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Masters 2022: Korn Ferry Tour star Ryan McCormick on Tiger Woods’ inspirational journey, mystique of Augusta

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The Masters tees off Thursday morning with golf’s greatest searching for a inexperienced jacket at Augusta Nationwide Golf Course.

Korn Ferry Tour star Ryan McCormick is certain he’ll be on the identical course some day enjoying in opposition to the likes of Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas as an alternative of watching as a spectator. 

McCormick is 18th in the latest Korn Ferry Tour factors standings after lately lacking the reduce on the Membership Automobile Championship at The Landings Membership. However like most golf followers this week, he’s keeping track of the Masters in hopes of sooner or later enjoying the course.

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The 30-year-old New Jersey native, who was a star on the highschool scene earlier than attending St. John’s College, informed Fox Information Digital in a current interview it’s thrilling realizing Woods is about to play in a high-level competitors for the primary time since 2020. There’s one thing about Augusta that’s indescribable, he added.

Ryan McCormick of america prepares to play a shot on the sixth gap through the closing spherical of the Astara Golf Championship at Nation Membership de Bogota Feb. 13, 2022, in Bogotá, Colombia.
(Buda Mendes/Getty Pictures)

“I’ve been right down to Augusta to observe it, and it’s one of many weeks out of the 12 months I feel anyone who performs golf even slightly bit is tuned in. It’s simply form of a magical place to see, and it’s an superior occasion,” McCormick stated. “I’ll watch this week, after all, and would like to play there sooner or later.”

Woods will probably be enjoying the Masters after struggling devastating leg accidents in a February 2021 automotive crash. McCormick stated Woods’ affect goes past what most see on TV.

“I feel what he’s doing is inspiring to anyone. The man is wonderful, man. I feel the entire gamers there are amazed at him,” McCormick informed Fox Information Digital. “I’m on the age the place mainly all these guys, and even youthful than me, have grown up watching Tiger their complete life, and he’s impressed this complete technology of gamers which are enjoying now on the PGA Tour and professionally.

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“It’s wonderful to see even over the course of my profession how the sport has modified, and I feel all people who performs professionally owes an awesome deal to Tiger, the publicity that he’s put into the sport and the amount of cash and folks on TV and media that’s concerned now. It’s fully totally different than 25 years in the past when he gained the Masters in ’97. That’s due to him.

Tiger Woods tees off at the 18th hole during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.

Tiger Woods tees off on the 18th gap throughout a apply spherical for the Masters golf event Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.
(AP Photograph/David J. Phillip)

LIVE COVERAGE: 2022 MASTERS

“Every part that I’m working for to play the PGA Tour and every part – these alternatives wouldn’t be there. They wouldn’t be the way in which that they’re now if not for him. He’s similar to one of the crucial inspiring folks of all time and what he’s doing proper now could be simply unbelievable.”

Tiger Woods walks on the 15th fairway during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.

Tiger Woods walks on the fifteenth fairway throughout a apply spherical for the Masters golf event Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.
(AP Photograph/Robert F. Bukaty)

The eighth-year golf professional additionally shed some gentle on what it’s like being at Augusta – whilst a spectator.

“It’s simply a type of locations that … it’s onerous to elucidate,” he informed Fox Information Digital. “I might say the very first thing, like on TV, you’ll be able to’t see or respect the quantity of slope that’s there. Watching the telecast, it’s onerous to understand how up and down and hilly that place is. That’s one of many spectacular issues about Tiger enjoying this week as nicely is that place is the toughest stroll all 12 months for any skilled.

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“It simply has this aura about it. You stroll round, and you are feeling prefer it’s similar to being at Disneyland for golf. There’s simply form of like a mystique in regards to the place. It’s stunning. It’s actually simply strolling round in an image. It’s that stunning there. It’s simply a type of locations that strolling round there’s simply so cool. It doesn’t even matter who you see or what golf you even watch. It’s simply an unbelievable place to be.”

