Sports
Challenge Cup quarter-final: St Helens 36-4 Catalans Dragons
Tristan Sailor scored 14 points as St Helens dominated Catalans Dragons in a one-sided Challenge Cup quarter-final.
The Australian full-back, who also racked up 14 points in the stunning Good Friday comeback win over derby rivals Wigan Warriors last week, went over for a first-half try and kicked five goals as the ragged French side failed to test Paul Rowley’s resurgent Saints.
But St Helens suffered more injury woe as Jake Wingfield and Lewis Murphy, who scored the first try after Sailor had notched an early penalty, were forced off in the opening 32 minutes, but that could not interrupt the flow.
Sailor went over and 19-year-old Jake Davies scored his first senior try before second-half scores from Owen Dagnall and George Whitby emphasised the gulf between the sides.
Rowley has had to cope with a horrendous injury list this season and his bad luck showed no sign of abating. Saints welcomed back Alex Walmsley, George Delaney and Whitby but lost Wingfield and Murphy in the first half at the BrewDog Stadium.
It made no difference to the one-sided flow of this game, as Sailor’s fifth-minute penalty and Murphy’s sharp finish in the corner had Saints in control before the French side, fresh from a derby win of their own against Toulouse, knew what had hit them.
Sailor raced onto Daryl Clark’s shinned kick to score another as the Dragons failed to cope with the pace and intensity of the home side, who have now won seven of their past eight games in all competitions.
Clark’s speed at the ruck was creating havoc for a disorganised Catalans side, while Walmsley celebrated his return, and his 36th birthday, by repeatedly punching holes in the opposition defence.
Sailor added another penalty and after Walmsley had powered straight through the Dragons line Davies was on hand to score his milestone try and make it 20-0 at half time.
Catalans needed a strong start after the break but instead they continued to infringe and saw Julian Bousquet sin-binned for tackling Harry Robertson without the ball.
Successive penalties deep in Dragons territory ended with Sailor’s deft pass out of the tackle for Dagnall to step his way over the line, and then Whitby latched onto Jackson Hastings’ kick for another.
A rare Sailor mistake, a knock-on in front of his own posts, led to Faataape’s consolation try, but Whitby made it a memorable night for himself by sliding in to get his fingers on top of the ball after Hastings’ high kick had bounced awkwardly and evaded the grasp of Nick Cotric.
The Minnesota Vikings are currently stacking quite a few pre-draft visits with the event two weeks away, and among the names, Ole Miss wideout De’Zhaun Stribling is on Kevin O’Connell’s team’s radar.
Minnesota keeps checking on receiver options as the middle rounds draw closer.
O’Connell is apparently in the market for another wide receiver, one year after his club drafted Maryland’s Tai Felton in Round 3.
Stribling Offers Size and Developmental Upside at Wide Receiver
Minnesota has 9 picks this year, and Stribling might be one of them.
Vikings to Meet with Stribling
Get to know Stribling because he’s on Minnesota’s radar.
NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Thursday, “The Vikings are spending some time with a potential addition to their wide receiver group on Thursday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that former Ole Miss wideout De’Zhaun Stribling is visiting with the team. Stribling played at Washington State and Oklahoma State before moving to Oxford for his final college season.”
“He had 55 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns in his lone season with the Rebels and had 50-catch seasons at each of his first two stops as well. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are the top returning members of a receiving corps that also includes Myles Price, Tai Felton, Jeshaun Jones, Dontae Fleming, and Joaquin Davis.”
The Vikings also met with Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels this week.
The Scouting Report for Stribling
Stribling is 6’2″ and 210, which would instantly make him the Vikings’ biggest receiver of those expected to make the September roster. He also has tremendous speed, especially at his height, logging a 4.36 forty during the draft build-up. Stribling is known for getting vertical in the deep passing game, his willingness to block downfield, and his marked improvement throughout college.
The drawbacks? Stribling isn’t a contested-catch demon, and he’ll be 24 years old as a rookie, a turn-off for some.
The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on his skill set: “Stribling isn’t the most well-rounded in terms of his route success, but he is a big-bodied athlete with strong ball skills and a pro mindset. He has the talent and competitive toughness to settle into a WR2/3 role for an NFL offense.
