MATHER, Calif. – Following a successful tour of Australia, Kalib Henry has announced he will contest the Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Abreu Vineyards championship aboard the McColloch Motorsports No. 17 entry.

“The Australia trip was awesome, and I had a ton of fun traveling and racing all over the country,” Henry said. “Getting back home, I am really looking forward to committing to the SCCT schedule with McColloch Motorsports.”

Looking to build off the momentum from the Australian trip that included victories at Valvoline Raceway and Simpson Speedway, Henry returns to the seat of the McColloch Motorsports No. 17 machine for an expanded schedule. Picking up a win with the team in 2019, the team has made the decision to expand their efforts in the year ahead with their main focus being the Sprint Car Challenge Tour title.

Aside from the Sprint Car Challenge Tour schedule, McColloch Motorsports and Henry plan to fill their schedule with a hefty dose of Placerville Speedway on a weekly basis, as well as take part in the array of open shows that California offers at various points of the season.

“As a team I think we have lots of speed, and have proven to be a front runner at events we have been at together,” Henry said. “This season will be filled with some big races, and we will need to be consistent to win the title. Nick McColloch has put in a lot of work to get us ready, and I am really excited to work with him and Kerry McColloch again this season.”

Quinn Hughes was the only rookie to appear at NHL All-Star Weekend, earning the vote as the last man in for the Pacific Division. If a national audience hadn't seen much of the budding American star, it certainly got a good education in his skill level. That included Wayne Gretzky, who was miked up on Team Pacific's bench as its guest coach.

After Hughes scored a highlight-reel goal on a move similar to the one Peter Forsberg made famous in the 1994 Olympics, The Great One said, "That young lad's a defenseman? That's better hands than I had."

It's kind of amazing to see what Hughes has accomplished this season. He has exceeded every reasonable expectation that was widely held for him. However, as I've learned in the three-plus years I've followed his career, underestimate Quinn Hughes at your own peril.

Aside from showcasing his talent in a winning effort for Team Pacific that put a little extra money in his pocket, Hughes has been surprising just about everyone with how much his game has matured, how confident he is with the puck on his stick and, perhaps most of all, his play in the defensive zone. No one is more surprised than an oncoming forward trying to pressure Hughes when he uses his deceptive skating to wriggle into an open area of the ice and make a great play. There might be no better example than the goal he scored last week against the San Jose Sharks.

Between his footwork and shot, Quinn Hughes is just the total package. pic.twitter.com/YVTuzRr9nj

— NHL (@NHL) January 30, 2020

This play is what makes Hughes special in a nutshell. He senses the pressure from Timo Meier, sells that he's going up the boards and then with his superior edges he's off into space while Meier finds nothing but the boards. Then there's that quick little pivot into a shooting lane and an absolute rip into the top corner.

Hughes' shot was viewed as a weakness leading up to the 2018 NHL draft, and it's something he has clearly spent a lot of time developing. He has 97 shots on goal so far this season, placing him in the top five among rookies. He's also credited with 46 slap shots on net, more than any rookie. Getting pucks through from distance is no longer a concern. Five of his eight goals this season have come via the slap shot from a ways out.

Hughes started nearly 83% of his 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone in a highly sheltered five-game stint with the Canucks last season. Now he's being used like a top-four defenseman, still starting the majority of his shifts in the offensive zone but without as much sheltering. The forward Hughes has had the most ice time against this season? Connor McDavid. And the only time McDavid has scored in the nearly 40 minutes of ice time against Hughes was in the first game of the season.

That's one cherry-picked stat, of course, and there's a lot more to the season, but the idea that Hughes is a liability in his own zone has been shattered. The Canucks are discernibly better in just about every metric with Hughes on the ice, including shot share, goal share and chance share. As a result, the former Michigan Wolverine has become a credible Calder Trophy threat to Cale Makar, who had seemed to be padding a sizable lead for himself. But after posting five points over his past three games, Hughes actually overtook Makar for the rookie scoring lead with 39 points.

Let's take a further look at Hughes, Makar and the rest of my top 10 rookies for 2019-20. All stats are through Feb. 2.

1. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche

The injury that kept Makar on the shelf for a few weeks might have slowed him down a little bit, but he's still leading all rookie regulars in points per game at 0.88. That is better than what Hall of Famers Chris Chelios and Phil Housley did in their rookie seasons and matches Al MacInnis' Year 1 production. Both the Avs and Makar have looked a little more human in the weeks since he returned from injury, but for now, he still has a pretty good grip on things.

2. Quinn Hughes, D, Vancouver Canucks

Hughes now leads all rookies in time on ice per game played, averaging more than 21:30 per game. He's a power-play weapon, with half of his points coming on the man advantage. The Canucks keep getting spoiled by having a new rookie come in over each of the past three seasons and captivating the fan base. First, it was Brock Boeser, then Elias Pettersson ... and now it's Hughes.

