With a six-shot lead at the Masters halfway point, Rory McIlroy is in prime position to become only the fourth golfer in history to win back-to-back titles at Augusta National, following Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
Preparation for the year’s first major championship is taken seriously by every player in the field. Some opt to play their way in to the week, with an aim of peaking at Augusta, while others try to rest the week before. McIlroy, though, didn’t tee it up at all in competition in the weeks leading up to the Masters, opting to skip the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship, Texas Children’s Houston Open and the Valero Texas Open after his T46 finish at the Players Championship.
On Friday, after firing a second-round 65 at Augusta, McIlroy explained why.
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“I honestly just don’t like the three tournaments leading up to this event,” he said. “I’d rather come up here [to Augusta].”
So that’s exactly what he did.
Thanks to the proximity of his home in Jupiter, Fla., McIlroy explained that he was able to fly to Augusta for practice rounds and still manage to arrive home in time for dinner.
“I did a couple of days where I dropped Poppy to school, flew up here, played, landed back home and had dinner with her — or had dinner with Erica probably,” he said. “Like I did a couple of day trips like that where I felt it was a better use of my time than going to Houston or San Antonio.”
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As defending champion, McIlroy’s schedule was more full than usual this year, as he was responsible for hosting the annual Champions Dinner on Tuesday evening. Still, he said his decision to eschew the last three PGA Tour events ahead of the Masters was more about preparation than rest.
“It wasn’t really about conserving energy,” he said. “But just I felt the more time I could spend up here, the better.”
Judging by McIlroy’s performance at Augusta thus far, there may be something to that.
Despite winning two MVP awards, Lamar Jackson still has his fair share of critics.
Fresh off yet another playoff disappointment, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback had arguably the worst season of his career last year.
It was the first time he finished under .500 as a starter and the first time since 2021 he was not in the playoffs after the season came down to a field goal attempt.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025.(Mark Konezny/Imagn Images)
Perhaps the doubters were on Jackson’s mind earlier this week because he issued a faith-filled message toward them on X.
“Instead of trying to bring me down, ask GOD to bring you up,” Jackson wrote with emojis of praying hands, a purple heart, and an army helmet. “#JESUSCHRISTKINGOFKINGS.”
Jackson missed four games with a hamstring injury that appeared to affect him for most of the year. His 2,549 passing yards were the third-lowest mark of his career, while he only rushed for 349 yards, the lowest he’s ever had.
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaves the field after a win over the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game. The game took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Dec. 14, 2025.(Carolyn Kaster/AP)
The quarterback has shared several faithful messages this week, including wearing an “I LOVE JESUS” hoodie. Many of Jackson’s reposts on X show his faith.
Jackson will have a new head coach this season after his Ravens fired John Harbaugh following 18 seasons. Jesse Minter was hired after being the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, who are coached by Harbaugh’s brother, Jim.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida.(Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you become a smarter, better golfer.
One of the coolest things about the Masters (for golf-swing nerds, at least) is the Range Tracker feature on Masters.com. With it, you can track every ball hit by every player in the field all week long.
The information is a useful insight into how pro golfers spend their practice time on the range. And also, how many balls they hit to warm up before competition rounds.
When recreational golfers get to the course before their rounds, they seldom have a plan. Some might wander around the pro shop checking out merch, while others head for the grill to grab a hot dog or beverage. Few will go to the range for a proper warmup — and even fewer will have a plan once they get there.
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The story is quite the opposite for pro golfers. Seemingly every minute of their day prior to their tee time is scheduled out. And it’s not just for show. Pro golfers know that putting together a solid round of golf starts well before they strike their opening tee shots. With the Masters Range Tracker feature, we can see this play out in real time.
Dug into the Range Tracker data to see how many balls players hit to warmup.
Least: Vijay Singh (8 balls Rd1, 16 Rd2) Most: Gary Woodland (63 Rd1, 94 Rd2) Most consistent: Kurt Kitayama (40 Rd1&2); Ryan Gerard (28 Rd 1&2) Least consistent: Jose Maria Olazabal (30 Rd1, 76 Rd2)
After tracking the number of range balls hit by every player in the field before their Thursday and Friday rounds at the 2026 Masters, the average comes out to 43 balls per warmup. While this figure doesn’t account for time spent in the short-game area or on the putting green, it offers a useful snapshot of how many full swings pros typically make before a competitive round.
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Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all warmup routine in golf. Still, this average provides helpful context. Hitting just over 40 balls allows players to loosen up and get a feel for their swing on a given day — without overdoing it and risking fatigue before they even reach the 1st tee.
