if there aren't any fans to think about things like that," he said. "We don't certainly have a plan C right now, but we'd be prepared to think about that if that became a possibility. "We're going to do everything we can to play the PGA Championship this year."

Officials 'fully prepared' for PGA Championship without fans

Sporting events that fell victim to coronavirus!

The second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan was washed out on Friday because of persistent rain, tournament organisers announced.

The round is now scheduled to start on Saturday at 6.30 a.m. local time, weather permitting.

Tiger Woods posted his best score in over a year with a six-under-par 64 in Thursday's opening round and shares the lead with fellow American Gary Woodland to stand one shot in front of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama.

Officials hope to squeeze in as much play as possible on Saturday, including at least half of the third round.

All being well, the round will resume early on Sunday, and finish in time for the final round to begin mid-morning.

Officials still hope for a Sunday afternoon finish, although that will only be possible if there are no further delays. That remained an open question given the rain that continued to fall throughout Friday morning.

"The golf course has already reached the point of saturation and it's become unplayable," said rules official Gary Young.

"With more rain in the forecast and three to five inches of rain for the day (75-125mm), we thought the right decision was to call play for the day."

Young said play would be extended into Monday if that became necessary to complete 72 holes.

The Zozo Championship is the first official-money PGA Tour event in Japan.

Thursday's first-round was played in front of sellout galleries starved of a chance to see Woods and other top players on a regular basis.

The second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan was washed out on Friday because of persistent rain, tournament organisers announced. The round is now scheduled to start on Saturday at 6.

The second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan was washed out on Friday because of persistent rain, tournament organisers announced. The round is now scheduled to start on Saturday at 6.30 a.m. local time, weather permitting. Tiger Woods posted his best score in over a year with a six-under-par 64 in Thursday's opening round and shares the lead with fellow American Gary Woodland to stand one shot in front of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama. Officials hope to squeeze in as much play as possible on Saturday, including at least half of the third round. All being well, the round will resume early on Sunday, and finish in time for the final round to begin mid-morning. Officials still hope for a Sunday afternoon finish, although that will only be possible if there are no further delays. That remained an open question given the rain that continued to fall throughout Friday morning. "The golf course has already reached the point of saturation and it's become unplayable," said rules official Gary Young. "With more rain in the forecast and three to five inches of rain for the day (75-125mm), we thought the right decision was to call play for the day." Young said play would be extended into Monday if that became necessary to complete 72 holes. The Zozo Championship is the first official-money PGA Tour event in Japan. Thursday's first-round was played in front of sellout galleries starved of a chance to see Woods and other top players on a regular basis.

Golf: Zozo Championship second round washed out on Friday

Rory McIlroy fired a four-under-par 66 to win the PGA Tour Championship and claim the $15 million FedEx Cup jackpot on Sunday.

Northern Ireland star McIlroy won the two titles for the second time following his win in 2016 after world number one Brooks Koepka suffered a final-round collapse at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Course.

McIlroy finished the tournament on 18 under, four shots clear of Xander Schauffele, who posted a closing 70 to finish on 14 under.

McIlroy joins Tiger Woods as the only player to win the FedEx Cup playoff series twice.

For McIlroy it was sweet redemption following a disappointing showing in last year's Tour Championship, when he faded from contention with an error-strewn four-over-par 74 in the final round as Woods clinched a memorable victory.

"I didn't enjoy the walk up 18 last year. I played terribly, got myself into the final group, but I never took the fight to Tiger," McIlroy said.&nbsp;

"Going up against the No. 1 player in the world today (Koepka), he got one over on me in Memphis and I wanted to get some revenge today.&nbsp;

"To play like that alongside Brooks and get the win and win the FedEx Cup, it's awesome. It's amazing how different things can be in a year."

McIlroy, playing alongside Koepka in the final pairing, had started the final round one shot behind his partner.

Koepka had taken the lead earlier Sunday after the players returned to the course to complete the third round, which had been abandoned on Saturday after an electrical storm that injured six spectators.

Koepka finished the third round with a closing birdie for a two-under-par 68, edging one shot clear of McIlroy and Xander Schauffele at 15 under.

But Koepka's third round momentum didn't extend to the final.

After matching McIlroy with an early birdie on the sixth, the American's form deserted him with a double-bogey on the seventh while McIlroy snared his second birdie.