3. Adam Fox, D, New York Rangers

The positive impact Fox has on the Rangers' ability to possess pucks and get things going has been truly impressive to watch. He has been sheltered somewhat, but he's feasting on his opportunities. When Fox is on the ice, the Rangers control the shot attempts at a rate more than 8% higher than when he's off. Regardless of how he's used, that makes the Rangers a lot better when he's out on the ice.

4. Victor Olofsson, LW, Buffalo Sabres

Still week-to-week with an ankle injury, Olofsson has been a top performer for Buffalo when healthy. He remains the team's third-leading scorer and has been a reasonably reliable source for goals for a team that doesn't have too many. Olofsson should remain a bright spot for Sabres fans in an increasingly frustrating season, as he's proving he can be a legit top-six forward.

5. John Marino, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

Among rookie regulars playing a top-four role, Marino is averaging the most shorthanded ice time per game at nearly two minutes. And the Pens are a top-10 team on the penalty kill. The defense-first blueliner has also produced offensively at a reasonable clip and could threaten for 40 points this season.

6. Dominik Kubalik, LW, Chicago Blackhawks

This is Kubalik's first appearance on the rookie rankings, and while I've liked his game all season -- particularly when it comes to shot generation -- there just wasn't a lot happening, and his role was fairly limited. Now a wing on Chicago's top line, Kubalik tied for second among all NHL players in goals scored between Dec. 1 and the end of January. Only Auston Matthews had more. The 25-year-old Czech forward is shooting at the same rate as he did prior to Dec. 1, but more pucks are going in, as his shooting percentage has spiked to 26.8% from 10.5% earlier in the season. He's your current rookie goal-scoring leader.

7. Nick Suzuki, C/W, Montreal Canadiens

The mounting frustration of this season in Montreal is softened by the emergence of Suzuki. He's gradually improving, making the most of his ice time. Since Dec. 1, Suzuki's average ice time has jumped more than two minutes to nearly 17 minutes per game. He also ranks second among all rookies with 20 points in 28 games since Dec. 1 and first with 16 assists over that same span.

8. Elvis Merzlikins, G, Columbus Blue Jackets

Merzlikins made eight appearances by Dec. 7. They did not go well. He lost each of his seven starts, posting an .894 save percentage while allowing 25 goals. After the team lost Joonas Korpisalo to injury, they had no choice but to throw Merzlikins in as their No. 1. He has made 13 appearances, earned nine wins -- including three shutouts -- and allowed just 20 total goals while posting a .947 save percentage. The Blue Jackets are even in the playoff picture. Maybe it's just a huge heater and things will fall apart, but Elvis looks great and has helped change his team's fortunes in a way few rookies can.

9. Martin Necas, C/W, Carolina Hurricanes

Despite being slotted down in the lineup, Necas has given the Hurricanes important scoring depth. He's third among all rookies in points per 60 minutes and second in goals per 60 minutes. He's doing a lot with that limited time, which is primarily at even strength and on the team's second power-play unit. Relative to many of his fellow rookies, Necas is making a smaller impact, but it's a positive impact nonetheless.

10. Ilya Samsonov, G, Washington Capitals

For all intents and purposes, this is a grooming year for Samsonov. Regardless of what happens with Braden Holtby's contract situation, this season is all about building confidence and gaining valuable NHL experience. But Samsonov is still taking an active role in his team's success. In 19 appearances, Samsonov has a .927 save percentage and has gone 15-2-1. He's among the top 15 goalies in the NHL in goals-saved above average and high-danger save percentage at all strengths.

Watch list

Filip Zadina, RW, Detroit Red Wings. Since being called up in late November, Zadina has been one of the top-producing rookies in the NHL. He's seventh in scoring with 15 points and ranks in the top five in goals scored with eight. Unfortunately he's going to be out a few weeks with an injury, but he has turned perceptions about him around quickly. There was a lot of concern about where things were going when he didn't make the team out of camp, but he increased his production in the AHL, where he struggled at times last season. The Red Wings are in a dire situation right now, but Zadina still can be a substantial building block and has proved that with his play so far.

Igor Shesterkin, G, New York Rangers. What an interesting predicament the Rangers find themselves in. The goalie of the future is knocking on the NHL door rather loudly. In four appearances this year at the NHL level, Shesterkin has posted a 3-1-0 record with a .927 save percentage and looks the part of a future NHL starter. I still think the Rangers should preach patience and let him continue to get reps in the AHL while making spot starts with the big club, but he is looking like a special prospect.

