OAKMONT, PA — On a wild, rain-soaked Sunday at the 125th U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun delivered a gutsy, storybook finish that capped off one of the most chaotic final rounds in recent major history. With lightning in the sky, five players tied for the lead, and Oakmont Country Club baring its legendary teeth, Spaun overcame a disastrous front nine, a weather delay, and intense pressure to win his first major title in unforgettable style.

The moment that sealed it? A jaw-dropping 64-foot birdie putt in a downpour on the 18th green — one that sent the crowd into shock and Spaun into the history books.

A Nightmare Start — Then the Storm (and Spaun) Reset Everything

Spaun looked like a man unraveling early on Sunday. After starting the day tied for second, he carded five bogeys in his first six holes. His Thursday magic — a bogey-free 66 — seemed long gone.

Then, nature intervened.

A torrential downpour halted play just after 4 p.m. ET, forcing players and thousands of soaked fans to flee for shelter. Spaun, playing in the penultimate group, took cover — and found something else during the delay: composure.

When play resumed over an hour later, Spaun returned a different golfer. He played the next three holes even, then birdied 12 and 14 to take the outright lead. A bogey on 15 brought the field back into a five-way tie, but Spaun wasn’t done.

A Clutch Drive and a Legendary Putt

The tournament turned for good on the par-4 17th — a 314-yard, drivable hole where many players found disaster. Not Spaun.

He ripped a 309-yard drive onto the green, setting up an 18-foot eagle attempt. Though the eagle didn’t fall, the birdie gave him a one-shot cushion heading to the final hole.

On 18, rain again poured down. Spaun found the fairway and hit a solid approach to leave himself 64 feet from the hole. Two putts would’ve secured a tie. Instead, he rolled the ball in.

64 feet, 5 inches. Birdie. U.S. Open champion.

The crowd erupted as Spaun threw his putter into the air and embraced his caddie in celebration.

Burns, Scott, and Hatton Falter Down the Stretch

The story of Sunday wasn’t just Spaun’s brilliance — it was also the carnage around him.

Sam Burns and Adam Scott, the final pairing, started strong but fell apart as conditions worsened. Burns led by two shots after 10 holes but crumbled on the back nine, carding three bogeys and two double bogeys after the rain delay. Scott, the sentimental favorite chasing a second major at age 44, also faded with four bogeys and a double of his own.

Tyrrell Hatton and Carlos Ortiz surged into contention late, but mistakes on the closing holes — including a costly bogey from Hatton on 17 — knocked them out.

Robert MacIntyre, playing a few groups ahead, posted a 2-under 68 and finished at 1-over for the tournament, temporarily tied for the lead. But Spaun’s birdie on 17 and miracle on 18 ended any hopes of a playoff.

Oakmont Lives Up to Its Brutal Reputation

All week, Oakmont had been relentless — fast greens, thick rough, and tight fairways punished even the slightest errors. Sunday’s weather made things even more difficult.

The rain delay flipped the momentum, turning lightning-fast greens soft and sticky, and the rough even more penal. What followed was survival golf: a war of attrition where every par felt like a small victory and bogeys were contagious.

Burns, Scott, Spaun, Hatton, MacIntyre, and Ortiz all took turns leading or co-leading. For much of the back nine, five players were tied at 1-over — a rare logjam that kept fans glued to every swing.

Spaun’s First Major — and a Career-Changing Moment

For J.J. Spaun, this wasn’t just a win — it was a coming-of-age. The 33-year-old, long seen as a solid tour player without a major breakthrough, showed remarkable grit to bounce back from a collapse and seize control under the most intense pressure imaginable.

Oakmont demanded perfection. Spaun gave it just when it mattered most.

Final Leaderboard (Top 5)

• J.J. Spaun — Even (Final Round 72)
• T-2. Robert MacIntyre — +1
• T-2. Tyrrell Hatton — +1
• T-2. Sam Burns — +1
• T-2. Adam Scott — +1

Key Moments:

• Weather Delay: Over 90 minutes halted play as rain pounded Oakmont.
• Spaun’s Drive on 17: A 309-yard shot onto the green set up a tournament-turning birdie.
• 64-Foot Birdie Putt: Spaun sinks a long-range birdie in the rain on 18 to win.
• Burns Collapse: Two double bogeys and three bogeys after the delay derailed his chances.
• Five-Way Tie: On the back nine, five players shared the lead — until Spaun pulled ahead.

