FC Cincinnati (6-5-6) returns to competition on Saturday, July 30, facing off against the San Jose Earthquakes (10-3-4) at TQL Stadium. The competition gives FCC a chance to bounce back from a tough and controversial loss at the Columbus Crew a week prior. However, the club will be tested against an Earthquake team that is tied for the most points in the Western Conference.
During the week of practice leading up to Saturday's contest, much of the conversation at Cincinnati's Mercy Health Training Center was still surrounding what happened at Columbus. But the team is also ready to move forward onto San Jose, the beginning of a four-game home stretch that goes until Aug. 15.
FC Cincinnati MLS All-Star contest Evander breaks MLS All-Star record, ties Thomas Müller in contest
Midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela already received a red card for "violent conduct" against Columbus, as he first tackled Crew midfielder Taha Habroune to the ground before engaging in a verbal altercation between both Crew and FCC team members. But on Thursday, July, 30, FCC head coach Pat Noonan revealed that Valenzuela would be suspended an additional MLS game (he was already suspended for the San Jose contest) and receive fines.
FCC forward Ayoub Jabbari, ***** istant coach Kenny Arena, and several Columbus Crew players were also fined.

#crew #team #july #star

Gerard Martín is not too bothered with Real Madrid making big headlines this summer and believes Barcelona will remain competitive this season.
The defender, who became a starter last season as a center-back and is poised to play a big role this season, was asked in a radio interview about Madrid's busy time in the market.
Barça's main rivals brought in José Mourinho as manager and signed Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Yan Diomandé in a high-profile transfer in the last few days, but Martín is not paying a lot of attention to those moves.
"Frankly, I don't care who they sign. I'm focused on us, what's in our hands. Let them sign whoever they want, we'll go and compete."
It's very easy to confuse activity with competence, and Madrid's big signings after bringing in a new manager are an attempt to fix the mess of last season, when they… made big signings after bringing in a new manager.

#mart #bringing #gerard #madrid

You guys have probably heard the line 'its hard not to be romantic about baseball' before, and tonight was a perfect encapsulation of that very phrase. It had all the highs of the big blowout win, the heartbreak of the blown save, and then the triumph of the unsung hero coming out of nowhere in the extra innings to save the team. Nights like tonight either drive you crazy, or make you fall in love with the game that much more. No other sport can play with our emotions quite like baseball can.
The Diamondbacks offense got off to such an amazing start. Scoring consistently with team baseball throughout each of the first 4 innings. It really felt like this offense was clicking. Overall they recorded 16 hits in the 12 innings highlighted by James McCann with 4 and Nolan Arenado with 3. On the flip side, this offense also set a franchise record recording 24 outs with runners in scoring position tonight. What started out so good, quickly turned into a start reminder of the problems that have been plaguing this offense most of the season with its struggles with RISP.
Then in the 7th inning, the offense suddenly came to a screeching halt. And the Pirates offense came jolting to life. The Pirates would erase the 6-0 lead the Dbacks had going into the 8th inning with 3 runs in the 8th and 3 runs in the 9th. Unfortunately what had been a strength much of the season in the backend of the bullpen in Thompson and Sewald was a weakness tonight. Thompson simply could not get away with anything tonight giving up 4 hits and a walk in just .2 of an inning. And the leader of this bullpen, Sewald came into the game with a 3 run lead in the 9th and proceeded to give up a base hit and back to back home runs to immediately erase the 3 run lead and tie the game. This was such a low moment for this team in such a big game. Especially with how lock down Sewald has been in save situations this season coming into the game having blown only 2 saves in 24 chances.
However fortunately for the Dbacks there was Gerardo Carillo who tonight put this team on his back and carried them back into the 3rd wildcard spot. Carrillo, who came into today working primarily as the low leverage long man, was thrust straight into some of the most high leverage innings of the season thus far, and boy did he deliver. Carillo was able to give the team 2 innings tonight in which he allowed 0 hits and 0 runs while striking out 3 while getting his first career major league win. He threw a 6 pitch scoreless 11th and then put up another 0 in the 12th to keep this team alive. Carillo has always been an intriguing relief option in the upper minors given his upper 90's fastball velocity combined with his pitch mix including a cutter, a splitter, and sinker. However tonight he also showed that he has what could arguably be the most important trait for a late inning reliever and that is he has that dog in him.
It is also worth discussing Brandon Pfaadt who tonight was dominant over 7 innings and definite