A general view of the leader board next to the first fairway during a practice round prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club April 4, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.

A basic view of the chief board subsequent to the primary fairway throughout a apply spherical previous to the Masters at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership April 4, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.
(Andrew Redington/Getty Pictures)

The Masters begins Thursday and continues into Sunday. The primary group with Jose Maria Olazabal and J.J. Spaun is about to tee off at 8 a.m. ET.

Driving towards the PGA

The Korn Ferry Tour serves as a developmental tour for the PGA Tour and provides younger golfers an opportunity to interrupt into the very best stage of the game. Those that end within the prime 25 on the Korn Ferry Tour earn PGA Tour playing cards with extra golfers with the ability to qualify through the Korn Ferry Tour finals on the finish of the season.

McCormick was near getting the cardboard final season till COVID derailed his probability. He informed Fox Information Digital he’s optimistic about this 12 months’s run.

“Final season, I used to be capable of make it to the finals. I used to be like sixty fifth on the regular-season factors record, so I used to be capable of get to the finals, and I used to be twenty sixth going into the final finals occasion and I obtained COVID,” he stated. “I used to be a few week away from I might say most likely a prime 25 end from getting one of many PGA Tour playing cards. All of that occurred like August, September. That was the final week of the season.”

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Regardless of having an up-and-down previous few weeks, McCormick believes he’s able to reaching his dream of enjoying on the PGA Tour and competing on the highest stage.

Ryan McCormick reacts during the second round of the Lake Charles Championship at Country Club at Golden Nugget March 25, 2022, in Lake Charles, La.

Ryan McCormick reacts through the second spherical of the Lake Charles Championship at Nation Membership at Golden Nugget March 25, 2022, in Lake Charles, La.
(Jonathan Bachman/Getty Pictures)

“For me, I form of know that my sport is a lot adequate to compete on the highest stage, and I simply form of want to remain the course and simply get slightly bit higher day by day. I be ok with my probabilities.”

The subsequent occasion on the Korn Ferry Tour is the Veritex Financial institution Championship April 13-16 on the Texas Rangers Golf Membership in Arlington.

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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There’s just something the New York Knicks love about those Villanova products in the NBA. 

The Knicks have reportedly struck a trade with the Brooklyn Nets to bring Mikal Bridges, a former teammate of Knicks stars, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo during their time at Villanova, to Madison Square Garden in a blockbuster deal. 

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In this first trade between both teams since 1983, the Knicks will send veteran forward Bogdan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-round pick in exchange for Bridges, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks talk to Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets after the game on March 23, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks saw exactly what former college teammates could do on the floor together in the NBA last season, as Brunson, DiVincenzo and Hart all had stellar campaigns during the team’s playoff run. 

Now, Bridges reunites with teammates he won multiple NCAA national titles with during his college days. 

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KENDRICK PERKINS CALLS BRIAN SCALABRINE ‘COWARD’ AFTER FORMER TEAMMATE CLAIMS HE’S BANNED FROM CELTICS PARADE

Bridges’ reaction was likely that of all Knicks fans, as he posted on social media. 

“This is crazy lol,” Bridges simply posted on X. 

Bridges, the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, has developed into a star with the Nets since he was dealt before the deadline in the 2022-23 campaign. 

He jumped from 17.2 points per game to 26.1 over 27 contests that season as a Net, and last year’s production was solid as well. 

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Mikal Bridges gets rebound

Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats grabs a rebound in front of teammates Donte DiVincenzo #10 and Jalen Brunson #1 against the Providence Friars at the Wells Fargo Center on January 23, 2018, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Bridges averaged 19.6 points per game with 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 43.6% from the field over all 82 regular-season games. 

The Philly native, who was a 2021-22 All-Defensive team honoree, figures to slot right into the starting lineup alongside his Villanova brothers, including the All-Star Brunson who exploded for an All-NBA nod after averaging a career-high 28.7 points per contest. 