Since the previous NHL Awards Watch, the Professional Hockey Writers Association published its midseason awards ballot. This gives us a good idea on where the wind is blowing on the major awards. While a lot can change over the next few months, and particularly in tight playoff races, note that four of the five PHWA-voted awards leaders at the midpoint last season went on to win their respective trophies.

Here's the NHL Awards Watch for February. Again, this is a prediction of how I expect the voters would consider the current candidates, as well as a look at their merits. Keep in mind that the PHWA votes for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke and Lady Byng trophies; broadcasters vote for the Jack Adams; and general managers handle the Vezina. Also keep in mind my "You Gotta Be In It To Win It" protocol for the Hart and the Jack Adams.

All stats from Hockey-Reference.com, Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey.

Jump ahead:
Ross | Richard | Hart
Norris | Selke | Vezina
Calder | Byng | Adams

Art Ross Trophy (points leader)

Current leader: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers (83 points)
Watch out for: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers (79 points)
Dark horse: Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers (70 points)

Rocket Richard Trophy (leading goal scorer)

Current leader: David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins (38 goals)
Watch out for: Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (36 goals)
Dark horse: Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche (30 goals)

Hart Trophy (MVP)

Leader: Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
Finalists: David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins; Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

McDavid topped the PHWA midseason poll, which shouldn't come as a surprise. A hockey writer's appetite to cast a caveat-free MVP vote for McDavid is eclipsed only by our appetite for free candy in the press box.

But McDavid is going to have a Leon Draisaitl problem.

Draisaitl has moved ahead of McDavid in points (where he currently leads the NHL) and points per game, and he's done so playing on a different line than McDavid, which is going to deflate the "product of Connor" counterargument. As I've written here before, there are those around the Oilers who believe Draisaitl has had the better season, even before his stats climbed ahead of McDavid's. So while the default setting in the voting might be McDavid -- and again, understandably so -- what if Draisaitl ends up leading Edmonton in scoring, or the entire NHL, for that matter?

MacKinnon was second on the PHWA Hart ballot and, for my money, continues to build the strongest case. Through 50 games, he has 72 points; that's 35 more points than Cale Makar at No. 2 for the Avalanche. He was without Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog for 16 games this season, and yet the Avalanche remain snugly in a playoff seed in the competitive Central Division. He's sixth in goals scored above average (17.4), better than McDavid, Draisaitl and Pastrnak. Again, leading your playoff-bound team in scoring by a country mile is a surefire way to stake claim to the Hart Trophy. Two years after MacKinnon was runner-up to a Taylor Hall, who did just that, I think he is a compelling Hart pick.

But sometimes the voters just go for the best offensive player on one of the most successful teams, something to which Nikita Kucherov can attest. Pastrnak's 38 goals still led the NHL entering Monday's games, and his 1.42 points per game still ranked him fifth overall. As we said last month: If you're picking a Boston Bruins forward for the Hart Trophy, then Brad Marchand might have the stronger case analytically, at seventh in the NHL in goals scored above average (17.1). But Pastrnak, right now, has the glamour stats lead for a conference title contender. Hard to argue with that.

While Pasta is sticking to it now, that third Hart nomination is wide open. Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs has a case, as he's in position to potentially win the Rocket Richard goal-scoring title as a center, something only Sidney Crosby (twice), Steven Stamkos (twice) and Vincent Lecavalier have done since the award's inception in 1998. Florida Panthers winger Jonathan Huberdeau (65 points in 50 games) is having a Hart-caliber season, but will have to overcome the general voting indifference to his franchise for major awards not named the Lady Byng.

Buffalo Sabres star Jack Eichel and New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin are as worthy of the award as any of the current leaders, but their teams need to be a heck of a lot closer to the playoff bubble for consideration.

The biggest dark horse for the Hart, however, has to be Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks. He has 65 points in 52 games, or 21 more than the next-leading scorer on his team. He doesn't have a strong analytics case (he's seventh on his own team in goals scored above average), but if the Blackhawks somehow creep into the wild card and Kane's traditional numbers hold up, it's not outlandish to think the 2016 Hart winner could end up a finalist.

Norris Trophy (top defenseman)

Leader: John Carlson, Washington Capitals
Finalists: Roman Josi, Nashville Predators; Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues

Expect to see a lot of this sort of thing as the Norris Trophy race heats up:

Who get's your Norris vote?

Josi ? Carlson

Stats do lie. but the game of hockey is ultra complex; can't just look at goals & assists anymore. or can we?#Preds #allcaps @rayferrarotsn pic.twitter.com/D6MA2xHAYT

— Jason Paul ? (@WaveIntel) January 29, 2020

That's an analytic deep dive into Carlson vs. Josi for best overall defenseman in the NHL this season, courtesy of Jason Paul. Carlson has maintained his scoring lead among defensemen, with 62 points in 53 games; in other words, an incredible 1.17 points-per-game average that would rank as the eighth highest in 30 years. But Josi's offensive case is strong, too: He has 51 points in 51 games, which would make him just the seventh defenseman since the 2005 lockout to average a point per game in a season (assuming Carlson does as well).

