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Cink among 45 players in US Open after 36-hole qualifiers

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 6 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:16 PM CDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Stewart Cink doesn't care that he turned 50 last month. He'll do anything to play in the U.S. Open, even if that means going 36 holes against some kids who weren't even born when he played his first one 27 years ago.

Cink got a pep talk from his wife Monday to keep patient, and he ran off five birdies over six holes at Brookside Golf & Country Club to become one of 11 players to earn spots out of the Columbus, Ohio, qualifier.

“I just love playing in majors,” said Cink, a former British Open champion. “I'm a one-trick pony, and you can't be a one-trick pony if you can't do your trick. I'll keep trying to qualify forever.”

Cink was among 45 players trying to qualify for the U.S. Open, to be played June 15-18 at Los Angeles Country Club. Roughly 45% of the 156-man field have to qualify.

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Hovland goes from winning Memorial to caddying in US Open qualifier

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Hovland goes from winning Memorial to caddying in US Open qualifier

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 6:46 PM CDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Viktor Hovland didn't have much time to celebrate the biggest win of his career. One day after winning the Memorial, he went 36 holes as a caddie in U.S. Open qualifying Monday.

Hovland, who won in a playoff Sunday at Muirfield Village and earned $3.6 million, was on the bag for Zach Bauchou, his former roommate at Oklahoma State.

This was not planned all that far in advance.

“We went to dinner on Saturday and I jokingly said, ‘Why don’t you come caddie on Monday?' He said, ‘Dude, I will.’ If he says he's going to do something, he'll do it,” Bauchou said.

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Yesterday at 6:46 PM CDT

Viktor Hovland carries the bag of Zach Bauchou during U.S. Open qualifying at Brookside Golf & Country Club in Columbus, Ohio, Monday, June 5, 2023. One day after Hovland won the Memorial Tournament and a $3.6 million prize, he caddied 36 holes for his former Oklahoma State teammate. (AP Photo/Doug Ferguson)

Papineau comes up short in U.S. Open qualifier

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Papineau comes up short in U.S. Open qualifier

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 6:18 PM CDT

TORONTO - Ryan Gerard, Vincent Norrman and Ryan Armour earned the three spots up for grabs at a U-S Open qualifying tournament at Lambton Golf & Country Club in Toronto on Monday.

Gerard, of Stuart, Fla., topped the 27-player field with a two-round total of 129, 11-under par. Norrman, from Sweden, was three strokes back, while Armour, from Silver Lake, Ohio, finished at 7-under.

Etienne Papineau of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, was the top Canadian at 4-under through 36 holes, three shots behind Armour.

Michael Block, a club pro who made headlines when he tied for 15th at the P-G-A Championship, missed a spot when he finished at 5-under.

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Yesterday at 6:18 PM CDT

TORONTO - Ryan Gerard, Vincent Norrman and Ryan Armour earned the three spots up for grabs at a U-S Open qualifying tournament at Lambton Golf & Country Club in Toronto on Monday.

Gerard, of Stuart, Fla., topped the 27-player field with a two-round total of 129, 11-under par. Norrman, from Sweden, was three strokes back, while Armour, from Silver Lake, Ohio, finished at 7-under.

Etienne Papineau of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, was the top Canadian at 4-under through 36 holes, three shots behind Armour.

Michael Block, a club pro who made headlines when he tied for 15th at the P-G-A Championship, missed a spot when he finished at 5-under.

NCAA champ Rose Zhang arrives on LPGA Tour with big hopes and leaves with a trophy

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

NCAA champ Rose Zhang arrives on LPGA Tour with big hopes and leaves with a trophy

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 6 minute read Yesterday at 9:30 AM CDT

The first words from Rose Zhang after the 20-year-old Californian capped off one of the more remarkable 13-day stretches in golf were telling.

“What is happening?” she said.

More tantalizing is what happens next.

Hype rules the day in a society built around social media, and Zhang is one of the rare athletes who delivered. The Stanford sophomore won her second straight NCAA title and then 13 days later was awash in wonder when she won the Mizuho Americas Open in her professional debut.