The data also reveals some notable outliers. For instance, 2000 Masters champion Vijay Singh hit just eight balls before his Thursday round and 16 before Friday. At the other end of the spectrum, Gary Woodland hit 63 balls ahead of his opening round and 94 before his second.
Ultimately, there’s more than one way to get ready for a round of golf. The key is finding a routine that works for you and committing to it every time you step onto the course.
Rangers visit Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership on the final day of the 2025-26 season, hoping to keep their title dream alive. Currently trailing leaders Heart of Midlothian by a point, the Light Blues are in second place in the league standings.
They need to win the game here and also hope that Hearts drop points at home to Motherwell in the other game to be crowned Scottish champions.
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Since winning the title in the 2020-21 season, the Glasgow outfit have finished second in each of the next five campaigns, and this could be the sixth in a row.
Despite a strong run, Rangers never occupied the first position of the Scottish Premiership at any point in the season and will require a last-day miracle for that to happen on Sunday.
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They come into the fixture on the back of a three-game winning streak in the league, with their recent two being big wins over Aberdeen (4-1) and Dundee United (4-2).
As for Falkirk, the Bairns are in sixth place in the standings, having accrued 46 points from 32 games and making a good impression upon returning to the top division after a gap of five years. They’ve won only 13 times in the season, with the last one coming in their latest clash against Motherwell, as Falkirk won 3-2.
Falkirk vs Rangers Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
There have been 56 clashes between the sides in the past, with a mammoth 44 wins going to Rangers, who have lost to Falkirk only four times in history.
Their most recent two clashes, though, have ended in a stalemate: 1-1 in October 2025 and 0-0 in November 2025.
Falkirk’s last win over Rangers came in 2016, winning 3-2 at home in a Championship fixture.
Falkirk have failed to score in three of their last six encounters with Rangers.
Rangers have won their last three Scottish Premiership games in a row and remain unbeaten in their last 14.
Falkirk vs Rangers Prediction
Rangers boast a dominant record in the fixture, having won over 90% of their games against Falkirk.
Based on the blistering form they are in right now, the Bairns should be able to cruise through this fixture without any hassle.
Berube also added that no surgery is required for the players. All three players were injured during Wednesday’s loss to Washington.
However, Berube noted that Stolarz’s injury is serious enough that it may impact his off-season.
Stolarz exited the Capitals game in pain due to a lower-body injury suffered after making a save.
The 32-year-old goalie has been plagued by injuries throughout his entire career, and was limited to just 26 contests this season after appearing in a career-high 34 last season.
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Stolarz posted an .893 save percentage and 3.28 goals-against average this season, and signed a four-year, $15-million extension that kicks in July 1.
Joshua also suffered an upper-body injury after crashing into the boards following a collision with Rasmus Sandin in the second period.
The 29-year-old, who was acquired in the off-season from Vancouver, totalled 10 goals and eight assists this year. He played in only 55 games, though, as he also dealt with injuries early in the season.
Carlo, meanwhile, suffered a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old’s play has been under a microscope all season due to the exorbitant price the Maple Leafs paid for his services at the trade deadline last season.
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He has seven assists in 55 games this season, and registered 10 total points – all assists – in 88 combined regular season and playoff contests with Toronto over the last year-and-a-half.
The Maple Leafs host the Florida Panthers on Saturday (7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. CT, Sportsnet+) in a battle for last place in the Atlantic Division.
Valentin Vacherot created history on Friday as he became the first Monegasque player at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters to reach the semi-finals after defeating Alex de Minaur in the fifth seed after a gruelling 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Following the victory, Vacherot’s girlfriend Emily Snyyder shared a romantic moment with the Monégasque star that she shared on her socials. The 27-year-old will be facing Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals in the Principality.
“It is such an honour to be part of the semi-finals with the three best players of the past few years…I can’t wait to play Carlos tomorrow in my hometown, it is amazing.” – Vacherot commented on his upcoming SF matchup against regning World No. 1 at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
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When Valentin Vacherot marked a career milestone on Friday, his partner Emily was by his side. Soon after his victory, the couple shared a celebratory kiss, which she later posted on her social media, accompanied by an emotional reaction.
Valentin Vacherot shares romantic moment with his girlfriend Emily Snyder after historic win in the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters QF game
Subsequently, Emily shared two other moments from Vacherot’s historic run with heartwarming captions. One of the posts captures the tennis star’s family’s reaction to his magnificent quarter-final win, whereas the other captures Vacherot’s post-game moment.
