4 hours ago
Jul. 29—On Wednesdays, we'll chop it up with our Golfer of the Week. Email nominations to .
As caddy for his daughter, Jeff Woods provided sound advice throughout last weekend's Twin City tournament. Better yet, he provided frequent updates for inquiring minds wanting to know how things were going.
"He was texting all the updates to my family and friends," Mary Woods said. "He's a great caddy."
With Dad on the bag, Mary won her first Twin City ******* le in three tries by beating Ashley Wells on the first playoff hole Sunday at the Champaign Country Club. The 26-year-old University of Illinois graduate, who was a News-Gazette All-Area Girls' Soccer performer at Centennial (Class of '18), also played basketball and tennis in high school.
Golf? She rediscovered her love of a sport she quit playing in middle school when COVID-19 hit.
#woods #first
As caddy for his daughter, Jeff Woods provided sound advice throughout last weekend's Twin City tournament. Better yet, he provided frequent updates for inquiring minds wanting to know how things were going.
"He was texting all the updates to my family and friends," Mary Woods said. "He's a great caddy."
With Dad on the bag, Mary won her first Twin City ******* le in three tries by beating Ashley Wells on the first playoff hole Sunday at the Champaign Country Club. The 26-year-old University of Illinois graduate, who was a News-Gazette All-Area Girls' Soccer performer at Centennial (Class of '18), also played basketball and tennis in high school.
Golf? She rediscovered her love of a sport she quit playing in middle school when COVID-19 hit.
#woods #first
14 hours ago
Detroit — Seven down, one more to go.
This week marks the eighth and final playing of the PGA Tour's Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club.
So, who will join the roster of champions that includes Nate Lashley, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Davis (twice), Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler and Aldrich Potgieter? We'll know soon enough, before the sun sets on Palmer Park on Sunday.
In the meantime, The Detroit News' so-called experts (loose term) provide their predictions:
Predicting the winner of a 147-player PGA Tour tournament is a near-impossible task, unless Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlory or prime Tiger Woods is teeing it up. Usually, I like to lean in heavily on the horses-for-courses theory, so I considered the likes of Jake Knapp (tied for fourth course-record 61 last year), Chris Kirk (lost in a playoff last year) and Taylor Moore (the only player with three top-10s here), but the course has been renovated. So I'm going with The Kid, JACKSON KOIVUN, 21, fresh off his first PGA Tour win at the 3M Open. We'll pick him to go back-to-back at 3M and Rocket, like Tony Finau in 2022. If Koivun wins, he'd be the second player to receive a sponsor's exemption into the Rocket (2024), only to win the tournament two years later (Aldrich Potgieter, 2023 exemption and 2025 ****** le).
#detroit #tony
This week marks the eighth and final playing of the PGA Tour's Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club.
So, who will join the roster of champions that includes Nate Lashley, Bryson DeChambeau, Cam Davis (twice), Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler and Aldrich Potgieter? We'll know soon enough, before the sun sets on Palmer Park on Sunday.
In the meantime, The Detroit News' so-called experts (loose term) provide their predictions:
Predicting the winner of a 147-player PGA Tour tournament is a near-impossible task, unless Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlory or prime Tiger Woods is teeing it up. Usually, I like to lean in heavily on the horses-for-courses theory, so I considered the likes of Jake Knapp (tied for fourth course-record 61 last year), Chris Kirk (lost in a playoff last year) and Taylor Moore (the only player with three top-10s here), but the course has been renovated. So I'm going with The Kid, JACKSON KOIVUN, 21, fresh off his first PGA Tour win at the 3M Open. We'll pick him to go back-to-back at 3M and Rocket, like Tony Finau in 2022. If Koivun wins, he'd be the second player to receive a sponsor's exemption into the Rocket (2024), only to win the tournament two years later (Aldrich Potgieter, 2023 exemption and 2025 ****** le).
#detroit #tony
16 hours ago
Charlie Woods got off to a slow start at the Junior PGA Championship on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old son of Tiger Woods shot 3-over 75 at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas in the opening round, seven strokes off the lead and tied for 53rd.
Woods bogeyed the first and fourth holes before making his first birdie of the day at the seventh hole. He made a double bogey at the ninth to tour the front nine in 39. On the back nine, Woods traded birdies at Nos. 15 and 18 with bogeys at Nos. 14 and 16.
Woods finished T-9 at the Junior PGA last year at Purdue University's Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, one of the few tournaments his famous father never won. Tiger finished runner-up in 1990.
Conditions were difficult on Tuesday, including 100-degree heat, at the course that will play host to the PGA Championship next May. Only 16 players in the field of 156 managed to break par on a difficult day in which 29 players shot 80 or higher. No one played better than Kailer Stone of Alameda, Calif., who birdied three of the final four holes to shoot 4-under 68 and claim the lead.
#championship #year #shot #holes
The 17-year-old son of Tiger Woods shot 3-over 75 at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas in the opening round, seven strokes off the lead and tied for 53rd.
Woods bogeyed the first and fourth holes before making his first birdie of the day at the seventh hole. He made a double bogey at the ninth to tour the front nine in 39. On the back nine, Woods traded birdies at Nos. 15 and 18 with bogeys at Nos. 14 and 16.
Woods finished T-9 at the Junior PGA last year at Purdue University's Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, one of the few tournaments his famous father never won. Tiger finished runner-up in 1990.
Conditions were difficult on Tuesday, including 100-degree heat, at the course that will play host to the PGA Championship next May. Only 16 players in the field of 156 managed to break par on a difficult day in which 29 players shot 80 or higher. No one played better than Kailer Stone of Alameda, Calif., who birdied three of the final four holes to shoot 4-under 68 and claim the lead.
#championship #year #shot #holes
16 hours ago
Charlie Woods of Jupiter turned in one of his strongest performances in competitive golf last year in the Junior PGA Championship at the Purdue University course in West Lafayette, Ind., tying for ninth after starting the fourth round in second place.
Would Woods repeat that performance in the 2026 Junior PGA, being played at the Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco, the home course of the PGA of America?