Although Koepka picked up a shot with a birdie on the eighth, a trio of bogeys on the 12th, 13th and 14th holes effectively ended his challenge.

McIlroy, who had birdied the 12th and 13th holes to move to four under for the day, gave the chasing pack hope after wobbling with bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes.

However, McIlroy gathered himself brilliantly on the 17th, rolling in a 15ft birdie putt before going on to reach the greenside bunker in two on the par-five 18th.

He made no mistake with his birdie putt to finish with a flourish.

Koepka meanwhile had to settle for a share of third place, his two-over-par 72 leaving him alongside Justin Thomas on 13 under.

England's Paul Casey was fifth on nine under after his final round 72, while Australia's Adam Scott took sixth place on eight under after his four-under-par 66.

This year's PGA Tour Championship was played under a revamped "staggered start" format in which players had been spotted strokes based on their position in the playoff standings.

Thomas had started the tournament with a score of 10 under, two ahead of Patrick Cantlay on eight under and three clear of Koepka, who began on seven under.

McIlroy meanwhile started five shots off the lead on five under.

Rory McIlroy fired a four-under-par 66 to win the PGA Tour Championship and claim the $15 million FedEx Cup jackpot on Sunday. Northern Ireland star McIlroy won the two titles for the second time following his win in 2016 after world number one Brooks Koepka suffered a final-round collapse at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Course.

Rory McIlroy fired a four-under-par 66 to win the PGA Tour Championship and claim the $15 million FedEx Cup jackpot on Sunday. Northern Ireland star McIlroy won the two titles for the second time following his win in 2016 after world number one Brooks Koepka suffered a final-round collapse at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Course. McIlroy finished the tournament on 18 under, four shots clear of Xander Schauffele, who posted a closing 70 to finish on 14 under. McIlroy joins Tiger Woods as the only player to win the FedEx Cup playoff series twice. For McIlroy it was sweet redemption following a disappointing showing in last year's Tour Championship, when he faded from contention with an error-strewn four-over-par 74 in the final round as Woods clinched a memorable victory. "I didn't enjoy the walk up 18 last year. I played terribly, got myself into the final group, but I never took the fight to Tiger," McIlroy said. "Going up against the No. 1 player in the world today (Koepka), he got one over on me in Memphis and I wanted to get some revenge today. "To play like that alongside Brooks and get the win and win the FedEx Cup, it's awesome. It's amazing how different things can be in a year." McIlroy, playing alongside Koepka in the final pairing, had started the final round one shot behind his partner. Koepka had taken the lead earlier Sunday after the players returned to the course to complete the third round, which had been abandoned on Saturday after an electrical storm that injured six spectators. Koepka finished the third round with a closing birdie for a two-under-par 68, edging one shot clear of McIlroy and Xander Schauffele at 15 under. But Koepka's third round momentum didn't extend to the final. After matching McIlroy with an early birdie on the sixth, the American's form deserted him with a double-bogey on the seventh while McIlroy snared his second birdie. Although Koepka picked up a shot with a birdie on the eighth, a trio of bogeys on the 12th, 13th and 14th holes effectively ended his challenge. McIlroy, who had birdied the 12th and 13th holes to move to four under for the day, gave the chasing pack hope after wobbling with bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes. However, McIlroy gathered himself brilliantly on the 17th, rolling in a 15ft birdie putt before going on to reach the greenside bunker in two on the par-five 18th. He made no mistake with his birdie putt to finish with a flourish. Koepka meanwhile had to settle for a share of third place, his two-over-par 72 leaving him alongside Justin Thomas on 13 under. England's Paul Casey was fifth on nine under after his final round 72, while Australia's Adam Scott took sixth place on eight under after his four-under-par 66. This year's PGA Tour Championship was played under a revamped "staggered start" format in which players had been spotted strokes based on their position in the playoff standings. Thomas had started the tournament with a score of 10 under, two ahead of Patrick Cantlay on eight under and three clear of Koepka, who began on seven under. McIlroy meanwhile started five shots off the lead on five under.

Rory McIlroy wins PGA Tour Championship to claim FedEx Cup

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said.

Woods, who bagged a dramatic 15th major title at the Masters last month, was brought back down to earth with a bump last week after missing the cut at the US PGA Championship.

The tournament at Bethpage Black was the first competitive golf Woods had played since his emotional victory at Augusta -- his first major title in 11 years -- and the American said he had not practised enough leading into the tournament.