“A one-year starter at Ole Miss (and a four-and-a-half-year starter overall), Stribling was an outside receiver, primarily to the left of the formation, in former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.’s scheme (also used on motions and in the backfield). The Hawaii native spent two years at Washington State and another two at Oklahoma State before helping Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff in 2025 (averaged 92.7 receiving yards in three Playoff games).”
The last player from Ole Miss drafted by the Vikings? A fellow wide receiver by the name of Laquon Treadwell in 2016.
Brugler continued, “With his tall, muscular frame, Stribling quickly accelerates to his top speed and has quickness out of route breaks, even if he didn’t put the most versatile route inventory on film (hitches and go routes accounted for 57 percent of his route frequency in 2025).”
“He has dependable hands (1.9 percent drop rate in 2025) and plays strong to the football, but needs to do a better job with his positioning downfield to finish tight-window throws. His smarts and willingness to do the dirty work are coach-pleasing qualities.”
The WR3 Roster Concern
Jalen Nailor’s departure to the Raiders in free agency, reuniting him with Kirk Cousins and Klint Kubiak, created a void at WR3 for the Vikings. This prompts a key question for Minnesota: Is the solution already on the roster, or will they need to look elsewhere?
The aforementioned Felton now finds himself under the spotlight. Drafted in the third round last year — a selection that typically signals significant offensive intentions — Felton spent most of his rookie season on special teams with minimal impact on offense.
The central question is whether the Vikings believe Felton can effectively fill the WR3 role this season. If so, they can move forward with him. If not, they must find an alternative, either by drafting a rookie or signing a free agent. Stribling is a rookie route.
Other WRs in Stribling Territory
If the Vikings fancy a wide receiver from Round 2 or 3, but it’s not Stribling after all, the options would look like this on Friday, April 24th:
- Malachi Fields (Notre Dame)
- Antonio Williams (Clemson)
- Ted Hurst (Georgia State)
- Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)
- Skyler Bell (UConn)
- Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)
- Deion Burks (Oklahoma)
- Ja’Kobi Lane (USC)
- Brenen Thompson (Mississippi State)
Minnesota has drafted just one WR from Rounds 2 or 3 in the last 19 years: Felton. It’s usually Round 1 or “wait until later” at wide receiver for the Vikings.
Will the Minnesota Vikings actually use their 1st-Round draft pick in two weeks on a wide receiver? Probably not. Can the selection of one, like Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, be ruled out? Nope.
A first-round receiver for Minnesota still feels unlikely, but Tyson has entered the conversation.
Tyson has begun to inch onto Minnesota’s mock-draft radar, as he could blend the Vikings’ draft position — No. 18 — with the “best player available” mindset.
Tyson Brings the Type of WR Talent That Can Shift Draft-Day Debate
Would you oppose another Round 1 wideout for Minnesota?
Nick Wright Mock Draft: Tyson to MIN
For starters, The Tennessean‘s Nick Suss posted a mock draft this week, connecting Tyson to the purple team. He explained at No. 18, “A … less sensible pick. The Vikings have their top two receivers set with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But Tyson might just be the best talent available at this point, so it’s not as if it’s a reach and a bad fit.”
Meanwhile, on the same day, just hours apart, Fox Sports‘ Nick Wright followed suit, explaining Tyson to the Vikings in his mock, “I feel like Jordan Addison’s star has dimmed over the last couple of years for lack of on-field production and off-field stuff. It feels like the defense has people everywhere already. Odds that Vikings use first pick on a wide receiver: +1800.”
And, incidentally, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Thursday, “Arizona St. WR Jordyn Tyson, a projected first-round pick, will hold his own individual workout day for NFL teams on Friday, April 17 at Arizona State.”
Folks will learn in about a week if the Vikings attend.
The Tyson Bio and Skill Set
Let’s just get this out of the way: Tyson is no joke. He’s 6’2″ and 205 pounds. His claim to fame? The son of a gun gets open because of his exquisite route-running, and his contested-catch rate is fantastic. Tyson is also known for his hands. The drawbacks? A lengthy injury history prevents him from being the top wideout in this draft, he isn’t a burner, and it’s a little weird that he skipped the NFL Combine and Arizona State’s Pro Day.
