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After going 20 years between his last two holes-in-one, Tiger Woods came within inches of adding a second one in the past six months.

During the Memorial pro-am on Wednesday, Woods nearly aced the par-3 fourth hole at Muirfield Village ... and in front of fellow sports icon Peyton Manning, no less.

In a video from GOLFTV, Woods hits a dart at the pin and nearly aces it. He calmly walks up and taps in for his birdie, while Manning, the two-time Super Bowl winning quaterback, watches from the greenside bunker, where his tee shot ended up.

Despite 15 major championships to his name, Woods surprisingly only has three holes-in-one in competition - at the 1996 Greater Milwaukee Open, 1997 Phoenix Open, and 1998 Sprint International.

Note: Watch Tiger Woods' opening round at the Memorial Tournament on PGA Tour Live, beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Thursday.

DUBLIN, Ohio – Bud Cauley finished an extended practice session on Muirfield Village’s practice putting green Wednesday and made his way to the locker room. Just a normal week on the PGA Tour.

“It’s nice. What happened last year wasn’t very much fun. Leading up to [the Memorial] I was a little bit more anxious than I’ve been since I’ve gotten here,” Cauley said. “Just go out and play golf and a normal week.”

Last year was anything but normal for Cauley. Following a second-round 76 at the Memorial, he was one of four people involved in a car accident. He broke six ribs, fractured his left leg and suffered a collapsed lung.

“That was probably one of the hardest nights I've ever had in my life,” said Justin Thomas, a friend of Cauley’s. “We're all very happy to see him back. He's one of my boys. I'm excited for the time that he does win and just hope I'm there when he does.”

Cauley returned to the Tour in October and has been making steady progress with top-25 finishes in the Farmers Insurance Open, Honda Classic and Wells Fargo Championship. He’s playing this week’s Memorial on a sponsor exemption.

DUBLIN, Ohio – Having gone nearly two months without making a cut, Bryson DeChambeau isn’t exactly feeling all the warm, fuzzy vibes that usually come with defending a title on the PGA Tour.

DeChambeau won a three-man playoff at last year’s Memorial Tournament, capturing the first of what would be four titles in a torrid 12-start span. But recently his world-class game has failed to produce results, as last week’s missed cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge was his third in a row. He also made early exits at the PGA Championship and RBC Heritage before that, and he hasn’t broken 70 since an opening-round 66 at the Masters.

It’s all led DeChambeau to make a frank assessment of where he stands heading into his title defense.

“Everybody is susceptible to lows. Mine hopefully aren’t as low as some others. And this, to me, is my lowest of lows,” DeChambeau said. “I really don’t feel like I can play much worse.”

DeChambeau hadn’t missed a cut prior to Harbour Town since last year’s PGA, a stretch of 16 starts that included four worldwide victories. He hadn’t missed more than two cuts in a row since the summer of 2017, when he missed seven in a row ending with the U.S. Open at Erin Hills.

DeChambeau earned his first PGA Tour victory a month later at the 2017 John Deere Classic, and back on a course where he has had prior success he’s again optimistic that a turnaround in results is closer than it might otherwise feel.

“Personally for me I feel like this is as low as it’s going to go. I just have to keep running, I have to keep just scratching at the door, keep going with trying to understand why does this dispersion happen? Why do I have this range of possibility of shots?” DeChambeau said. “You have to go back through your checklist, things that you do understand and kind of branch off of that. When you go down a rabbit hole and it doesn’t work, you pull yourself out and find ways that work better.”

DUBLIN, Ohio – An anonymous and scathing story in this month’s Golf Digest calls out the USGA for everything from how the association sets up the U.S. Open to recent changes to the Rules of Golf.

On Wednesday at the Memorial Tournament, USGA executive director Mike Davis addressed the criticism and what the association is doing to bridge a widening gap with some PGA Tour players.

“We’re listening a lot and having a dialogue with them,” Davis said. “Some of it was about new rules. Some of it is concerns about the distance initiative, some of it is U.S. Open. It’s a combination of things. But we’re looking forward and we obviously want to work with the Tour. There are so many great players and we want to get it right.”