"Just don't feel well and just not able to do it. But resting would be better, so I would have energy to play," he said.

However, he expressed optimism that he could rediscover his best form.

"There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up," he added.&nbsp;

"I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens. We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again."

Woods has added the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio to his schedule in order to get more rounds in ahead of the US Open, which is being held between June 13-16 at Pebble Beach in California.

The 43 -year-old will be making his 17th appearance the invitational tournament hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

He most recently won the event in 2012, when he chipped in for birdie on the event's 70th hole to claim his 73rd PGA Tour victory.

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said.

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said. Woods, who bagged a dramatic 15th major title at the Masters last month, was brought back down to earth with a bump last week after missing the cut at the US PGA Championship. The tournament at Bethpage Black was the first competitive golf Woods had played since his emotional victory at Augusta -- his first major title in 11 years -- and the American said he had not practised enough leading into the tournament. "Just don't feel well and just not able to do it. But resting would be better, so I would have energy to play," he said. However, he expressed optimism that he could rediscover his best form. "There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up," he added. "I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens. We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again." Woods has added the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio to his schedule in order to get more rounds in ahead of the US Open, which is being held between June 13-16 at Pebble Beach in California. The 43 -year-old will be making his 17th appearance the invitational tournament hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club. He most recently won the event in 2012, when he chipped in for birdie on the event's 70th hole to claim his 73rd PGA Tour victory.

Tiger Woods to play Memorial ahead of US Open

A coronation almost turned into a calamity but Brooks Koepka survived to win the PGA Championship for a second consecutive year on Sunday and establish himself as golf's new top dog.

The American, who had held a seven-stroke lead at the start of the final round, almost lost control of the title when he made four successive bogeys from the 11th hole before staving off Dustin Johnson for a two-stroke victory at Bethpage Black.

Koepka shot a four-over-par 74 to finish at eight-under 272 and captured his fourth major title in his last eight starts in grand slam events.

Johnson (69) was second on six-under, with Americans Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay and Britain's Matt Wallace four strokes further back tied for third.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Final leaderboard from the PGA Championship: 
 
-8 <a href="https://twitter.com/BKoepka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKoepka</a> 🏆 
-7 
-6 <a href="https://twitter.com/DJohnsonPGA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJohnsonPGA</a> 
-5 
-4 
-3 
-2 <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanSpieth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JordanSpieth</a>, Patrick Cantlay, <a href="https://twitter.com/mattsjwallace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MattSJWallace</a> 
-1 Luke List 
E Sung Kang 
 
Full scores: <a href="https://t.co/xYdhELrcLf">https://t.co/xYdhELrcLf</a> <a href="https://t.co/qW44Xk8LFU">pic.twitter.com/qW44Xk8LFU</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1130260508974768128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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What had seemed for much of the tournament to be a coronation almost became a calamity on Sunday, to the delight of most of the raucous New York gallery, who were openly cheering against Koepka as he walked off the 14th green with a tenuous one-stroke lead.

He has played with a chip on his shoulder his entire career, and hearing chants in his face of "D.J., D.J." only served to fire him up as he walked down the steep hill and across Round Swamp Road to the 15th tee at Bethpage Black.

Johnson was playing the adjacent 16th hole when the chants went up after Koepka's mini-collapse.

"I wasn't nervous. I was just in shock at what was going on," Koepka said. "When they started chanting D.J. on 14, it actually kind of helped.

"That was probably the best thing that could have happened ... helped me refocus and hit a good one down 15."

Koepka's playing companion Harold Varner III, however, was annoyed by the crowd reaction.

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Never a doubt. 😅🏆 <a href="https://t.co/BHQixzN4eD">pic.twitter.com/BHQixzN4eD</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1130253181974450178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I thought it was pretty weird how they were telling Brooks to choke," Varner said.

"That's not my cup of tea. I was pulling for him after that. I have a few choice words for that. Just cheering for him to do bad, I just don't get that."

Johnson, however, subsequently bogeyed the 16th after misjudging his approach shot in the strong and gusty winds and the lead was back up to two strokes.

In becoming the first champion to lead wire-to-wire since Hal Sutton in 1983, Koepka successfully defended his title and also displaced Johnson as world number one.

Koepka, who also won back-to-back US&nbsp;Open titles in 2017-18, admitted his run of bogeys had put him under pressure.