Source: CNN – J.J. Spaun wins the 125th US Open, outlasting a brutal course, a crowded leaderboard and Mother Nature

The post J.J. Spaun Stuns Field to Win Rain-Soaked U.S. Open at Oakmont appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Welcome to “Golf’s Longest Day.”

If you’re a fan of high-stakes golf, today is your Super Bowl. Monday marked the biggest day in U.S. Open final qualifying — a grueling 36-hole marathon across 10 courses, where hundreds of players battled for a coveted spot in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club (June 12–15).

And yes, while some call it “golf’s longest day,” you can just call it what it is: the ultimate test for players trying to turn dreams into tee times.

Let’s break down what you need to know — from how this all started to the key results and notable names still in (or out) of the mix.

What Is U.S. Open Final Qualifying?

Final qualifying is the last (and toughest) hurdle to make it into the U.S. Open. It’s a one-day, 36-hole pressure cooker hosted at select sites across the U.S. (and one in Canada).

It all began in April, with over 110 local qualifying events in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Now, survivors of those rounds join exempt players for this last shot at Oakmont.

How to Watch

Golf Channel is covering the action live, with 10 hours of coverage:

• 12–2 p.m. ET
• 4 p.m.–Midnight ET

You can also find live scores and updates at usopen.com.

Final Qualifying Sites and Notable Results

Here’s a look at the most important qualifying sites and how things shook out:

Canoe Brook Country Club – Summit, N.J.

Spots available: 4 | Players: 78
Qualified:

• James Nicholas (-7)
• Chris Gotterup (-6)
• Roberto Diaz (-6)
• Benjamin James (a) (-5)

Alternates: Max Theodorakis (-4), Garrett Engle (a) (-4)
Missed the cut: Michael Thorbjornsen (E), Jim Herman (+1)

Duke University Golf Club – Durham, N.C.

Spots available: 7 | Players: 84
Notable entrants:

• Webb Simpson (U.S. Open champ)
• Bill Haas
• Doc Redman
• Norman Xiong
  (Results pending)

Emerald Dunes – West Palm Beach, Fla.

Spots available: 4 | Players: 84
Notable entrants:

• Graeme McDowell
• Neal Shipley
• Luke Poulter
• Blades Brown (age 19, youngest U.S. Amateur stroke play medalist)
  (Results pending)

Kinsale Golf Club – Columbus, Ohio

Spots available: 6 | Players: 68
Notable entrants:

• Rickie Fowler
• Max Homa
• Padraig Harrington
• Matt Kuchar
• James Piot (2021 U.S. Amateur champ)
  (Results pending)

Lambton Golf & Country Club – Ontario, Canada

Spots available: 7 | Players: 70
Qualified:

• Kevin Velo (-8)
• Niklas Norgaard (-7)
• Matt Wallace (-7)
• Thorbjorn Olesen (-6)
• Mark Hubbard (-6)
• Victor Perez (-6)
• Takumi Kanaya (-5)
• Max McGreevy (-5)
• Emiliano Grillo (-5)

Missed the cut:
Harry Hall (-4), Luke Clanton (+2), Keith Mitchell (E)

Piedmont Driving Club – Atlanta, Ga.

Spots available: 5 | Players: 84
Notable entrants:

• Jason Dufner
• Zach Johnson
• J.B. Holmes
• Ollie Schniederjans
  (Results pending)

Springfield Country Club – Springfield, Ohio

Spots available: 4 | Players: 82
Notable entrants:

• Cole Hammer
• Brandt Snedeker
• Beau Hossler
  (Results pending)

Valencia Country Club – California

Spots available: 4 | Players: 84
Notable entrants:

• Preston Summerhays (two-time All-American)
  (Results pending)

Wine Valley Golf Club – Walla Walla, Wash.

Spots available: 2 | Players: 41
Notable entrant:

• Andrew Putnam (1 PGA Tour win)
  (Results pending)

Woodmont Country Club – Rockville, Md.

