Latest Sports News Today on Fox News

US soccer captain's breakup with golfer gets messy after dating profile allegations

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:25:25 -0400

It appears that soccer star Christian Pulisic and his girlfriend, golfer Alexa Melton, have broken up, and the split seems quite ugly.

Late last year, the star striker, who is captain of the U.S. Men's National Team, had to shut down rumors he was dating Sydney Sweeney, but apparently, not everything can be fixed.

In fact, Melton appeared to hint that Pulisic wasn't exactly faithful before walking back the claim.

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"Mans was on Raya before it even ended," Melton said in an Instagram comment, according to the New York Post. Raya is a subscription celebrity dating app.

"How many likes to post his Raya profile," Melton said in another comment, the outlet noted.

However, Melton appeared to backtrack just a bit.

"I’ve made some comments on a private matter and it’s been taken out of context. I received false info. He is not a cheater. Any narrative beyond that is not mine," Melton said in a recent Instagram Story. "Out of respect for Christian’s and my privacy, I will not speak further regarding this matter."

US WORLD CUP HOPES TAKE HIT AFTER STAR PLAYER RUPTURES ACHILLES

Pulisic had been dating Melton since at least the summer of 2024. Melton played college golf at USC and competed in the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open. She has mostly competed on the women’s Epson Tour but not since 2024.

Sweeney, meanwhile, has been linked to music manager Scooter Braun, who has worked with Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.

Pulisic will suit up for the Stars and Stripes this summer at the 2026 World Cup, which will be played throughout North America. The final will take place July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, home of the New York Giants and Jets.

It will be Pulisic’s second appearance in the World Cup, having also played in 2022 in Qatar. That team advanced to the knockout stage but was eliminated by the Netherlands, who lost to eventual champion Argentina in the round of 16.

The U.S. is the highest-ranked team in its group this summer, joining Australia (26th), Paraguay (39th) and a team to be determined in a playoff.

The U.S. will open the tournament June 12 in Los Angeles against Paraguay on FOX.

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Rory McIlroy's monstrous lead disappears, surprise contender surges as Masters comes down to final day

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:49:23 -0400

In case you thought the Masters was over after Rory McIlroy's electrifying second round, here's your reminder that nothing gets started in Augusta until the back nine on Sunday.

And those final nine holes are sure to be exciting after Saturday's third-round action that saw McIlroy's six-shot lead, the largest ever through 36 holes, completely evaporate.

New York native Cameron Young and the reigning champion McIlroy will be paired together as the final grouping of the 90th playing of the Masters, with both golfers at 11 under.

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McIlroy started his day at 12 under, but a bogey on the first combined with three birdies by Patrick Reed saw his lead shrink rapidly. When McIlroy birdied the third, and Reed bogeyed No. 4, McIlroy’s lead was back to a comfortable four. Reed eventually fell down the leaderboard, but Young shot up it.

Young, who was 4 over after his first round, began the day eight shots back of McIlroy, birdied the 16th to tie McIlroy, just seconds before McIlroy bogeyed 12 to fall to second place. He shot a 7-under 65 to jump to the top of the leaderboard, while McIlroy went 1 over with a 73. Young birdied eight holes to go along with a bogey on the par-5 15th after going water.

But McIlroy struggled on the back nine, going in the water on 11 for a double bogey, while also bogeying 12 and 18.

HOW THE 3,267TH-RANKED AMATEUR GOLFER, A REAL ESTATE AGENT, GOT TO PLAY ALONGSIDE LEGENDS AT THE MASTERS

This tournament, though, now stretches far beyond the leaders, as there are 20 players within seven strokes, and 14 within six. McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood were the only golfers inside the top 20 entering Saturday to score over par in the third round, making Saturday's moving day quite the preview for an electric Sunday.

Sam Burns is alone at 10 under in solo third, while Shane Lowry, who benefited from a hole-in-one, is two back. Jason Day and Justin Rose are at 8 under, with Scottie Scheffler and Haotong Li at 7 under (Scheffler, too, shot a 65 after starting Saturday even for the tournament).

Other notables in the mix include Patrick Cantlay, Russell Henley and Reed at 6 under, Collin Morikawa at 5 under, and Xander Schauffele and Brooks Koepka at 4 under.

After being paired together in the first two rounds, McIlroy and Young will tee off together again at 2:25 p.m. ET, as McIlroy looks to make up for lost time and become the first golfer since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back green jackets.

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Trump greeted at UFC 327 in first sporting event appearance since start of Iran war

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:10:51 -0400

President Donald Trump was greeted by a packed crowd at UFC 327 in Miami Saturday night during the president's first appearance at a sporting event since the start of the Iran war. Fans in attendance erupted into raucous applause as Trump walked into the venue.

Trump made his way out with UFC CEO and president Dana White and went around to the announcers and had an exchange with Joe Rogan, who was sitting at the announcers’ table.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was standing nearby the seats right before Trump walked out, then leaned in to Trump and started whispering very closely to the president, cupping his hands over his mouth and they each exchanged a few words. Trump then turned around, pumping his fist to those sitting behind him, smiling and waving, then pointed a few times to the crowd.

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Trump has been a frequent fixture at UFC and other combat sports events during his presidency and 2024 campaign and even dating back to his first term.

In 2025, Trump attended UFC 316 and Miami fight night. In 2024, he attended UFC 302 in June and UFC 309 in November.

In 2019, he attended UFC 244.

Before Saturday, the last major sporting event Trump attended was the College Football Playoff national championship game between Indiana and Miami at Hard Rock Stadium Jan. 19.

IRAN POSTPONES TEHRAN FAREWELL CEREMONY FOR KHAMENEI WHERE LARGE CROWDS WERE EXPECTED TO GATHER

Trump was notably absent from this year's Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics in Italy and didn't attend any other events after the Iran war broke out.