"Tell you what, the hour spent from number 11 to 14 was interesting," Koepka said. "I just got stuck in a bogey train. I just made mistakes at the wrong time.

"You've got to hit good drives and I put it in the rough. I challenge anyone to play this course in 15-to 20 miles-per-hour winds and see what they shoot."

"Today was definitely the most satisfying out of all of them for how stressful that round was, how stressful DJ&nbsp;made it.

"I know for a fact, that was the most excited I've ever been in my life ... on 18."

A coronation almost turned into a calamity but Brooks Koepka survived to win the PGA Championship for a second consecutive year on Sunday and establish himself as golf's new top dog.

A coronation almost turned into a calamity but Brooks Koepka survived to win the PGA Championship for a second consecutive year on Sunday and establish himself as golf's new top dog. The American, who had held a seven-stroke lead at the start of the final round, almost lost control of the title when he made four successive bogeys from the 11th hole before staving off Dustin Johnson for a two-stroke victory at Bethpage Black. Koepka shot a four-over-par 74 to finish at eight-under 272 and captured his fourth major title in his last eight starts in grand slam events. Johnson (69) was second on six-under, with Americans Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay and Britain's Matt Wallace four strokes further back tied for third. Final leaderboard from the PGA Championship: -8 @BKoepka 🏆 -7 -6 @DJohnsonPGA -5 -4 -3 -2 @JordanSpieth, Patrick Cantlay, @MattSJWallace -1 Luke List E Sung Kang Full scores: https://t.co/xYdhELrcLf pic.twitter.com/qW44Xk8LFU — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 19, 2019 × What had seemed for much of the tournament to be a coronation almost became a calamity on Sunday, to the delight of most of the raucous New York gallery, who were openly cheering against Koepka as he walked off the 14th green with a tenuous one-stroke lead. He has played with a chip on his shoulder his entire career, and hearing chants in his face of "D.J., D.J." only served to fire him up as he walked down the steep hill and across Round Swamp Road to the 15th tee at Bethpage Black. Johnson was playing the adjacent 16th hole when the chants went up after Koepka's mini-collapse. "I wasn't nervous. I was just in shock at what was going on," Koepka said. "When they started chanting D.J. on 14, it actually kind of helped. "That was probably the best thing that could have happened ... helped me refocus and hit a good one down 15." Koepka's playing companion Harold Varner III, however, was annoyed by the crowd reaction. Never a doubt. 😅🏆 pic.twitter.com/BHQixzN4eD — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 19, 2019 × "I thought it was pretty weird how they were telling Brooks to choke," Varner said. "That's not my cup of tea. I was pulling for him after that. I have a few choice words for that. Just cheering for him to do bad, I just don't get that." Johnson, however, subsequently bogeyed the 16th after misjudging his approach shot in the strong and gusty winds and the lead was back up to two strokes. In becoming the first champion to lead wire-to-wire since Hal Sutton in 1983, Koepka successfully defended his title and also displaced Johnson as world number one. Koepka, who also won back-to-back US Open titles in 2017-18, admitted his run of bogeys had put him under pressure. "Tell you what, the hour spent from number 11 to 14 was interesting," Koepka said. "I just got stuck in a bogey train. I just made mistakes at the wrong time. "You've got to hit good drives and I put it in the rough. I challenge anyone to play this course in 15-to 20 miles-per-hour winds and see what they shoot." "Today was definitely the most satisfying out of all of them for how stressful that round was, how stressful DJ made it. "I know for a fact, that was the most excited I've ever been in my life ... on 18."

Brooks Koepka survives to win PGA after crowd sense a collapse

Keith Mitchell sank a clutch 15-foot birdie putt at the last hole to win his first PGA Tour event with a one-stroke victory at the Honda Classic on Sunday.

The second-year professional edged out Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler with a final round 67 to finish at nine-under 271.

The more experienced Koepka (66) and Fowler (67) put the pressure on but Mitchell denied them a chance at a playoff at PGA National with his long putt.

The 27-year-old began his day with back-to-back bogeys, then roared back with birdies at four of the final seven holes.

"I`ve been close before and I let my emotions take over," Mitchell told NBC television. "I bogeyed the first couple of holes and I said, `Not again.`"

He finished the day with a big smile to go with six birdies and three bogeys.