In March, the USGA hired former Tour winner Jason Gore to serve as the player relations director in an attempt to smooth over the tensions between the two organizations and association officials have regularly been onsite at Tour events this season to answer player questions.

“Just getting more dialogue with the Tour was important,” Davis said. “It was evident with the new rules that a lot of the complaints happen because I don’t think they actually understood the rationale. Why would you drop from your knee? Why would you have the flagstick in? Why are we changing some rules on the putting green? If it’s down to more ‘why’ than it’s because you aren’t communicating enough.”

Justin Thomas was among the players who were critical of the USGA and the changes this year to the Rules of Golf. The issue boiled over earlier this season when the USGA claimed Thomas had cancelled numerous meetings with the association. The USGA later corrected the claim and conceded he had not cancelled any meetings.

“I'm very cordial with a lot of the USGA guys, it's not like it's a very hostile relationship or anything like that,” Thomas said. “That stuff, at least in my opinion, is very much in the past. Although it may not have seemed like it at the time, it was something that potentially was better for the both of us. As long as we can continue to make the game better, then I feel like we accomplished something.”

DUBLIN, Ohio – Following a string of high-profile miscues at recent U.S. Opens, many are anxiously awaiting next month’s championship at Pebble Beach, which is widely considered the event’s most storied venue.

“I think we should give [the USGA] the chance to redeem themselves. If they can't redeem themselves at Pebble Beach, then there could be a problem,” Rory McIlroy said on Wednesday at the Memorial.

USGA executive director Mike Davis was at Pebble Beach last week for meetings and said the seaside layout is coming into championship shape on schedule.

“I have never seen it look this good. They’ve had a fair amount of rain lately. It generally just doesn’t rain this time of year [at Pebble Beach],” Davis said. “It’s perfect for the golf course.”

Pebble Beach historically plays much different in June for the U.S. Open than it does for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February, when conditions are normally wet and soft. During the 2010 U.S. Open, the course was firm and fast thanks to little rain and plenty of sunshine. Davis said he expects similar conditions in two weeks.

“The big unknown there is when the marine layer is going to lift and when it lifts it gets windier. We may have a day that it lifts early in the morning like it did on the last day in 1992,” Davis said. “I hope that doesn’t happen because you could barely stand up that day.”

Ibrahimovic scores in return as Galaxy beat SKC

Published in Soccer
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 21:02

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored in his return from suspension as the LA Galaxy secured a 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night in Kansas City, Kansas.

Ibrahimovic set up the Galaxy's opener for Favio Alvarez's goal with a headed pass and later tacked on his 10th of the season as the Galaxy (9-5-1, 28 points) won their second straight match after losing their previous four.

Sporting Kansas City (3-5-5, 14 points) had a season-high 12 corner kicks but put just five of 18 shots on target while dropping to 1-4-4 over their last nine matches.

Galaxy goalkeeper David Bingham made five saves while registering his second straight shutout and fifth of the campaign.

Midfielder Perry Kitchen began the sequence of the first Galaxy goal by sending a cross from the right side into the box. Ibrahimovic headed the ball toward Alvarez, who was alone in the middle and headed the ball past Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia into the lower left corner of the goal.

Alvarez was playing in his third game for the Galaxy since being acquired from Argentine club Atletico Tucuman earlier this month.

Sporting KC nearly tied the contest in the 62nd minute. Forward Johnny Russell's corner kick went directly to midfielder Felipe Gutierrez, who sent a header over the hand of Bingham but the ball hit the crossbar and went over the net.

Daniel Salloi had a chance in the 81st minute, but the Sporting KC forward sent his right-footed blast over the net.

Five minutes later, Ibrahimovic put the game away. He used his chest to gain control of a pass from forward Uriel Antuna and sent a right-footed shot that deflected off Melia and into the net.

Melia made three saves as the Galaxy put five of nine shots on target.

Sporting KC star defender Matt Besler didn't start but entered the game at the start of the second half and played the remainder of the contest.