But after Tuesday's ceasefire agreement, Trump has returned to sport. He addressed the situation with Iran at the White House before departing for Joint Base Andrews to travel to Miami for the UFC event.

"We're in very deep negotiations with Iran. We win regardless. We've defeated them militarily," Trump told reporters. "Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me. And the reason is because we've won, whether you listen to the fake news or not."

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Caitlin Clark's Fever make several key offseason signings in championship pursuit

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:02:02 -0400

The Indiana Fever made a series of offseason moves Saturday to surround superstar Caitlin Clark with talent as the team looks to contend for a WNBA championship this year.

The Fever re-signed key players Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell, while adding veteran Monique Billings from the Golden State Valkyries.

Last season, Mitchell averaged 20.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in 31.4 minutes per game, and was a 2025 All-WNBA First Team selection and MVP finalist.

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Hull, meanwhile has become a fan favorite and part of the Fever core known as "Tres Leches" made up of her, Clark and Sophie Cunningham.

"We saw it on Twitter at some point, and people ran with it," Hull recently told Fox News Digital of the nickname. "It was funny."

Hull has also become a close personal friend of Clark, as Clark helped announce Hull's return to the team on a multi-year deal in a TikTok video on Saturday.

Billings, drafted 15th overall in 2018 by the Atlanta Dream, played there for six seasons before joining the Dallas Wings, Phoenix Mercury, and Valkyries. Known for her elite rebounding, she has consistently been a key rotational player with significant contributions in both the WNBA and overseas.

The players were signed after the Fever were one game shy of reaching the WNBA Finals in 2025 while Clark missed the entire postseason with an injury.

With Clark set to return, Indiana is keeping its core together while adding veteran depth to bolster its roster ahead of the 2026 season.

The Fever have the fourth-best odds to win the WNBA title in 2026 behind the Minnesota Lynx, the defending champion Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty.

Hull previously teased the Fever's offseason plans and championship ambitions in an interview with Fox News Digital.

FEVER WIN FIRST PLAYOFF SERIES IN 10 YEARS DESPITE CAITLIN CLARK'S INJURY, ADVANCE TO WNBA SEMIFINALS

"I think it's because we made it where we made it last year without some of our key pieces, and with a lot of injuries, and a lot of, like, this adversity. … Our bench was longer than every other bench. We had more people in the training room getting treatment than any other team, and we still almost made it to the Finals," Hull said.

"Tasting that and being so close and feeling like we have so much more to give, I think that just changes our mindset a little bit. And it's not necessarily overconfident, but confident in the fact that we really do have a chance. And we should be playing like every game matters, and we're preparing for that last one.

"I think it's very achievable with what we're going to be able to do with free agency."

Playing for the Fever has also proven to be a tall task off-the-court, as the massive national attention Clark has brought to the team also results in tension among fans and added motivation among opponents, per Hull.

"The most challenging part is there's just so much scrutiny. People have opinions online, and, unfortunately, that's part of the job and the role that we play," Hull told Fox News Digital about what's harder about playing in Indiana since 2024.

"People need to know that everyone's human. We're real people. I think when things get blown out of proportion, when things get really personal and there's personal attacks on people's character, I think that's where it gets over the line."

Hull says she noticed a difference in how opposing players started to perform against her team that year, which she credits to the surge in popularity.

"Because of the fans that we've gotten since 2024, with the rise in, I think, like, popularity with the Indiana Fever being like a name that people know. … And there's a million Fever jerseys and Fever shirts. I think, like, as an opposing team, you'd want to win even more because you feel there's so many people rooting," Hull said.

"It's exciting to have that type of following across the country, and I think, like, for other teams, they have great fans and great people that show up for them, and they want to perform for those people, just like we want to perform for ours."

The Fever's season ended in 107-98 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals last year.

With Clark returning from injury, their core intact and at least one new addition, Indiana is looking to finish the job.

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Shane Lowry makes hole-in-one at Masters to suddenly get himself in contention for green jacket

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:30:02 -0400

The drinks are on Shane Lowry in Augusta.

The Irishman recorded a hole-in-one on the sixth hole at Augusta National on Saturday, putting patrons into a frenzy.

It was the seventh-ever ace at the sixth hole and Lowry's second hole-in-one at the Masters. He also recorded an ace on the 16th hole in 2016.

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He is now the only player in golf history to have two aces at Augusta National.

Any Masters ace is memorable, but this one might have some extra significance since Lowry shot up the leaderboard and moved into a tie for second at 8 under par.

Once Lowry hit the hole-in-one, he was four shots back of Rory McIlroy, who entered the day six shots ahead of the field, good for the largest 36-hole lead in tournament history.

HOW THE 3,267TH-RANKED AMATEUR GOLFER, A REAL ESTATE AGENT, GOT TO PLAY ALONGSIDE LEGENDS AT THE MASTERS

However, he bogeyed the first hole while Patrick Reed birdied his first three holes, suddenly cutting McIlroy's lead to two. But Reed bogeyed the fourth hole, and McIlroy birdied the third for the two-shot swing.

Lowry, 39, is looking for his second career major, having also won the Open Championship in 2019 at Royal Portrush.

Lowry hit the cup-retaining putt at the Ryder Cup last year at Bethpage after spending most of the weekend partnered with McIlroy.

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Cowboys legend digs deep into the team's missing 'fiber' that's resulted in Super Bowl drought

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:42:24 -0400

The Dallas Cowboys have not made an NFC championship game in over three decades.

Their drought reached 30 years in January, and no matter what moves are made, nothing has worked.