According to MARCA, FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick does not wish to sell defender Gerard Martin this summer amid growing interest from AC Milan and Chelsea.
The Spanish ace established himself as a permanent fixture at centre-back for Barcelona last season despite being a left-back. His adaptability, versatility, and strong performances have led to interest from top clubs across Europe.
Some reports in Italy even suggest that AC Milan are prepared to offer €35 million for the 24-year-old centre-back.
While Barcelona are waiting to see whether either club submits a formal proposal, there is little surprise internally that the former Cornella defender has become a sought-after player.
Flick, however, remains determined to keep him at the club, seeing him as a 'world-class' talent.

#back #Milan

According to Gerard Romero, as relayed by SPORT, Jorge Salinas remains determined to join Barcelona despite negotiations slowing in recent weeks.
The Catalan club are unwilling to meet Racing Santander's €16 million asking price, but those close to the player remain confident that an agreement can be reached before the summer transfer window closes in August.
Salinas, who recently won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with Spain, continues to prioritise a move to Barcelona.
However, the versatile defender has no intention of forcing his departure from Racing, the club he has represented since childhood.
A product of the club's academy, he played his part in helping Racing secure promotion back to La Liga after a 14-year absence.

#salinas

Gerard Pique has never been afraid to speak his mind and, even after retirement, his commitment and loyalty to Barcelona simply do not fade.
The legendary Spanish defender believes Barcelona head into the new season as Spain's strongest team, insisting Hansi Flick's side still hold the edge over Real Madrid despite their rivals' activity in the transfer market.
Speaking to the media (h/t SPORT) during the Kings League Club World Cup in Milan, the former Barcelona defender backed his old club to begin the campaign as La Liga favourites.
Pique pointed to continuity and recent success as the biggest reasons behind his confidence and did not hesitate when asked to compare the two Spanish giants.
"I think Barça, today and at the start of La Liga, are still superior," he said.

#Barcelona #gerard

Borussia Mönchengladbach's pre-season plans have taken an immediate hit. Newly signed right-back Yukhym Konoplya is set to miss the start of the Bundesliga season after suffering an inner ligament tear in his knee during his unofficial debut for the Foals.
The 26-year-old Ukrainian international arrived at Gladbach from Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported fee between €3.5m and €4.5m. Bringing valuable Champions League and Europa League experience to the Lower Rhine, Konoplya was brought in to finally solve Gladbach's long-standing issues on the right flank. Known for his dynamic overlapping runs, sharp crossing, and relentless work rate, he was also expected to apply direct pressure on inconsistent starter Joe Scally and the more defensively minded Stefan Lainer.
However, his start in Borussia colors turned into a nightmare. Brought on during a pre-season friendly against third-division side Rot-Weiss Essen to gather his first minutes, Konoplya was forced off after just a few minutes following an awkward movement with no opponent contact. While initial fears of a complete ligament rupture were ruled out after detailed examinations by the club's medical staff, the diagnosed partial tear will keep him sidelined for several weeks—ruling him out of both the DFB-Pokal opening round and the Bundesliga kickoff.
For manager Gerardo Seoane, the timing is a massive blow. Instead of hitting the ground running with a proven international on the right side, Gladbach must now reshape their backline for the opening weeks of the campaign while hoping Konoplya's recovery stays on track.
GGFN | Dennis Brinkmann

#gladbach #league

Frenkie de Jong's future at Barcelona has taken an unexpected twist after fresh reports suggest Hansi Flick is no longer convinced the Dutch midfielder should remain a key part of his plans.
According to Gerard Romero, the Barcelona manager has grown increasingly unconvinced by De Jong's recent performances and overall role within the squad.
As a result, the club could now consider offers for the midfielder if the right proposal arrives before the transfer window closes.
The development comes just days after reports claimed that the relationship between Flick and De Jong had deteriorated, raising questions over the long-term future of one of Barcelona's most experienced players.
The uncertainty surrounding Frenkie de Jong's Barcelona future stretches back to the closing stages of last season, when trust between the midfielder and his manager began to fade.