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Yesterday at 9:30 AM CDT

Michelle Wie West, right, hugs Rose Zhang after Zhang won the Mizuho Americas Open golf tournament, Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Breezy’s Kuntz hasn’t met his match in three years

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Preview

Breezy’s Kuntz hasn’t met his match in three years

Joshua Frey-Sam 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 7:11 AM CDT

YOU’d be hard-pressed to remember the last time Braxton Kuntz lost a provincial golf tournament. That’s because it’s been nearly three years since the 19-year-old phenom out of Breezy Bend has failed to reach the winner’s circle.

And it’s possible his latest triumph was stamped by his best shot in the clutch.

Kuntz weathered the storm on and off the course to hold off defending champion, Elmhurst’s Marco Trstenjak, one-up to win the Manitoba match play championship at Glendale Golf and Country Club on Sunday.

Meanwhile, St. Charles’ Addison Kartusch defeated Clara Peake of the Golf Manitoba Public Players Club three-and-one to win the women’s championship, while Rossmere’s Blair Neal captured the senior men’s title after edging Bel Acres’ Dwayne Heinrichs one-up.

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Updated: Yesterday at 7:11 AM CDT

Rose Zhang win in her pro debut, Hovland wins Memorial in playoff

The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Rose Zhang win in her pro debut, Hovland wins Memorial in playoff

The Associated Press 6 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — Rose Zhang became the first player to win on the LPGA in her pro debut Sunday, capturing the Mizuho Americas Open with a par on the second playoff hole to beat Jennifer Kupcho and earn LPGA membership.

Zhang went from two-time NCAA champion to LPGA winner in a span of 13 days with a remarkable debut that lived up to the fanfare in the shadow of Manhattan.

She closed with a 2-over 74, missing an 8-foot par putt on the final hole at Liberty National to fall into a playoff with Kupcho (69).

On the first playoff hole, Zhang made an 8-footer for par and Kupcho made from 4 feet. Returning to the 18th again, Zhang hit a long approach to 8 feet for a chance at birdie. Kupcho came up short, went just over the back and made bogey. Zhang two-putted for the win.

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Rose Zhang kisses the trophy after winning the Mizuho Americas Open golf tournament, Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

NCAA champ Rose Zhang 1st LPGA Tour winner in pro debut in 72 years, wins Mizuho in playoff

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

NCAA champ Rose Zhang 1st LPGA Tour winner in pro debut in 72 years, wins Mizuho in playoff

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 7:37 AM CDT

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — Rose Zhang lived up to all the pre-tournament hype as the next great women's golfer — at least in her first week as a pro.

The two-time NCAA champion became the first player in 72 years to win on the LPGA Tour in her pro debut, capturing the Mizuho Americas Open with a par on the second playoff hole against Jennifer Kupcho on Sunday.

Zhang arrived on the LPGA Tour with the most fanfare since Michelle Wie West in 2005, and she delivered in the shadow of the Big Apple.

“I just can’t believe it,” Zhang said. “It was just last week when I won NCAAs with my teammates, and to turn pro and come out here, it’s just been amazing. I’ve enjoyed the journey.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 7:37 AM CDT

Yuka Saso, of Japan, reacts to her third hole tee shot during the final round of the Mizuho Americas Open golf tournament, Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Canadian Ames wins third PGA Tour Champions title

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Canadian Ames wins third PGA Tour Champions title

The Associated Press 2 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Stephen Ames of Calgary birdied the 17th hole and closed with a 5-under 67 on Sunday for a one-shot victory over Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly in the Principal Charity Classic, giving Ames his third PGA Tour Champions title this year.

Ames, Stricker and Tim Herron shared the 36-hole lead. Herron fell back with a 72. Stricker, coming off his second straight major title this year at the Senior PGA Championship, played bogey-free for a 68. He just couldn’t keep up with Ames.

“It was a battle today, there’s no doubt about that,” Ames said. “Steve, obviously the way he’s played this year already tells you it was going to be a good battle, and the fact that I ended up on top is more fulfilling than anything else right now.”

Kelly had four straight birdies on the front nine and closed with two birdies over the last three holes, but he had to settle for par on the 18th that kept him out of a playoff.

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Stephen Ames of Calgary birdied the 17th hole and closed with a 5-under 67 on Sunday for a one-shot victory over Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly in the Principal Charity Classic, giving Ames his third PGA Tour Champions title this year.