It is quite a far cry from the glory days of the organization, when Emmitt Smith was running wild in the backfield.

And while Smith has been off the field for quite some time, he has an inkling of what's been holding them back.

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"I think if there's anything that, in my opinion, that has held us back, I think we've gotten away from the thing that actually helped build the organization from the beginning.

"In the beginning, you had Jimmie Johnson, you had Jerry Jones. Both of them had mad passion for what they wanted to accomplish, and winning Super Bowls was the ultimate goal," Smith said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

"Building that team required some sacrifice and some decision-making that took place. And they made the right decisions. They traded away players, they got more players and they rebuilt that organization overnight.

"But bringing that thing together and being passionate about rebuilding the organization and doing it in the past in a quick fashion, that's what they both did. To me, that's the blueprint of what this organization should be about forever. It is the hallmark of what this organization should be about forever."

Smith then hinted at a lack of toughness for the Cowboys.

EMMITT SMITH GIVES ADVICE TO NFL HOPEFUL SON WHO ONCE ADMITTED TO FEELING PRESSURE OF LIVING UP TO FAMILY NAME

"You think about the Pittsburgh Steelers, you don't have to think about the toughness, because they gonna play tough. That's how the Cowboys should be. And when you think about the (San Francisco 49ers), they're somewhat like that now. And when you think about the (New England) Patriots, they were that way with (Bill) Belichick, and it was that way with Robert Kraft and everything else. That's who they were.

"Organizations have a fiber that made them great. When you see organizations get away from that fiber, now you see how long it takes to get back to where you once were. And I think that's the problem with the Cowboys. There should be a common thread. Excellence on the football field leads to excellence in the licensing world or in the marketing world or in the world of sports in general. You are the hallmark.

"Forget about what's in your bank account because you can sell a ton of merchandise, and that means you're a better marketing team that way. However, you don't stand for excellence when you ain't won nothing in 30 years. That's what you're trying to regain."

Last year's Cowboys defense was already suspect even before the team traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. They then allowed a league-high 30.1 points per game en route to a 7-9-1 record.

The offseason has been marred by yet another contract dispute. The team placed its franchise tag on George Pickens after his career year, his first with the Cowboys.

The Cowboys scored 27.7 points per game, the fifth-most in the league.

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168 NBA players sit out games due to illness, injury as playoffs approach

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:02:34 -0400

The NBA regular season ends Sunday, but dozens of players appear to have wrapped up a bit early.

In fact, 168 total players sat out games Friday night due to either a listed injury or illness.

Among those 168 players were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, the last two league MVPs whose teams faced off against one another.

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Reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, whom Gilgeous-Alexander plays for, said his stars "earned the right to sit" considering they again snagged the top seed in the Western Conference.

"If we didn't clinch [the No. 1 overall seed] coming into tonight, everybody would be playing," Daigneault told reporters ahead of a game against Jokic's Denver Nuggets, via ESPN.

"We've earned the right through 80 games to manage their bodies and stuff like that."

Stars to take the floor on Friday included LeBron James amid his Los Angeles Lakers' injury woes and Victor Wembanyama, who needed to play 20 minutes to be eligible for season awards and admitted he would not have played if he had already met the criteria. Jokic must play Sunday if he wants to be considered for awards.

NBA HITS ORLANDO MAGIC WITH HEFTY FINE AFTER TEAM FAILED TO ACCURATELY DISCLOSE PLAYER'S AVAILABILITY

With the new wave of load management, another form of today's basketball was on display as the Boston Celtics made 29 3-pointers, tying an NBA record, against the New Orleans Pelicans. It was the fourth time in the history of the NBA this had been accomplished.

The Memphis Grizzlies converted 29 on Monday.

On April 3, at least nine games had an average margin of victory of at least 24 points for the second time in league history. The first time was five days earlier.

All 30 NBA teams played in their 81st games Friday and will play in their 82nd and final games of the regular season Sunday.

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How the 3,267th-ranked amateur golfer, a real estate agent, got to play alongside legends at the Masters

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 14:36:38 -0400

A full-time real estate agent just got done playing at the 90th Masters Tournament.

Brandon Holtz, a 39-year-old father from Bloomington, Illinois, found his way to Augusta National this week in "super unlikely" fashion.

Holtz got his Masters invite by winning the U.S. Mid-Amateur in September at Troon Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. Winners of the event began getting invited to Augusta in 2018.

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According to the United States Golf Association's Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN) system, Holtz is no slouch, playing to a +4.1 handicap, which is better than scratch.

To qualify for the tournament, one must record a 2.4 handicap or better and be at least 25 years old when the championship begins, so Holtz was surely better than most on the links.

However, the Mid-Am was actually his first USGA-sanctioned event, he told The Athletic.

"I'm one for one," he said.

That's why he's actually ranked No. 3,267 in the amateur rankings, because he is hardly getting any points.

BRYSON DECHAMBEAU NOT PLEASED WITH 3D-PRINTED CLUB QUESTION AFTER EVENTFUL DAY AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL

Holtz won his local qualifier in Illinois by shooting a 63 at Crestwicke County Club on Aug. 11. He then traveled to Arizona the following month and ran through the four-day competition that included both stroke and match play. His quarterfinal match actually took 19 holes to finish.

Holtz then won the final match, 3&2, to be invited to both the Masters and this year's U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.

Holtz's father won lifetime badges to the Masters in 2004, so he was at least a little familiar with the course. But playing on it was a different story.

"I’m pretty sure I could see my heart beating through my chest on the first tee," Holtz, who was paired up with two-time winner Bubba Watson, told The Athletic.

Holtz's father was his caddie for his two rounds, but he missed the cut at 15 over.

But he will have a nice story and a fairly good excuse when he goes back to selling houses.