If so, Woods will need to bounce back fast in the second round.
Woods bogeyed his first and fourth holes at the East Course, followed his first birdie of the day at No. 7 with a double-bogey at the ninth hole, then went through a roller-coaster final four holes to finish in a tie for 53rd at 3-over 75, seven shots behind leader Kailer Stone of Alameda, Calif.
Woods made another bogey at No. 14 (his second bogey on a par-5 hole), then birdied No. 15. He finished with a bogey at the 16th hole, a par at No. 17 and a closing birdie at No. 18.
#bogey #junior
Would Woods repeat that performance in the 2026 Junior PGA, being played at the Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco, the home course of the PGA of America?
If so, Woods will need to bounce back fast in the second round.
Woods bogeyed his first and fourth holes at the East Course, followed his first birdie of the day at No. 7 with a double-bogey at the ninth hole, then went through a roller-coaster final four holes to finish in a tie for 53rd at 3-over 75, seven shots behind leader Kailer Stone of Alameda, Calif.
Woods made another bogey at No. 14 (his second bogey on a par-5 hole), then birdied No. 15. He finished with a bogey at the 16th hole, a par at No. 17 and a closing birdie at No. 18.
#bogey #junior
21 hours ago
It was always going to be tough for Xavier McKinney to top his first season with the Green Bay Packers, and indeed his second year in green and gold was more understated.
McKinney's eight picks in 2024 were the most by a Packer since Charles Woodson, who had nine back in 2009. Interceptions were harder to come by for Green Bay as a defense in 2025, and for McKinney it was no different.
It would therefore be easy to say his season was a relative disappointment, but the underlying numbers suggest it was anything but.
When looking at McKinney's rankings among eligible safeties in 2025 compared to 2024 in a range of statistics, there is plenty to feel good about from his second season with the Packers.
The lower interception count is notable, with only two in 2025, one of which he should have batted down instead on a fourth down versus the Browns.
#season #woodson
McKinney's eight picks in 2024 were the most by a Packer since Charles Woodson, who had nine back in 2009. Interceptions were harder to come by for Green Bay as a defense in 2025, and for McKinney it was no different.
It would therefore be easy to say his season was a relative disappointment, but the underlying numbers suggest it was anything but.
When looking at McKinney's rankings among eligible safeties in 2025 compared to 2024 in a range of statistics, there is plenty to feel good about from his second season with the Packers.
The lower interception count is notable, with only two in 2025, one of which he should have batted down instead on a fourth down versus the Browns.
#season #woodson
23 hours ago
FOXBOROUGH, Mass – After a slow day on Monday that consisted of just a walkthrough practice, the New England Patriots certainly ramped things up on Tuesday. The players took the field in shells, preparing for their first padded practice which is set for later this week.
And with that, those in attendance got their first look at the offense doing 7-on-7 drills as well as some time spent on 1-on-1s between the offensive and defensive lines.
With a higher-intensity practice comes lots more to talk about, so let's get into some takeaways:
The Patriots had three players depart practice early on Tuesday. First, it was starting cornerback Carlton Davis, who left after covering A.J. Brown during the 7-on-7 session. Kindle Vildor replaced him, and then Charles Woods. Then, when 11-on-11s began, it was Woods who was playing opposite Gonzalez, but he also left early. And lastly, there was Rhamondre Stevenson, who departed in the final minutes of practice.
Kayshon Boutte is unstoppable.
#tuesday #left #mass
And with that, those in attendance got their first look at the offense doing 7-on-7 drills as well as some time spent on 1-on-1s between the offensive and defensive lines.
With a higher-intensity practice comes lots more to talk about, so let's get into some takeaways:
The Patriots had three players depart practice early on Tuesday. First, it was starting cornerback Carlton Davis, who left after covering A.J. Brown during the 7-on-7 session. Kindle Vildor replaced him, and then Charles Woods. Then, when 11-on-11s began, it was Woods who was playing opposite Gonzalez, but he also left early. And lastly, there was Rhamondre Stevenson, who departed in the final minutes of practice.
Kayshon Boutte is unstoppable.
#tuesday #left #mass
24 hours ago
Tiger Woods went to the top of the PGA Tour career money list when he was runner-up at Torrey Pines on Feb. 13, 2000, and he has stayed there ever since. His last check for finishing last at the 2024 Masters ($44,400) pushed his career earnings to $120,999,166.
Being passed is inevitable and now is in clear view. It's just a matter of who tops him first.
Rory McIlroy, who lost in the quarterfinals of the 2009 Match Play in his PGA Tour debut, is second on the list at $116,446,772. Scottie Scheffler, who cashed his first PGA Tour check in 2018, moved to $116,364,411 with his runner-up finish in the 3M Open.
That leaves both of them just over $4 million away from Woods coming into the lucrative FedEx Cup postseason — $20 million purses at two playoff events, and the Tour Championship with its $40 million bonus pool that now counts as official money.
Scheffler became the third player in history to earn nine figures in their career earlier this year, when he won the American Express. Since then, the world's top-ranked player has finished second five times.
#runner
Being passed is inevitable and now is in clear view. It's just a matter of who tops him first.
Rory McIlroy, who lost in the quarterfinals of the 2009 Match Play in his PGA Tour debut, is second on the list at $116,446,772. Scottie Scheffler, who cashed his first PGA Tour check in 2018, moved to $116,364,411 with his runner-up finish in the 3M Open.
That leaves both of them just over $4 million away from Woods coming into the lucrative FedEx Cup postseason — $20 million purses at two playoff events, and the Tour Championship with its $40 million bonus pool that now counts as official money.
Scheffler became the third player in history to earn nine figures in their career earlier this year, when he won the American Express. Since then, the world's top-ranked player has finished second five times.
#runner
1 day ago
Actor James Woods said he is worried the recent "Muslim invasion" of the USA will be the point where historians look back and say the country took a nosedive into ****** .
He shared his concern about the rise of Islam during a Monday interview on right-wing pundit Benny Johnson's show.