#frenkie #reports #according

DETROIT — The final field for the final Rocket Classic is set.
The PGA Tour announced Friday night the 141 players who are committed to teeing it up at Detroit Golf Club next week, when the eighth and final Rocket Classic will be played from July 30-Aug. 2.
There were no major changes with the final list of PGA Tour player commitments, from previous announcements, as the field continues to be highlighted by four players inside the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking, eight in the top 20, 21 in the top 50, and more than half of the top 100. There are 10 major champions. The field is arguably the best in the history of the Rocket Classic, and certainly the best since rival LIV Golf began playing and poaching in 2022.
Headliners include Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele and Brooks Koepka, all playing the Rocket for the first time, as well as world No. 3 Cameron Young, No. 5 Russell Henley, No. 7 Chris Gotterup and No. 9 Wyndham Clark, who won this year's U.S. Open. Michael Kim, world No. 57 who shot golf's magic number, 59, at the 3M Open on Friday, also is in.
World No. 24 Ryan Gerard was the lone notable new name on Friday's entry list, while Matt Kuchar was the lone notable absence from the previous commitments.

#rocket #final #classic

Detroit — The final field for the final Rocket Classic is set.
The PGA Tour announced Friday night the 141 players who are committed to teeing it up at Detroit Golf Club next week, when the eighth and final Rocket Classic will be played from July 30-Aug. 2.
There were no major changes with the final list of PGA Tour player commitments, from previous announcements, as the field continues to be highlighted by four players inside the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking, eight in the top 20 and more than half of the top 100. The field is arguably the best in the history of the Rocket Classic, and certainly the best since the rival LIV Golf tour began playing and poaching in 2022.
Headliners include Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele and Brooks Koepka, all playing the Rocket for the first time, as well as world No. 3 Cameron Young, No. 5 Russell Henley, No. 7 Chris Gotterup and No. 9 Wyndham Clark, who won this year's U.S. Open. Michael Kim, world No. 57 who shot golf's magic number, 59, at the 3M Open on Friday, also is in.
World No. 24 Ryan Gerard was the lone notable new name on Friday's entry list, while Matt Kuchar was the lone notable absence from the previous commitments.

#World #detroit #open

Barcelona took on Club Esportiu Europa in a friendly training match on Friday evening and came away with a 4-1 victory.
The two teams played behind closed doors, which means details are a little thin on the ground, but we do know Hansi Flick picked a very youthful team for the first half.
Here's a look at the team:
Barcelona starting XI: Wojciech Szczęsny; Hector Fort, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martín, Jofre Torrents; Guille Fernández, Brian Fariñas; Roony Bardghji, Ibrahim Diarra, Hamza Abdelkarim and Shane Kluivert.
New signing Karim Adeyemi was present but didn't feature for Barcelona after only meeting up with his new team-mates for training for the first time today.

#team

Shakira found herself back at the center of relationship chatter after making a memorable appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
The Colombian superstar wasn't the one lifting the trophy, but her interaction with Spain hero Ferran Torres quickly stole attention online.
As photos of the pair circulated across social media, fans wasted little time dragging Gerard Pique into the conversation, with many convinced the retired soccer star would have plenty to think about after the headline-making moment.
Shakira raised eyebrows after she was photographed sharing a warm moment with Ferran Torres following his match-winning performance against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
The 49-year-old singer joined comedian Kevin Hart in presenting the 26-year-old forward with the Man of the Match award after Spain secured victory.

As Barcelona pre-season gets underway, Gerard Martin has offered an honest insight into his rapid development under Hansi Flick.
The versatile defender reflected on his new role as a centre-back, the trust shown by the Barcelona manager, Lionel Messi's performances at the FIFA World Cup and the changes inside the dressing room ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking in an extensive interview with Mundo Deportivo, the 24-year-old touched on several topics related to the club, including his positional switch, the departure of senior figures and the atmosphere within Flick's squad.
After establishing himself as a left-back, Gerard Martin admitted that Hansi Flick's decision to move him into central defence proved to be a turning point.
Explaining how the change came about, the Barcelona defender said,

Glenavon say they have agreed to "move forward amicably" with the Northern Ireland Football League [NIFL] after meeting with CEO Gerard Lawlor.
In June, NIFL said it was "working closely" with Crusaders after the Seaview club were placed under a transfer embargo by the Irish FA over a breach of regulations.
Michael O'Connor's side were relegated to the Championship after finishing bottom of the Irish Premiership, eight points and one place below Crusaders.
In response to Crusaders' embargo, Glenavon said they had appealed to NIFL and the Irish FA "to seek further clarification from them regarding the circumstances surrounding the transfer embargo imposed on Crusaders".
On Friday, the Lurgan Blues said that co-chairperson Lawrence Looney and vice-chair Cathal Morrison met with NIFL chief executive Lawlor for "open, honest and confidential discussions" over the matter.