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Bryson DeChambeau implodes on 18th hole at the Masters with triple bogey to miss the cut

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 14:04:21 -0400

Bryson DeChambeau was one hole away from playing the weekend at the Masters.

DeChambeau, 32, was 3-over heading into the 18th hole and below the cut line at 4-over but imploded at the very end.

DeChambeau’s errant tee shot ended up in the pinestraw under a tree. He punched out from under the tree, but hit it too strongly, as the ball rolled into the bunker right by the green.

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At this point, DeChambeau needed an up-and-down to shoot par and play into the weekend, setting up a critical bunker shot. DeChambeau tried to land his bunker shot just on the edge of the sand trap for it to roll onto the green.

Instead, he landed it at the top of the ridge of the bunker, and the ball rolled back down the bunker. DeChambeau, stunned by the shot, turned and looked at his caddie in disbelief.

Needing to hole out his second bunker shot to miraculously save par and his Masters chances, DeChambeau made it out of the bunker, but nowhere close to the hole as his ball rolled off the green and onto the fairway.

RORY MCILROY TAKES LARGEST 36-HOLE LEAD IN MASTERS HISTORY AFTER INCREDIBLE FINISH TO SECOND ROUND

The California native chipped the ball to 12 feet from 24 yards out before two-putting for triple bogey.

The triple bogey brought DeChambeau to 6-over and behind the cut line. It was the first time he had missed the cut at Augusta since 2023.

DeChambeau was not the only notable name to miss the cut, as last year’s U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun also missed the cut at 5-over.

Spaun’s missed cut was even more surprising because he won the Valero Texas Open last Sunday.

Rory McIlroy leads the Masters at 12-under, taking a historic six-shot lead into the weekend as he looks to win his second straight title at Augusta.

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New Zealand cyclist Kiaan Watts suspended after punching rival rider mid-race

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:48:25 -0400

A New Zealand cyclist has been temporarily banned from competition after video captured him punching a fellow rider during a race last month.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced this week that Kiaan Watts, 24, will serve a 25-day suspension for his actions during the Salverda Bouw Ster van Zwolle race in the Netherlands on March 7.

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"Video footage of the incident at the Dutch event on 7 March 2026 showed Kiaan Watts reaching towards another rider and delivering him a closed fist punch," the statement read. "The rider acknowledged the violation of article 12.4.009 of the UCI Regulations and accepted the sanction proposed by the UCI."

The BBC reported that Marijn Maas of the Netherlands was the rider struck by Watts. He wobbled but remained upright after the punch, and Watts was reportedly disqualified from the race.

LENGTHY SUSPENSIONS HANDED OUT TO MEMBERS OF WILD ANGELS-BRAVES BRAWL THAT SAW FISTS, TACKLES

Watts, who currently rides for the NSN Development Team, served a one-day suspension from his team and will serve a 25-day suspension imposed by the UCI. He was also ordered to pay a $220 fine and was deducted 25 UCI points.

He can return to competition on May 2.

"The UCI issues a reminder that, as holders of UCI licences and members of the cycling community, riders enjoy rights and assume responsibilities aimed at promoting the values of cycling and protecting the integrity of the sport," the statement added.

"Respecting this Charter fosters an environment in which sportsmanship, fairness, and respect prevail."

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Lamar Jackson hits back at critics with faithful message on social media

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:43:06 -0400

Despite winning two MVP awards, Lamar Jackson still has his fair share of critics.

Fresh off yet another playoff disappointment, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback had arguably the worst season of his career last year.

It was the first time he finished under .500 as a starter and the first time since 2021 he was not in the playoffs after the season came down to a field goal attempt.

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Perhaps the doubters were on Jackson's mind earlier this week because he issued a faith-filled message to them on X.

"Instead of trying to bring me down, ask GOD to bring you up," Jackson wrote with emojis of praying hands, a purple heart and an army helmet. "#JESUSCHRISTKINGOFKINGS."

Jackson missed four games with a hamstring injury that appeared to affect him for most of the year. His 2,549 passing yards were the third-lowest of his career, while he only rushed for 349 yards, the lowest he's ever had.

FORMER JETS, FALCONS QB BROWNING NAGLE DEAD AT 57 AFTER CANCER DIAGNOSIS

The quarterback has shared several faithful messages this week, including wearing an "I LOVE JESUS" hoodie. Many of Jackson's reposts on X show his faith.

Jackson will have a new head coach this season after his Ravens fired John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. Jesse Minter was hired after serving as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, who are coached by Harbaugh's brother, Jim.

Jackson has made it as far as the AFC title game but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 season.

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Rory McIlroy takes largest 36-hole lead in Masters history after incredible finish to second round

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:27:39 -0400

It took Rory McIlroy 17 attempts to win his first green jacket, finally breaking through last year. He is wasting no time trying to win his second Masters title.

McIlroy, 36, shot a Friday-low 65 to move to 12 under and take a six-shot lead into Saturday. His six-shot lead is the largest second-round lead in Masters history.

McIlroy is just the fourth defending champion to hold the 36-hole lead the year after his victory. Arnold Palmer did it three times (1959, 1961, 1965), while Ian Woosnam (1992) and Jordan Spieth (2016) did it once.

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McIlroy is vying to become the fourth player to win the Masters in two straight years. Jack Nicklaus did it in 1965-66, Nick Faldo in 1989-90 and Tiger Woods in 2001-02.

The world No. 2 ended his second round by birdieing six of his last seven holes. Throughout the tournament, McIlroy has parred 18 holes, birdied 15 and recorded just three bogeys.

McIlroy said he is going to try to keep his foot on the gas.