"I was trying to focus on what was going on," Mitchell said. "My mind started wandering there a little bit at the end ... and then I hit a great putt."

Ryan Palmer (63) and Lucas Glover (66) shared fourth at seven-under 273 and 56-year-old Vijay Singh (70) was sixth at six-under as he missed a chance to become the oldest player to win a PGA Tour event.

A thrilling final nine holes saw as many as six players tied for the lead at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Palmer set the early tone with his splendid early finish that included eight birdies and a bogey in the round of 63.

As he watched from the clubhouse for several hours, things heated up on the tough back nine.

Third-round co-leader Wyndham Clark (72-275) and the surging Koepka and Fowler, who made a 45-foot birdie putt at the 17th, also were tied for the top at one point.&nbsp;

Finally,&nbsp;it came down to Mitchell, Koepka and Fowler.

Koepka birdied two of his last three holes, and Fowler closed with four birdies in eight holes.

Mitchell birdied the par-three 15th hole from four feet and then made the clutch putt at 18 even though his tee shot ended up in a bunker.

Singh lost a chance to be in the mix when he hit his tee shot badly at the 17th and the ball rolled into the water.

Keith Mitchell sank a clutch 15-foot birdie putt at the last hole to win his first PGA Tour event with a one-stroke victory at the Honda Classic on Sunday. The second-year professional edged out Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler with a final round 67 to finish at nine-under 271.

Keith Mitchell sank a clutch 15-foot birdie putt at the last hole to win his first PGA Tour event with a one-stroke victory at the Honda Classic on Sunday. The second-year professional edged out Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler with a final round 67 to finish at nine-under 271. The more experienced Koepka (66) and Fowler (67) put the pressure on but Mitchell denied them a chance at a playoff at PGA National with his long putt. The 27-year-old began his day with back-to-back bogeys, then roared back with birdies at four of the final seven holes. "I`ve been close before and I let my emotions take over," Mitchell told NBC television. "I bogeyed the first couple of holes and I said, `Not again.`" He finished the day with a big smile to go with six birdies and three bogeys. "I was trying to focus on what was going on," Mitchell said. "My mind started wandering there a little bit at the end ... and then I hit a great putt." Ryan Palmer (63) and Lucas Glover (66) shared fourth at seven-under 273 and 56-year-old Vijay Singh (70) was sixth at six-under as he missed a chance to become the oldest player to win a PGA Tour event. A thrilling final nine holes saw as many as six players tied for the lead at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Palmer set the early tone with his splendid early finish that included eight birdies and a bogey in the round of 63. As he watched from the clubhouse for several hours, things heated up on the tough back nine. Third-round co-leader Wyndham Clark (72-275) and the surging Koepka and Fowler, who made a 45-foot birdie putt at the 17th, also were tied for the top at one point. Finally, it came down to Mitchell, Koepka and Fowler. Koepka birdied two of his last three holes, and Fowler closed with four birdies in eight holes. Mitchell birdied the par-three 15th hole from four feet and then made the clutch putt at 18 even though his tee shot ended up in a bunker. Singh lost a chance to be in the mix when he hit his tee shot badly at the 17th and the ball rolled into the water.

Keith Mitchell claims first PGA win with big final putt

In a surprise win on Saturday, Hollywood producers named 'Green Book' the best film of 2018, boosting its profile just days before nominations are announced for the annual Academy Awards.

The big win by 'Green Book' at the 30th Producers Guild Awards set up the film, which stars Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen as an African-American pianist and his white driver in the early 1960s Deep South, as a major contender for next month`s Oscars.

In many past years, PGA best film winners have gone on to win the best picture Oscar, Hollywood’s top prize.&nbsp;

The PGA`s best film had been predicted to be a contest between 'A Star is Born' and 'Roma'. Earlier this month 'Green Book' won the Golden Globe as best musical or comedy.

The Producers Guild of America (PGA), among the leading industry organizations representing makers of movies and TV shows, also named its best animated film which went to 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse', favorite documentary, won by 'Won`t You Be My Neighbor?', and honored FX`s 'The Americans' as the top television drama in its final season.

FX scored again when Ryan Murphy`s 'The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story' won the award for limited series.

Among other honors for television productions, Amazon Video`s 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' won the comedy series award and HBO`s 'Fahrenheit 451' prevailed as the best television movie.