Barcelona have submitted an official bid to Borussia Dortmund for winger Karim Adeyemi, with both Fabrizio Romano and Gerard Romero of Jijantes confirming the approach on Tuesday. The Blaugrana are in active talks with the German club, and Adeyemi himself has already given his approval to the move.
The 24-year-old German international finished the season with 10 goals and six ******* ists for Dortmund, where he has developed steadily since joining from Salzburg in 2022. His contract at the Westfalenstadion runs until June 2027, which gives Dortmund a firm negotiating position and makes this anything but a straightforward deal.
According to Barca Blaugranes, Hansi Flick is the driving force behind the pursuit, with Barcelona conducting negotiations quietly – the same approach used to land Anthony Gordon from Newcastle earlier in the summer. That Gordon deal has already reshaped the club's attacking options, yet the Blaugrana are pressing ahead for another wide forward.
Adeyemi is one of the fastest wide players in Europe and has grown into a more complete attacker over his four seasons in the Bundesliga, improving both his playmaking and finishing year on year. His profile – direct, press-resistant, capable of operating across the front line – fits what Flick has built at Barcelona.
The timing, though, invites questions. Raphinha's future has been uncertain for weeks, and with the World Cup now behind him, a move to Saudi Arabia has been floated as a genuine possibility. Barcelona's pursuit of Adeyemi could be a straightforward depth addition following a season in which wing injuries badly disrupted the squad, but it could equally signal that the club already knows more about Raphinha's intentions than has been made public.

Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi has agreed personal terms with FC Barcelona, according to Sky Germany and transfer insider Gerard Romero.
The two clubs are now in direct negotiations over a transfer fee, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Dortmund and Adeyemi have been in talks over a potential contract extension beyond 2027 for months, but have so far been unable to reach an agreement, with a summer departure now looking increasingly likely.
Interestingly, Adeyemi's agent, Jorge Mendes, also represents Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
The Munich-born forward joined Dortmund from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2022 and has scored 36 goals in 146 competitive appearances for the club.

Barcelona's ambitious pursuit of Julian Alvarez could trigger another major transfer involving one of their own players.
According to Gerard Romero, Atletico Madrid have already identified Ferran Torres as their preferred replacement should the Argentine striker eventually complete his dream move to Camp Nou.
The Barcelona transfer news suggests the two clubs remain far apart in negotiations for Alvarez, but Atletico are already preparing for every possible outcome.
If circumstances force them to sanction the Argentine's departure, Ferran Torres has moved to the top of their shortlist.
Barcelona's efforts to sign Julian Alvarez continue despite Atletico Madrid's firm stance, but Gerard Romero says the contingency plan is already being considered in the Spanish capital.

Barcelona's pursuit of Karim Adeyemi has not altered the club's plans for Julian Alvarez, with the two transfer operations continuing on separate tracks.
According to Gerard Romero, Barcelona remain fully committed to bringing the Atletico Madrid forward to Camp Nou despite making significant progress in negotiations for the Borussia Dortmund winger.
The latest Barcelona transfer news reveals there is no debate over choosing one player over the other.
Instead, Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco view the potential arrivals as complementary moves that address different needs within the squad.
Following reports that Barcelona had submitted an official offer for Karim Adeyemi, speculation emerged over whether the move would end the club's long-standing interest in Julian Alvarez.

One of Barcelona’s biggest finds last season was the emergence of Gerard Martin as a quality central defensive option, especially in La Liga games.
The Spaniard, who began his first-team career as a left-back, developed into a central defensive partner to Pau Cubarsi and finished the season as first choice for Flick.
Although he still has his critics, Martin’s development has been inspiring. Now, the Spaniard is not treating the summer as a time to switch off completely.
According to SPORT, the Barcelona defender has shortened his holidays and has already spent more than three weeks working individually to arrive in the best possible shape for pre-season.
Martin has been following a specific plan at Dr Juan Boffa’s Sports Medicine Clinic after spending a few days away in Mallorca and Greece.