SCOTTISH GOLFER ROBERT MACINTYRE FLASHES LEWD GESTURE AT MASTERS

"Look, I’ve built up a nice cushion at this point," McIlroy said. "I guess my mindset is just trying to keep playing well and keeping my foot on the gas."

Sam Burns and Patrick Reed are tied for second, both at 6 under. Justin Rose, who McIlroy defeated in a thrilling playoff last year to win the Masters, is in a tie for fourth place at 5 under.

Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood are also 5 under.

McIlroy is in the final pairing, alongside Burns, and will tee off at 2:50 p.m. ET Saturday. To keep his mind off golf, he will watch some tennis ahead of his tee time.

"There’s actually two really good semifinals at Monte Carlo in the tennis. So I’ll watch that," McIlroy said. "We’ve been watching the tennis early in the mornings."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jordan Spieth's errant tee shot hits Masters patron, golf star apologizes with signed glove

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:08:14 -0400

It’s been more than a decade since Jordan Spieth won the coveted green jacket, but the three-time major champion returned to historic Augusta National Golf Club for the 90th Masters this week.

The second round got underway Friday morning, with Spieth scoring at even par after he played the first 14 holes of the day. At the time, Spieth trailed defending champion Rory McIlroy by five shots.

After shooting 72 in Thursday’s opening round, Spieth birdied his first hole Friday. He then parred the next 10 holes in a row before bogeying No. 12. McIlroy ended the round at top of the leaderboard at 12-under par.

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Spieth also caught a break off the tee. His drive veered deep left and appeared headed for the trees before ricocheting back into the fairway.

The reason? Spieth’s shot struck a Masters patron. "What a bounce," a commentator said, per ESPN. "I think that hit that patron’s hand."

JACK NICKLAUS’ CEREMONIAL TEE SHOT AT THE MASTERS COMES DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO PATRONS

Spieth made a point to check on the patron before continuing, later thanking him with a signed glove.

Spieth has a knack for creative — and sometimes risky — shot-making. At last spring's Memorial Tournament in Ohio, an errant drive nearly hit a group of fans, though Spieth still saved par. He also struck spectators at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in 2024 and three years ago at the Players Championship.

Spieth even had a viral moment at Augusta National last year after accidentally striking a patron in the groin with his putter on the way to the first tee.

The 2017 Open Championship marked Spieth’s most recent major victory. He finished Friday’s second round at this year’s Masters at 1-over, in a tie for 32nd.

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Ichiro Suzuki's bronze statue loses its bat in an unveiling gone wrong at Mariners home ballpark

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:51:54 -0400

Ichiro Suzuki, one of the greatest players in Seattle Mariners history, was honored with a bronze statue outside the team’s home ballpark this week.

But Friday's unveiling went sideways, with some fans suggesting the Mariners struck out. Moments after the curtain dropped to reveal the massive statue modeled after Suzuki’s signature batting stance, the bat the Baseball Hall of Famer was holding snapped and tilted backward.

The bat, initially upright, appeared to catch on the curtain, snapping as it was pulled away for the reveal.

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Despite the hiccup, Suzuki and fellow Mariners great Ken Griffey Jr. appeared to laugh it off. The Mariners quickly leaned into the moment, responding with humor.

After handing out replica statues to the first 40,000 fans who went through the turnstiles Friday, the Mariners posted a photo on X of the giveaway — now with a broken bat.

{insert tweet from Mariners here: https://x.com/Mariners/status/2042690565746376905}

The MLB announced in January 2025 that Suzuki would get a statue paying tribute to his famed batting stance.

HEAT'S STATUE OF DWYANE WADE RIDICULED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AFTER BEING UNVEILED: 'HORRIBLE EXECUTION'

In July of last year, he became the fourth player whose number was retired by the Mariners and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also honored in the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2022.

Suzuki is just the fourth player in Mariners history to have his number retired and the first born in Japan inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He has also been a member of the Mariners Hall of Fame since 2022.

He was named the American League MVP in 2001 and is a ten-time All-Star. Suzuki made his MLB debut with the Mariners in 2001 before later having stints with the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins, then closing out his career in Seattle for a second stint with the team.

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Cowboys defensive back Markquese Bell arrested on felony drug charge in Texas

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:42:59 -0400

Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell was arrested in Texas Friday on two drug charges, including felony possession of a controlled substance, according to online records.

Bell, 27, was arrested by the Prosper Police Department, and he was still being held as of Saturday morning, according to Collin County records.

The former undrafted free agent was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession.

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The Cowboys did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Bell’s arrest comes more than a year after he signed a $9 million, three-year extension with the Cowboys. He appeared in all 17 games for Dallas last season, totaling 41 combined tackles and his first career interception.

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After signing with the Cowboys in 2022 as an undrafted free agent, Bell appeared in just five games. The following year, he moved up on the depth chart, appearing in 17 games and starting eight.

In 2024, injuries sidelined him for half the season.

The details of Bell’s arrest were not immediately known.

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Kai Trump shares photos from Augusta National after Tiger Woods' DUI arrest, treatment departure

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:09:41 -0400

Amateur golfer Kai Trump was on hand for one of the sport’s premier events this week. The granddaughter of President Donald Trump traveled to historic Augusta National Golf Club, where she had the opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the world’s top golfers competing for the coveted Masters green jacket.

But Trump traveled to Georgia knowing five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods would be absent. Woods was arrested after a rollover crash in Florida late last month.

He later announced he would not compete at this year’s Masters. A Florida judge allowed the golfer to travel outside the U.S. to enter a "comprehensive inpatient treatment facility," court records showed.

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Trump’s mother, Vanessa, has been publicly linked to Woods and showed support after his DUI arrest, writing "Love you" in an Instagram Stories post featuring the pair.