Spots available: 4 | Players: 84
Notable entrants:

• Stewart Cink
• Marc Leishman
• Brendan Steele
• Peter Uihlein
  (Results pending)

Previously Completed Final Qualifiers

Bent Tree CC – Dallas, Texas (May 19)

Qualified:

• Rasmus Neergaard Petersen (-11)
• James Hahn, Adam Schenk (-10)
• Lance Simpson (a), Carlos Ortiz (-8)
• Johnny Keefer (-7)

Notables out: Sergio Garcia (-6), Cameron Champ (-5)

Tarao Country Club – Shiga, Japan

Qualified:

• Yuta Sugiura, Scott Vincent (-10)
• Jinichiro Kozuma (-9)

Notables out: Ryo Ishikawa (-8)

Walton Heath GC – Surrey, England

Qualified:

• Jordan Smith (-10)
• Guido Migliozzi, Frederic LaCroix, Joakim Lagergren (-9)
• Sam Bairstow (-8)

Notables out: Edoardo Molinari (-6)

What’s Next?

The 2025 U.S. Open tees off June 12–15 at Oakmont Country Club, one of the toughest and most iconic venues in golf.
Final qualifying wraps up Monday evening, and more results will roll in. Keep checking usopen.com for updates and full scorecards.

TLDR (Too Long; Drove the Green)

• Final qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open happened Monday across 10 sites.
• Players competed over 36 holes in one day.
• Big names like Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, and Webb Simpson are in the hunt.
• Oakmont Country Club hosts the U.S. Open June 12–15.
• Golf Channel has live coverage, and full scores are at usopen.com.

Source: Golf – U.S. Open final qualifying 2025: Scores, host sites, notable players

The post Golf’s Longest Day: Who Qualified for the 2025 U.S. Open? appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Shane Lowry’s second round at the 2025 PGA Championship ended in heartbreak—and controversy. The former Open Champion missed the cut by a single stroke after a brutal break on the 8th hole at Quail Hollow, where a poor lie led to a bogey and an emotional outburst. But according to Lowry, an unexpected source added fuel to the fire: an ESPN on-course reporter.

Frustration Boils Over After Unlucky Lie

Lowry had battled his way through Friday’s round, sitting right on the cut line at one-over as he approached the short, scoreable par-4 8th. He striped his tee shot down the fairway, only to find his ball resting in the bottom of a deep divot.

Trying to clarify the situation, Lowry called in a rules official. Relief is only granted if the ball settles in your own pitch mark—not just any divot. As the rules official arrived, things took a turn.

Club Slam, Curses—and a Costly Bogey

Lowry’s shot from the divot flew offline and landed in a greenside bunker. Furious, he shouted “F— this place!” and slammed his club into the ground. He went on to bogey the hole, ultimately finishing at two-over—just outside the cut.

Lowry: ESPN Reporter Crossed the Line

Speaking to reporters after the round, Lowry revealed that the tense moment was made worse by an ESPN reporter who intervened inappropriately during the ruling.

“I was just asking the referee, and the ESPN guy comes straight over and he’s like, ‘That’s not your pitch mark,’” Lowry said. “I’m like, ‘That’s not for you to talk about.’”

Lowry emphasized that he wasn’t looking for an undeserved break—he just wanted to make sure the rules were applied fairly with so much on the line.

“I don’t want a drop if it’s not my pitch mark. But with everything at stake, I needed clarity. It was just that the ESPN guy was too involved, and that really annoyed me.”

Quail Hollow Struggles Continue, But Lowry’s Season Remains Strong

Lowry acknowledged that Quail Hollow has never been kind to him—calling it “one of the only venues that I’ve never played well at.” But his 2025 season has been encouraging.

In 12 starts, he’s already posted two runner-up finishes and four top-10s, including a strong showing at last week’s Truist Championship.

And there’s more to look forward to. In two months, The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush—where Lowry famously lifted the Claret Jug in 2019.

Bottom line: Shane Lowry’s missed cut at the PGA Championship wasn’t just a case of bad luck—it was compounded by what he sees as an avoidable distraction. But with his game trending upward and Portrush on the horizon, the Irishman’s season may still be building toward a major moment.