Ames, Stricker and Tim Herron shared the 36-hole lead. Herron fell back with a 72. Stricker, coming off his second straight major title this year at the Senior PGA Championship, played bogey-free for a 68. He just couldn’t keep up with Ames.

“It was a battle today, there’s no doubt about that,” Ames said. “Steve, obviously the way he’s played this year already tells you it was going to be a good battle, and the fact that I ended up on top is more fulfilling than anything else right now.”

Kelly had four straight birdies on the front nine and closed with two birdies over the last three holes, but he had to settle for par on the 18th that kept him out of a playoff.

Hovland delivers clutch putts, wins Memorial in playoff

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Hovland delivers clutch putts, wins Memorial in playoff

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Viktor Hovland was happy with his three PGA Tour victories, even if they were at resort courses that were soft and susceptible to firing at flags. He wanted a win on American soil, where par was at a premium, and he got every bit of that Sunday at the Memorial.

Two shots behind and facing the three hardest holes at Muirfield Village, Hovland set his sights on a score instead of the leader, Denny McCarthy, and then delivered his best stuff of the day.

Hovland holed a 30-foot birdie putt — the only birdie of the day at No. 17 — around two par saves for a 2-under 70 that got him into a playoff, and then he beat the hard-luck McCarthy with a seven-foot par to win the Memorial.

His previous three wins were twice at Mayakoba on the Gulf coast of Mexico and once in Puerto Rico. This victory came on conditions so difficult that even Jack Nicklaus was stunned to feel how firm the greens were when he stepped on the 18th to congratulate Hovland.

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Viktor Hovland, of Norway, tees off on the fifth hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Canada's Creighton wins on Latinoamerica Tour

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canada's Creighton wins on Latinoamerica Tour

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

BOGOTA - Canada's Myles Creighton has won on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica for the first time ever.

The product of Digby, N.S., finished at 19 under to win the Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship by a stroke on Sunday.

American Austin Hitt finished second at 18 under.

Creighton is projected to move up to the top spot in the Totalplay Cup standings on Monday.

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

BOGOTA - Canada's Myles Creighton has won on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica for the first time ever.

The product of Digby, N.S., finished at 19 under to win the Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship by a stroke on Sunday.

American Austin Hitt finished second at 18 under.

Creighton is projected to move up to the top spot in the Totalplay Cup standings on Monday.

Canada's Alena Sharp wins Epson Tour event

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canada's Alena Sharp wins Epson Tour event

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

NEW BERN, N.C. - Hamilton's Alena Sharp has won the second Epson Tour title of her career.

Sharp won the Champions Fore Change Invitational by two strokes on Sunday.

Gigi Stoll of the United States finished second at 15-under overall at Taberna Country Club.

Sharp also won the Visit Mesa Gateway Classic on what was then known as the Symetra Tour in 2014.

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Alena Sharp, from Hamilton, Ont. watches an approach shot on the 6th hole during the first day of action at the CP Women's Open, Thursday, August 25, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Morikawa withdraws from final round of Memorial with back spasms

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Morikawa withdraws from final round of Memorial with back spasms

The Associated Press 2 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Collin Morikawa withdrew from the final round of the Memorial on Sunday because of back spasms, keeping him from a chance to win for a second time at Muirfield Village.

Morikawa had shot 68 in the third round and was two shots out of the lead. He said he was doing pre-round exercises when a muscle in his lower back gave out.

“We were doing some like reflex stuff, trying to reach down and try to pick something up like quick and low. Went after it weird,” he said. “Literally have never had this in my life. I’ve hurt my back briefly before, but like nothing has been this bad, especially never warming up.”

He said he tried hitting about 10 balls on the range and he hit a clunky 9-iron that went only about 95 yards. He realized that wouldn't work at Muirfield Village.

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Collin Morikawa reacts to a missed putt on the 17th green during the first round of the Memorial golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

McKibbin holds off German challenge to win European Open for 1st tour victory

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

McKibbin holds off German challenge to win European Open for 1st tour victory

The Associated Press 2 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Tom McKibbin held off a German challenge to win the European Open in his debut season on the European tour on Sunday.