The 18-year-old Trump shared highlights from her visit to Augusta National in a post on Instagram Thursday, including a photo with LIV Golf's Bryson DeChambeau and his caddie, Greg Bodine.

"What a special place," Kai, who is set to take the next step in her golf career at Miami, captioned an Instagram post with a heart emoji.

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The Martin County Sheriff's Office in Florida said Woods was traveling at "a high rate of speed" when his vehicle collided with another car, causing it to roll over onto the driver's side.

Authorities said Woods "exemplified signs of impairment." He blew "triple-zeroes" for alcohol but refused a urine test.

"DUI investigators came to the scene here, and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. Of course, he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account, but they did do some in-depth roadside tests," a sheriff's department spokesperson said.

Woods entered a not guilty plea in response to the DUI charges. Before his arrest, he indicated that playing the season's first major was a possibility.

In the 14 majors since he won the green jacket in 2019, Woods has failed to muster a top 20 finish. It’s his longest such streak since failing to finish in the top 20 in the first six majors of his career in 1995 and 1996. In his last 26 majors, he has only four top 20 finishes.

Since finishing tied for ninth at the 2020 Farmers Insurance Open, his best finish in his 18 official events since then has been a tie for 37th at the 2020 PGA Championship.

Woods has not competed in a professional golf tournament since 2024, when he competed in just five events — the Genesis Invitational and the four majors. He withdrew from the Genesis, finished dead last in the Masters and missed the cut in the other majors.

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Former Jets, Falcons QB Browning Nagle dead at 57 after cancer diagnosis

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:36:21 -0400

Former NFL quarterback Browning Nagle, a Louisville standout in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl, has died, his alma mater announced Friday. He was 57.

Nagle was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year.

He made his pro football debut in 1991 after the New York Jets selected the strong-armed quarterback in the second round. Nagle saw limited action in his rookie season, attempting just one pass, but he moved into the starting role in 1992.

Nagle finished his time as the Jets’ starter with a 3-10 record and seven touchdown passes.

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Boomer Esiason, the 1988 NFL MVP, was traded from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Jets in 1993, relegating Nagle to a reserve role. Nagle joined the Indianapolis Colts in 1994 before ending his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons.

Nagle was long linked to Brett Favre, whom the Jets had targeted in the 1991 NFL Draft. After failing to trade up, New York selected Nagle after Atlanta took Favre one pick earlier at No. 33 overall.

Months before entering the NFL, Nagle etched his name into college football lore, throwing for 451 yards and three touchdowns in Louisville’s upset win over Alabama in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl.

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"We are saddened by the passing of Browning Nagle, former Fiesta Bowl MVP quarterback and Louisville great," the Louisville football program said in a statement.

"His leadership on the field and passion for the game left a lasting mark on our program.

"Our thoughts are with his loved ones and teammates during this difficult time."

Nagle had a stint in the Arena League after stepping away from the NFL. After he hung up his cleats, Nagle pursued a career in medical sales.

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New York Times investigating NFL reporter Dianna Russini after photos with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel emerge

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:29:35 -0400

Photographs emerged showing New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with The Athletic/New York Times NFL reporter Dianna Russini at a resort in Arizona earlier this week, and now that reporter is the subject of an internal investigation.

Athletic executive editor Steven Ginsberg initially gave a statement to the New York Post's Page Six April 7, calling the photos "misleading."

"These photos are misleading and lack essential context," Ginsberg initially said. "These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL, and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic."

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Now, sources at The Athletic familiar with the controversy told Fox News Digital Russini is being investigated, while standing by Ginsberg's initial statement.

The sources responded to Fox News Digital after Page Six and Front Office Sports reported on the internal investigation into Russini.

"After Page Six reached out to Dianna for comment on Tuesday, The Athletic immediately began an investigation. While the apparent conduct in the photos raised questions for Steven and leadership at The Athletic, an initial review suggested the images provided lacked context, specifically the presence of a larger group of friends," a source said.

"New details from the Page Six report and information from the investigation raised additional concerns that are now being further reviewed. The investigation is ongoing."

The source added Russini's coverage is being reviewed, which is expected to take time, and she will not be reporting for the outlet in the meantime.

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The New York Times declined to comment.

The photos, originally published by Page Six, show the coach and journalist holding hands and hugging on the roof of a resort bungalow in Sedona, Arizona.

Vrabel addressed the photos, telling Page Six, "These photos show a completely innocent interaction, and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn’t deserve any further response."

Russini told the outlet, "The photos don’t represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day. Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues."

The photographs and subsequent responses became the topic of immense national debate in the sports world this week.

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Lexie Hull reveals most rewarding part about playing for Fever during Caitlin Clark era

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:50:52 -0400

Lexie Hull led the Indiana Fever to the brink of the WNBA Finals last season.

She did it without Caitlin Clark on the floor after the superstar was injured.

Now, with Clark returning in 2026, Hull believes and expects they can win a championship and promote the game for the next generation of fans and aspiring players.

"Seeing girls, seeing boys show up every day and being able to give them aspirations and show them what they can do and show them the possibilities," Hull told Fox News Digital of the rewards of playing in the WNBA.

"Growing up, I didn't necessarily watch the WNBA as much, didn't have dreams of playing in the league at a young age. And now girls have the ability to watch us, see us, dream about being professional athletes. And that's what's been the most rewarding part about it.

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"I love the game, and I love when [the fans] show up. And that's part of the reason why I love doing what I do, is to see fans in the stands, see little girls and being able to be a role model for them on and off the court. I think that's really what drives me and fuels me."

Hull, who was drafted by the Fever in 2022, played her first two WNBA seasons without the massive spotlight that Clark brought in 2024.

