Trainer Gregory Hickman from Warwick Farm holds the reins for Future History’s buildup to the Melbourne Cup.
The stayer will commence his tenure with Hickman in the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) en route to Australia’s marquee staying event in the coming months.
Future History, a past inmate of Ciaron Maher’s stable, recorded 15th position in his 2023 Melbourne Cup effort during an early preparation under Maher.
Hickman revealed part-owner Adam Carney picked up a dominant shareholding in the horse, causing the gelding to shift barns.
Advertisement
“Adam Carney bought a major share of it and Adam and I are friends, so Adam transferred the horse from Ciaron to me,” Hickman said.
“Adam originally bought into the horse because Ciaron put it up that way (the Melbourne Cup) and they had a lot of fun with it.
“He decided to buy one of the other boys out which made him the major shareholder and moved him to me.”
Future History wrapped up his Maher days with a fourth in the Australia Day Stakes at Warwick Farm on January 26, building on three prior Listed successes in a row.
Advertisement
Hickman observed that Future History holds onto lingering sharpness and has done two trials for his Saturday return, while noting ongoing familiarization with the individual.
The gelding’s Saturday showing will guide his forthcoming engagements.
“I think he’s going as well as we can to run first-up, but we’re still learning about the horse,” Hickman said.
“He’s travelled up there well. I think he’s that sort of horse, he’s so relaxed and nothing seems to bother him.
Advertisement
“He’s still got plenty of residual fitness. He only had a short time off. He’s had two trials because he’s a good doing horse and our main goal is the Melbourne Cup, so there’s a long way to go.
“We’ll see what he does on Saturday as to whether he goes around in the Doomben Cup or we wait for something else and then finish up in the Tattersall’s Cup over 2400 (metres).
“We’ve roughly mapped out where we’ve got to go to get into the Melbourne Cup, so he’ll do most of his lead up races to the Cup in Melbourne.”
Nash Rawiller picks up the steed again on Saturday after riding in the two trials.
Advertisement
Visit online bookmakers to find the keenest prices for the Chairman’s Handicap.
San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle is no stranger to taking defenders on in the middle of the field, but he found himself in a battle against a different kind of beast early Wednesday night.
Kittle, 32, took to social media to retell his tale against a ginormous spider.
“At 4 a.m. this morning, as I laid in a deep slumber, I was called to action by my wife, who had discovered a spider the size of a half-dollar in the bathroom. Without hesitation, I arose to combat the intruder,” Kittle posted to X.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle plays against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 5, 2025.(Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Kittle, who has been rehabbing after tearing his right Achilles tendon during the playoffs, used his equipment to eliminate the threat.
“Claire handed me the slant board I’ve been using for rehab, and I immediately knew the spider had no chance. It took but 1 attempt to strike down my opponent. I received hugs and kisses for my bravery and fell back asleep with confidence. Have a day, gentlemen,” Kittle posted with a spider emoji.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and his wife Claire Kittle walk down the side of the court during the Golden State Valkyries game against the Indiana Fever at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Aug. 31, 2025.(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Kittle can only hope his successful and courageous takedown of the massive spider is how his rehab goes. The former Iowa star sustained the injury during the 49ers’ 23-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said last month that “there’s a chance” Kittle could play Week 1 during an appearance on the “Rich Eisen Show.”
George Kittle attends WrestleMania 42: Night 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 18, 2026.(Rich Freeda/WWE)
If Kittle plays Week 1, it would be a huge boost to the 49ers’ offense. The seven-time Pro Bowler has been dynamic in his nine-year career.
Advertisement
Last season, in 11 games, Kittle caught 57 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. In his career, the two-time All-Pro has caught 595 passes for 8,008 yards and 52 touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) sprints toward the goal line after hauling in a catch during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sep. 14, 2023, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Addison burst down the sideline to complete the scoring play during Minnesota’s nationally televised road contest. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports.