The 20-year-old from Northern Ireland started the final round as one of six players tied for the lead at 6 under par and went on to win his first title on the tour by two shots on 9 under overall.

He finished his round of 3-under 70 with birdie on the par-five 18th after missing an eagle putt.

“Pretty amazing, it was a great day,” McKibbin said. “It probably won't sink in until tomorrow.”

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Tom McKibbin held off a German challenge to win the European Open in his debut season on the European tour on Sunday.

The 20-year-old from Northern Ireland started the final round as one of six players tied for the lead at 6 under par and went on to win his first title on the tour by two shots on 9 under overall.

He finished his round of 3-under 70 with birdie on the par-five 18th after missing an eagle putt.

“Pretty amazing, it was a great day,” McKibbin said. “It probably won't sink in until tomorrow.”

Spectacular debut: Rose Zhang shoots 66 to take lead into Mizuho Americas Open finale

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Spectacular debut: Rose Zhang shoots 66 to take lead into Mizuho Americas Open finale

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — Much was expected of Rose Zhang when she turned professional last week, and she is already delivering.

The two-time NCAA champion moved into position to win in her pro debut, shooting a 6-under 66 on Saturday to take a two-shot lead into the final round of the Mizuho Americans Open.

“I’ve been in this position before, but I haven’t been in this position as a professional, since this is my first week, so I’m really just learning everything that I could,” Zhang said. “Tomorrow, I’ll be just trying to figure out what it feels like to be in the final group, navigate my way through, and I’m sure by the end of the day I’ll be able to, you know, just build my character more.”

The former Stanford star had six birdies in a bogey-free round on a raw, overcast day at Liberty National in jumping to the top of the leaderboard. It's nothing new for the 20-year-old who won 12 of 20 events in her two years in college, with many viewing it as a sign of things to come.

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Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

Rose Zhang walks up the third fairway during the first round of the Mizuho Americas Open golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

McIlroy tied for lead at Memorial by making fewest mistakes

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

McIlroy tied for lead at Memorial by making fewest mistakes

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Rory McIlroy felt like he was hanging on for dear life Saturday at the Memorial. He had to scramble for bogey to start the back nine. He went five holes without hitting a green. And all the while, he never really lost ground.

When he had to scramble for par on the fourth-easiest hole at Muirfield Village, the par-5 11th, he said he told caddie Harry Diamond he only wanted to try to break 70.

McIlroy wound up with a 2-under 70. That was enough to take him four shots behind at the start of the day to a share of the lead going into Sunday.

“That's what happens when conditions are like this,” McIlroy said. “You just have to hang on.”

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Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

Jon Rahm, of Spain, reacts after missing a birdie putt on the 17th green during the third round of the Memorial golf tournament Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Jordan Smith in 6-way tie for the lead after 3rd round of European Open

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Jordan Smith in 6-way tie for the lead after 3rd round of European Open

The Associated Press 2 minute read Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Jordan Smith and Alexander Björk were among golfers in a six-way tie for the lead heading toward the final round of the European Open.

Smith, the champion in 2017, recorded a 1-under 72 to move to 6 under for the tournament on Saturday along with Björk (69), Tom McKibbin (72), David Law (72), John Axelsen (69), and Julien Guerrier (67).

Smith started the day a shot off the lead but bogeyed the first hole at Green Eagle and was 2 over for the day at one stage before birdies on the 13th, 14th and 16th holes.

“I’m going to go hit a few balls, figure some stuff out and hit a few putts. I’m finding it really difficult to read these greens,” Smith said.

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Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Jordan Smith and Alexander Björk were among golfers in a six-way tie for the lead heading toward the final round of the European Open.

Smith, the champion in 2017, recorded a 1-under 72 to move to 6 under for the tournament on Saturday along with Björk (69), Tom McKibbin (72), David Law (72), John Axelsen (69), and Julien Guerrier (67).

Smith started the day a shot off the lead but bogeyed the first hole at Green Eagle and was 2 over for the day at one stage before birdies on the 13th, 14th and 16th holes.

“I’m going to go hit a few balls, figure some stuff out and hit a few putts. I’m finding it really difficult to read these greens,” Smith said.