Woods — one of the few outspoken conservatives in Hollywood — said he believed the election of democratic socialist and Muslim Zohran Mamdani (D) as New York City's mayor was "the most dangerous event" in modern American history. He said it signaled the downfall of the nation.
"Look, I think America is the greatest human endeavor in the history of humankind. I think it's in terrible trouble. I mean, the city where the World Trade Center and the people in it were slaughtered and destroyed, how you could ever allow this Muslim invasion and cancer?" Woods asked.
"And they say, 'What are you, prejudiced?' Well, yes. I'm sorry to say it," he continued.
#look #history #james
He shared his concern about the rise of Islam during a Monday interview on right-wing pundit Benny Johnson's show.
Woods — one of the few outspoken conservatives in Hollywood — said he believed the election of democratic socialist and Muslim Zohran Mamdani (D) as New York City's mayor was "the most dangerous event" in modern American history. He said it signaled the downfall of the nation.
"Look, I think America is the greatest human endeavor in the history of humankind. I think it's in terrible trouble. I mean, the city where the World Trade Center and the people in it were slaughtered and destroyed, how you could ever allow this Muslim invasion and cancer?" Woods asked.
"And they say, 'What are you, prejudiced?' Well, yes. I'm sorry to say it," he continued.
#look #history #james
1 day ago
Elizabeth Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus are two peas in a country pod.
Hurley, during a recent interview on SiriusXM's "Andy Cohen Live," said the couple – who have been together nearly a year and a half – are "remarkably similar in strangely different ways."
"We've both been in showbiz our whole lives. We've both lived out of suitcases our entire lives, so that's very normal for us," she said. "You're not reliable for anything because work comes first, so we've both been that person for a very long time, and that really helps. We're both also, again, even though we've always both worked in the cities, we're both country mice at heart."
Hurley, who grew up in a market town in Hampshire, England, and Cyrus, who is from Flatwoods, Kentucky, share a desire for a quiet life, she said.
"We like bird watching. We've got binoculars. We've got long lenses, and we watch 'Birds of Prey' a lot," she continued. "I do the gardening. He sits under a tree and plays his guitar, and we couldn't be happier. May sound odd to some people, but for me, it's bliss."
#hurley #cyrus #billy
Hurley, during a recent interview on SiriusXM's "Andy Cohen Live," said the couple – who have been together nearly a year and a half – are "remarkably similar in strangely different ways."
"We've both been in showbiz our whole lives. We've both lived out of suitcases our entire lives, so that's very normal for us," she said. "You're not reliable for anything because work comes first, so we've both been that person for a very long time, and that really helps. We're both also, again, even though we've always both worked in the cities, we're both country mice at heart."
Hurley, who grew up in a market town in Hampshire, England, and Cyrus, who is from Flatwoods, Kentucky, share a desire for a quiet life, she said.
"We like bird watching. We've got binoculars. We've got long lenses, and we watch 'Birds of Prey' a lot," she continued. "I do the gardening. He sits under a tree and plays his guitar, and we couldn't be happier. May sound odd to some people, but for me, it's bliss."
#hurley #cyrus #billy
1 day ago
After holding a lighter practice on Tuesday, the New England Patriots are expected to ramp back up the intensity for Day 4 of training camp on Tuesday.
The defense got the better of the offense during the last competitive team period, and quarterback Drake Maye threw his first interception of training camp on an intended pass to star wide receiver A.J. Brown. Safety Craig Woodson, who has continued to show significant growth as an NFL defensive back, came up with the takeaway.
All eyes will be on Maye and the offense to see how they bounce back against the stingy Patriots defense. Can the third-year quarterback finally get things clicking with Brown on the field? Will some of the other new faces, like wideout Romeo Doubs and tight end Eli Raridon make more of an impact?
Check back for live updates from practice.
Tuesday, July 28: 10:15-12:15 p.m. ET
#back #brown #practice #training
The defense got the better of the offense during the last competitive team period, and quarterback Drake Maye threw his first interception of training camp on an intended pass to star wide receiver A.J. Brown. Safety Craig Woodson, who has continued to show significant growth as an NFL defensive back, came up with the takeaway.
All eyes will be on Maye and the offense to see how they bounce back against the stingy Patriots defense. Can the third-year quarterback finally get things clicking with Brown on the field? Will some of the other new faces, like wideout Romeo Doubs and tight end Eli Raridon make more of an impact?
Check back for live updates from practice.
Tuesday, July 28: 10:15-12:15 p.m. ET
#back #brown #practice #training
1 day ago
Bryson DeChambeau has been one of the leading voices in the anti-golf ball rollback movement.
Golf technology's rapid advancement has seen a jaw-dropping increase in distance from modern professional golfers. To counteract this, the sport is preparing a golf ball rollback to prevent players from hitting the ball quite as far.
Many current players and legends alike, such as Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, are in favor of this move, although there are questions being raised about how effective the new golf ball will be at reducing distance.
Meanwhile, DeChambeau has argued that fans want to see players hit the ball as far as humanly possible. He says being able to drive the ball over 350 yards is a feat of human accomplishment, and it's good for the game.
But what's happening on the PGA Tour this season proves that DeChambeau's take on this is complete nonsense.
#players #mcilroy
Golf technology's rapid advancement has seen a jaw-dropping increase in distance from modern professional golfers. To counteract this, the sport is preparing a golf ball rollback to prevent players from hitting the ball quite as far.
Many current players and legends alike, such as Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, are in favor of this move, although there are questions being raised about how effective the new golf ball will be at reducing distance.
Meanwhile, DeChambeau has argued that fans want to see players hit the ball as far as humanly possible. He says being able to drive the ball over 350 yards is a feat of human accomplishment, and it's good for the game.
But what's happening on the PGA Tour this season proves that DeChambeau's take on this is complete nonsense.
#players #mcilroy
5 days ago
Jul. 24—GRAND FORKS — Matti Kwarta had just seven at-bats as a freshman at San Diego State this year.
On July 11, she won the Northwoods League's home run derby, beating out the likes of Wisconsin's Hilary Blomberg and Washington's Ava Carroll.