Valentin Vacherot’s girlfriend Emily shares celebratory moments after quarter final victory at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters
“ABSOLUTE CINEMA” – Valentin Vacherot’s girlfriend Emily captioned her post on IG.
After Valentin Vacherot bagged the Rolex Shanghai Masters title last September, Emily has been his biggest cheerleader. Friday’s victory is marked as extremely special for the couple, as the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters venue happens to be within walking distance of where their love story began four years ago.
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Valentin Vacherot climbs up to No. 17 in PIF ATP live rankings as he is set to face World No. 1 in SF at the Monte-Carlo Masters
Valentin has been on a roll since he bagged three-set victories against Hubert Hurkacz Juan, and Manuel Cerundolo earlier this week, while he crushed a big win against fourth seed Lorenzo Musetti in three straight sets. The Monégasque star played red-hot tennis and secured runs just eight months after his dominating triumph in Shanghai.
“All the guys in the crowd chanting, they are my best friends from when I was nine, 10 years old. It is rare for a player to have this chance to have this many people around. The members sat in the boxes. I am so lucky to have a tournament in my club.” – Vacherot spoke in an emotional moment.
Vacherot now turns his focus to the upcoming semi-final, where he will be facing the reigning World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz at the Monte-Carlo Masters
Arsenal F.C. suffered a major blow in the Premier League title race on Saturday after a 2-1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.
The result has given renewed hope to Manchester City F.C., who are chasing the leaders with games in hand.
Bournemouth took the lead in the 17th minute when Junior Kroupi reacted quickest inside the box to tap home after a deflected cross fell kindly to him.
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Arsenal responded and found an equaliser in the 35th minute. Viktor Gyökeres stepped up and smashed in a penalty after the ball struck the arm of Ryan Christie inside the area.
Despite several attacking changes after the break, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down a well-organised Bournemouth team. The visitors continued to threaten on the counter attack and regained the lead in the 74th minute when Alex Scott fired a powerful strike past David Raya.
Arsenal pushed hard for a late equaliser but could not find a way through, suffering only their second home league defeat of the season.
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The defeat leaves Arsenal still top of the table with six matches remaining, but their lead remains under threat. Manchester City can close the gap further if results go their way in the coming fixtures, including a key clash against Arsenal next week.
Arsenal’s recent form has raised questions, especially after a mixed run in cup competitions, while Bournemouth continue to impress under Andoni Iraola with another strong away performance.
Zougris, a 21-year-old junior who spent four seasons playing professionally in the Greek Basketball League before coming to the United States, appeared in 27 games (nine minutes per) during his first go-around in the collegiate ranks. He averaged 2.6 points on 57.1% shooting and 2.4 rebounds.
Zougris logged only three shifts of 10-plus minutes for Louisville between Nov. 3 and Jan. 13. But he closed the campaign with seven in the final eight — after taking the 6-11 Fru’s spot in the starting lineup.
“Coming over from Greece, (it) just wasn’t going the way he wanted it to basketball-wise,” Kelsey added. “He was having a struggle adjusting; and then his role wasn’t something, obviously, that he envisioned. But he never lost hope — never lost faith.”
“There’s been so much stuff going on throughout the year. It’s been a tough year for me,” Zougris said. “I’ve worked so (hard). … I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve gotten to show what I can do and help my team win.”
The portal is open until midnight Wednesday, April 22. That’s an entry window; players can take their time finding a new home once they’ve hit the market. College basketball’s regular signing period begins Wednesday, April 15.
Players can choose to withdraw their name from the portal, but programs are not obligated to hold scholarships/roster spots for entrants.
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Reach Louisville men’s basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
Just before the main event, VikingsTerritory will publish a final predictive mock draft, when all clues have been compiled, once and for all. Until then, here’s the penultimate stab at predicting the Minnesota Vikings’ seven-round approach in 12 days.
Minnesota stacks nine picks in this penultimate 2026 mock draft.
The Vikings have nine picks — four before Round 4 and five after.
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Trade-Down Scenario Sends Minnesota in Several Different Directions
Draft showtime nears.
Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) charges into the backfield on Sept. 6, 2025, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, during a matchup against the Ball State Cardinals. Faulk applied steady pressure as Auburn controlled the game, rolling to a decisive 42-3 victory in front of a home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Jake Crandall-Imagn Images.
We felt it was necessary to include one mock draft this cycle that featured a Greenard trade, mainly because the smoke has been out there since early last month.
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So, in this scenario, the Vikings get their 2nd-Rounder from Kansas City, Greenard joins the dynastic Chiefs, and Minnesota turns around to draft Greenard’s replacement in Faulk. The Auburn EDGE is known for his leadership, accountability, and character. He also won’t turn 21 until the fall.