Heartbroken pupils and parents were left in tears as they were told their 700-year-old school will close for good.
The devastating news about Ruthin School in Denbighshire was delivered the day before children broke up for summer.
A number of independent schools - sometimes called private schools - have been struggling, with St Gerard's in Gwynedd also closing and owners of both citing financial pressures.
A spokesperson for Ruthin School, one of Wales' oldest, said it had "not been possible to establish a financially viable way forward", and it would enter administration.
The body representing independent schools believes new VAT rules for fees have added to a "perfect storm" for the sector.

Success stories rarely follow a straight path, and several of today's biggest stars once imagined futures in courtrooms rather than on movie sets or concert stages. Before becoming household names, many pursued law degrees, legal training, or seriously considered careers in the legal profession. Their journeys demonstrate that education can open many doors, but passion often leads people in unexpected directions. By choosing careers in entertainment instead of law, these celebrities reshaped not only their own lives but also the industries they entered.
Gemma Chan came remarkably close to becoming a corporate lawyer after studying law at the University of Oxford and securing a prestigious training contract with the renowned London law firm Slaughter and May. Instead, she chose drama school, a decision that eventually led to acclaimed performances in films such as Crazy Rich Asians and Eternals. Similarly, Gerard Butler earned a law degree from the University of Glasgow and worked as a trainee lawyer before deciding that acting was his true calling. Leaving the legal profession proved to be a defining moment, launching him into a successful career that includes blockbuster films such as the Has Fallen series.
Several other stars also balanced legal ambitions with creative dreams before making life-changing decisions. Kim Kardashian pursued California's legal apprenticeship program, inspired by her father, attorney Robert Kardashian, while becoming an outspoken advocate for criminal justice reform. Rebel Wilson completed a double degree in law and arts before comedy ultimately won her over, later explaining that her legal education sharpened her ability to **** yze characters and human behavior. John Legend also considered attending law school after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, but instead followed his passion for music, eventually becoming one of the few entertainers to achieve the prestigious EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.
Another notable example is Matthew McConaughey, who originally planned to become a criminal defense lawyer while studying at the University of Texas. Shortly before applying to law school, he reevaluated his goals, switched to film studies, and embarked on the acting career that would eventually earn him an Academy Award. Although each of these celebrities followed a different path, their stories share a common message: career plans are not set in stone. Whether they completed legal studies or simply explored the profession, they proved that success often comes from having the courage to pursue what truly inspires you, even when it means leaving a promising career behind.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen appears determined to accelerate the next chapter of his career after cutting short his summer break and returning to Barcelona ahead of a potential move to Ajax.
According to Gerard Romero on Jijantes, the German goalkeeper is already waiting for the final approval from Barcelona to complete a loan switch to the Dutch giants.
Notably, personal terms are understood to be in place, leaving the clubs to resolve the remaining details before the operation can move forward.
After spending more than a decade at Camp Nou, the experienced shot-stopper now seems increasingly close to embarking on a fresh challenge elsewhere.
The Marc-Andre ter Stegen Ajax operation has been progressing steadily in recent weeks.

Madonna might be a material girl, but it's the fabric of family life that's been a quiet support throughout her career. With an impressive seven siblings, including two half-siblings from her father's second marriage, it can be hard to keep track of the sprawling Ciccone family.
But not to fear! We're here with all the details on each of her brothers and sisters, from vineyard success to trying their hand at a music career.
Madonna lost her brother Anthony when he was 66 years old
Madonna had a difficult relationship with her brother Anthony who reportedly struggled with addiction issues and alcoholism. The singer shared a tribute to her brother shortly after his passing in 2023, thanking him for introducing her to the likes of Charles Bukowski , Jack Kerouac and Miles Davis, among others.
Anthony's brother-in-law Joe Henry publicly broke the news in an Instagram post saying: "My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening. I've known him since I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years now gone."

Gerardo Aletti and Sofia Escarra grew from renting out one car on Turo to a fleet of over 60 cars.
They said a background in transportation and speaking Spanish helped grow their business in Miami.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Miami have brought a surge in bookings.
Gerardo Aletti and Sofia Escarra, a married couple based in Miami, bought a Nissan Infiniti in 2020 with the plan to rent it out and see how it went.
If it worked out, great, the couple thought. If not, they figured they could sell the car.