Earlier this week, the NFL confirmed that the Minnesota Vikings would spend the week before Thanksgiving in Mexico City, taking on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football. That initial leak was accurate, and a few more arrived Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Minnesota’s 2026 schedule picture is starting to take shape before the official NFL release.
The leaks will be confirmed by the full schedule release on Thursday night.
Advertisement
Three Vikings Matchups Surface Before Full Schedule Release
In the meantime, here’s a look at the latest leaks.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) shares a postgame moment with Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) following an NFC North matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Nov. 16, 2025. The two players met near midfield after the divisional contest wrapped up between longtime rivals in front of a packed Sunday crowd. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Vikings at Bears in Week 2
An account called VikingzFanPage on Twitter (X), which has an excellent track record with premature schedule leaks, tweeted Thursday morning, “Schedule leak: The Minnesota Vikings will travel to Chicago in week 2 to take on the Bears, per source.”
Vikings games at Soldier Field are infamous for wackiness, so Minnesota will get this one out of the way early and avoid cold temperatures.
Advertisement
The Bears also unexpectedly won the NFC North in 2025, hoping to prove to the world that the feat was not accidental. Oddly, Chicago won several close games, always seeming to go down to the wire, and usually when that happens, the same club regresses the following season. Stay tuned.
Vikings at Jets in Week 17
On Wednesday night, the same account that accurately leaked the Vikings at 49ers in Mexico City, tweeted, “NFL SCHEDULE LEAK. Vikings at Jets – Week 17 1pm (Jan 3).”
New York fired up a terrible season in 2025 but opted to retain rookie head coach Aaron Glenn, who basically fired his whole coaching staff four months ago. The Jets’ foremost offseason solution? Trading for Geno Smith at quarterback, followed by drafting Clemson’s Cade Klubnik in Round 4 last month.
Advertisement
By the time Minnesota faces New York near the end of the season, there’s a decent chance that the Jets will hand the baton to Klubnik to let it rip.
It’s also worth noting that when the full schedule is in plain view, this contest may be considered one of the Vikings’ “easiest” games, as the rest won’t quite feature matchups against green passers like Klubnik.
Bleacher Report‘s Brent Sobleski gave the Jets’ offseason an ‘A’ grade this week, explaining, “The New York Jets have the same problem today as they did a year ago, though the situation is vastly improved around the quarterback position.”
“A massive influx of talent entered the Jets roster this offseason, to the point where the team can compete with almost anyone if Geno Smith doesn’t experience another meltdown, as he did last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Setting quarterback aside, New York overhauled last year’s 25th-ranked defense to give the team an identity.”
Advertisement
The 2026 campaign could be a make-or-break year for Glenn, believe it or not.
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn reacts on the sideline during first-quarter action against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Dec. 28, 2025. Glenn showed visible frustration as the Jets attempted to regroup early in the regular-season matchup during a tense afternoon between AFC East opponents. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
Sobleski added, “Demario Davis, T’Vondre Sweat, Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare, Nashon Wright, Dane Belton and Minkah Fitzpatrick were added either through free agency or trade. During the draft, the team selected the class’ best pure pass-rusher, David Bailey, and its most competitive cornerback in DeAngelo Ponds.”
“On the other side of the ball, general manager Darren Mougey should have made life easier on Smith after adding the class’ top tight end, Kenyon Sadiq, and an outstanding YAC creator in wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. All of the pieces aren’t in place, but the Jets are clearly better than they were when the offseason began.”
Bears at Vikings to Close Out Regular Season
Finally, this used to be a mainstay of Vikings football — finishing the season at home against the Bears. It was actually customary during the Mike Zimmer era, and the game was often meaningless, with the fates of one or both teams already sealed by Week 18.
Advertisement
This go-round may be different, as the Vikings and Bears feature playoff-caliber rosters, at least on paper.
Until 2026, Minnesota had finished the season on the road in three of the last four seasons. Taking on the Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium corrects the record a bit.