The analytics case for Josi is stronger. He tops Carlson in 5-on-5 possession metrics and expected goals percentage. He steamrolls him in goals scored above average, 14.9 to 8.4. And as noted in that chart, the Predators are a better defensive team as far as shot suppression and save percentage with Josi on the ice than the Capitals are with Carlson on the ice.

As we know, asking Norris voters to consider the full picture of a defenseman rather than his offensive stats is a rather elephantine request, which is why Carlson's offensive season certainly keeps him in the driver's seat for another month. But Josi's case -- which has been made without partner Ryan Ellis since the Winter Classic -- is an increasingly strong one. Perhaps already stronger.

The least surprising news in the NHL is that St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is having the best offensive season of his career ahead of unrestricted free agency, with a 0.81 points-per-game average in 24 minutes, 15 seconds of average ice time. The good feelings from the Stanley Cup run could come into play here, as should the fact that he has a tremendous 19.8 goals scored above average. Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning (13.4 GAR) is right there, too, and has a higher points-per-game average (0.84). He's also on a Nicklas Lidstrom-esque run of three consecutive years as a Norris finalist, which can't be ignored.

Dougie Hamilton of the Carolina Hurricanes finished third on the PHWA ballot, but his season-ending injury likely spells the end of that campaign. If only we could persuade the voters who were doing the Dougie to transfer their support to the actual best defenseman on the Hurricanes, Jaccob Slavin. Alas, 25 points in 52 games likely isn't going to be enough to entice them.

Calder Trophy (top rookie)

Leader: Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks
Finalists: Dominik Kubalik, Chicago Blackhawks; Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

This is the best race of the awards season. Two rookie defensemen. Two very strong cases. Hughes has 39 points in 52 games, averaging 21:36 per game while being the best Canucks defenseman in possession (52.94 in Corsi for percentage) and expected goals percentage (53.88). Makar has 37 points in 42 games for an outstanding 0.88 points-per-game average, while playing 20:40 on average and being the best Avalanche defenseman in possession (51.24 Corsi for percentage) and expected goals percentage (53.29).

Where Hughes has an advantage is in deployment. Makar has started only 35.4% of his shifts in the defensive zone, while Hughes has started 42.8% of them here. But neither of them sees much ice time short-handed.

Where Makar has the advantage is in goals above average (12.8 to Hughes' 11.9), although the two are nearly deadlocked in wins above average (2.1 to 2.0).

I have Hughes ahead here by the thinnest of margins. Like, one-ply toilet paper at a terrible motel thin.

I think the voters will respect the raw points total over the point-per-game argument; remember, that's partially how Panarin beat McDavid for the Calder in 2016. I think Hughes got some necessary exposure at the All-Star Game. And I think the Vancouver media is already pumping the tires for him, and will continue to do so until the case is made. It's entirely possible folks will start going door-to-door like zealots, clutching a Canucks yearbook and asking if you've "heard the good Hughes?"

All of this is bad Hughes, er, news for John Marino of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Adam Fox of the New York Rangers, two rookie defensemen who could easily stake a claim to being the best rookie in the league this season, but whose candidacies can't crawl out from the shadow cast by these two star rookies.

As I can't imagine the voters giving all three Calder spots to defensemen, one assumes the leading scorer among forwards slots in with Makar and Hughes. The injury to Victor Olofsson of the Sabres opened the door for Canadiens center Nick Suzuki (33 points in 54 games) and Blackhawks winger Dominik Kubalik (32 points in 50 games), who gets the nod here because he's running away with the goals race for rookie forwards, currently at 21.

Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)

Note: The NHL's general managers vote for this award.

Leader: Ben Bishop, Dallas Stars
Finalists: Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets; Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins

This is a two-horse race at the moment. Bishop has a .930 even-strength save percentage and a .925 overall save percentage. Hellebuyck hit a pothole before the All-Star break, but he's still put up some tremendous numbers (.925 even-strength save percentage in 43 starts). Hockey-Reference.com's goals saved above average metric has Bishop leading (17.06); Evolving Hockey, which includes expected goals in its goals saved above average metric, has Hellebuyck with a wide lead (17.1, to Bishop's 13.9). Hellebuyck leads the NHL in goalie points share (8.8).

Something to keep in mind here are the fortunes of the Jets, as a second-half fade could seriously affect Hellebuyck's candidacy. Ask John Gibson, midseason leader for the Vezina in 2018-19, about that.