Minjee Lee shoots 8-under 64, shares 2nd-round lead with Cheyenne Knight at Liberty National

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Minjee Lee shoots 8-under 64, shares 2nd-round lead with Cheyenne Knight at Liberty National

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — Minjee Lee matched the tournament best with an 8-under 64 for a share of the lead Friday in the LPGA Tour's weather-delayed Mizuho Americas Open.

Cheyenne Knight had a 68 in the inaugural event to join Lee at 7-under 137 atop the tightly bunched leaderboard that features five top-10 players and promising newcomer Rose Zhang.

Play was suspended late in the afternoon for 1 hours, 47 minutes because of dangerous weather conditions near Liberty National and the last groups barely finished before darkness on the course adjacent to the Hudson River with a spectacular view of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

The fifth-ranked Lee, from Australia, birdied eight of the first 12 holes in a bogey-free round that moved her from 55th to the top spot. Her score was nine shots better than her opening round.

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Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

Minjee Lee, of Australia, sets up her shot off the 18th tee during the first round of the Mizuho Americas Open golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

McIlroy highlights Canadian Open field

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

McIlroy highlights Canadian Open field

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

TORONTO - Rory McIlroy will look for a record third straight Canadian Open title when the national golf championship tees off next week.

The world No. 3 was part of the full field of competitors announced Friday by Golf Canada and event sponsor RBC for the June 8-11 PGA Tour event at Toronto's Oakdale Golf and Country Club.

McIlroy won the Canadian championship in 2019 and defended his title in 2022 after the event returned from a two-year hiatus brought on by COVID-19 restrictions.

Reigning U.S. Open champion and world No. 8 Matthew Fitzpatrick and world No. 17 Tyrell Hatton are also in the field, along with European stars Tommy Fleetwood (world No. 23), Shane Lowry (world No. 26) and Justin Rose (world No. 28).

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Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts with the trophy after winning the Canadian Open at St. George's Golf and Country Club in Toronto on Sunday, June 12, 2022. Rory McIlroy will look for a record third straight Canadian Open title when the national golf championship tees off next week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Suh, Matsuyama ride hot putts on steamy day at the Memorial

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Suh, Matsuyama ride hot putts on steamy day at the Memorial

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Justin Suh signed for a 6-under 66 at the Memorial and then made a few stops to speak with the media. His putter stayed with him the entire time, which probably was wise.

The way it behaved Friday, when he holed eight putts from the 10-foot range or longer, he might not want to let it out of his sight.

Suh made one last birdie on the 18th that gave him a one-shot lead over past champion Hideki Matsuyama, with two-time Memorial champion Patrick Cantlay another shot behind.

“On the first hole, I made a 12-footer for par on the fringe. I just kind of kept the confidence with the putter going,” Suh said.

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Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

Patrick Cantlay hits to the 18th green during the second round of the Memorial golf tournament, Friday, June 2, 2023, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Maximilian Kieffer keeps lead on day 2 at European Open

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Maximilian Kieffer keeps lead on day 2 at European Open

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Maximilian Kieffer stayed atop the leaderboard after the second round of the European Open, though a late double bogey cut his lead to one stroke on Friday.

Kieffer, tied for the lead after the first round, carded a 2-under 71 to stay a shot in front of Tom McKibbin (69), David Law (66) and 2017 European Open winner Jordan Smith (71), all at 5 under.

“The first nine holes I played really well," Kieffer said. "I had birdie chance on every hole.”

After starting on the 10th hole, Kieffer was 8 under at the turn and held it until the eighth, when he double-bogeyed after hitting his tee shot into the water.

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Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Maximilian Kieffer stayed atop the leaderboard after the second round of the European Open, though a late double bogey cut his lead to one stroke on Friday.

Kieffer, tied for the lead after the first round, carded a 2-under 71 to stay a shot in front of Tom McKibbin (69), David Law (66) and 2017 European Open winner Jordan Smith (71), all at 5 under.

“The first nine holes I played really well," Kieffer said. "I had birdie chance on every hole.”

After starting on the 10th hole, Kieffer was 8 under at the turn and held it until the eighth, when he double-bogeyed after hitting his tee shot into the water.