NFL Draft Buzz on Tyson: “This is a receiver who wins with craft, body control, and competitive fire rather than overwhelming physical tools. His 4.5 speed is not going to scare anyone on paper, but his release package and route-running savvy create separation that stopwatches cannot measure.
“He thrives in the intermediate areas of the field, finding soft spots in zone coverage and working back to the quarterback on in-breaking routes. His basketball background is not just a fun biographical note; it genuinely shows up in how he plays the position, particularly in contested-catch situations where he boxes out defenders like he is working for position in the paint.”
Tyson tallied 61 catches for 711 yards and 8 touchdowns last year.
TBD added, “The positional flexibility is a major selling point. Tyson has produced from the outside, from the slot, and in motion, giving offensive coordinators a movable chess piece who can be deployed in multiple alignments. He fits best in passing attacks that emphasize intermediate concepts, play-action designs, and timing routes where his precise stems and reliable hands can shine.”
“His willingness to block in the run game, a trait drilled into him by Hines Ward, will endear him to coaching staffs who value complete receivers rather than one-dimensional route runners. The medical questions are real and cannot be ignored.”
The Departure of Jalen Nailor
If the Vikings had kept Nailor and hadn’t let him leave for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, Tyson may not even be found in mock drafts for Minnesota. But the reality is that Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Tai Felton, and return man Myles Price are the only rosterable wide receivers on the current depth chart.
Unless Felton is sitting on a sophomore breakout, Minnesota will likely leave the 2026 NFL Draft with a wideout, whether it’s Tyson in Round 1 or a Round 5-7 sleeper.
Minnesota could also sign a free agent after the draft, as players like Deebo Samuel, Stefon Diggs, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyreek Hill remain unemployed. Brandon Aiyuk, too, could be on the wire before too long.
More Realistic Draft Selections at No. 18
As a Tyson pick is unlikely on the whole, the more realistic draft options for the Vikings look like this:
- Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
- Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
- Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
- Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami (FL))
- Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
- Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
- Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
- Peter Woods (DL, Clemson)
Most pundits and sportsbooks expect the Vikings to draft a defensive player in Round 1, with Thieneman, a safety from Oregon, leading the way in the court of public opinion.
Tyson will turn 22 this summer.
The Minnesota Vikings have needed an infusion of young talent at the running back position since the departure of Dalvin Cook. There was a belief that Alexander Mattison could be the answer, but that flopped. Ty Chandler was a long shot, and he never panned out either.
Rather than run things back with Aaron Jones last year, the Vikings opted to bring in Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers. Having filled in plenty previously for the oft-injured Christian McCaffrey, Mason brought quite the track record to U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota’s Backfield Outlook Faces Another Potential Shift
In 2026, the Vikings found a path to retain Jones, and they still have Mason under contract. There’s a real need to infuse young talent in the organization, but they could swing for even more. Fox Sports columnist Ralph Vacchiano recently suggested a trade for De’Von Achane.
There’s no denying that Achane would be a great fit in the Vikings offense, and he’d likely take over the top of the depth chart. The only question is whether there is room for three talents of that ilk as things stand currently.
Had the Vikings not brought back Jones, this seems like a much more straightforward fit. With Jones in tow, though, you have three running backs all worth of real reps, and there isn’t a path to playing time for them all. That’s before even considering that Kevin O’Connell hasn’t leaned into the running game at any point during his coaching career.
If the Dolphins were interested in taking Jones in a swap, then clearing some playing time would make a path forward much more tenable. It’s still going to cost a second or third round pick, and the assumption of a hefty contract extension down the line. Short of additional reps, though, there are better ways to utilize roster openings.
The Vikings haven’t taken a running back in the early rounds for quite some time. They could change that by using a top 100 pick this year, and Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (who hails from Minnesota) would easily fall into that category.
Short of shedding Jones, which could have ripple effects in the locker room at this point, it’s hard to envision the addition of another starting-caliber contender.
Canelo Alvarez is hoping to bounce back from a first super-middleweight defeat upon his ring return later this year and it is quickly becoming clear which belt he will target.
Last September, the Mexican superstar lost out to Terence Crawford in a fight that will be spoken of for years to come. Canelo underwent elbow surgery after the contest, which is expected to keep him out of the ring until this autumn.
In recent weeks, it has become increasingly expected that Canelo will jump back into an immediate title challenge against Cameroon-born Christian Mbilli – who was elevated to full WBC super-middleweight world champion earlier in the year.