While Darcy Kuemper of the Arizona Coyotes was third on the PHWA list, keep in mind that the hockey writers don't vote on this one. It's the general managers, and they haven't had three Western Conference goalies as the finalists since the Vezina Trophy voting started in 1983. So Rask, who has stellar numbers (.927 even-strength save percentage, 16.18 goals saved above average) could get that spot. An 18-4-6 record doesn't hurt, either.

Selke Trophy (best defensive forward)

Leader: Sean Couturier, Philadelphia Flyers
Finalists: Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins, Ryan O'Reilly, St. Louis Blues

If you've read any previous editions of Awards Watch, you know there are two gospels from which I preach: the one that says Sean Couturier deserves a Selke, as one of the finest two-way forwards in the NHL; and the one that says Mark Stone deserves a Selke, because it's high time we give a winger his due in this category.

Stone didn't make the PHWA ballot -- seriously, ask the players and they'll tell you this guy is basically Pavel Datsyuk, except a winger -- but Couturier was first for the Selke. Hooray! That's great. Save for one thing: Bergeron, who was second on the ballot, and O'Reilly, last season's winner who placed third for the PHWA, have been better.

Bergeron has the lowest expected goals per 60 minutes (1.84) and defensive goals above average per 60 minutes (0.233), and the best possession stats (55.94 Corsi for percentage). O'Reilly has the lowest scoring chances against per 60 (22.64) and high-danger goals against per 60 (0.71). Couturier leads in actual goals against per 60 (1.94), in faceoff percentage (58.5) and in defensive point shares (1.8, or the points contributed to his team in the standings through his defense).

It's hard not to have Couturier on top after the voters had him there, especially when he leads in the laziest metrics on which some voters rely -- faceoff percentage and plus/minus (plus-16). But when it's scrutiny time, one wonders how his numbers will stack up against the other current finalists.

Of course, when it's scrutiny time, one wonders if the voters will recognize the Selke worthiness of Tampa Bay's Anthony Cirelli; outside of faceoff percentage, he's got numbers that trump those of the three current Selke nominees.

A lot can change. Keep in mind that O'Reilly wasn't even in the top three for the Selke at this time last season.

Lady Byng Trophy (gentlemanly play)

This is the part where I mention that the Lady Byng Trophy, for gentlemanly play, should be voted on by the league's on-ice officials or by the National Hockey League Players' Association, and not by the thin-skinned masses who occupy the majority of the press box seats.

That said, here's how the PHWA voted:

1. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
2. Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
3. Ryan O'Reilly, St. Louis Blues

Auston Matthews winning the award for gentlemanly behavior, given his offseason, would be the squirmiest thing since ... well, since O'Reilly finished fifth for the Byng the season after he crashed his truck into a Tim Hortons drive-thru.

Jack Adams Award (best coach)

Note: The NHL Broadcasters' Association votes on this award.

Leader: John Tortorella, Columbus Blue Jackets
Finalists: Craig Berube, St. Louis Blues; Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins

It's a two-coach race here, and it's just a matter of whether the broadcasters are more enamored with Sullivan's narrative, in which he coached the Penguins to a playoff spot through a mountain of injuries, including to Sidney Crosby; or Tortorella's narrative, in which he led a team that had significant offseason defections and a parade of Latvian goalies to a playoff spot.

Someone from the Western Conference will get into the top three, and we still think it'll be the residual love for Berube from last season over worthy candidates in Travis Green of Vancouver, Dave Tippett of Edmonton, Rick Tocchet of Arizona and Geoff Ward of Calgary, the last of whom took over that team when Bill Peters resigned in shame.

Golf has a distance problem.

That’s now the official position of the game’s governing bodies, which released their long-anticipated Distance Insights Project Tuesday that comprehensively outlines how the distance boom has had an undesirable effect and is detrimental to the game’s long-term future.

Nearly two decades after warning that further significant distance increases would “have the impact of seriously reducing the challenge of the game,” the USGA and R&A finally appear poised to tackle one of the sport’s thorniest issues. Relying on data from industry experts, tours and stakeholders, they unveiled their two-year findings that included a 15-page statement of conclusions and a 99-page summary of the research that was gathered from 57 individual reports.

Though distance has consistently increased for more than a century, the USGA and R&A believe that golf has reached a crossroads because recent gains have compromised the strategic challenge of many courses and created adverse consequences that affect golfers at every level and the game as a whole.

“We just think this continuing cycle of golf courses having to expand is detrimental to the game,” USGA CEO Mike Davis told Golf Channel. “This is not an emergency. We don’t have a crisis. This didn’t happen overnight. But we are looking to solve a problem that we believe is in the best interest of all golfers.”

The Distance Insights Project sets the foundation for a multi-year process that could eventually lead to equipment or rules changes.