They got the Fever to the playoffs together for the first time since 2016 that year before Hull led the team on a playoff run while Clark and teammate Sophie Cunningham were on the bench with injuries in 2026.

In a career-best year in 2025, Hull averaged career highs in points (7.2), rebounds (4.3) and assists (1.8) while shooting 36.7% from 3-point range and appearing in all 44 games.

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In the playoffs, she averaged 10.3 points, five rebounds and two assists in eight games. It all came to an end in a 107-98 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals.

But Hull says she believes the 2026 team, in year three of the Clark era, will be a different show and one that is gunning for the title.

"I think it's very achievable with what we're going to be able to do with free agency."

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Minor league team plates 10 runs in one inning on just one hit, zero errors in frigid conditions

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:58:38 -0400

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Toronto Blue Jays’ Double-A affiliate, achieved a rare feat not seen in the post-expansion era.

Portland’s pitchers — New Hampshire’s opponent for a six-game series — combined for walks, wild pitches and hit batters, paving the way for the Fisher Cats to pull off the feat.

The Fisher Cats fell behind 2-0 early in Tuesday's game against the Sea Dogs, the Eastern League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

But New Hampshire scored its first eight runs in the second inning without recording a single base hit.

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The Fisher Cats exploded for 10 runs in the inning — nine with two outs — on just one hit and no errors, the final box score in New Hampshire's 12-7 win showed. The feat was fueled by Portland pitchers issuing eight walks and hitting two batters. Sea Dogs pitchers also uncorked four wild pitches and allowed a sacrifice fly and the inning’s lone hit.

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Sea Dogs president Geoff Iacuessa couldn’t believe what unfolded.

"I don't ever remember seeing that here or any other game I've ever seen," Iacuessa told Portland's WGME Channel 13. "It was crazy. I thought maybe something was going on with the scoreboard, and then I checked the GameChanger, and it was correct."

The rare moment happened amid frigid conditions that prompted the stadium's ground crew to clear the playing grass and infield after heavy snow fell earlier in the day. Temperatures were just a few degrees above freezing at first pitch.

The inning unraveled quickly after a quiet start, when Portland starter Hayden Mullins issued two walks and uncorked a wild pitch despite striking out the side in the first. New Hampshire then broke through with a sacrifice fly.

Mullins eventually managed to record two outs, but then lost control, walking three straight to tie the game. Jorge Juan came on in relief but hit the first batter he faced with the bases loaded.

A wild pitch made it a 4-2 score, and a walk loaded the bases again for the Fisher Cats. Juan then hit a batter, making it 5-2, before firing another wild pitch to push the Sea Dogs deficit to four runs. Juan walked two more to push it to 7-2 before leaving the mound with a runner at each base again.

Cade Feeney took the hill next and finally stopped the leaking, but not before a wild pitch made it 8-2 and New Hampshire outfielder Ismael Munguia’s two-run single pushed the lead to 10-2.

Munguia represented his native Nicaragua in last month’s World Baseball Classic, appearing in four games.

Not even a team at the major league level has scored more than four runs in an inning without recording its first hit, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

MLB.com reports it has happened just 16 times in American League and National League history that a pitcher allowed five runs without surrendering a hit in 1⅔ innings or fewer.

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Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre flashes lewd gesture at Masters

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:06:11 -0400

Cameras caught Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre making an obscene gesture Thursday.

The Scottish news outlet The Scotsman reported Friday that MacIntyre had been "reprimanded" for it.

The incident unfolded on the par-5 15th hole. After sending his approach shot into the water guarding the green, MacIntyre appeared to raise a middle finger in visible frustration.

Augusta National officials are known for enforcing strict decorum standards. According to The Scotsman, MacIntyre was reminded of the code of conduct by one of the officials.

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The 27-year-old declined to speak with reporters after the round.

After a penalty drop, MacIntyre dunked another shot into the pond. After yet another drop, he blasted his next attempt over the green entirely. By the time the damage was done, he carded a quadruple-bogey nine.

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MacIntyre also slammed his club into the ground on the 17th hole after a poor second shot. Earlier in the round, he was heard cursing on the 12th and 13th holes.

Entering Augusta, MacIntyre was viewed by many as a potential contender after strong showings at The Players Championship and the Texas Open. But after Thursday’s performance, his chances of making the cut appear slim.

For a tournament steeped in tradition and composure, MacIntyre’s meltdown could end up being one of the defining storylines of the opening round.

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Roger Goodell dismisses 49ers coach's concerns about playing in Australia, says it's part of long-term plan

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:52:43 -0400

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dismissed concerns that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had about playing in Australia in Week 1.

The 49ers are playing their first game of the 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia, against the Los Angeles Rams, and Shanahan told reporters during the league’s owners meetings last month he did not see any benefit to it.

Shanahan jokingly said it was his goal to play a game 19 to 20 hours away to start the season.

Goodell said he will send Shanahan an app that will help with jet lag.

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"You know I have an app for him, which I’m going to send to him because my wife hooked me up with an app. And I got to tell you, I feel great. I have not felt any jet lag at all. I thought it was a relatively easy trip," Goodell told reporters in Australia Friday.

Goodell called Shanahan an enthusiastic coach and mentioned that coaches' priorities solely lie with winning football games. He said the NFL is focused on making it a great experience for everyone.

"Coaches have a focus on winning, that’s their No. 1 job. And so Coach Shanahan is enthusiastic and a great football coach but also someone who truly understands the importance of expanding our game globally. But his job is to win, his job is to play, and I always like to say coaches like to play at 1 and 4 and don’t get in the way of that," Goodell said.