On Thursday, Mbilli’s promoter, Camille Estephan, watched on as another of his fighters, Osleys Iglesias, captured the IBF super-middleweight world title in style. During the post-fight interview, Estephan made it clear that Canelo ‘wants’ to win his WBC belt back, but vowed that Mbilli will overcome him.
“Canelo will hopefully fight Christian [Mbilli]. He seems to want the WBC title. We’re not gonna give it to him. We will beat him. We want to have all the titles in Quebec, all five, soon enough.
“We [Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias] are gonna get all the other titles, and then they’ll fight and we’ll have the superstar out of Quebec right here.”
Elsewhere, both the WBA and WBO super-middleweight titles are on the line next month, in separate bouts involving Jose Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia (May 2, for Resendiz’s WBA title), and then Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic (May 23, for the vacant WBO).
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Shane Lowry is sitting in a solid position heading into the weekend of the 2026 Masters Tournament.
The 39-year-old shot a bogey-free 69 Friday and sits comfortably six shots behind fellow Northern Ireland native Rory McIlroy.
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“Look, I’m in a nice position. I played well today,” Lowry said. “I felt like I did a lot of good things, and my attitude was great. So I’m very, very happy. If you give me this position yesterday morning, I would have taken your hand off. To be kind of in the mix going into the weekend around here is nice, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Shane Lowry reacts after a putt on the 18th green during the second round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
This is Lowry’s eighth made cut in 11 Masters starts, his best finish coming in 2022 at T3. He finished his round Friday with birdies on the par-3 No. 16 and No. 18.
“I obviously had to stay patient, and I holed a couple of nice par putts kind of on 11 and 14,” he said. “Then, yeah, just kept trying to give myself chances and hit some great shots on the way in. I’m very happy.”
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Masters leaderboard: Shane Lowry birdies 16, 18, climbs into top 5
Image for representation only© AFP
Operations at the canteen inside the Sports Authority of India headquarters in Delhi have come to a partial halt. The cooking activities have been suspended amid what is being described as an LPG supply issue. However, sources indicate the disruption may be linked to pricing disputes with the vendour and not exactly shortage of cooking gas. According to officials familiar with the matter, the private vendor managing the canteen raised concerns over insufficient LPG supply, leading to a complete stoppage in food preparation. But a well-placed source suggested that the issue could stem from the “high prices he has been quoting,”
For now, only tea is being served to staff, prepared using induction cooktops instead of gas. The canteen, which caters to roughly 150 employees at the headquarters, has stopped serving breakfast and evening snacks, leaving staff to make alternative arrangements for meals.
“The cooking of breakfast and evening snacks stopped around the time the West Asia crisis escalated,” an official said on condition of anonymity. “It was part of an effort to ration resources. We were informed by the canteen staff that only tea would be available.”
Despite the disruption at the headquarters, SAI has clarified that athletes remain unaffected. Those training at the stadium continue to receive their meals at the athletes’ mess, which is fully operational. Additionally, there has been no reported shortage of LPG across SAI’s National Centres of Excellence or hostel facilities nationwide, where food services are functioning normally.
According to sources, NDTV has learnt that this vendor handling the headquarters canteen reportedly took charge only a few months ago, raising further questions about the sudden suspension of services.
While the LPG crunch has been cited as the immediate cause, the broader context of supply chain concerns linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia may also be playing a role
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London v Mayo Preview, Team News, Betting and Prediction – Connacht SFC 2026
The 2026 Connacht Senior Football Championship gets under way in Ruislip on Saturday afternoon as London welcome Mayo to McGovern Park, and all the early signs point towards the visitors making a winning start.
Mayo enter the championship in a strong place after finishing third in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League, winning five of their seven games. London, by contrast, finished sixth in Division 4, leaving a huge gulf between the teams heading into this Connacht quarter-final.
That gap is reflected in both the history of this fixture and in the betting market. Mayo have won each of the last five championship meetings between the counties, including the 2013 Connacht final and a 2016 quarter-final clash. London will hope that home surroundings and championship intensity keep them competitive for periods, but this is a very tall order.