Full Leaks So Far
Via “credible leaks,” this is what we know about Minnesota’s schedule as of 8:45 am CST on May 14:
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray speaks with reporters after joining the franchise during 2026 NFL free agency in Eagan on March 12, 2026. Murray addressed expectations for his transition to Minnesota while discussing the roster, coaching staff, and opportunity to lead the Vikings entering the upcoming NFL season as the team’s new starting quarterback. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Oddsmakers expect Minnesota to win eight or nine games in 2026.
VikingsTerritory will report the full schedule as it becomes more official on Thursday. Per strength of schedule, Minnesota ranks near the middle of the pack this season.
Another rumor includes the Vikings hosting the Miami Dolphins in Week 4 and the bye during Week 6.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
It’s a logjam at the top of the UFL standings entering Week 8, with three teams at 5-2 and three at 3-4 with three games left to play. UFL Week 8 kicks off with the Orlando Storm (5-2) visiting the Dallas Renegades (3-4) on Friday night at 8 p.m. ET. Saturday sees the defending league champions D.C. Defenders (5-2) heading to Louisville to face the Kings (3-4) at noon ET and the St. Louis Battlehawks (5-2) hosting the Houston Gamblers (2-5) at 3 p.m ET. Week 8 UFL wraps up Sunday at 1 p.m. ET with the Columbus Aviators (2-5) at the Birmingham Stallions (3-4).
If you have an interested in wagering on UFL games, you have to see what SportsLine football expert Emory Hunt has to say about betting on the UFL Week 8 slate. Born and raised in New Orleans, Hunt played running back at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and coached high school football before starting Football Gameplan, an in-depth analysis site. Over the past three seasons, Hunt is 132-111-2 on NFL bets. Here’s a look at his picks for Week 8 of the UFL season.
It has been an unprecedented slide for the Dallas Renegades, who at one point looked like the best team in the UFL, armed with what appeared to be the league’s MVP in QB Austin Reed. Since Week 4, it has been all downhill for both Reed and the Renegades. Orlando still found a way to win an ugly game last week against Houston but didn’t play particularly well offensively. Look for this to be the get-right spot for its offensive attack, as the Storm defense can feast on a Renegades offense that’s in a free-fall. Those struggles are why I’m also leaning Under 45.5 on the total.
D.C. -5.5 vs. Louisville
The Kings were 10-point underdogs last weekend and won outright in D.C. What happened after QB Chandler Rogers took a hellacious hit was impressive; he and the Kings offense were “lights out” after that. If their offense can match their defensive effort each game, this team will be tough down the stretch of the regular season. The Defenders must find consistency in their approach week to week. This number feels more manageable, and I expect the rematch will have them much more focused this time around. I’m leaning to the Over on the total of 45.5.
St. Louis -7.5 vs. Houston
Battlehawks coach Ricky Proehl might be the front-runner for Coach of the Year because his team just finds ways to win each and every week. And not only do they win, but for the most part they are dominant in doing so. This team will be a tough matchup for the Gamblers because of its high level of discipline. I really like how inspired they play on both sides of the ball. Being at home elevates the Battlehawks’ performance against Houston, but I’m leaning toward the Under at 44.5 points.
Advertisement
Birmingham -3 vs. Columbus
Since Dorian Thompson-Robinson took over as the Stallions’ starting QB, the team hasn’t just been fun to watch, but the offense has also improved significantly. A better offense has also helped the Stallions on defense. They have been much more opportunistic in that regard. Columbus has improved collectively, but the challenge is sustaining that success on both sides of the ball. They’ll start well but have bouts of inconsistent play, which ultimately dooms them. The Stallions offense has me leaning Over 45.5.
Fans gathered at Enghelab Square in Tehran on Wednesday night to attend a farewell ceremony for the Iranian men’s football team before their departure for the World Cup. Both FIFA and US officials say Iranian players will be allowed into the United States despite Donald Trump’s travel ban. Major questions still remain, as August Hakansson explains.