Forward Krisztian Nemeth, tied for the team lead with seven goals, missed his second straight match due to a suspension for a serious foul against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 18.

Robertson: Liverpool 'deserve nothing' in final

Published in Soccer
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 19:40

Liverpool would not fall into the trap of thinking they "deserve" the Champions League title after a tremendous domestic campaign that ultimately came to nothing, according to full-back Andy Robertson.

The left-back played a key part in Liverpool's title bid which ended in second place despite just one defeat and 97 points, as Manchester City pipped them by a point.

The Scotland international said the idea they deserve a trophy is misguided and any success against Tottenham Hotspur would have to be earned over the 90 minutes in Madrid on Saturday.

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"I've heard a few people say that, but for me we don't deserve anything yet," he said. "The Premier League shows that. A lot of people would say 97 points deserves the Premier League, but it didn't because Manchester City got 98.

"They were that little bit better than us in the end. We deserve nothing, only what we put into the game and what we get out.

"If we have 100 percent effort, and have a good game, play to our best, then we'll deserve it. But we aren't going into the game thinking we deserve it because we've had a good season and got 97 points. Never. That'd be stupid of us."

Robertson, who will play in a key role against a Spurs team that like to overload the right flank at times, said the approach needs to be just right against Mauricio Pochettino's side.

"We've been ruthless this season, and we need to be ruthless again," he added.

"But I've watched Tottenham over the last three or four years under Pochettino and they're a ruthless team as well.

"The way they go about things and the way they win games, they destroy teams at times.

"They beat us last season and if they perform like that then we'll be in for a hell of a game against a fantastic team with fantastic players.

"At the top end of the Premier League, you have to be ruthless. Even just to get in the top four is hard,.

"If we can take that into our game, I believe we have enough to win it, but we have to prove it.

"We have to show the team that's played the last 10 months of the season."

Emery wants Arsenal to trust process after loss

Published in Soccer
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 16:45

Arsenal manager Unai Emery expressed disappointment in the team's 4-1 loss to Chelsea in the Europa League final but asked fans to continue to trust the process.

After a goalless first half, Arsenal saw their Champions League dream evaporate in the first 20 minutes of the second half, as goals from Olivier Giroud, Pedro and a send-off penalty from Eden Hazard saw Chelsea run out to a 3-0 lead.

Alex Iwobi pulled one back with a brilliant volley into the top-right corner but Hazard answered just three minutes later to make it 4-1 and squash any comeback hopes in Baku.

"The first half we were in the match with possibilities. We didn't concede too many chances to them, with one good save from Petr Cech," Emery said. "We wanted to carry on our game plan and take our chances when they came. But they scored the first goal. The first goal was very important in this match because, afterwards, we needed to play with calm but we made some mistakes.

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"They have very good players to make use of these mistakes, and efficiently score. After the second goal, it was even more difficult."

Arsenal have lost their last four major European finals, with their sole contintental win (excluding Super Cups) coming 25 years ago -- a 1994 European Cup Winners' Cup win over Parma.

"We knew it would be difficult, and we are in our process. I want to say to all the supporters, we are in this process," Emery said. "Really the first target has not been achieved this year, but I think we are closer: firstly in the Premier League, and secondly in this competition, playing this final. Next year is a big challenge to take one more step in our way, in our will with young players."

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For Emery, his first year in charge of Arsenal ends without any silverware and no hopes of Champions League football. The Spaniard won three straight Europa League titles while in charge of Sevilla.

"Next year is a big challenge to take one more step in our way, in our will with young players. We are disappointed today but, in general, I think we made a new step improving and being competitive. We'll need to make one more step next year."

Emery admitted the loss and absence of Champions League play could affect the team's transfer strategy, but wouldn't specify on any potential signings or exits.

"We need to analyse, speak with the club, speak with the players, and do one step more in our way. But our idea is to continue carrying on improving with the young players who arrived last year. Maybe some players need to leave, to take a new way. But it's not the moment to speak about that."