CNN`s 'Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown', starring the late celebrity chef who killed himself last year, won for non-fiction television, while 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' on VH1 took home the prize for reality competition series.

PBS’ 'Sesame Street', which debuted nearly 50 years ago, won for children’s program.

The live entertainment/talk award went to 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver', while 'Being Serena' took best sports program.

The Academy Awards will be given on Feb. 24 to producers, directors, actors, and actresses by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

In a surprise win on Saturday, Hollywood producers named 'Green Book' the best film of 2018, boosting its profile just days before nominations are announced for the annual Academy Awards.

In a surprise win on Saturday, Hollywood producers named 'Green Book' the best film of 2018, boosting its profile just days before nominations are announced for the annual Academy Awards. The big win by 'Green Book' at the 30th Producers Guild Awards set up the film, which stars Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen as an African-American pianist and his white driver in the early 1960s Deep South, as a major contender for next month`s Oscars. In many past years, PGA best film winners have gone on to win the best picture Oscar, Hollywood’s top prize. The PGA`s best film had been predicted to be a contest between 'A Star is Born' and 'Roma'. Earlier this month 'Green Book' won the Golden Globe as best musical or comedy. The Producers Guild of America (PGA), among the leading industry organizations representing makers of movies and TV shows, also named its best animated film which went to 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse', favorite documentary, won by 'Won`t You Be My Neighbor?', and honored FX`s 'The Americans' as the top television drama in its final season. FX scored again when Ryan Murphy`s 'The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story' won the award for limited series. Among other honors for television productions, Amazon Video`s 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' won the comedy series award and HBO`s 'Fahrenheit 451' prevailed as the best television movie. CNN`s 'Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown', starring the late celebrity chef who killed himself last year, won for non-fiction television, while 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' on VH1 took home the prize for reality competition series. PBS’ 'Sesame Street', which debuted nearly 50 years ago, won for children’s program. The live entertainment/talk award went to 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver', while 'Being Serena' took best sports program. The Academy Awards will be given on Feb. 24 to producers, directors, actors, and actresses by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

'Green Book' boosts Oscar odds with big win at Producers Guild Awards

Shubhankar Sharma was in joint lead after 54 holes for the second time in a PGA Tour event, as he carded 6-under 66 to reach 19-under 197 at the TPC Kuala Lumpur West course Saturday.&nbsp;

Sharma, who held sole lead at the end of 54 hole at WGC0-Mexico, earlier this year, is tied with overnight co-leaders Gary Woodland (67) and Marc Leishman (67). Sharma had seven birdies and the day's lone bogey came after a gap of 21 holes since the second hole, his 11th hole on Friday.&nbsp;

That also means Sharma will play in the lead group of a PGA Tournament only the second time in his career. It is also the second time at the CIMB Classic, that an Indian player has had at least a share of the lead after 54 holes ? Anirban Lahiri was leader by four shots after three days in 2015, when Justin Thomas came from behind and won the title.&nbsp;

A win on Sunday will seal Sharma's berth at the Augusta Masters, a spot on Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii and also the Asian Tour Order of Merit.&nbsp;

Only one Indian, Arjun Atwal has won a PGA Tour title, the Wyndham Championships in 2010, and the next best finish in a PGA Tour event has been T-2 by Lahiri at the Memorial in 2017. Lahiri was also T-3 at 2015 CIMB.&nbsp;

Gaganjeet Bhullar (71) had three birdies against two bogeys to be 6-under 210 and T-42, while Anirban Lahiri (68) finally had some putts falling with six birdies, but he dropped a shot each on seventh and 17th.&nbsp;

Lahiri was 2-under and T-64th. Rahil Gangjee (73) was lying 77th at 5-over for three days.&nbsp;

Sharma's birdies came on second, third, fifth and seventh and then 10th, 13th and 17th. He missed a couple of short birdie putts, including a four-footer on 16th.&nbsp;

"Yes, I am very happy. I got off to a flyer, front nine was great as I was 4-under through seven. On the back nine I made a lot of crucial par putts and missed a few coming in, but really happy with the way I played and hung in there."&nbsp;

He also pointed out the par save on eighth was rather crucial, at which point he was 4-under through seven holes.&nbsp;

"It (the par) was very important, it could have been a momentum changer. I hit a terrible shot and then had a bad lie and tried to hit a good shot but didn't come off. Could have been a double bogey also, but that third chip was just perfect.&nbsp;