London v Mayo recent championship meetings
- 2016: Mayo 2-16 London 0-9
- 2013: Mayo 5-11 London 0-10
- 2011: Mayo 0-19 London 2-10 aet
- 2006: Mayo 1-18 London 0-8
- 1996: Mayo 1-11 London 1-5
Mayo’s athleticism, pace through the middle and proven scoring ability should eventually make the difference. Even if London stay in touch for a while, the most likely outcome is Mayo pulling clear over the final 20 minutes.
Betting odds
- London: 25/1
- Draw: 35/1
- Mayo: 1/100
The outright market offers little value given how short Mayo are. The smarter betting angle is likely to be on the winning margin, with Mayo expected to cover a sizeable handicap.
Prediction
London should battle honestly, but Mayo are operating at a far higher level and anything other than an away win would be a major shock.
Prediction: Mayo to win comfortably
Predicted score: London 0-11 Mayo 1-22
Next up: The winners will play Roscommon or New York in the Connacht semi-final.
Team News
London – TBA
Mayo –
The 2026 Connacht championship throws-in on Saturday as Mayo travel to Ruislip to face London.
It will be Mayo’s first visit to the venue since 2016, when they recorded a 2-16 to 0-09 win over the hosts. Manager Andy Moran has named two championship debutants in Hugh O’Loughlin and Cian McHale. Notably, two members of the current matchday squad – Rob Hennelly and Cillian O’Connor – also made their debuts against London, in 2011. Throw-in at McGovern Park is scheduled for 2.30pm.
1. Rob Hennelly – Raheny
2. Jack Coyne (C) – Ballyhaunis
3. Rory Brickenden – Westport
4. Fenton Kelly – Davitts
5. Sam Callinan – Ballina Stephenites
6. Michael Plunkett – Ballintubber
7. Paddy Durcan – Castlebar Mitchels
8. Bob Tuohy – Castlebar Mitchels
9. David McBrien – Ballaghaderreen
10. Jack Carney – Kilmeena
11. Ryan O’Donoghue – Belmullet
12. Hugh O’Loughlin – Kilmaine
13. Cian McHale – Moy Davitts
14. Aidan O’Shea – Breaffy
15. Paul Towey – Charlestown Sarsfields
16. Jack Livingstone – Breaffy
17. John MacMonagle – Castlebar Mitchels
18. Donnacha McHugh – Castlebar Mitchels
19. Stephen Coen – Hollymount/Carramore
20. Sean Morahan – Castlebar Mitchels
21. Jordan Flynn – Crossmolina Deel Rovers
22. Conal Dawson – Westport
23. Fergal Boland – Aghamore
24. Diarmuid O’Connor – Ballintubber
25. Tommy Conroy – The Neale
26. Cillian O’Connor – Ballintubber
Sports
Asia Badminton Championships: Ayush Shetty downs World No. 4 Jonatan Christie; India’s first medal secured | Badminton News
NEW DELHI: Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty continued his impressive run at the Badminton Asia Championships, reaching the semi-finals after a stunning win over world No. 4 Jonatan Christie in Ningbo. Ayush won 23-21, 21-17 in a closely fought match, marking his first-ever victory over the Indonesian star and securing a medal for India.This achievement is significant as Ayush became the first Indian men’s singles player since HS Prannoy in 2018 to win a medal at the continental event.
It also guarantees India’s first medal at the championships since the men’s doubles gold won by Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in 2023.The match was a tense battle from start to finish. In the opening game, both players were evenly matched, with Christie holding a narrow lead at one stage and even earning a game point. However, Ayush showed great composure under pressure, fighting back to force a tie-break and eventually clinching the game.The second game followed a similar pattern, with Ayush taking a slight lead into the break and then tightening his grip as the game progressed. His ability to stay calm and execute key points helped him close out the match and secure a memorable victory.Ayush’s journey in the tournament has been remarkable. He earlier stunned world No. 7 Li Shi Feng in the opening round and then defeated Chi Yu Jen to reach the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, he will face either Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who defeated Weng Hongyang 20-22, 21-9, 21-9.While Ayush has been the standout performer, India’s campaign also saw setbacks, with PV Sindhu exiting in the second round and Lakshya Sen going out in the opening round.
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals further strengthened their position at the top of the IPL 2026 points table after their dominant win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. The Royals have been in outstanding form this season, registering four wins in as many matches. They sit firmly at number one with 8 points, having a perfect record of 4 wins and 0 losses, and a superior net run rate of +2.055.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defeat did not alter their overall standing significantly as they remain third on the table.
