Augusta, GA

Scottie Scheffler rested and ready to defend title at Hilton Head

Published

11 months ago

April 16, 2025

Scottie Scheffler rested and ready to defend title at Hilton Head

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler was the star attraction of a parade just two days after the Masters. This one was all about a red plaid jacket from Harbour Town, not a green jacket from Augusta National.

The tradition of the RBC Heritage is for the defending champion to lead a half-mile parade that ends near the 18th green at Harbour Town, where he hits a ceremonial tee shot into the Calibogue Sound as a cannon is simultaneously fired.

“I had some ear plugs. It’s always nice when a cannon is going off,” Scheffler said. “It was definitely a unique experience. I was glad just to be able to make contact with the ball and not embarrass myself out there.”

And at least he was well-rested for Tuesday’s opening ceremony.

Scheffler is in a different spot in so many ways compared with a year ago, when he was coming off a victory in the Masters. He flew home to Dallas for a brief celebration, then got back on a plane to coastal South Carolina for a $20 million signature event.

He won that, too.

Scheffler couldn’t always hit it where he was aiming this year in the Masters. He still tied for fourth and was proud of putting up a fight. It was tiring, yes, but without the adrenaline rush of winning and all that comes with it.

Instead of a big party, a flight home to Dallas and then back to Hilton Head Island, Scheffler enjoyed a peaceful three-hour drive and some relaxation that this tournament offers.

Even with a $20 million purse, this can feel like one big exhale.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy is not playing, and that’s by design. He had mentioned earlier this year Harbour Town was not among his favorites — the course is more about position off the tee and small greens than blasting away — and he didn’t enter the tournament at last Friday’s deadline.

It’s the kind of course on which Scheffler thrives.

Even while running on fumes after his Masters victory a year ago, he still had enough left in the tank to put on a tee-to-green clinic, building a lead with a 63 on Saturday and finishing off the win Monday morning because of rain.

“This golf course is much more about control and putting your ball in the right spots and staying out of the trouble,” Scheffler said. “The fairways here are much smaller than Augusta and a flatter golf course overall. A bit of a different test, but definitely still a good test.”

That depends on how well he’s playing, and Scheffler feels he’s close.

Everything is forward in his world, though there was a concession that he has been trying to catch up form having missed a month away from golf — the work in the gym, and practice on the course — from his decision to make ravioli on Christmas Day. He punctured his right hand with a wine glass and required minor surgery.

Scheffler is still trying to put together a complete game — driving well one week when irons are suspect, good irons and pedestrian driving the next.

“I was playing a bit of catch-up,” he said. “I feel like I’m improving each week. Body’s starting to feel better. Swing’s starting to feel better. I feel like I’m working towards having another good season. I haven’t had my best start this year, but I’ve had some good finishes.”

He flirted with contention at Torrey Pines. He was in contention until the very end in the Houston Open. And even in the Masters, he was a birdie or two away — with some help from McIlroy — from having a chance.

Scheffler recalls being in the 18th fairway, two shots behind Justin Rose and McIlroy, thinking of nothing but holing out for eagle. Rose was in the group ahead of him and made a 20-foot birdie putt, leaving Scheffler three behind.

He recalls telling caddie Ted Scott, “I guess I’m going to aim at the middle of the green now.” Scott concurred, Scheffler made par and he was on his way to Harbour Town.

His final act was twice helping McIlroy into the Masters green jacket — first in Butler Cabin, then during the trophy presentation on the 18th green.

“It was cool to be able to see Rory get the job done,” Scheffler said. “Definitely from the outside it looked a lot more like relief than anything. Rory has accomplished everything in the game of golf, and that was really the last thing for him to accomplish. The guy has won FedEx Cup, The Players, all four majors. Maybe the only other thing would be the Olympics is what he would want to win.

“It was really cool for me to be there in that moment,” he said. “He’s a good friend of mine. To be able to congratulate him and just see the joy on him and his family was really cool.”