Kwarta was primarily a pitcher for the Aztecs. This summer with the Grand Forks Spitfires, though, Kwarta is proving she's still a major threat at the plate.
"I hope to bring what I've been doing here back to SDSU to help my team," Kwarta said. "It gives me more confidence knowing that I can do this at this level, going against great pitchers. So hopefully when I go back, this carries over. ... I would love to be able to hit more and be able to pitch."
Kwarta leads the Spitfires with 13 home runs, and her .475 batting average ranks fourth in the Northwoods League.
#grand #home
On July 11, she won the Northwoods League's home run derby, beating out the likes of Wisconsin's Hilary Blomberg and Washington's Ava Carroll.
Kwarta was primarily a pitcher for the Aztecs. This summer with the Grand Forks Spitfires, though, Kwarta is proving she's still a major threat at the plate.
"I hope to bring what I've been doing here back to SDSU to help my team," Kwarta said. "It gives me more confidence knowing that I can do this at this level, going against great pitchers. So hopefully when I go back, this carries over. ... I would love to be able to hit more and be able to pitch."
Kwarta leads the Spitfires with 13 home runs, and her .475 batting average ranks fourth in the Northwoods League.
#grand #home
5 days ago
According to a report from The Spokesman Review's Greg Woods, the Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars will not play their annual Apple Cup rivalry on the hardwood.
It's the first time since 1917 that the two teams won't meet in the regular season after the Huskies moved from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten following the end of the 2023-24 season; instead, the in-state rivals will play an exhibition game in Seattle at some point this fall.
The Huskies currently lead the series 189-111, and have won the last three matchups against the Cougars, most recently an 81-69 victory in Pullman.
In that contest, the Huskies were led by freshman forward Hannes Steinbach, who posted 14 points and 13 rebounds as part of a stellar season that saw him selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 14 overall pick in June's NBA draft, while sophomore guard Wesley Yates added 26 points and 7 rebounds in the win.
Coach Danny Sprinkle, who grew up a Husky after being born in Pullman because his late father, Bill, played defensive back for Washington in the 1960s, is undefeated in his two games against the Cougars and will have to wait at least another year for an opportunity to earn another win over WSU.
#huskies #season #according
It's the first time since 1917 that the two teams won't meet in the regular season after the Huskies moved from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten following the end of the 2023-24 season; instead, the in-state rivals will play an exhibition game in Seattle at some point this fall.
The Huskies currently lead the series 189-111, and have won the last three matchups against the Cougars, most recently an 81-69 victory in Pullman.
In that contest, the Huskies were led by freshman forward Hannes Steinbach, who posted 14 points and 13 rebounds as part of a stellar season that saw him selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 14 overall pick in June's NBA draft, while sophomore guard Wesley Yates added 26 points and 7 rebounds in the win.
Coach Danny Sprinkle, who grew up a Husky after being born in Pullman because his late father, Bill, played defensive back for Washington in the 1960s, is undefeated in his two games against the Cougars and will have to wait at least another year for an opportunity to earn another win over WSU.
#huskies #season #according
5 days ago
The Tennessee **** ans will officially begin training camp on July 28th when the veterans report to Vanderbilt Health Football Camp in Nashville. We’re concluding our positional preview with the secondary, cornerbacks and safeties. The **** ans have 17 defensive backs on the offseason roster. General manager Mike Borgonzi made various acquisitions across these positions.
In camp (17): Alontae Taylor, Cor’Dale Flott, Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston Jr., Marcus Harris, Tony Adams, Joshua Williams, Jerrick Reed II, Jalen McMurray, Latrell McCutchin, Jeadyn Lukus, Kendell Brooks, Sanoussi Kane, Erick Hallett II, Bishop Fitzgerald, Keydrain Calligan, Micah Robinson.
Biggest storyline: The **** ans totally revamped the cornerback room, signing Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott to very lucrative contracts in free agency. They’ll be tasked with being Robert Saleh’s starting boundary corners. This position needed a makeover after trading Jarvis Brownlee and Roger McCreary, and cutting L’Jarius Sneed. Expectations are high for Taylor and Flott.
Most to prove: Both Kevin Winston Jr. and Marcus Harris are sophomores entering the year in starting roles. The **** ans cut Xavier Woods during the offseason to make room for Winston in the starting lineup opposite Amani Hooker. Harris doesn’t appear to have any competition for the nickel role either.
Breakout star: Winston Jr. is probably the correct choice. The former Penn State standout flashed an exciting skill set when he was healthy as a rookie. Winston is entering camp fully available and should make a massive impact next to Hooker in the lineup. He possesses every trait to be a breakout defender.
#Titans #camp #taylor #dale
In camp (17): Alontae Taylor, Cor’Dale Flott, Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston Jr., Marcus Harris, Tony Adams, Joshua Williams, Jerrick Reed II, Jalen McMurray, Latrell McCutchin, Jeadyn Lukus, Kendell Brooks, Sanoussi Kane, Erick Hallett II, Bishop Fitzgerald, Keydrain Calligan, Micah Robinson.
Biggest storyline: The **** ans totally revamped the cornerback room, signing Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott to very lucrative contracts in free agency. They’ll be tasked with being Robert Saleh’s starting boundary corners. This position needed a makeover after trading Jarvis Brownlee and Roger McCreary, and cutting L’Jarius Sneed. Expectations are high for Taylor and Flott.
Most to prove: Both Kevin Winston Jr. and Marcus Harris are sophomores entering the year in starting roles. The **** ans cut Xavier Woods during the offseason to make room for Winston in the starting lineup opposite Amani Hooker. Harris doesn’t appear to have any competition for the nickel role either.
Breakout star: Winston Jr. is probably the correct choice. The former Penn State standout flashed an exciting skill set when he was healthy as a rookie. Winston is entering camp fully available and should make a massive impact next to Hooker in the lineup. He possesses every trait to be a breakout defender.
#Titans #camp #taylor #dale
6 days ago
Evy Leibfarth climbed out of her boat into a throng of family, coaches and teammates — all of whom took turns embracing the home-country star.
