Augusta, GA

Tie for 12th in Masters vaults Koepka 40 spots in world rankings | Jefferson City News-Tribune

Published

2 months ago

April 14, 2026

Tie for 12th in Masters vaults Koepka 40 spots in world rankings | Jefferson City News-Tribune

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Brooks Koepka was one of several high finishers at the 2026 Masters to enjoy a boost up the Official World Golf Ranking on Monday.

Fresh off a tie for 12th at Augusta National Golf Club, Koepka vaulted 40 spots to No. 129. He has now climbed 126 spots since before his return to the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open in February.

Since he is currently ineligible to play in signature events, the four majors and the Players are important for Koepka. He rose 48 spots after a tie for 13th at TPC Sawgrass the week after a 47-point jump with a tie for ninth at the Cognizant Classic.

While playing for LIV Golf, Koepka’s ranking had plummeted to No. 425 ahead of last year’s U.S. Open.

He was one of several players to enjoy significant boosts from a strong Masters finish.

LIV’s Tyrrell Hatton, who rallied for a tie for third at Augusta and was the league’s only player to finish under par, rose eight spots to No. 23. LIV colleague Dustin Johnson did rise from No. 593 to No. 456 with his even-par finish for a tie at 33rd, while fellow former world No. 1 Jon Rahm actually dropped a spot to No. 31 with his tied for 38 effort.

The top three in the rankings remained unchanged, with Masters champion Rory McIlroy remaining No. 2 behind Scottie Scheffler and one ahead of Cameron Young, who played in the final group Sunday with McIlroy. Young ultimately finished tied for third along with Justin Rose, who climbed to No. 4 ahead of Tommy Fleetwood.

Russell Henley used his spot in that group that tied for third to vault six spots to No. 6.

Another big mover was Jake Knapp. The 31-year-old moved into the top 50 during the final week in the eligibility window to qualify for his second Masters. He then secured a ticket back to Augusta National next year with an 11th-place finish that also pushed him from No. 42 to a career-best 36th in the world rankings.

Max Homa also secured a spot in the 2027 Masters field with his tie for ninth that elevated the former United States Ryder Cup member 46 spots to No. 117.

Among those going in the opposite direction was J.J. Spaun. Coming off a victory the previous week, Spaun missed the cut at Augusta National to drop five spots to No. 10.

Bryson DeChambeau’s triple-bogey finish that cost him a chance to play the weekend didn’t hurt him much in the rankings. He fell only one spot to No. 25 on the heels of winning consecutive events on the LIV Golf circuit.

The OWGR figures to see significant movement again next week following the signature event at the RBC Heritage.

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Augusta, GA

10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.

Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.

Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.

“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.

The festival runs until 10 p.m.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins

Published

13 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.

Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.

“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”

Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.

“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.

The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.

Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.

“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”

No paperwork is required to receive help.

“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”

The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.

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Augusta, GA

Progress continues on James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta

Published

23 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Progress continues on James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.

The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.

According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.

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