Source: Golf – Shane Lowry calls out ‘ESPN guy’ for interfering before outburst at PGA Championship

The post Shane Lowry Blames ESPN Reporter for Disrupting Key Moment at PGA appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Augusta, GA – After years of heartbreak, close calls, and mounting pressure, Rory McIlroy has finally done it.

The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland captured his first green jacket on Sunday at the 89th Masters Tournament, outlasting Justin Rose in a dramatic sudden-death playoff. With the win, McIlroy becomes just the sixth golfer in history to complete the career Grand Slam — joining legends Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.

And it was anything but easy.

McIlroy’s final round at Augusta National was a nerve-wracking, emotional gauntlet — one that mirrored the many near-misses that defined his quest for the Grand Slam. He posted a 1-over 73 to finish at 11 under, but it took a playoff hole to finally seal the deal.

“I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” McIlroy admitted. “This is my 17th time here, and for the last 10 years, I carried that burden. I guess now we’ll need something new to talk about next April.”

On the playoff’s first hole — Augusta’s famous 18th — both McIlroy and Rose found the fairway. Rose’s approach nearly found the hole, settling 15 feet past. But McIlroy’s second shot was even better: it nestled just 4 feet from the cup, drawing chants from the Augusta crowd.

Rose’s birdie putt slid right, and with one golden chance, McIlroy buried his. He threw his putter into the air, dropped to his knees in tears, and embraced his caddie, Harry Diamond. Moments later, he hugged his wife, Erica, and daughter, Poppy, as thousands cheered.

“What a roller coaster,” he told his putting coach, Brad Faxon, en route to the trophy presentation. “A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it.”

McIlroy’s journey to the Grand Slam was 14 years in the making. He first had a shot at the Masters in 2011, when he infamously lost a four-stroke lead in the final round. Eleven attempts later, he finally conquered Augusta.

But Sunday looked like another collapse in the making.

McIlroy came into the final round with a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau. After a disastrous double-bogey on the first hole, his cushion was gone. Still, he battled back to reach 13 under by the 10th hole, maintaining a four-stroke lead.

Then came Amen Corner.

• On the par-4 11th, his approach nearly found water, leading to a bogey.
• At the par-5 13th, a poor wedge shot landed in Rae’s Creek. The result: a crushing double-bogey.
• On 14, a tee shot into the trees led to another bogey.

Suddenly, McIlroy was tied with Rose and Ludvig Åberg at 10 under.

But McIlroy dug deep. On the 17th hole, with Rose already in the clubhouse at 11 under, McIlroy delivered a clutch birdie — a perfect approach to within two feet — to retake the lead at 12 under.

The drama wasn’t done.

At the 18th, needing just a par to win outright, McIlroy’s approach flared right into a bunker. He recovered well, but missed a 5-foot par putt that would have sealed it — forcing the playoff with Rose.

McIlroy’s triumph ends a major drought that stretched back more than a decade. His previous major wins came at the 2011 U.S. Open, the 2012 and 2014 PGA Championships, and the 2014 Open Championship.

“Today was about more than golf,” McIlroy said. “My family, my team — they’ve been on this journey with me every step. They’ve seen me try and try again. I owe this to them.”

• Justin Rose shot an incredible 6-under 66, including a clutch 20-foot birdie on the 72nd hole to force the playoff. “It’s the kind of putt you dream about as a kid,” Rose said. “Sudden death is cruel, but I gave it everything.”
• Patrick Reed, 2018 Masters champ, finished third at 9 under after a 69.
• Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1, came in fourth at 8 under with a final-round 69.
• Bryson DeChambeau and Sungjae Im tied for fifth at 7 under.

Despite carding four double-bogeys across the tournament — a Masters first for a champion — McIlroy’s grit and resilience carried him over the finish line.

Rory McIlroy is finally a Masters champion.
And now, officially, one of golf’s all-time greats.

Source: ESPN – Rory McIlroy wins Masters in playoff to earn career Grand Slam

The post Rory McIlroy Finally Wins the Masters, Completes Career Grand Slam appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Bryson DeChambeau is no stranger to chasing down Rory McIlroy on golf’s biggest stages — and on Sunday at the Masters, he’ll get another shot.