Leibfarth made history Thursday afternoon in Oklahoma City, becoming the first American woman to medal in kayak slalom at a world championship since 2003 — the year before Leibfarth, 22, was born.
"A little bit of disbelief," Leibfarth said when asked how it felt. "Going into this event, I definitely knew that I had it in me to do it, but of course putting it on on race day is a whole different game. You have the conditions, the course out there is really hard and then competing against all the top ladies in the world. I'm really proud of myself and my team for making this happen."
Australian legend Jessica Fox took gold in the women's kayak final at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships. Great Britain's Kimberley Woods won bronze.
"They're some of my biggest idols but also girls I call friends," Leibfarth said of Fox and Woods, "so that's really special, too."
#World #course #thursday #oklahoma
Leibfarth made history Thursday afternoon in Oklahoma City, becoming the first American woman to medal in kayak slalom at a world championship since 2003 — the year before Leibfarth, 22, was born.
"A little bit of disbelief," Leibfarth said when asked how it felt. "Going into this event, I definitely knew that I had it in me to do it, but of course putting it on on race day is a whole different game. You have the conditions, the course out there is really hard and then competing against all the top ladies in the world. I'm really proud of myself and my team for making this happen."
Australian legend Jessica Fox took gold in the women's kayak final at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships. Great Britain's Kimberley Woods won bronze.
"They're some of my biggest idols but also girls I call friends," Leibfarth said of Fox and Woods, "so that's really special, too."
#World #course #thursday #oklahoma
6 days ago
Miles Russell closed out his Round-of-16 match in impressive fashion Thursday afternoon at the U.S. Junior Amateur.
Leading opponent Reed Arnaldo, 1 up, Russell got aggressive on the 324-yard, par-4 18th hole at Saucon Valley Country Club's Old Course, taking driver and hitting his tee ball to 5 feet.
With Russell looking at an automatic birdie, at worst, Arnaldo ended up conceding the hole to the country's top-ranked junior before Russell needed to even play his second stroke. Russell's 2-up win sent him into Friday morning's quarterfinals, where he'll face Dylan Boenning, who advanced with a 19-hole victory over Owen Coniaris.
Russell, who is also the world's seventh-ranked amateur and already a member of this year's U.S. Walker Cup team, is attempting to win his first Tiger Woods trophy, the new name of the U.S. Junior's coveted prize, and complete what would be considered the modern grand slam of boys junior golf.
Russell, 17, has already twice won the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley (2025, 2026) and AJGA Junior Players Championship (2023, 2025), while also winning the 2023 Junior PGA Championship.
#miles
Leading opponent Reed Arnaldo, 1 up, Russell got aggressive on the 324-yard, par-4 18th hole at Saucon Valley Country Club's Old Course, taking driver and hitting his tee ball to 5 feet.
With Russell looking at an automatic birdie, at worst, Arnaldo ended up conceding the hole to the country's top-ranked junior before Russell needed to even play his second stroke. Russell's 2-up win sent him into Friday morning's quarterfinals, where he'll face Dylan Boenning, who advanced with a 19-hole victory over Owen Coniaris.
Russell, who is also the world's seventh-ranked amateur and already a member of this year's U.S. Walker Cup team, is attempting to win his first Tiger Woods trophy, the new name of the U.S. Junior's coveted prize, and complete what would be considered the modern grand slam of boys junior golf.
Russell, 17, has already twice won the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley (2025, 2026) and AJGA Junior Players Championship (2023, 2025), while also winning the 2023 Junior PGA Championship.
#miles
6 days ago
The locker room was quiet.
The California Redwoods had just lost to the Maryland Whipsnakes by a staggering score of 20-7. Players were frustrated, but it wasn’t the kind of disgruntlement where players cursed, yelled or hit lockers.
It was more to the chagrin of the players feeling, in that moment, that they had no answer for what had just happened.
#locker #quiet
The California Redwoods had just lost to the Maryland Whipsnakes by a staggering score of 20-7. Players were frustrated, but it wasn’t the kind of disgruntlement where players cursed, yelled or hit lockers.
It was more to the chagrin of the players feeling, in that moment, that they had no answer for what had just happened.
#locker #quiet
7 days ago
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — Charlie Woods failed to reach match play in the U.S. Junior Amateur after falling short in a 14-player playoff for two spots.
The son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods was tied for 63rd on Tuesday after shooting rounds of 76 and 70 over two courses at Saucon Valley for a 5-over total. He was eliminated with a bogey Wednesday after being bothered by the clicking sound of a phone camera during his third shot of the first playoff hole, a distraction that would not likely come into play for other juniors.
Woods hit his second shot on the par-5 first hole into the rough near the green, but flubbed his third shot when he heard the camera during his swing.
“Really, dude?” an irritated Woods said after the shot. “I mean, come on.”
Miles Russell, Woods’ future teammate at Florida State, was the stroke play co-medalist at 6-under 135.
#Third #first #hole #come
The son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods was tied for 63rd on Tuesday after shooting rounds of 76 and 70 over two courses at Saucon Valley for a 5-over total. He was eliminated with a bogey Wednesday after being bothered by the clicking sound of a phone camera during his third shot of the first playoff hole, a distraction that would not likely come into play for other juniors.
Woods hit his second shot on the par-5 first hole into the rough near the green, but flubbed his third shot when he heard the camera during his swing.
“Really, dude?” an irritated Woods said after the shot. “I mean, come on.”
Miles Russell, Woods’ future teammate at Florida State, was the stroke play co-medalist at 6-under 135.
#Third #first #hole #come
7 days ago
Charlie Woods, the 17-year-old son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, saw his time at the U.S. Junior Amateur at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania come to an end in frustrating fashion during a playoff.
Woods teed up on the par-5, 584-yard first hole knowing he needed a birdie after the two players ahead of him shot under par on the hole. As he attempted to get to the green in two, he second shot landed short left of the green in the rough.
While attempting his third shot about 25 yards from the green, a camera clicked as he was in his backswing. The shot out of the rough did not go well for the Florida State commit, who turned and said, "Really, dude?"