The Vikings would basically start the outside linebacker clock over in this scenario.
The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Faulk: “Faulk’s draft stock fluctuates wildly, depending on whom you ask. His grades will vary from team to team based on his defensive scheme fit. Expect a wide range of opinions, but the bottom line is that Faulk is a Round 1 pick all day long and should hear his name called in the first 25 picks.”
“There are a lot of similarities between Faulk and Arik Armstead; the latter was also 21 years old coming out of Oregon. Faulk is slightly shorter than Armstead but is more athletically gifted. He should have a long, successful NFL career ahead of him and could be one of the steals in this draft.”
The fruit of the Greenard trade? That’s Price, the RB2 from Notre Dame, who played second fiddle to Jeremiyah Love. Price scored 13 touchdowns last year, even with Love getting the bulk of attention.
He has 4.49 speed, elite vision, and has been compared to Javonte Williams by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein.
Round 2 (Pick 49) Caleb Banks (DT) | Florida
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Sticking with the defensive line, Banks may fall due to his boom-or-bust profile and injury history. He may not be fully ready because of a foot injury this summer.
The Gator has nose-tackle size with a pass-rusher’s mentality. After the departures of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in free agency, it’s a 2nd-Round steal in Banks to Minnesota.
Round 3 (Pick 82) Connor Lew(C) | Auburn
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has hinted that his team will explore a rookie center after Ryan Kelly retired in March; Lew is the route in this mock draft.
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Lew is 6’4″ and 310 pounds, and his draft stock has fallen to Round 2 or 3 because of an October ACL tear. He’s known for fluidity and has a wrestling background. Blake Brandel may start Week 1 at center, but Lew wouldn’t be too far behind in taking the starting job.
Round 3 (Pick 97) Kamari Ramsey (S) | USC
Preferring OLB and DT on defense to start this mock, Minnesota doesn’t exit the draft without a safety. Ramsey is 21 and a guy who could eventually wear a green dot in Brian Flores’s defense.
Often, excellent safeties can be found in the draft’s mid-rounds. The Vikings lean into that mentality after passing on Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
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USC safety Kamari Ramsey addresses reporters on Jul 24, 2025, at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, during Big Ten media days. Ramsey discussed his development and expectations heading into the season, drawing attention as one of USC’s defensive leaders during the conference’s annual offseason media gathering. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images.
The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on Ramsey: “Ramsey might not have any one exceptional trait, but he is solid across the board with his athletic tools, smarts and toughness. Staying healthy will be the most important hurdle when it comes to locking down a regular role.”
Minnesota has already met with Claiborne, whose draft stock has climbed in recent weeks. His skill set is reminiscent of De’Vone Achane in Miami, and the Vikings’ new assistant head coach, Frank Smith, just spent three seasons with Achane.
Behind Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and Jadarian Price, Claiborne slips onto the purple depth chart as more youth at running back, which Minnesota desperately needs after swinging and missing on DeWayne McBride and Ty Chandler in recent drafts.
And, yes, it’s two running backs in the mock because there’s an extra roster spot after C.J. Ham’s retirement. That — and Jones will turn 32 in December. He’s virtually assured to be hampered by some kind of injury in 2026.
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Round 6 (Pick 196) Domani Jackson (CB) | Alabama
Jackson started for two years at Alabama, and that school isn’t known for producing duds.
This 23-year-old is also fast as hell and can be used on special teams. Some will claim this is too late for Minnesota to draft a cornerback, but the aforementioned Flores has proven that cornerbacks aren’t an extreme priority in his system.
Round 7 (Pick 240) Caleb Douglas (WR) | Texas Tech
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Texas Tech wide receiver Caleb Douglas (5) takes the field on Nov 29, 2025, at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia, during a game against the West Virginia Mountaineers. Douglas entered the action in the second quarter, adding speed and energy to the Red Raiders’ offense in a road environment. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images.
Douglas is a deep threat who can get vertical with the best of this rookie class. He started two years at Texas Tech and logged 846 yards and 7 touchdowns last year.
Round 7 (Pick 244) Eric Gentry (LB) | USC
When the offseason began, inside linebacker felt like a probable Vikings need, but then the club re-signed Eric Wilson and Ivan Pace Jr.
The fact remains that Minnesota confusingly dropped Kobe King and Austin Keys last year, two depth linebackers, so Gentry is the selection to round out the draft. Gentry has a 35-inch wingspan and could likely contribute immediately on special teams.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta describes the 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth as “a big punch on the face” as they drop points in the Premier League title race.
;)
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