RCB have played 3 matches so far, winning 2 and losing 1, collecting 4 points in total. They have a net run rate of +1.231.
At second place are Punjab Kings, who have played 3 matches, winning 2 without a loss and one no-result. They have 5 points with a net run rate of +0.637.
In fourth position, Delhi Capitals have also won 2 of their 3 matches, losing 1, and sit on 4 points with a net run rate of +0.811.
Just behind them are Lucknow Super Giants, who mirror DC’s record with 2 wins and 1 loss but have a slightly negative net run rate of -0.359, placing them fifth.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are sixth with 1 win and 2 losses from 3 matches, earning 2 points and a net run rate of +0.275.
Gujarat Titans also have 1 win and 2 losses but sit seventh with a net run rate of -0.270.
Mumbai Indians are eighth with 1 win and 2 losses, collecting 2 points and a net run rate of -0.715.
At the bottom, Kolkata Knight Riders are ninth with 1 point from 4 matches, having 0 wins, 3 losses and 1 no-result, with a net run rate of -1.315.
Chennai Super Kings are at the very bottom in tenth place, having lost all 3 matches, with 0 points and a net run rate of -2.517.
|
Rank |
Team |
P |
W |
L |
NR |
Pts |
NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
RR |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
+2.055 |
|
2 |
PBKS |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
+0.637 |
|
3 |
RCB |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
+1.231 |
|
4 |
DC |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
+0.811 |
|
5 |
LSG |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
-0.359 |
|
6 |
SRH |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
+0.275 |
|
7 |
GT |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
-0.270 |
|
8 |
MI |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
-0.715 |
|
9 |
KKR |
4 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
-1.315 |
|
10 |
CSK |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
-2.517 |
Then, sure enough, my vision began to narrow and my body started to feel weak. I’d fainted once before, many years ago, but this was different. Everything was at stake this time.
“I think I’m going to pass out,” I blurted to my friend beside me.
He chuckled awkwardly.
“No, I’m serious — I think I’m going to pass out.”
This time it landed.
“Want me to ask her for the tiramisu?” he asked, half-joking.
“Yes,” I said.
He returned a moment later with a takeaway container of the heavenly ‘pick-me-up’ (apparently a direct translation from Italian — couldn’t be more fitting). I began shoveling the sweet, creamy concoction into my mouth. Within seconds, a wave of relief. I was back.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Masters Tournament.”
We were in.
I called my dad from one of the free phones on site and was truly lost for words. I had to call back once I could actually speak to tell him where I was and how unbelievable the entire scene was. Wishing he could be there with me. It was very emotional.
Ultimately it showed me how moments bring us together, regardless of what they are. The Masters has always had a special place in my heart, since I was a young aspiring professional golfer watching on TV every year with my dad, without fail. The four of us friends experiencing that Sunday together has cemented a bond that will never break.
What followed was a tradition unlike any other and truly the best day ever. – Mark Quinlan
;)
Mark Quinlan
At Amen Corner, I think of dad
I grew up in Augusta, and have gone to the Masters for most of my life. I would go to the tournament and practice rounds sporadically with my mom and dad. In 2001, my dad got four tickets to the tournament. I had to work that week, but he left me an extra ticket if I could get off early and meet them. I was never able to do that. My mom, dad and uncle sat on Amen Corner that day and watched everyone come in. My dad passed that summer from a stroke at 45 years old. We were on the waiting list for series badges and in 2010 my mom began receiving two annual tickets to the tournament.
Ever since then, my mom and I sit at Amen Corner in memory of him. Every time I go I think of him and how much he loved this tournament. He is actually buried in a cemetery about a driver away from Amen Corner. Every time I go, it’s almost like I’m watching it with him.
The Masters is always a special time for my family. Most locals rent out their homes and leave for spring break during the tournament. My dad was an accountant and I played sports (and loved golf) so we were always in town, and I loved going to the tournament. I attached a picture from my wedding of the grooms cake from my wedding and a picture of my mom and dad. – Nick Coia, Augusta, Ga.