DeChambeau heads into the final round just two strokes behind McIlroy, setting up a dramatic finish at Augusta National. The two will tee off together in the final pairing after an electric Saturday that saw both stars flash brilliance down the stretch.

The reigning U.S. Open champion capped his third round with a massive highlight — draining a nearly 50-foot birdie putt from just off the 18th green to post a 3-under 69. That clutch finish not only drew roars from the gallery, but also secured DeChambeau a coveted spot alongside McIlroy for the final round.

“Those last few holes, I just kept telling myself, ‘Get in that final group. Just execute,’” said DeChambeau, who’s now carded three straight rounds in the 60s. “I made a beautiful putt to finish it off — that was cool.”

This isn’t the first time DeChambeau has been in this spot. At last year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, he found himself chasing McIlroy late in the final round. Back then, he held his nerve as McIlroy faltered, missing two short putts and bogeying three of the final four holes. DeChambeau’s memorable up-and-down from the bunker at 18 clinched the title by a single shot.

Now, they’re back at it.

Their paths briefly crossed during Saturday’s third round. DeChambeau made birdie at the par-5 15th with a slick up-and-down from behind the green, just as McIlroy was striking a beautiful tee shot into the par-3 16th. McIlroy would miss the birdie putt, settling for par.

While it wasn’t a full-on showdown yet, the moment offered a glimpse of what Sunday might bring.

“It’s always important in a major to be in the final group,” DeChambeau said. “But knowing it’s Rory? That just makes it more fun. We’re going to have a great battle tomorrow.”

McIlroy, 35, is chasing his long-awaited career Grand Slam — and after a blistering start Saturday, he looked every bit the part. He went 5-under through the first five holes, surged into the lead, and then regrouped after a couple of stumbles to eagle the 15th and close with a round of 66.

The crowd let him hear it with a standing ovation as he walked off 18. McIlroy is sitting at 12 under, two shots clear of DeChambeau.

DeChambeau’s path to contention hasn’t been flawless — but it’s been gritty. He birdied two of his first three holes Saturday, then gave one back with a bogey on No. 4. He bounced back with a birdie at No. 6 but found more trouble in the bunkers at No. 9. Still, he kept grinding.

That persistence is classic DeChambeau — the data-driven player known as “The Scientist” who never stops tinkering. After his opening-round 69, unhappy with his ball-striking, he stayed on the range under the floodlights long after the course emptied. The extra reps paid off with a 68 on Friday and another under-par round Saturday.

“I love the challenge of chasing,” he said. “You can’t let up. You have to hit every shot with full focus. Leading feels different — I’ve done that too — but tomorrow, it’s going to be about going for it.”

One year ago, DeChambeau also found himself in the mix at Augusta, but a Saturday 75 knocked him out of contention. He eventually tied for sixth.

This year, he’s right where he wants to be — in the final group, two shots back, and chasing a rival he’s already proven he can beat.

All eyes are now on Augusta’s fairways. With McIlroy gunning for history and DeChambeau playing with purpose, Sunday’s finale promises to be one for the ages.

Source: AP News – Bryson DeChambeau is trying to chase down Rory McIlroy again in a major. He has 18 holes to do it

The post Bryson vs. Rory: Masters Final Round Showdown Set appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Nick Dunlap’s first round at the 2025 Masters is one he’ll likely want to erase from memory.

On Thursday, the 21-year-old phenom shot a staggering 18-over-par 90—making it one of the worst opening rounds in the tournament’s storied history. It’s the highest first-round score at Augusta since 2015, when two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw, then 63 and playing his final Masters, posted a 91.

To put it in perspective, Dunlap’s round was just five shots better than the worst score ever recorded in a single Masters round: Charlie Kunkle’s infamous 95 in 1956.

Things went south early for Dunlap. His opening tee shot hooked into the gallery, leading to a bogey. Unfortunately, that was just the beginning.

He racked up three more bogeys and a triple bogey on the front nine. The back nine was even more brutal—four double bogeys and three additional bogeys sealed his place in Masters infamy. Understandably, Dunlap declined to speak with reporters after his round.