Riley leads, Canada’s Hadwin tied for 3rd after tough day at Memorial

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Riley leads, Canada’s Hadwin tied for 3rd after tough day at Memorial

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jun. 1, 2023

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Davis Riley opened with a 67 at the Memorial to finish atop the leaderboard after the opening round for the second straight year. And that's where the similarities end.

Riley birdied three of his last four holes Thursday afternoon when the turf was firm and the wind was swirling and the bad breaks led to big numbers, as Rory McIlroy found out.

Riley was in a six-way share of the lead last year. On Thursday, he led by one over Matt Wallace.

Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., was the leading Canadian, tied for third with a 69.

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Thursday, Jun. 1, 2023

Davis Riley watches his shot to the ninth green during the first round of the Memorial golf tournament Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

NCAA champ Rose Zhang makes impressive LPGA Tour debut in Mizuho Americas Open near NYC

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

NCAA champ Rose Zhang makes impressive LPGA Tour debut in Mizuho Americas Open near NYC

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — Two-time NCAA champion Rose Zhang made her professional debut Thursday on the LPGA Tour, a solid opening round in the Mizuho Americas Open.

The 20-year-old from Stanford who dominated the women's amateur rankings for more than two years shot a 2-under 70 at Liberty National in the shadow of New York. The Californian was five shots off the lead held by Lauren Hartlage, who shot a career-best 65.

Aditi Ashok, the first player from India on the tour, was at 67 in a tournament where the focus shifted to Zhang last weekend with her announcement she was turning pro.

Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand and Stephanie Meadow of Northern Ireland had 68s.

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Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

Rose Zhang hits off the second tee during the first round of the Mizuho Americas Open golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Kieffer, Forsström share lead on opening day of European Open

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Kieffer, Forsström share lead on opening day of European Open

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jun. 1, 2023

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Maximilian Kieffer delighted home fans at the European Open with a 4-under 69 for a share of the lead after the first round.

The 32-year-old Kieffer, bidding to be the first German winner on home soil for 15 years, carded five birdies and an eagle – offset by three bogeys – to share a one-stroke lead with Simon Forsström on Thursday.

“It’s been a great day. On the front nine I holed two very long putts and one chip in from off the green which really got the round going,” Kieffer said.

Forsström had five birdies and a bogey at Green Eagle Golf Courses. The Swedish player won his first tour victory at the Soudal Open in Belgium three weeks ago.

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Thursday, Jun. 1, 2023

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Maximilian Kieffer delighted home fans at the European Open with a 4-under 69 for a share of the lead after the first round.

The 32-year-old Kieffer, bidding to be the first German winner on home soil for 15 years, carded five birdies and an eagle – offset by three bogeys – to share a one-stroke lead with Simon Forsström on Thursday.

“It’s been a great day. On the front nine I holed two very long putts and one chip in from off the green which really got the round going,” Kieffer said.

Forsström had five birdies and a bogey at Green Eagle Golf Courses. The Swedish player won his first tour victory at the Soudal Open in Belgium three weeks ago.

Florida beats Georgia Tech 3-1 to win 5th NCAA men’s golf championship

John Marshall, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Florida beats Georgia Tech 3-1 to win 5th NCAA men’s golf championship

John Marshall, The Associated Press 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Florida put itself in difficult positions all season, none more dire than its deep hole against Florida State in the national semifinals.

The experienced Gators consistently found ways to dig their way out and it helped them when things got tight Wednesday in the championship match.

Individual NCAA champion Fred Biondi beat Hiroshi Tai 1 up with a par on the 18th hole and Florida won its fifth men's national golf title with a 3-1 victory over Georgia Tech at Grayhawk Golf Club.

“These guys are extremely tough and that’s what champions are,” Florida coach J.C. Deacon said. “They find a way to stay positive and to stay in the moment and keep doing the right things.”

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

Georgia Tech golfer Ross Steelman chips onto the third green during the final round of the NCAA college men's match play golf championship, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Golf Manitoba season tees off with match-play championship

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Golf Manitoba season tees off with match-play championship

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

Addison Kartusch stood on the opening tee at the Manitoba junior women’s golf championship nearly a year ago in search of a breakthrough performance. And shine she did, winning the title by 13 strokes at St. Charles Country Club, her home course.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

MIKE PETERS / GOLF MANITOBA files

Addison Kartusch is looking to build on a very successful 2022 season.

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