Woods needed to chip in on his fourth shot to make birdie, but failed to do so and then missed a par save. He ended up bogeying the hole and was eliminated in the 14-for-2 playoff for one of the final spots in the round of 64 matchplay field.
Woods, whose dad won the event three straight times from 1991-1993, had shot rounds of 76 and 70 during stroke play to claim a spot in the sudden-death playoff on Wednesday. It was his best showing at the junior championship after shooting rounds of 82 and 80 in 2024 and 80 and 74 last year.
#playoff #year
Woods teed up on the par-5, 584-yard first hole knowing he needed a birdie after the two players ahead of him shot under par on the hole. As he attempted to get to the green in two, he second shot landed short left of the green in the rough.
While attempting his third shot about 25 yards from the green, a camera clicked as he was in his backswing. The shot out of the rough did not go well for the Florida State commit, who turned and said, "Really, dude?"
Woods needed to chip in on his fourth shot to make birdie, but failed to do so and then missed a par save. He ended up bogeying the hole and was eliminated in the 14-for-2 playoff for one of the final spots in the round of 64 matchplay field.
Woods, whose dad won the event three straight times from 1991-1993, had shot rounds of 76 and 70 during stroke play to claim a spot in the sudden-death playoff on Wednesday. It was his best showing at the junior championship after shooting rounds of 82 and 80 in 2024 and 80 and 74 last year.
#playoff #year
7 days ago
Carolina Chaos defenseman Jack Rowlett has been placed on injured reserve after suffering an upper-body injury in the first quarter of Saturday's 10-8 loss to the Denver Outlaws that required the five-time All-Pro to be transported to the local hospital in Fairfield.
According to Dr. Paul Sethi, Medical Director at the PLL, Rowlett was diagnosed with both a cervical strain and a sternoclavicular strain on the left side of his body.
Rowlett will be reassessed heading into Carolina's regular-season finale against the Utah Archers on Aug. 7.
"He will be out the next two weeks, so three games," Chaos general manager Spencer Ford said on Monday. "[He is] in a lot of pain but will get better."
While on injured reserve, Rowlett will miss Carolina's game against the Boston Cannons on July 25, as well as the Chaos' back-to-back contests against the California Redwoods on July 31 and the Philadelphia Waterdogs on Aug. 1.
#july #reserve #body
According to Dr. Paul Sethi, Medical Director at the PLL, Rowlett was diagnosed with both a cervical strain and a sternoclavicular strain on the left side of his body.
Rowlett will be reassessed heading into Carolina's regular-season finale against the Utah Archers on Aug. 7.
"He will be out the next two weeks, so three games," Chaos general manager Spencer Ford said on Monday. "[He is] in a lot of pain but will get better."
While on injured reserve, Rowlett will miss Carolina's game against the Boston Cannons on July 25, as well as the Chaos' back-to-back contests against the California Redwoods on July 31 and the Philadelphia Waterdogs on Aug. 1.
#july #reserve #body
8 days ago
In an explosive 16-15 win for the Madison Night Mares over the La Crosse Steam on Sunday, Washington Huskies outfielder Ava Carroll continued her dominant campaign in the Northwoods League.
Carroll, who was named to the collegiate summer league's first-ever all-star game, picked up Player of the Night honors on Monday after yet another stellar outing. Out of the leadoff spot, the rising senior went 2-for-3 with a walk, blasting a pair of home runs and racking up 6 runs batted in in the process.
The product of Mt. Hood Community College, who transferred to Washington ahead of the 2025 season, also scored 3 runs in the victory and participated in the league's inaugural Home Run Challenge, where she launched 16 in the contest.
As the Night Mares sit at 27-5 on the year and have clinched a spot in the playoffs after the win over the Steam, Carroll has arguably been the league's MVP.
She has put together a .485 batting average and 1.480 OPS on 47 hits, 9 home runs, 42 RBI, 52 runs scored, 21 walks, and 9 stolen bases, while she has struck out just three times in 97 at-bats on the season.
#runs #carroll #spot #scored
Carroll, who was named to the collegiate summer league's first-ever all-star game, picked up Player of the Night honors on Monday after yet another stellar outing. Out of the leadoff spot, the rising senior went 2-for-3 with a walk, blasting a pair of home runs and racking up 6 runs batted in in the process.
The product of Mt. Hood Community College, who transferred to Washington ahead of the 2025 season, also scored 3 runs in the victory and participated in the league's inaugural Home Run Challenge, where she launched 16 in the contest.
As the Night Mares sit at 27-5 on the year and have clinched a spot in the playoffs after the win over the Steam, Carroll has arguably been the league's MVP.
She has put together a .485 batting average and 1.480 OPS on 47 hits, 9 home runs, 42 RBI, 52 runs scored, 21 walks, and 9 stolen bases, while she has struck out just three times in 97 at-bats on the season.
#runs #carroll #spot #scored
8 days ago
Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod spoke during the league's media day on Tuesday, July 21. In the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, she was asked about conference expansion.
"We are always going to explore," MacLeod said. "We are going to do it in a very strategic way."
Conference USA boasts 10 teams, including Missouri State. It has the fewest number of teams playing FBS football besides the Mountain West in its revamped league, now featuring former Missouri State FCS foe North Dakota State.
More: Sports writer Liam Keating joins the News-Leader staff
Missouri State football: Why Casey Woods believes the Bears can 'ascend rapidly'
#conference #going
"We are always going to explore," MacLeod said. "We are going to do it in a very strategic way."
Conference USA boasts 10 teams, including Missouri State. It has the fewest number of teams playing FBS football besides the Mountain West in its revamped league, now featuring former Missouri State FCS foe North Dakota State.
More: Sports writer Liam Keating joins the News-Leader staff
Missouri State football: Why Casey Woods believes the Bears can 'ascend rapidly'
#conference #going
12 days ago
Kai Trump has opened up about the influence Tiger Woods has had on her life and burgeoning golf career.
The 19-year-old aspiring golfer praised the 15-time major champion, who has been in a relationship with her mother, Vanessa Trump, since late 2024.