Among those players departing Arsenal this summer include Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck. Mesut Ozil could also be on the move after an uneven year at the Emirates.

Cech, who has been linked to a return to Chelsea as sporting director, said: "Until the 30th of June I am still an Arsenal player and I won't decide on anything."

Chelsea's Hazard says 'I think it is a goodbye'

Published in Soccer
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 15:19

Eden Hazard said "I think this it is a goodbye" after scoring twice in Chelsea's 4-1 win over Arsenal in Wednesday night's Europa League final in Baku.

Hazard, 28, has been linked with a move from Chelsea to Real Madrid this summer -- admitting two weeks ago he'd told the club of his intentions -- and following the match he told BT Sport it was time for a "new challenge."

"We will decide in a few days and the only target in my mind was to win this final," Hazard said. "I have made my decision already and now I'm waiting on both clubs. I think it is a goodbye, but in football you never know.

"My dream was to play in the Premier League and I have done that for one of the biggest clubs so maybe now it is the time for a new challenge."

If Hazard does leave this summer, he'll do so with six titles to his credit during his seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, including two Premier League trophies, one FA Cup, one League Cup and two Europa League wins with the crown he helped Chelsea secure in Baku.

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Chelsea and Arsenal both looked sluggish in the first half -- with the kickoff not taking place until 11 p.m. local time -- but Hazard helped the Blues find their form in the second half with a goal from the penalty spot and a sweet finish soon after to go along with his assist on Pedro's goal.

Hazard said of his team's effort after the break: "It was good. I think both teams were playing with a bit of stress with it being a final, but when Olivier [Giroud] scored it was the beginning of a great night.

"We played well and controlled the game and I'm happy to leave this trophy with the boys. The manager said to carry on playing football at the break and today we showed this mentality."

Hazard, 28, joined Chelsea from Lille in 2012 for £32 million. Real Madrid have not tried to hide their desire to sign the Hazard, with president Florentino Perez admitting this week that he has been chasing his signature for years and expects to land the Belgian this summer.

Following the match, manager Maurizio Sarri was also asked about Hazard's future and his own, with reports suggesting he may be in line to take up the coaching job at Juventus left vacated by the departure of Max Allegri.

"As you know, Hazard is a wonderful player, but you have to spend two or three months to understand him as a man," Sarri said. "But when you are able to understand him as a man, he's a wonderful man. I knew. I knew that Eden wanted to leave, of course. But, as I said in every press conference, I wanted to respect his decision.

"You know very well that I love the Premier League, the level of the competition. I am lucky because I am in Chelsea, one of the best teams, one of the best clubs in the Premier League in the best championship in the world. So, at the moment, I am happy.

"But, of course, I want to know if the club are happy. If we can improve. That's normal, I think. But I do a discussion with the owner, the president, the director after every season in every club, so I think it's normal."

Chelsea didn't lose during their Europa League campaign, winning 12 and drawing three, to become the first team to go unbeaten en route to a major European title since Manchester United did it in the 2007-08 Champions League.

And Sarri said his team were deserved winners: "I am really very happy, but I think the shirt is important. The front of the shirt. The trophy is very important for the club. Then is less important the back of the shirt, the name of the players and the name of the coach. Of course the trophy is very important for us because our feeling was we deserved to win.

"The Premier League is not easy to react in because the level is really very high. In the end we got into the Champions League through the Premier League - not easy. In the Europa League we played 15 matches and won 12 games, and drew three. So I think we deserved to win the Europa League.

"It's very important for me, but very important for us. I'm really very happy with my players. Something changed at the beginning of February. We lost 6-0 in Manchester against City, but we started something different. And so my feeling is we deserved to win."

ESPN FC's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey contributed to this story.

BAKU, Azerbaijan -- Under normal circumstances, the winning of a European final would bring uncomplicated joy. There are plenty of grey areas in football, all manner of things that you can't be sure of. But lifting a European trophy should in theory only bring positive emotions.

Chelsea will celebrate tonight, but what will they be thinking tomorrow?