The USGA and R&A said their equipment standards teams will now conduct a broad review to assess the wide range of options related to distance. In the next 45 days the governing bodies will publish a set of specific research topics and then gather information from stakeholders and manufacturers, a process that is expected to take up to a year.  At that time, if necessary, the governing bodies could propose a rules change.

The upcoming review is expected to include the potential of a local rule that would specify the use of equipment that would decrease distance. Though the term “bifurcation” does not appear in the 15-page conclusions document, and both the R&A and USGA cited during a Monday news conference a desire for a single set of rules, the governing bodies left open the possibility of having two sets of rules by stating the review is “not currently intended to consider revising the overall specifications in a way that would produce substantial reductions in hitting distances at all levels of the game.”

Any proposed restrictions to equipment – a rollback of the ball, or driver clubhead reductions – would likely receive severe pushback from manufacturers. Davis said he’s not had any dialogue with manufacturers prior to Tuesday’s published findings and cautioned that they’ve not yet entered the “solution stage.”

“This is a long-term process; this is a multi-year process, a collaborative process,” Davis said. “For this to work it has to have the golf industry, as a whole, engaged. Through a lot of data research, we have determined there is a problem that golf collectively needs to solve.”

That research in the 99-page report focuses extensively on the driving distance of “highly skilled male golfers,” for whom more information is readily available. From 2003-2019, the governing bodies noted that the average drive of the 20 longest hitters on the PGA and European tours had increased to 310 yards, with the average driving distance overall at 294 yards. Since 2013, in particular, distances increased at a rate of roughly one yard per year, with the top 20 increasing by eight yards and the average rising by seven yards. Left unchecked, the report says, it’s possible that elite players might soon be able to generate swing speeds of 145 mph, ball speeds topping 215 mph and drives in excess of 400 yards.

Such increases can’t be explained solely by equipment innovation. In their report the governing bodies also point to the evolving athleticism of today’s top players, many of whom have focused on fitness and flexibility to maximize their performance. Coupled with modern swing principles and technology that helps players optimize their swing speed, launch angle and ball speed – in addition to firmer, drier course conditions – the biggest hitters are longer than ever before.

That trend of increased distance, the USGA and R&A contend, has undermined the inherent strategic challenge of courses, with decreased shot variety and an emphasis on distance at the expense of accuracy and other skills. For those at the non-elite level, the USGA and R&A believe that recreational golfers are playing from tees that are longer than necessary.

“Longer distances, longer courses, playing from longer tees and longer times to play are taking golf in the wrong direction,” the report states, “and are not necessary to make golf challenging, enjoyable or sustainable in the future.”

Longer and larger courses also have put the game at odds with growing societal and environmental concerns, with a need to address escalating issues involving water and chemicals, land use, wildlife and habitat protections, and energy.

Both the USGA and R&A acknowledge that they could have – and perhaps should have – done more to curb distance increases prior to the release of their study. In their Joint Statement of Principles, published in 2002, they warned that “further significant increases in hitting distances at the highest level are undesirable ... and will have the impact of seriously reducing the challenge of the game.”

So why are they prepared to act now, nearly two decades later?

“Our views have evolved as events have unfolded and new information has become available,” the report reads, “... and we believe that it is never too late to do the right thing for the future of the game.”

The USGA and R&A released on Tuesday their long-awaited Distance Insights Project, which stated a desire to curb distance increases in the game. Here's a look at how some notables in the game reacted.

PGA Tour: "Since 2003, we have been working closely with the USGA and the R&A to closely monitor distance, and this latest report is an expanded and thorough review of the topic, and others, which are all important to the game. The R&A and the USGA are our partners, and the PGA Tour will continue to collaborate with them, along with all of our other industry partners, on the next steps in this process. We believe the game is best served when all are working in a unified way, and we intend to continue to approach this issue in that manner. The PGA Tour is committed to ensuring any future solutions identified benefit the game as a whole without negatively impacting the Tour, its players or our fans’ enjoyment of our sport."

LPGA: "The LPGA is appreciative of the work that has been done by the USGA and the R&A through their Distance and Insights Project, and we are interested to see what comes out of the next phase of research and feedback. Regarding the elite women’s professional game, we do not see distance as a hindrance towards the growth of the LPGA tour or to the courses on which we can compete. However, the data shows there are some aspects of increased distance which are making the game more expensive and more difficult for recreational players, and we see opportunity in exploring ways to remove some of the longtime barriers of the game such as cost, limited teeing ground options, length of courses, time to play, etc. It is important to us, our LPGA tour members, our LPGA professionals, our LPGA amateurs and the many girls who are being introduced to the game that there is a healthy future for golf and that the game can be more affordable and enjoyable for all who play it."