___

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

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Augusta, GA

Mark Watson Sullivan Obituary March 21, 2026 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors

Published

23 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Mark Watson Sullivan Obituary March 21, 2026 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors

Evans, GA – Mr. Mark Watson Sullivan born September 28, 1960 went home to be with his loving Savior on Saturday, March 21, 2026. He was the loving husband of 47 years to Robin Miller Sullivan and the loving son of the late C.M. “Jimmie” Sullivan and Barbara Widener Sullivan. He was also the brother of the late Lynn Charles Sullivan.

A native of Augusta, Mark retired from Procter & Gamble and later founded Sul-Tac, LLC that allowed him to pursue his passion. He was a devoted husband, a caring father, and a proud grandfather, known affectionately as “Pop,” who found great joy spending time with his family. Mark was quiet by nature, but exhibited a surprisingly contagious sense of humor. He held the virtues of wisdom, patience, and gentle strength. He instilled in his family the values of faith, integrity, and compassion leaving a legacy that will continue through their lives.

A Godly man at heart, Mark’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He lived with humility, served others selflessly, and carried a quiet strength that inspired all who knew him. He was a faithful servant of God and his life reflected his deep trust in God and his desire to walk in righteousness. Mark was a lifetime member of Warren Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.

In addition to his wife, Mark is survived by his children: Wes (Ashlee) Sullivan, Marshall (Caroline) Sullivan, and Callie Sullivan; his grandchildren: Tyse Kellen Sullivan, Mila Reese Sullivan, Hendrix Lee Sullivan; his sister: Gail Sullivan Hawkins and husband Gene; and his niece: Susan Hawkins Reeder and husband Chris.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:30 A.M. in the Worship Center at Warren Church with Dr. David McKinley officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church. A private burial will follow in Westover Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Larry Lynn, Rusty Marshall, Clay Ghann, Tony Tanner, Terry Mullenix, and Keith Beckworth. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons at Warren Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s memory to the Warren Life Foundation, 3203 Washington Road, Augusta, GA 30907, https://warren.church/life-foundation/.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta Fire Department holds esophageal cancer screenings

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Augusta Fire Department holds esophageal cancer screenings

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Fire Department partnered with Lucid Diagnostics to support firefighters’ health in relation to esophageal cancer through preventative screenings this month.

According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, firefighters have a 62% greater risk of developing Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

The screenings will take place Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Locations include:

Augusta Fire Department Station 2: 928 Telfair Street
Augusta Fire Department Station 20: 2820 Old Highway 1

“Firefighters train to face the heat, but their greatest shield is their own health. Every workout, every check‑up, every moment invested in wellness is another promise that they’ll make it home after the call,” said Augusta Fire Department Chief Antonio Burden.

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Augusta, GA

Big Middle Innings Lift Augusta Past Georgia College – Augusta University

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2026

Press Room

Big Middle Innings Lift Augusta Past Georgia College – Augusta University

Augusta, Ga.- Augusta scored nine runs over a four inning stretch and posted a 12-7 win over Georgia College Sunday afternoon at Jaguar field. With the win, the Jaguars not only take two of three from the Bobcats, but improve to 11-7 in Peach Belt Conference play and 15-14 overall. Georgia College is now 8-10 in the conference and 12-17 overall.

Nolan Turner, Aidan Cannaday and Jakob Cowart led the offense as each collected three hits. Turner, Cannaday and Jake Vachon each drove in a pair of runs in the game.

On the mound, Patrick Matsunaga, making his first collegiate start, went five innings. Jameson Whittier picked up the win going the last 3.1 innings.

The Jaguars scored a run in the first on a Harris Bachelder double, but the Bobcats tallied two in the top of the second.

In the fifth, AU plated three runs. Cannaday doubled home Roland Chance with the first run of the inning. An error and fielder’s choice would plate the other runs in the frame.

After the Bobcats would take a 5-4 lead in the sixth, AU put up a four spot to retake the lead, one they would not surrender. Turner would double in the first run of the inning. He would later score on an error. Kent Moon then singled home Chance with Vachon collecting a bases loaded walk to plate the final run of the inning.

Turner continues his hot hitting with a seventh inning solo home run. Chance, who pinch hit in the fifth, would walk four times and also score all four runs.

The Jaguars will head to Due West, S.C. on Tuesday to take on Erskine.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags.

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