Oscar Collazo needs a new opponent for Saturday, and he just may have one.
Lance Pugmire reports that Golden Boy secured Mexico’s Neider Alvarez to face Collazo this weekend in a DAZN-streamed main event. Pugmire also says that the WBA and WBO have not yet officially confirmed whether they’ll sanction the replacement bout as a **** le fight.
Collazo was originally set to face Joey Canoy, who had visa issues. Miguel Cotto Promotions tried to get Luis Castillo in as the replacement, but he also doesn’t have a visa.
Alvarez (15-3-3, 12 KO) is something of a last-ditch call on paper. He’s 2-3-1 in his last six fights, with losses to contenders Erik Badillo and Erick Rosa, notably. He’s coming off of a six-round draw with .500 record club fighter Gerardo Rodriguez on May 30, so he just fought, too.
Collazo (14-0, 11 KO) will obviously be a huge favorite. He was a clear favorite against Canoy, but Canoy’s level of quality has been proven significantly more than that of Alvarez.

For an entire generation of Barcelona fans, seeing Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique standing side by side at the heart of the defence brought a sense of certainty.
One embodied passion and leadership, the other elegance and composure. Together, they helped define one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
For years after their departure, Barcelona searched for a new defensive duo capable of carrying that responsibility.
Many arrived, few convinced.
Now, however, there is a growing feeling around the club that the wait may finally be over.

J.T. Poston won’t be heading north of the border this week.
One day after winning the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, Poston withdrew from the RBC Canadian Open on Monday. Poston, 33, will be replaced in the field by veteran pro Ben Martin.
Poston survived playing 31 holes on Sunday at Muirfield Village Golf Club and two more playoff holes to defeat Ryan Gerard and claim the $4 million first prize, the largest check of his career.
Poston has played five of the last six weeks, and by virtue of his victory on Sunday, he is exempt into the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills next week and avoided 36-hole Final Qualifying today. Poston’s schedule also now includes the British Open at Royal Birkdale.
Poston jumped from No. 114 to No. 32 in the FedEx Cup season-long standings and also climbed from No. 94 to No. 39 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

The Memorial Tournament final leaderboard
-12 JT Poston (US)*, R Gerard (US); -11 W Clark (US); -10 T Fleetwood (Eng), S Burns (US); -8 A Fitzpatrick (Eng), K Reitan (Nor)
Selected others: -4 R McIlroy (NI), J Rose (Eng), S Scheffler (US); -2 A Rai (Eng); -1 S Lowry (Ire); +1 H Hall (Eng)
*Won play-off
Full leaderboard

Ryan Gerard struggled to erase the pain etched on his sweat-soaked face after absorbing a gut-wrenching playoff defeat against J.T. Poston to finish the 2026 Memorial Tournament on June 7 at Muirfield Village Golf Course.
More: J.T. Poston wins Memorial Tournament, replay from Sunday's round
Thanks to storms forcing the suspension of the third round June 6 while he and Poston were on the sixth hole, the two ground through 31 holes plus two more in a playoff forced when each made clutch putts on the 18th green to end the fourth round.
All of that, plus sweltering heat on a difficult course baked in sun, not to mention a tightly-packed leaderboard, made Gerard look like he’d just finished a double shift in a coal mine rather than 33 holes of a golf tournament.
The putt for par that he missed from 5 feet, 9 inches on the second playoff hole, which led to Poston's win, made it even more draining.

DUBLIN, Ohio -- For 13 holes in his final round Sunday at the Memorial Tournament, J.T. Poston played like a guy who hadn’t finished inside the top 20 all season. It was almost as if he reckoned, based on his form the first five months this year, that he shouldn’t be leading Jack Nicklaus’ signature event. And as he reached the 14th tee, he was, indeed, no longer in the lead, having squandered all of his four-shot cushion after 54 holes.
But folding never entered his mind.
“I'm not a quitter, so I hung in there,” Poston said after consecutive bogeys on Nos. 12 and 13 left him three over par in the final round and trailing for the first time since Thursday. “I just told myself … I mean, I hit a great putt on 13, right where I wanted and just didn't fall. But I told myself on 14 tee I was one back with five to go, still felt like I had a chance. I needed to play the last five holes really well. And I told myself I knew I was going to be shaking Mr. Nicklaus' hand walking off 18 no matter what, and I want to be proud of the effort when I did. So just to do it the way that I did, birdieing three of the last five, is a dream come true and something I'll certainly carry with me the rest of my career.”
RELATED: Ryan Gerard had an amazing retort to a heckler at the Memorial
J.T. Poston and his daughter Scottie are greeted by Jack Nicklaus after securing the 2026 Memorial Tournament.