American Society of Golf Course Architects: “We look forward to reviewing with all ASGCA members the complete report findings which appear to confirm what ASGCA members have seen from their work for some time: increased hitting distance can lead to golf course lengthening. This cycle may have a negative impact in a number of areas, including economic sustainability of facilities, their environmental footprint, the strategic challenge of playing the course as designed by the golf course architect and the pure fun that comes from playing the game from tees that match a player’s skill level.”

Lyon have come to the defence of midfielder Thiago Mendes after recent claims on social media that the Brazilian is spending too much time out at night.

The 27-year-old arrived at Groupama Stadium last summer for €22 million from Lille and is Lyon's fourth-most expensive signing in club history.

Mendes has six assists from 19 Ligue 1 appearances this season but has come in for criticism for a recent drop in from, which Lyon moved to address officially.

"OL is surprised by the false information relayed on social media networks regarding possible night outings involving Thiago," a club statement read. "It is intolerable to refer to unproven extra-sporting activities, which the player denies.

"The club supports Thiago and questions why false information would be encouraged to be disseminated.

"It constitutes definite prejudice against the club and the player, so we will not hesitate to support him in any possible legal actions against such claims."

Lyon coach Rudi Garcia spoke on the issue during Tuesday's prematch news conference ahead of Wednesday's Ligue 1 clash with Amiens and backed Mendes.

"I defend my players, like the club," said the Frenchman. "We trust the professionalism of our players -- I trust Thiago.

"The statement says it all. Outside of sporting matters, we leave them alone and trust them to be professional.

"A player who is not can only last so long -- they eliminate themselves. I trust Thiago rather than believing the fake news on the internet."

The episode comes just days after Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar, a fellow Brazilian, celebrated his 28th birthday ahead of a Tuesday match against Nantes and against coach Thomas Tuchel's wishes.

Neymar was ruled out against Nantes with a rib injury, while Kylian Mbappe was included in the squad -- despite his public spat with Tuchel after being substituted against Montpellier.

Manchester United are planning to increase security around Ed Woodward following the attack on his home, sources have told ESPN.

United have promised to ban for life any United supporter found to be involved in the incident in Lower Peover on Jan. 27 which saw flares and fireworks aimed at the executive vice-chairman's house. Cheshire police are also investigating.

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In response, United have discussed beefing up Woodward's security, including when he attends matches at Old Trafford. He was absent from the 0-0 draw with Wolves on Saturday, the first home game since the attack, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having said afterwards it was because of "other commitments."

Woodward was heckled by fans at the airport after arriving in Kazakhstan for the Europa League clash with Astana in November, and there are fears he could be targeted at Old Trafford amid growing supporter unrest. Woodward and owners the Glazer family have been subjected to protest chants at recent matches.

Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot have chosen to spend their time off during the winter break training in Dubai. Solskjaer granted his players a break before they head off for a warm weather camp in Marbella but the trio have travelled to the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, along with coach Kieran McKenna, to take part in extra sessions.

The rest of the squad are expected back at Carrington at the end of the week before heading to Spain to prepare for the trip to Chelsea on Feb. 17, although injured duo Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay will not take part.

Lionel Messi has engaged in a war of words with Eric Abidal after the Barcelona sporting director suggested Ernesto Valverde was fired because the players were not happy with him.

Messi believes Abidal, who plays a huge role in appointing and sacking coaches at Barca, is passing the buck on January's decision to dismiss Valverde and replace him with Quique Setien.

The Argentina forward says Abidal should take responsibility for his own actions and complained that he had spoken about players in general without naming anyone in specific.

Sources have told ESPN that Messi feels he's been incorrectly blamed for Valverde's sacking and that the sporting director's comments will encourage more people to draw false conclusions.

"I honestly don't like doing these things but everyone has to be responsible for their job and take responsibility for their decisions," Messi wrote on Instagram alongside a screenshot of Abidal's interview with Diario SPORT.

"When things don't go well on the pitch, the players are the first ones to recognise as much. Those in the sporting department at the club should also take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

"Finally, I think that when you speak about players, you should have to give names. If you don't, you're dirtying everyone's name and encouraging things which are said which are not true."

Abidal had said: "Many players were not satisfied or working a lot [under Valverde] and there was also an issue with internal communication.

"The relationship between the coach and the dressing room was good, but there are things that an ex-player can smell. I told the club what I thought and we reached a decision."

Messi was one of a number of players who had always stood behind Valverde. Sources explained to ESPN in the wake of his dismissal that the support from the dressing room was one of the main reasons president Josep Maria Bartomeu hadn't pulled the trigger after last year's Champions League defeat to Liverpool.

Messi's frustrations off the pitch have been heightened by his struggles on it. ESPN revealed earlier on Monday that he's been suffering from a thigh problem for a few weeks, although his form has not been hit massively and the club are optimistic about managing the discomfort.