The news of Bridges’ addition comes as OG Anunoby, the Knicks’ traded-for wing last season, reportedly opted out of his contract and decided to test free agency. 

Bridges, at 6-foot-6, has the ability to guard just about any player on the floor, and head coach Tom Thibodeau loves players with that extra hustle, which he provides every night. 

New York is clearly a win-now team after going 50-32 last season to earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. But they’ve lost in the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons, so adding another playmaker who can thrive on both ends of the floor was paramount for their squad this offseason. 

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Mikal Bridges runs on court

Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a shot in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 01, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

That box is checked with the addition of Bridges, who shouldn’t have any trouble getting acclimated with his new team.

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, who won multiple WWE tag team titles with his brother Afa and is the father of current WWE star Roman Reigns, died Tuesday. He was 79.

His death was announced by nephew Jahrus Anoa’i on Instagram.

Jahrus wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th. He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”

Anoaʻi was born on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa on April 5, 1945. He and his family (he had 13 siblings) moved to San Francisco when he was 14 and he joined the Merchant Marines in 1963 before leaving in 1969 at the behest of Afa to become a pro wrestler.

Sika and Afa were known as “The Wild Samoans” and joined the WWE (then known as the WWWF), managed by Lou Albano, in 1980, winning the tag titles just four months after their debut by defeating Tito Santana and Ivan Putski. They lost, then won them again later in 1980, then again in 1983. He had limited success as a singles wrestler, but anyone who saw “The Wild Samoans,” with their wild hair, sarong and wrestling barefoot in the ring, will never forget them. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

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Sika trained wrestlers after retiring and helped launch the careers of many, including Yokozuna, Virgil, Billy Kidman, Batista, Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Virgil, Michael P.S. Hayes and Snitsky.

Anoaʻi’s son, Joseph, better known as Roman Reigns, is the top star in WWE currently and members of his extended family make up the faction known as “The Bloodline,” which has led WWE to renewed success in recent years. Reigns headlined the last two WrestleManias, including the 2023 event at SoFi Stadium.

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

The Stanley Cup is back in Florida, as the Panthers won a thrilling Game 7 over the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1, on Monday night. 

The team wasted no time parading Lord Stanley’s Cup around South Florida, as Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad and many others were spotted in Fort Lauderdale celebrating their victory less than 24 hours after defeating Edmonton. 

And since it is summer in Florida, what other way would you celebrate than by taking the Cup to the beach. 

Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup after their 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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Tkachuk, surrounded by teammates and fans alike, took the Cup across the street to the beach, where he decided to take it into the Atlantic Ocean. 

Think of it as a sort of baptism for the Cup, as it’s the first time in Panthers franchise history they have won the hardware. 

Panthers fans were screaming as Tkachuk, Ekblad and others held the Cup above their heads, giving it the customary kiss all while the waves came rolling in from the ocean. 

PANTHERS WIN STANLEY CUP IN THRILLING GAME 7 OVER OILERS

Tkachuk said after the victory to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that winning the Cup was no longer a dream – it’s reality. And it was a grueling two years for the Panthers – they lost in the Final to the Vegas Golden Knights last season in five games – to finally get that inaugural trophy in the team building. 

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So, this celebration is a culmination of tons of hard work, and the Panthers are clearly letting loose now that their names will forever be etched on the precious metal. 

Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup win

Panthers players share champagne after beating the Edmonton Oilers at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Through the Panthers’ 24 games in these playoffs, Tkachuk posted 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) to help Florida get the job done. 

He joined the Panthers last season after the Calgary Flames traded him following six seasons with the squad that drafted him sixth overall in 2016. 

Tkachuk posted a 109-point season in 2023, and though he would have 88 this past regular season, every Panthers fan knows the importance he makes at left wing for this hockey club. 

Matthew Tkachuk raise Stanley Cup

Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers lifts the Stanley Cup after beating the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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The celebration has only begun for Tkachuk and the rest of his Florida teammates, who will have their team parade on Sunday.  

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