Forza Horizon 6 is out now, and gamers are driving through the iconic streets of Japan to become the next Horizon icon. With the title out now, players are looking for the best way to make some money, allowing them to buy new cars or upgrade their existing ones.
Here are some of the best ways to make money in Forza Horizon 6.
Best ways to make money in Forza Horizon 6
1) Races
Complete the races to earn money quickly in Horizon 6 (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Xbox Game Studios)
One of the easiest ways to make money in Forza Horizon 6 is to complete different Horizon events like sprint races, head-to-head, and drift challenges. Additionally, look for events with a green exclamation mark next to them, denoting special events needed to level up your wristband.
Advertisement
Completing these special events will give you tons of credits, allowing you to spend them on new cars or purchase upgrades for your existing vehicles and collection.
Wheelspins are one of the easiest ways to make money in Horizon 6 (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Xbox Game Studios)
One of the oldest tricks in the Forza book to earn money is to participate in regular and super wheelspins. Simply farm skill points and complete quests or objectives to earn tickets, which can be used to spin the wheel.
The wheelspins in Horizon 6 offer tons of credits, along with rare cars, accessories, and clothing. Simply grind and earn skill points to get your hands on a bunch of spins, allowing you an easy way to become a millionaire.
3) Flip cars
Sell cars at auctions to make money in Horizon 6(Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Xbox Game Studios)
Another great way to earn a lot of money in Forza Horizon 6 is to sell cars via the auction. If you have a collection of rare or limited-edition cars that you want to sell for cash, simply list them in the in-game auction.
Once sold, you will receive the corresponding amount. Since this is a great way to earn money, you can use it to sell unwanted cars at a reasonable price. Additionally, you can also flip your wheelspin cars in the auction for a good deal.
Advertisement
4) Food delivery (Raku Raku)
Complete food delivery missions to earn money in Forza Horizon 6 (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Xbox Game Studios)
Food delivery (Raku Raku) is yet another great way to earn money and XP at the same time. Head to the blue bag icon on the map and accept jobs to deliver food items to specific locations on the map. Successful deliveries will reward you with credits and XP.
The more you deliver, your rank goes up. At higher ranks, you stand to make much more credits. It becomes a fun yet rewarding passive stream of earning money in Horizon 6.
Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians LIVE Updates, IPL 2026: Jasprit Bumrah has won the toss and opted to bowl in his first match as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, in their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamsala on Thursday. Five-tme IPL winners MI are without both regular captain Hardik Pandya and vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav, leading to Bumrah stepping in. MI are also without star spinner Allah Ghazanfar. Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS are on a four-game losing streak, and have made three changes to their lineup. Rain threat also looms large in Dharamsala ahead of the match. (LIVE SCORECARD)
PBKS XI vs MI: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
MI XI vs PBKS: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Sherfane Rutherford, Will Jacks, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Raghu Sharma.
Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians LIVE Score | PBKS vs MI LIVE Updates, IPL 2026, straight from Dharamsala:
Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran of looks on during the Men’s Quarter Final match between India and Great Britain on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Yves Du Manoir on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France. (Getty Images)
P R Sreejesh’s stint as India junior men’s hockey coach has ended after 17 months, but his exit has now led to questions and differing claims from both the former goalkeeper and Hockey India.Sreejesh’s contract ended after he guided India to a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup held in Chennai and Madurai last year. He reapplied for the role, but Hockey India did not renew his contract.On Thursday, Hockey India officially appointed Frederic Soyez as the new junior men’s team coach.The federation said there was nothing unusual about the decision and maintained that the process was carried out properly.However, Sreejesh said on social media that he was ignored to make way for a foreign coach allegedly preferred by senior men’s coach Craig Fulton.The issue has also reportedly caused mixed reactions among players.“Some players of the junior team were not happy with Sreejesh’s working style, they couldn’t reach him when needed over phone when camps were not in progress,” a source was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said the decision was part of a long-term plan linked to India’s preparations for the 2036 Olympics.“We have not fired Sreejesh. His contract expired in December 2025 and we followed the due process of and advertised for the position. He also applied and applicants were short-listed and finalised as per a proper selection process basis merit,” Tirkey said.“We never wanted him to come out of the coaching programme, we offered him to lead the developmental programme, India A and beyond that. Besides that we offered him to guide our goalkeepers at the national level with his vast experience, but he refused,” he added.“But the doors are always open for him and other Indian coaches.”Sreejesh moved directly from playing to coaching despite having no formal coaching experience at the time of his appointment.Having played under several foreign coaches during his career, including Roelant Oltmans, Terry Walsh, Graham Reid and Craig Fulton, his criticism of Hockey India’s preference for a foreign coach has also drawn attention.Tirkey denied that Fulton had any role in the appointment process.“We have never conveyed to him that the chief coach of the men’s team has given a preference to appoint a foreign coach for the junior side. As a federation, we are collectively working towards the vision of our government to build a pathway towards 2036 and a big part of that process is to develop our Indian coaching talent.”Apart from coaching, Sreejesh is also the mentor and director of Hockey India League franchise Delhi SG Pipers.
The Manchester United midfielder started his first game in months in the 0-0 draw at Sunderland, drawing criticism from former Liverpool star Michael Owen
13:27, 14 May 2026Updated 13:35, 14 May 2026
Advertisement
Mason Mount’s father has hit out at Michael Owen, calling him a fool for his assessment of the Manchester United midfielder, who made his first start in five months against Sunderland last weekend. Mount played the full 90 minutes at the Stadium of Light after taking no part in the previous match – the 3-2 win over Liverpool.
The 27-year-old, who joined from Chelsea for £60million in 2023, has seen his time in the northwest heavily disrupted by injuries, limiting him to just 70 appearances across nearly three seasons. This season, Mount first picked up a knock in December, ruling him out of two games, before another setback sidelined him for six matches between February and March.
He returned to the squad for the 3-1 win over Aston Villa in March, but had played just 26 minutes of football until last weekend.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Advertisement
Five months on since his knock at the back end of last year, he was handed the nod by Michael Carrick, starting in the goalless draw against the Black Cats last Saturday. Owen, speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage, stated that the midfielder has failed to justify the club’s significant investment.
“Mason Mount is working hard, but right now he’s not performing anywhere near the level Manchester United expected when they signed him,” he said. “He looks a little slow in possession, a bit laggy in transitions, and he’s not really influencing the game enough in midfield.
“You can clearly see United are missing players like Casemiro in the middle of the park because there’s no real control or authority there.
“And even someone like Benjamin Sesko helps the structure with his movement and presence higher up the pitch. At the moment, Sunderland look more energetic and sharper in midfield areas. Manchester United need more intensity and personality from Mount because games like this demand it.”
Advertisement
Get Man United’s new 2026/27 home kit
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Manchester United have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27 season, inspired by the club’s heritage and featuring a classic polo collar with iconic adidas details.
The former Liverpool striker’s analysis drew a sharp response from Mount’s father, Tony, who highlighted his son’s long road back to fitness as the main reason behind any perceived rustiness.
Advertisement
“Maybe not starting a game for five months has something to do with looking rusty. Owen, you fool,” he wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Mount remains confident in the contribution he can make to this United side.
“I will always back myself. I know what I’m about and what I can bring,” he previously told the BBC. “I love being a part of a massive club. It’s my third season and it’s flown. I’m a bit older now and I’ve got a bit more experience. There are going to be a lot more games next season.
Advertisement
Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
“Being a part of getting this club back to the top, where it deserves to be, is super special. I’ve had a little taste of winning something with the club, in the FA Cup. That was unbelievable. To do a Premier League? I can’t even imagine how special that would be.”
Advertisement
Carrick, meanwhile, is an admirer of the player and has highlighted the importance he has to the team. “He is certainly a team player,” said the United interim head coach.