Amid all this, there remains a clause in Messi's contract that would allow him to walk away for nothing at the end of the season, even though his deal runs until 2021.

"Negotiations have started with the president and [CEO] Oscar Grau and the idea is to sign a longer deal than one that gets renewed every year," Abidal added in his interview.

"I am [optimistic Messi will extend]. We have the best player in the world and we shouldn't lose him. We have to be optimistic. I think Messi is happy here, he's enjoying his job. He's showing his best level, breaking records.

"We, as a club, want to make him happier. And, for that, we have to give him the best teammates, improve the team each year and be in with a chance of winning titles. We'll try to do that well and I think we'll reach a deal with Leo. He knows that Barca need him."

Mushfiqur Rahim has been passed fit by the BCB's chief physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury, following a hamstring injury. He will be available for the domestic Bangladesh Cricket League match that begins on February 7, as he had opted out of touring Pakistan.

Chowdhury also said that Imrul Kayes has recovered from his calf injury. Both Kayes and Rahim undertook fitness tests on Tuesday.

"Mushfiqur Rahim and Imrul have been struggling with hamstring and calf muscle. They were undergoing rehab programmes," Chowdhury said. "Mushfiqur had a grade-one injury, so we had hoped that he would recover by the second week of February. We had anticipated that Imrul would be needing one more week. Today they both passed the tests conducted by our physio and trainer. They are both fit to play."

Rahim's recovery means that he is also available for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in late February. If he is to play that match, Bangladesh will have to make room for him in the squad that was announced earlier in the week for the Rawalpindi Test, which begins on February 7. Head coach Russell Domingo had indicated earlier that whoever takes Rahim's place may have to make room for the more experienced campaigner when he's back.

"I am under the impression that this is the squad for this one Test match [against Pakistan]. We will re-evaluate once we get back [from Pakistan]," Domingo had said. "You have to remember that Mushfiq got runs in the last Test, but we also need to consider the fact that it is hard to pick a batting line-up, change it for one Test, and then change it again for the third Test. I want to give guys a run, but we also need to consider that Mushfiq was our best player in India."

There however remains some confusion over Rahim's selection for the Zimbabwe Test, as chief selector Minhajul Abedin had reportedly said on Sunday, the day after the Rawalpindi Test squad was announced, that Rahim has to prove himself in domestic cricket to get picked.

"Mushfiq has an injury. He has to become fit, and then do well in domestic cricket to be considered," he told the Samakal newspaper.

Meanwhile Shadman Islam, the left-hand opener, will probably need surgery on his wrist. He may be sent to Australia later this month for the same.

"We were struggling to manage the injuries of Shadman and Mrittunjoy [Chowdhury], who had returned from the Under-19 World Cup with a shoulder injury. The board has decided to send them both to Australia for better treatment," Debashis Chowdhury said. "We are hopeful to send both to hand and shoulder surgeons later this month."

Australia captain Meg Lanning went to extraordinary lengths to ease her back condition in Canberra at the weekend.

The problem flares up for Lanning from time to time and it happened towards the end of the match against England on Saturday, stopping her fielding in the Super Over which Australia went on to lose, and when it occurs she is quick to head to the swimming pool to ease the problem.

The issue for her on Saturday was that it was late in the evening and there wasn't a pool available - until a helpful hotel employee stepped in to save the day.

"A nice lady at the reception of our hotel said they had a pool at her parents' house five minutes away from the hotel so me, physio Kate and security headed there, a random's house, to use their pool on a Saturday night," Lanning revealed in Melbourne on Tuesday. "I was very embarrassed, I really couldn't believe it was actually happening, but they were really lovely and welcomed us, made it very easy so very thankful they let me use it."

The amount of time Lanning spends in the pool when her back causes problems has also earned her a nickname of one of Australia's Olympic greats. "I've got the nickname Susie O'Neill because I've become a swimmer which I don't usually do," Lanning said at an event to promote the #FILLTHEMCG campaign ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The helpful people were at the game against India the following day - which Lanning sat out of as a further precaution leaving Rachael Haynes to captain the team - and came away with a signed cap and many thanks from a grateful captain.

It was the third match since October 2018 Lanning missed due to the back issue, which she doesn't get any warning about, but is confident of being fit for Melbourne leg of the tri-series when it resumes for Australia on Saturday.

"It's going well, we'll have a couple of days for it to settle down, we'll get back into training and hopefully all goes well and I'll be right for the weekend," she said. "It's something that pops its head up out of nowhere, I'm still struggling how it happened on the weekend, it's really frustrating, there's no real warning signs. It does settle down reasonably quickly which is a good thing, hopefully I'll be back soon."