Speaking to Us Weekly on the red carpet at the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York City on July 15, Kai revealed that Tiger's guidance has extended far beyond the golf course.
"He's inspired me a lot," she said. "Just to be a better person, better golfer, and stuff like that."
Asked to share the most valuable advice the 50-year-old sporting legend had given her, Kai replied: "Just keep on being you and just live life. He's amazing."
The 19-year-old aspiring golfer praised the 15-time major champion, who has been in a relationship with her mother, Vanessa Trump, since late 2024.
Speaking to Us Weekly on the red carpet at the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York City on July 15, Kai revealed that Tiger's guidance has extended far beyond the golf course.
"He's inspired me a lot," she said. "Just to be a better person, better golfer, and stuff like that."
Asked to share the most valuable advice the 50-year-old sporting legend had given her, Kai replied: "Just keep on being you and just live life. He's amazing."
14 days ago
The New York Jets will officially begin training camp when the veterans report on July 28. The rookie class reports to Florham Park a few days earlier on July 25. Head coach Aaron Glenn is expected to oversee a competitive camp as the Jets attempt to begin rebuilding in the right direction.
With so much on the line, we've identified three Jets players with everything to lose at training camp.
The Jets used a fourth-round pick on wide receiver Arian Smith last offseason. The former Georgia standout produced just seven receptions for 52 yards and zero touchdowns as a rookie. He's been further **** ped down the depth chart by rookie first-round pick Omar Cooper Jr. Smith is on thin ice heading into training camp.
Veteran tight end Jelani Woods was an offseason winner at OTAs and minicamp. The position room is very crowded, however, with the Jets having loads invested in Kenyon Sadiq and Mason Taylor. Fellow veteran Jeremy Ruckert is also a factor. Woods is fighting for a roster spot.
The Jets gave first-round bust Mazi Smith a lifeline by trading for him last November, but he hardly seized the opportunity. Now, they've acquired T'Vondre Smith and David Onyemata this offseason, leading to a busy defensive tackle room. Smith is currently a long-shot to make the 53-man roster.
With so much on the line, we've identified three Jets players with everything to lose at training camp.
The Jets used a fourth-round pick on wide receiver Arian Smith last offseason. The former Georgia standout produced just seven receptions for 52 yards and zero touchdowns as a rookie. He's been further **** ped down the depth chart by rookie first-round pick Omar Cooper Jr. Smith is on thin ice heading into training camp.
Veteran tight end Jelani Woods was an offseason winner at OTAs and minicamp. The position room is very crowded, however, with the Jets having loads invested in Kenyon Sadiq and Mason Taylor. Fellow veteran Jeremy Ruckert is also a factor. Woods is fighting for a roster spot.
The Jets gave first-round bust Mazi Smith a lifeline by trading for him last November, but he hardly seized the opportunity. Now, they've acquired T'Vondre Smith and David Onyemata this offseason, leading to a busy defensive tackle room. Smith is currently a long-shot to make the 53-man roster.
14 days ago
Rory McIlroy has admitted that he should be able to use driver more than he expected during The Open Championship after returning to Royal Birkdale this week.
McIlroy is going to be one of the heavy favourites to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday evening. The Northern Irishman was exceptional for three days at the Scottish Open this past week.
Of course, the conditions are going to have a big say on who is able to triumph at Royal Birkdale. The United Kingdom has faced an incredibly hot summer, so the golf course is likely to be playing fast and fiery.
That may tempt some players to leave the driver in the bag much more often. However, Rory McIlroy is not one of those.
Famously, Tiger Woods hit the driver just once on his way to winning The Open Championship at Hoylake in 2006.
McIlroy is going to be one of the heavy favourites to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday evening. The Northern Irishman was exceptional for three days at the Scottish Open this past week.
Of course, the conditions are going to have a big say on who is able to triumph at Royal Birkdale. The United Kingdom has faced an incredibly hot summer, so the golf course is likely to be playing fast and fiery.
That may tempt some players to leave the driver in the bag much more often. However, Rory McIlroy is not one of those.
Famously, Tiger Woods hit the driver just once on his way to winning The Open Championship at Hoylake in 2006.
14 days ago
Polk State freshman guard and former Winter Haven player Eric Dailey had everyone's support all year, which materialized into the All-American JUCO Showcase selection in Atlanta over the weekend.
And it was all because of his coaches and teammates preaching to him he was the best player on the team, which also meant he had to lead by example. Both things can be true, as Dailey went on to average 17.1 points and 3.4 rebounds.
"It feels great to represent Winter Haven. I've been with them since I was in elementary so I'm grateful to have been a part of an amazing program and I will always have love for coach (head boys basketball coach Tyrone) Woodside and Winter Haven," Dailey said.
Dailey: Winter Haven, Polk State's Dailey selected for prominent JUCO showcase
All-County 2024: Meet The Ledger's 2023-24 All-County Boys Basketball Team
And it was all because of his coaches and teammates preaching to him he was the best player on the team, which also meant he had to lead by example. Both things can be true, as Dailey went on to average 17.1 points and 3.4 rebounds.
"It feels great to represent Winter Haven. I've been with them since I was in elementary so I'm grateful to have been a part of an amazing program and I will always have love for coach (head boys basketball coach Tyrone) Woodside and Winter Haven," Dailey said.
Dailey: Winter Haven, Polk State's Dailey selected for prominent JUCO showcase
All-County 2024: Meet The Ledger's 2023-24 All-County Boys Basketball Team
15 days ago
When the Dallas Cowboys shipped Micah Parsons off to the land of piney woods and squeaky cheese last summer, they didn’t quite know what they had left in the edge rush department. For years Parsons represented the position group to the highest degree, establishing himself as one of the best in the game. He was the alpha and the omega of the edge room and a player who made things easier for everyone around him. To make things even more unpredictable, Parsons' departure coincided with DeMarcus Lawrence's, pushing the Cowboys headfirst into the unknown.