What makes this performance so surprising is Dunlap’s resume. Just last season, he made headlines by winning two PGA Tour titles, including a history-making victory at The American Express in California—becoming the first amateur to win a Tour event since 1991.

But since turning pro, the Alabama native has yet to find his footing in major tournaments. He’s now missed the cut in his first five majors and, barring a miracle turnaround, Augusta looks like it’ll be number six.

Golf fans know all too well: the game can humble even the best. One week you’re striping irons and sinking putts, the next you’re just trying to keep it on the fairway. Recreational players watching might’ve even found some solidarity in Dunlap’s struggles—a reminder that the game doesn’t discriminate when it decides to punish.

Still, Dunlap’s talent is undeniable. At just 21, he has time—and potential—on his side. But the 2025 Masters? That’s one round he’ll hope to leave behind as he regroups for the road ahead.

Source: CNN – Nick Dunlap shoots one of the worst first-round scores in Masters history

The post Nick Dunlap Shoots 90 at the Masters in Shocking First Round appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

With great putting comes great responsibility—Camilo “Spider-Man” Villegas is back to his best at The Players Championship.

Villegas Rolls Back the Years

Colombia’s Camilo Villegas, known for his unique green-reading style resembling the web-slinging superhero, surged into a surprise early lead at the 51st edition of the PGA Tour’s flagship event in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on Thursday.

The 43-year-old defied his world No. 254 ranking to shoot a stunning six-under 66 at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. He now shares the top spot with American duo Lucas Glover and J.J. Spaun after the first round.

Nineteen years ago, Villegas’ tied-third finish at this tournament—then a record for a PGA Tour rookie—established him as a rising star. Reflecting on his return, he acknowledged the changes in both the course and himself.

“The golf course has changed, I’ve changed, and I guess I have a lot more experience,” Villegas said. “I’ve gone through good and bad moments. Back in 2006, I was just a young kid coming out of college with nothing to lose.”

A Journey of Triumphs and Tragedy

Villegas enjoyed four PGA Tour wins, including the BMW Championship and Tour Championship in 2008, peaking at world No. 7. However, injuries and a dip in form led to a barren stretch, making him consider retiring in 2020.

That same year, he suffered a devastating personal loss when his 22-month-old daughter, Mia, passed away from brain and spine tumors. Fueled by her memory, he persevered, eventually winning the Bermuda Championship in November 2023—his first PGA Tour title in nine years.

Though he had struggled to break into the top 30 in 2024, his recent form showed promise. A tied-seventh finish at The American Express in January hinted at a resurgence, which he confirmed in Ponte Vedra Beach with an explosive start, including three consecutive birdies.

His highlight shots included a remarkable 28-foot putt at the par-three 3rd hole and an even more spectacular 35-foot chip-in from off the green at the 6th.

“It’s a tricky golf course. You’ve got to keep it in play,” Villegas said. “Aggressive and reckless can bring big numbers quickly—you’ve got to avoid those.”

Glover and Spaun Keep Pace

Lucas Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open champion, continued his resurgence after battling the yips, firing four late birdies to match Villegas at the top. The 45-year-old, ranked 44th in the world, is seeking his seventh PGA Tour win and his first since two back-to-back triumphs in August 2023.

“Just don’t want to be done at 45, honestly,” Glover said. “I believe I can still compete out here, and I don’t want to stop anytime soon.”

Meanwhile, world No. 57 J.J. Spaun carded an impressive bogey-free round to join the leaders.

“Bogey-free anywhere is really nice—a good way to start the week,” Spaun, 34, said. “I kept the ball in front of me, limited mistakes, and made some good putts—it was just a solid day.”

Villegas begins his second round at 8:35 a.m. ET (12:35 p.m. GMT) on Friday, with Spaun and Glover teeing off at 8:02 a.m. ET (12:02 p.m. GMT) and 1:40 p.m. ET (5:40 p.m. GMT), respectively.

Scheffler and McIlroy in Contention

Two-time Players champion Rory McIlroy finished at five-under, just one shot behind the leaders. His playing partner, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, sits two shots back after posting a three-under round.

Scheffler is aiming for a historic third consecutive Players Championship win. His only bogey of the day at the 10th hole ended a streak of 40 straight bogey-free holes at TPC Sawgrass, but he remains within striking distance.