"I think that was the turning point for me. A bogey there would kind have pushed me back. It could have been a potential double as well because it was a tough chip as well."&nbsp;

He showed a lot of confidence, and talked about Sunday's plan. 
"I'll just chill out, I won't really do much. I'll just go in, hang out probably with Rahil, maybe with Anirban, talk a little and just do normal stuff that I've been doing every day.&nbsp;

"Good thing is that I've been in this position before so I know what happens and what my mind goes through, so I'll just try and relax myself as much as possible. And the way I'm playing, I'm pretty sure I'll play well tomorrow as well."&nbsp;

The leading trio was two shots ahead of South African Louis Oosthuizen (65) and the first-round leader Bronson Burgoon (67).&nbsp;

The day's lowest card came from the 2009 Open winner, Stewart Cink, who brought home a 63 and is now T-7 alongside five others.&nbsp;

Two-time CIMB winner, Justin Thomas (69) was 12-under and seven shots off the lead on another high-scoring day, when only as many as 60 of the 78 players shot in the 60s.&nbsp;

Shubhankar Sharma was in joint lead after 54 holes for the second time in a PGA Tour event, as he carded 6-under 66 to reach 19-under 197 at the TPC Kuala Lumpur West course Saturday.

Shubhankar Sharma was in joint lead after 54 holes for the second time in a PGA Tour event, as he carded 6-under 66 to reach 19-under 197 at the TPC Kuala Lumpur West course Saturday. Sharma, who held sole lead at the end of 54 hole at WGC0-Mexico, earlier this year, is tied with overnight co-leaders Gary Woodland (67) and Marc Leishman (67). Sharma had seven birdies and the day's lone bogey came after a gap of 21 holes since the second hole, his 11th hole on Friday. That also means Sharma will play in the lead group of a PGA Tournament only the second time in his career. It is also the second time at the CIMB Classic, that an Indian player has had at least a share of the lead after 54 holes ? Anirban Lahiri was leader by four shots after three days in 2015, when Justin Thomas came from behind and won the title. A win on Sunday will seal Sharma's berth at the Augusta Masters, a spot on Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii and also the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Only one Indian, Arjun Atwal has won a PGA Tour title, the Wyndham Championships in 2010, and the next best finish in a PGA Tour event has been T-2 by Lahiri at the Memorial in 2017. Lahiri was also T-3 at 2015 CIMB. Gaganjeet Bhullar (71) had three birdies against two bogeys to be 6-under 210 and T-42, while Anirban Lahiri (68) finally had some putts falling with six birdies, but he dropped a shot each on seventh and 17th. Lahiri was 2-under and T-64th. Rahil Gangjee (73) was lying 77th at 5-over for three days. Sharma's birdies came on second, third, fifth and seventh and then 10th, 13th and 17th. He missed a couple of short birdie putts, including a four-footer on 16th. "Yes, I am very happy. I got off to a flyer, front nine was great as I was 4-under through seven. On the back nine I made a lot of crucial par putts and missed a few coming in, but really happy with the way I played and hung in there." He also pointed out the par save on eighth was rather crucial, at which point he was 4-under through seven holes. "It (the par) was very important, it could have been a momentum changer. I hit a terrible shot and then had a bad lie and tried to hit a good shot but didn't come off. Could have been a double bogey also, but that third chip was just perfect. "I think that was the turning point for me. A bogey there would kind have pushed me back. It could have been a potential double as well because it was a tough chip as well." He showed a lot of confidence, and talked about Sunday's plan. "I'll just chill out, I won't really do much. I'll just go in, hang out probably with Rahil, maybe with Anirban, talk a little and just do normal stuff that I've been doing every day. "Good thing is that I've been in this position before so I know what happens and what my mind goes through, so I'll just try and relax myself as much as possible. And the way I'm playing, I'm pretty sure I'll play well tomorrow as well." The leading trio was two shots ahead of South African Louis Oosthuizen (65) and the first-round leader Bronson Burgoon (67). The day's lowest card came from the 2009 Open winner, Stewart Cink, who brought home a 63 and is now T-7 alongside five others. Two-time CIMB winner, Justin Thomas (69) was 12-under and seven shots off the lead on another high-scoring day, when only as many as 60 of the 78 players shot in the 60s.

Shubhankar Sharma takes share of lead at CIMB, eyes maiden PGA Tour title

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