;)
Nick Coia
;)
Nick Coia
An emotional day at Augusta National
My Dad was a teaching pro and in the 90s and early ’00s owned an indoor simulator facility. It was one of the few in our area at the time and he often got booked by big companies to take a simulator unit down to different tournaments to set up at hospitality houses. He did this for several years at Augusta and unfortunately I never made it down with him.
He got sick in 2017 and passed away in 2019, shortly before Tiger won his fifth Masters. Fast forward a few years and I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the Tuesday practice round with some friends.
;)
Shaun Bisson
I felt a wide range of emotions throughout the day. Finally experiencing something I wish I had gotten to do with my Dad was a bit overwhelming, but the most meaningful experience was getting to the phones and calling my Mom to say hi and spend a few minutes talking about my dad. It’s something I’ll never ever forget.
The entire place is so magical and you feel like you’re floating as you walk around. It evokes so many different emotions and because golf is often such a special game for families. It’s hard not to get romantic about what Augusta National means to those who pass the game from generation to generation.
For a lot of my childhood, I resented golf and especially the Masters for taking my dad away from me. His job meant he was busy a lot, so I associated golf with missing him.
But the older I got, the more I fell in love with the sport and the Masters. And I began to understand why my dad loved it so much. And eventually it became our shared passion. We became closer, became golf buddies and best friends. – Shaun Bisson, Petrolia, Ontario
;)
Shaun Bisson
The Masters Sunday that lives in a notebook
I attended the final round of the 2025 Masters with my dad. We ran into Scott Van Pelt by the first tee on Sunday morning. As a fellow broadcaster working in sports media, it was special to get the chance to meet him in person for the first time. He was familiar with my career background thanks to a few quick Zoom interactions over the years on the Pardon My Take podcast, but getting to speak to him for 10 minutes at Augusta National made it that much more special. The chance to get career advice from one of the best to ever do it in our business and him telling me to keep pushing in order to get to where I want to go was an incredible feeling, and having my dad there listening to it firsthand was awesome.
Going to the Masters with my dad last year was by far the most special sporting event that I’ve ever been to. I am incredibly fortunate to have been to the Final Four, World Series and so many other events with him, but this one stood above the rest. I think a big reason why this is this case is because of how unique the whole Masters experience is. We won the lottery… for SUNDAY! The no phone rule created a lot more anticipation for the both of us, since we didn’t fully know what we were in for. The property, the cheap concessions, the fact that celebrities roam around and blend in with the rest of the patrons, just all of it was different. All of that makes the experience at the Masters unlike anything else you will enjoy at a sporting event.
Oh yeah, that Sunday finish was pretty special, too.
;)
Jake Marsh
Since the no-phone rule at Augusta is a real thing, I brought a mini notebook to Augusta National to document every little detail throughout this once-in-a-lifetime day. Before getting to the course, I filled it with tips from prior patrons, a gift shop wish list from friends and family and other notes. Once we were on the grounds, I wrote down every event of note throughout the day. We only have one picture to show for it, but having all the details in that notebook will forever be part of the experience as well. – Jake Marsh, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
;)
Jake Marsh
A work award and a trip to Augusta National
I was lucky enough to get to attend the Friday round of the 2023 Masters and it was a day I’ll never forget. Probably even harder to believe how it came to be. I’m from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and had won an award through my work, which typically was rewarded with an all expenses paid weekend trip with coworkers to a nice warm location, including events, dinners and excursions. “Unfortunately” for me, I won the award during Covid so the trip was canceled and I was given a large quantity of “rewards points” to use on an employee recognition/reward site.
I had always seen big trips and experiences on there, but never knew how anyone would actually accumulate enough points to cash that in. After a lot of waiting and searching daily, the one day Masters ticket finally came back to the platform, so I cashed in almost all my points for this opportunity, knowing I could use it anytime in the next several years. My girlfriend and I planned the trip for over a year. We spent a few days in Augusta, both before and after my tournament day, just taking in the environment and everything the city had to offer. I’ll always remember grabbing a coffee and walking the second nine before the crowds filled in, just taking in the course and the views, then making my way to the first tee just in time to see Phill Mickelson tee off. I’m just glad I took advice and got my merch taken care of early and shipped out before the trees and rain cut the day short. Now I’m just dreaming of the day I can go back. – Jim Knutson, Milwaukee, Wis.
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