“Last year doesn’t truly matter when it comes to this tournament—this is a new four rounds,” Scheffler said. “I feel like I could have posted a better number, but overall, I’m pleased. I’ll try to go lower tomorrow.”

Max McGreevy, currently tied with McIlroy, still has two holes left in his first round due to play suspension caused by darkness. He will complete them Friday morning.

Scheffler, McIlroy, and world No. 3 Xander Schauffele—who shot an even-par 72—begin their second rounds at 8:24 a.m. ET (12:24 p.m. GMT).

Source

The post Camilo ‘Spider-Man’ Villegas Stuns at Players Championship with Early Lead appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A Career-Changing Victory

Brian Campbell secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Mexico Open, cashing in on a fortunate break during a playoff against Aldrich Potgieter. The 31-year-old, who turned professional a decade ago, clinched the win with a birdie on the second extra hole at Vidanta Vallarta.

With this victory, Campbell earns invitations to The Masters, The Players Championship, and the PGA Championship, along with access to five remaining $20 million signature events on the PGA Tour schedule.

“Unreal Moment” for Campbell

After calmly sinking a 4-foot birdie putt on the 18th green, Campbell struggled to believe his long-awaited breakthrough had finally come.

“To be in this position is just so unreal,” he said. “I can’t believe it, really.”

How It Unfolded: A Lucky Break Seals the Win

The playoff began with both Campbell and Potgieter making birdie on the 18th in regulation and then parring the hole in the first extra round.

When they returned to the par-5 18th for the second playoff hole, Potgieter seemed to have the edge with his superior power off the tee. But Campbell’s drive went astray, heading toward out-of-bounds stakes—only to bounce off a tree and land back in play.

From there, he played smart:
Hit a fairway metal to 68 yards short.
Executed a lob wedge that checked up just short of the hole.
Sank his 4-foot birdie putt for the win.

“You’ve got to get those breaks sometimes,” Campbell admitted. “I hit a really bad tee shot, caught the tree, and was lucky to stay in play. That kept me in it to the end.”

Potgieter Falls Short Despite Power Advantage

The 20-year-old South African had multiple chances to take control. He hit the fairway twice in the playoff and had a 6-iron in hand for his second shot both times.

First playoff hole: Hit a hard draw over the green, settling for par.
Second playoff hole: His approach was on a perfect line but came up a foot short, landing in a bunker.

Potgieter blasted out to 6 feet but missed his birdie putt, setting the stage for Campbell’s winning moment.

“Hopefully, my time will come soon,” Potgieter said. “Pressure is a big thing—you just have to learn from it and adjust the next time.”

A Long Road to Victory

Campbell’s win came after 186 combined starts on the Korn Ferry and PGA Tour, where he had previously earned just $1.48 million. His payday on Sunday alone was $1.26 million.

His journey to this moment was full of challenges:

• Played college golf at Illinois and was the low amateur at the 2015 U.S. Open.
• Earned his PGA Tour card in 2017 but missed 13 cuts in 20 starts.
• Faced a slow-play penalty at the Zurich Classic in an unusual ruling involving his partner, Miguel Angel Carballo.
• Spent the next seven years in the minor leagues before finishing No. 8 on the Korn Ferry Tour last year, securing his return to the PGA Tour.

What’s Next for Campbell?

His Mexico Open victory grants him a two-year exemption through 2027 and a packed spring schedule featuring:
Arnold Palmer Invitational
The Players Championship
The Masters
RBC Heritage

Final Leaderboard Highlights

Brian Campbell – 20-under 264 (Wins in Playoff)
Aldrich Potgieter – 20-under 264 (Runner-Up)
Isaiah Salinda – Bogey-free 65 to finish third
Aaron Rai – Tied for fourth with Ben Griffin after briefly leading the field.

Campbell credited his grit and perseverance for the breakthrough, proving that years of hard work and patience can finally pay off.

From struggling on the Korn Ferry Tour to winning on the PGA Tour, Brian Campbell’s journey is a true underdog story. Now, he’s set for golf’s biggest stages.

Source

The post Brian Campbell Wins First PGA Tour Title at Mexico Open After Dramatic Playoff appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.