This has a truly strange season at Stamford Bridge. The bare facts don't suggest anything other than success: They finished third in the Premier League, only behind the best team of this generation and the team that only lost to them by a point; they reached the Carabao Cup final and only lost on penalties; and now they have won the Europa League, thrashing Arsenal 4-1 in Baku with a terrific second-half display.

All of that should mean a wave of positivity washing over the whole club, a season of undeniable success and optimism for the future. But in reality, things at Chelsea have never been more uncertain.

This is a team that is about to lose its best player after Eden Hazard confirmed, minutes after the final whistle, that this game was almost certainly goodbye, as negotiations for his move to Real Madrid now start in earnest. It's a club that might be about to lose its manager, with Maurizio Sarri, not exactly the most popular coach of all time, potentially on his way back to Italy. It's a club on the cusp of a transfer embargo, with holes to fill but no way of filling them.

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Far from this being the start of even more success, it feels like Chelsea have climbed to the top of the ladder only to immediately land on a snake and slide back to the bottom again. This has been a season of triumph, but the weirdest triumph imaginable.

And this final was probably the most fitting way for a campaign this odd to end. Everything, from the massive gap between the pitch and the stands to the three-quarter-full stadium to the leisurely pace of the game before the break, made this feel more like a preseason friendly.

The first half was so boring that the "highlights" package at the break featured the managers shaking hands. About 10 minutes into the second half, a banner was unfurled in the stands with a message to UEFA written in big letters. Would this be the big protest against the staging of the final in a remote and geopolitically charged location? No, the banner read: "We are part of football. Thanks to UEFA for the final." Curiouser and curiouser.

At the end, UEFA bragged that the official attendance of 51,370 was the "third highest ever" for a Europa League final. A slightly less impressive way of putting it would be to point out that some 12,000 more people watched the last time Arsenal played in this stadium, against Qarabag in the group stages.

Arsenal won 3-0 that night, but on this occasion, they might as well have taken the lead from many of their supporters and not turned up. They were poor in the first half and desperate in the second, putting up only the most token defence to Chelsea's attacks and spurning the few chances they created.

This was a game crucial to the Gunners' immediate future, a club in serious need of a rebuild who now don't have Champions League football with which to tempt any potential signings. Afterward, Unai Emery claimed this season has been a step in the right direction, but if so, it was an incredibly small one.

As for Sarri, he would have been forgiven for greeting the victory with two middle fingers, raised high in the air. After a season in which he has been hugely criticised, fairly and unfairly, he was probably entitled to take a few swings back. And in a manner of speaking, he did.

In his postmatch news conference, he was invited a number of times to promise his future to Chelsea but chose not to.

"The season finished one hour ago," he said. "Tomorrow, I will begin to speak to my club. We need to speak, of course. We need to know what the club can do for me, what I can do better for the club. I think that also the club needs to speak with me."

And when asked if he thought he deserved to stay, he said: "I think so, but it's only my opinion. My opinion is not enough."

In a way, this was classic Chelsea, and indeed a perfect summary of this season that Sarri was still dabbing his forehead with a towel -- mopping up sweat, or celebratory champagne, perhaps -- as he sent not particularly subtle messages to his employers.

It is slightly difficult to figure out what will happen from here. The club could decide Sarri is simply too unpopular, that they need someone else to guide them through a tricky transitional season. They could decide that changing managers is adding another layer of turmoil that they don't need.

As for Sarri, he undoubtedly is in a better negotiating position if he wishes to make any big demands and stay. Equally, he could decide that the job is more trouble than it is worth and walk away.

This is a club who have now won 16 trophies, three of them in Europe, in the 16 years since Roman Abramovich -- who was present in Baku, after a season in which he has scarcely been seen at Stamford Bridge -- bought the club. And in most of that time, they have been in some form of flux -- stability regarded as unnecessary, chaos more their thing. If uncertainty is what they desire, they're about to get a whole load of it.

On this night, Chelsea are a success, European trophy winners after a truly odd season. Tomorrow? Who knows? But you suspect they wouldn't want it any other way.

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