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"We’re going to make it a great experience for the team. That’s one of the things we focus on, everybody here and so many others have focused on, and make it a great experience for everyone, the team included. When they go back, they got to make sure they are able to continue the competitiveness because this game is real, this counts, and they’ll go on to Week 2 as soon as they leave here."

Goodell also made it clear that the 49ers-Rams game in Australia is not a one-off event but the beginning of an investment into the market.

"There is no question that we are going to be playing here again. Our view is that we are coming here for the long term. We don’t come as a one-off. This isn’t a circus. This is an investment in this market, and we believe that this is long term and will be great for the NFL long term," Goodell said.

Shanahan and the other 31 head coaches in the NFL might not love the idea of playing a game that requires a 19- to 20-hour flight, but they have little say in the matter. While Shanahan might not see a "pro" to having to play overseas, he does think it’s cool to see the NFL globally.

"I don't see any pro," Shanahan said. "It's cool for the league to play globally. I think that's awesome. But as far as the team doing it, no, there's not much benefit to it. Sometimes it's nice to get a bye week after, but doesn't happen in Week 1."

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NBA hits Orlando Magic with hefty fine after team failed to accurately disclose player's availability

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:33:35 -0400

The NBA penalized the Orlando Magic for what the league says was a violation of its injury reporting policies.

The team was fined $25,000 Thursday over Magic guard Anthony Black’s availability ahead of Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons.

Black missed 15 games leading up to Monday’s matchup as he recovered from an abdominal strain. He was initially designated as out for the game, but the 22-year-old entered and finished with 14 points and a pair of steals.

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Orlando beat Detroit 123-107 for its third straight win. The Magic kept rolling, outlasting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday for a fourth win in a row.

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In announcing the fine, the NBA said the Magic failed to accurately disclose Black's game availability status.

Black, a third-year player from Arkansas, is averaging 15.1 points and 3.8 assists in 62 games, including 40 starts.

The Magic enter Friday’s game in Chicago against the Bulls in the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings. The Pistons have clinched the East’s best overall record and play the Charlotte Hornets Friday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Bryson DeChambeau not pleased with 3D-printed club question after eventful day at Augusta National

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:00:41 -0400

After a rough first round at Augusta National Thursday, Bryson DeChambeau did not appear too pleased when he was asked about his 3D-printed 5-iron.

The two-time U.S. Open champion had an eventful first round at the Masters, hitting a patron with a tee shot on the sixth hole before taking three separate bunker shots on the 11th.

After the round, he had to face the media, and he was asked about the process of making his special club other than the driver.

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DeChambeau said it's roughly a "day-and-a-half" process to make a club, so when he was asked if he "would want to" go through the process of making another one, it was a hard no.

"Pfft, no. It has to be USGA-conforming. There's a whole process you have to go through," he said.

It’s a club he built himself.

"There's this nature that I have about myself where innovation is a habit of mine, and I really find and take pride in that ability to learn — even through failure, even through making a bad decision or a good decision — what I can get from that," he told ESPN.

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"We'll see where it goes. We'll see where it takes me. All I could say now is, if I don't put them in the bag, it's my fault now."

DeChambeau said after the round that he only used the club once on Thursday.

Last year, DeChambeau was in the final group of the Masters alongside eventual winner Rory McIlroy. The two were paired together to end the prior year's U.S. Open as well, which DeChambeau won in part due to bad putting by McIlroy and a forever-remembered up-and-down by DeChambeau from the bunker on 18 at Pinehurst No. 2.

But DeChambeau could not find similar success Thursday after shooting a 4-over 76, putting himself in danger of missing the cut.

DeChambeau had the second-best odds of winning the tournament behind only Scottie Scheffler.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Coco Gauff ends social media hiatus to clap back at critics of her natural hair in latest ad

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:41:25 -0400

Coco Gauff deleted social media for a month but felt the need to return and post a message on TikTok earlier this week.

The tennis star's message came in an eight-minute-long video after she said she had become aware of negative comments about her appearance, including her natural hair, in a new advertisement for Miu Miu.

Gauff explained the behind-the-scenes of the photoshoot and photo selection process, as well as how she didn't want her hair slicked back for photos because it's "not good for my hair."

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"There are thousands of people talking about the way that I look, and not in a positive way..." Gauff began.

"I’m not gonna apologize for the way that my hair looked, because there are other girls who had the exact same hair as me, and I just wanted them to feel represented that your hair is literally fine the way it is. My hair was good enough for a high-fashionable brand like Miu Miu to promote one of their newest launches. So if my 4C hair is good enough for that, yours is good enough to do whatever it is you need it to do. I'm not going to apologize for that."

Gauff also explained that she did minimal makeup for the photos, rather than a "full face," to connect with fans through that "minimum" Miu Miu "aesthetic."

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"To all the young Black girls out there who have kinky hair like me, do what you want to do with your hair. . . .Do what you want to do, because at the end of the day, people who hate on your appearance and hate on the way you look have something deeply insecure about themselves. The only reason people comment on people's looks, especially people who present themselves in their most natural sense, have something deeply wrong with them. And they're insecure about themselves, so they feel the need to put someone else down to make themselves feel better."

By the same token, Gauff also expressed that those who want to wear weaves, wigs, makeup and "the whole shebang" should if they want to.

"Do what you want to do. Minimal is beautiful. Camp is beautiful. Both spectrums, anything in between, is beautiful."

Gauff admitted she was feeling "rough" after seeing the criticism.

"Y'all did knock a diva down, I'm not gonna lie," she said. "I'm someone who has struggled with my looks throughout my life just being a young Black girl in this world. . . . But diva got up, and I feel better than ever," she said.

"And I just want any person who's watching this who does feel insecure about themselves, you are perfectly fine, honestly."

The 2023 U.S. Open champion will defend her French Open title beginning May 19.

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