Yet, the cabinet wasn’t empty. Sam Williams was an aspiring talent, Donovan Ezeiruaku looked like a draft steal and Dante Fowler was a double-digit sack mercenary, so there was hope things would work out. As luck would have it, things did not work out. All three aforementioned players underachieved one way or another and the Cowboys were left scrambling for answers, midseason.
Looking back, it was clear the timing was off on everything; from the time of the Parsons trade, to the testing of internal options, to the hunt for emergency solutions, everything seemed to be too little and too late.
In 2026, Dallas had a chance to fix things at edge rusher. They had a full offseason to strategize, they had money to spend in free agency, and they had picks in the draft. But instead of going all-in at edge rusher, they handled things modestly, adding Rashan Gary in a trade with the Green Bay Packers, drafting Malachi Lawrence in the first round, but largely banking on a scheme change to unlock roster carryovers.
Based on pure personnel, things look mildly better today than they looked at the beginning of last season, but it's not the level of attention many wanted from the home team. There’s a good chance the Cowboys are still one good pass rusher away from being complete and the clock is ticking.
Yet, the cabinet wasn’t empty. Sam Williams was an aspiring talent, Donovan Ezeiruaku looked like a draft steal and Dante Fowler was a double-digit sack mercenary, so there was hope things would work out. As luck would have it, things did not work out. All three aforementioned players underachieved one way or another and the Cowboys were left scrambling for answers, midseason.
Looking back, it was clear the timing was off on everything; from the time of the Parsons trade, to the testing of internal options, to the hunt for emergency solutions, everything seemed to be too little and too late.
In 2026, Dallas had a chance to fix things at edge rusher. They had a full offseason to strategize, they had money to spend in free agency, and they had picks in the draft. But instead of going all-in at edge rusher, they handled things modestly, adding Rashan Gary in a trade with the Green Bay Packers, drafting Malachi Lawrence in the first round, but largely banking on a scheme change to unlock roster carryovers.
Based on pure personnel, things look mildly better today than they looked at the beginning of last season, but it's not the level of attention many wanted from the home team. There’s a good chance the Cowboys are still one good pass rusher away from being complete and the clock is ticking.
15 days ago
An MP has said he is "deeply concerned" after plans for asylum seekers' accommodation on a former military base have been deemed "nationally important and urgent".
On Monday, Lib Dem MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller posted on Facebook showing written confirmation that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) site near Bicester, Oxfordshire, had been informed of the plans in November.
"If ministers have known for eight months, what exactly makes this urgent now?," he asked.
The Home Office confirmed that planning permission was being sought at three new sites, including MoD Bicester, but has not yet directly commented on Miller's question.
Miller shared two images along with his post, one of which is a letter by Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning.
On Monday, Lib Dem MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller posted on Facebook showing written confirmation that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) site near Bicester, Oxfordshire, had been informed of the plans in November.
"If ministers have known for eight months, what exactly makes this urgent now?," he asked.
The Home Office confirmed that planning permission was being sought at three new sites, including MoD Bicester, but has not yet directly commented on Miller's question.
Miller shared two images along with his post, one of which is a letter by Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning.
16 days ago
Battle Creek Battle Jacks players were part of winning effort at the Northwoods League All-Star Game, played at the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa.
The Great Lakes All-Stars defeated the Great Plains All-Stars 4-2 on July 8 as part of the Northwoods League All-Star Game festivities.
Battle Creek's Brendan Thompson was 1-for-1 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base in the win. The Battle Jacks' Jake Stedman started at second base and earned a walk and scored a run.
MORE: Making All-Star team a 'dream' come true for pair of Battle Jacks players
Christian Lopez led the Battle Jacks in hitting in the first half of the season. Playing 20 games, Lopez hit .311. Thompson hit .302, playing 42 games with 24 RBIs with a team-high 34 runs and team-high 49 hits. A.J. Lucas led Battle Creek with 27 RBIs with Stedman having 26 RBIs.
The Great Lakes All-Stars defeated the Great Plains All-Stars 4-2 on July 8 as part of the Northwoods League All-Star Game festivities.
Battle Creek's Brendan Thompson was 1-for-1 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base in the win. The Battle Jacks' Jake Stedman started at second base and earned a walk and scored a run.
MORE: Making All-Star team a 'dream' come true for pair of Battle Jacks players
Christian Lopez led the Battle Jacks in hitting in the first half of the season. Playing 20 games, Lopez hit .311. Thompson hit .302, playing 42 games with 24 RBIs with a team-high 34 runs and team-high 49 hits. A.J. Lucas led Battle Creek with 27 RBIs with Stedman having 26 RBIs.
16 days ago
Rivals has updated its recruiting rankings — the Rivals300 — for the 2027 cycle. Five prospects have obtained five-star status, one of whom is Harper Woods (Mich.) wide receiver Dakota Guerrant.
Already the No. 1 recruit in the state of Michigan, Guerrant continues to cement himself as one of the nation’s top overall prospects. The Oregon commit checks in at No. 22 overall is one of just three receivers to be named a five-star in Monday’s update.
The 6-foot-1.5, 200-pounder is coming off a huge junior season that saw him haul in 55 receptions and turn them into 1,074 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also plays defensive back and had 40 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass-breakups in 2025.
$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage
He enters his senior season as one of the more feared players in the Midwest. He’ll also now take the field for the first time as a five-star recruit this fall. His Harper Woods team enters the 2026 campaign as the No. 24 team in Michigan, per the Rivals Composite Rankings.
Already the No. 1 recruit in the state of Michigan, Guerrant continues to cement himself as one of the nation’s top overall prospects. The Oregon commit checks in at No. 22 overall is one of just three receivers to be named a five-star in Monday’s update.
The 6-foot-1.5, 200-pounder is coming off a huge junior season that saw him haul in 55 receptions and turn them into 1,074 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also plays defensive back and had 40 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass-breakups in 2025.
$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage
He enters his senior season as one of the more feared players in the Midwest. He’ll also now take the field for the first time as a five-star recruit this fall. His Harper Woods team enters the 2026 campaign as the No. 24 team in Michigan, per the Rivals Composite Rankings.