“He is a player that I really like, and there is loads to come from Mason, we’ve just got to give him the time to get fit again and be patient with that, but he is certainly in a good place right now.”
Mount’s future, however, could be affected by United’s summer business, with the club keen to add at least two new midfielders. The likes of Carlos Baleba, Matues Fernandes, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Atalanta’s Ederson have all been linked as possible targets.
Kris Knoblauch was fired as head coach on Thursday, Sportsnet can confirm.
The move comes after reports emerged that the Oilers had asked to interview former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, but had permission withheld by their division rival.
Knoblauch, 47, took over at the helm of the Oilers in November 2023, replacing Jay Woodcroft.
He led Edmonton to the Stanley Cup Final both that season and the next, losing to the Florida Panthers each time.
Advertisement
The Oilers slipped this season, plodding through a middling regular season before falling in the first round in six games against the Anaheim Ducks.
After the loss, captain Connor McDavid said the team was “average all year.” He and fellow superstar Leon Draisaitl agreed during season-ending availabilities that the franchise took “big steps back.”
In March, McDavid praised Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper unprompted after the Oilers fell 5-2 to the Atlantic Division club.
“They have a great system. … They all know what they’re doing all over the ice. It’s impressive. They’re a great team,” he said.
Advertisement
“They’re extremely well-coached, they’re extremely well-organized. They’re very rehearsed in everything they do. It’s very impressive. And when you do break them down, they have a heck of a goalie to backstop them,” said McDavid, who later clarified that his comments were not a shot at Knoblauch.
Knoblauch, of Imperial, Sask., ends his Oilers career having coached 233 regular-season games with a 135-77-21 record. He was 31-22 in the post-season.
With McDavid and Draisaitl on board, the Oilers’ Cup contention window remains open, though there is urgency with McDavid’s contract due to expire in two seasons and his stated priority of winning his first championship.
The Oilers join the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings as teams with coaching vacancies.
The year’s second major, the 2026 PGA Championship, is off and running. There are 156 players in the field, including 20 club professionals, all of whom are hoping to lift the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday evening.
The first round tees off with an number of intriguing storylines to follow. Here are five things to know for Thursday at Aronimink.
The defending champ
Scottie Scheffler won last year’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow by a whopping five shots and is the prohibitive betting favorite this year — a mantle he’s assumed for every tournament he’s played in for the better part of the last three years. And while the World No. 1 is already having a pretty stellar season, with a win and five other top 10s — including three straight runner-ups — in nine events, there are others who could arguably match that momentum this week. Who, exactly? Read on …
Who are those players who could challenge Scottie this week? The list seems more extensive than usual! Masters champion and freshly-minted career grand slam winner Rory McIlroy is one; Players and Cadillac Championship winner Cameron Young is another; and three-time winner Matt Fitzpatrick (Valspar Championship, RBC Heritage, Zurich Classic) rounds out a formidable threesome of opponents. (Fitzpatrick also finished runner-up to Young at the Players).
Needless to say, this week appears to be set to be quite an epic clash of the titans.
What about the LIV players?
Given the uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf and it’s future, the spotlight is shining particularly brightly on its two biggest stars: Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, who are among a cohort of 11 total LIV competitors in this week’s field at Aronimink. DeChambeau has finished runner-up in the last two PGAs and was T4 in 2023; Rahm’s best PGA finish was T8 last year, and in 2021.
Michael Block, the club pro who became an everyman star when he finished T15 at the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, is back in the field this week, marking the eighth time he’s qualified for the PGA Championship. The 2023 performance marked the only time he’s ever made the cut.
Forecast
The morning wave of tee times could encounter intermittent showers on Thursday. According to AccuWeather, conditions are expected to be cloudy with a high of 65°F and low of 47°F, with winds up to 13 mph winds.
Sounds like scoring weather to us! Click here for everything you need to know to watch the first round of the 2026 PGA Championship.
;)
;)
You must be logged in to post a comment Login