May 16, 2026 Issue, Page 3 of 12

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SPORTS The Elk City News SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2026 • 3 Xander Shauffele Tiger Woods Scottie Scheffler Rory McIlroy Jordan Spieth Jack Nicklaus Elk City Maddox McArthur Elk City - Tristen Dunn Elk City - Logan Duncan Elk City - Keaton Finnell Elk City - Hunter Womack Brooks Koepka By Alex Alvarez win, in a playoff with Rory McIlroy Golf his brother the previous week on the with three birdies at the beginning Two players finished in a tie for 8th who will captain the President’s Cup and D.A. Points. No question that PGA Team Championship. The final of the back nine to get back to even at -10: Ludvig Aberg and Harry Hall. Team for the Americans on Septem- ELK CITY HIGH SCHOOL GOLF this course has truly been a jewel round had several players who could for the day and a tie for the lead at All these players will be on the field ber 24-27 at Medinah C.C. in Chi- The boys finished their State among professionals and famous for have taken the lead in the end, but -14 after 13 holes, which he shared at the PGA Championship. cago. Tournament on Tuesday and placed the “Green Mile”, the last three holes one by one began falling back with with a resurgent Rickie Fowler who Beau Hossler and Kevin Roy tied ninth in the 4-A State at tough Win- who are the toughest finishing holes costly mistakes on holes designed four groups ahead was at -7 for the PGA TOUR: ONE FLIGHT MYR- for 3rd at -16, 4th Aaron Rai (-15), ter Creek with a total score of 963 on tour. to be unforgivable of a lapse in con- round and -14 total along with Re- TLE BEACH CLASSIC 5th Larry Higgs (-14), 6th Kevin You for the three rounds. Tristen Dunn This year, most of the “big wigs” centration. Take for instance FedEx itan who birdied #14. Reitan birdied Meanwhile, the PGA Tour host- (-13), tie 7th Niklas Norgaard and finished best among the Elks with were there except Collin Morikawa, Cup leader and hottest player this #15 to take the lead at -15, while ed a regular event in Myrtle Beach Alex Smalley (-12) and in solo 10th, 231, followed by Hunter Womack Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry, and year who won the previous week Fowler made bogey on #18 to fall to at the Dunes Golf & Beach Club teenager sensation, Blades Brown at at 238, Logan Duncan 251, Keaton Brooks Koepka, who in his return and the Players Championship this -13. Shortly after, Fitzpatrick made where 45-year-old Brandt Snedeker -11. Finnell 253 and Maddox McArthur to the Tour coming from LIV, is not year, Cameron Young, who began his second double of the day on #17 won his 10th tour win. Brandt’s last 254. Best individual score in the fi- eligible to play in Signature events after a 63 on Saturday, began the fi- which gave Reitan a 2-shot cushion win had been the 2018 Wyndham LPGA: nal round was Hunter Womack with until 2027 (he played in the non-sig- nal round 2 strokes behind the lead- to play the last hole which was the Championship and had had some Former #1 player in the world, a 76. nature event in Myrtle Beach, won er and playing in the group in front: toughest of the day averaging 4.5 serious back problems for the last Jeeno Thitikul won for the second by Brandt Snedeker). All waiting to Cameron four-putted hole #2, then strokes. He hit a great tee shot, hit 6 years. With three holes to go and time in 2026 by finishing at -13 in PGA TOUR: TRUIST CHAMPI- play the PGA Championship. made a birdie on #3 which ended up the green in regulation from about playing a couple of groups ahead the Mizuno Americas Open. She ONSHIP Alex Fitzpatrick took the 54-hole being his only birdie of the round. 195 yards, and two putted for a two- of Mark Hubbard, they were tied won by four shots over Ruoning Yin A “Signature” tournament, the lead after rounds of 67-66-64 (-14) Added two more bogeys on the back shot victory over Fowler and Nicolai for the lead at -19. Snedeker hit a who finished at -9. In a tier for 3rd TRUIST Championship played at and led by one over Kristopher Re- nine and finished with a +3 in the Hojgaard who fished with a 68 for wayward tee shot on #18 that cost at -8 were Americans Alison Lee Quail Hollow in North Carolina was itan who had rounds of 66-70-64 last round that sent him to a tie for -13. him a bogey, a minute after, Mark and Jenny Bae with Gaby Lopez and an event played at the same course (-13). Both “rookies” on the PGA 10th. Fitzpatrick finished at -12 for a three-putted #17 to fall back in a tie Hye-Jin Choi. where the PGA Championship was Tour, though they are no rookie Then Alex Fitzpatrick had a ner- solo 4th, three players finished in a with Snedeker, then, after a par on Nelly Korda took the week off. hosted in 2017 (Justin Thomas) professional golfers since they have vous start with a bogey and a dou- tie for 5th at -11 including Tommy #17, hit a bad tee shot on the tough Sources: ESPN, MSN Sports, PGA and 2025 (Scottie Scheffler). It was won on the DP World Tour and ble-bogey on holes 2 and 3, seemed Fleetwood, Sungjae Im and defend- #18 and also bogeyed to fall to -17 Tour, Wikipedia.org, Google, On-Line the site of Rickie Fowler’s first tour most recently, Fitzpatrick won with that he would fade away, came back ing U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun. and hand the victory to Snedeker media sports. PGA Championship By Alex Alvarez ed themselves to playing golf only, ships, except perhaps for the Players conditions. move to move from August to I do not think Mickelson would could easily be on tour. Just like the Championship which, not consid- Aronimink Country Club will May because now the four majors have won six majors. As you read this issue, the PGA two Open majors and the Masters, ered a “major”, is truly a major. host its second major, both PGA are in sequence, one every month, Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen Championship is taking place in who recognize the best amateur Just like the open majors, the Championships. It is a Donald Ross beginning with the “non major” won the most PGA Championships Pennsylvania. This major is the only in their tournament, the PGA of PGA Championship changes ven- course, and with the modern mod- major, the Players Championship with five. Then Tiger Woods with one that is only for professionals, American recognizes the best Club ues every year, usually going to ifications, will play at 7,400 yards, in March, Masters in April, PGA four and next is Brooks Koepka as the “open” majors (U.S. Open Professional at the PGA Champion- places that are famous and tough Par 70 and 174 bunkers! The play- Championship in May, U.S. Open with three. and British Open) are “open” to ev- ship… why? Because it was the PGA by nature, though the setup for the ers will try to leave the ball under in June and Open Championship Now, you have McIlroy-Schauf- eryone who plays in the qualifying of America who started the PGA PGA Championship is a little more the hole in their approach shots to (AKA – British Open) in July. Five fele-Scheffler-Thomas along with tournaments, and the Masters in- Tour over a century ago and as time inviting to scoring than the USGA’s the tough undulating greens, and straight great tournaments, one ev- Fitzpatrick-DeChambeau, Koepka vites 6-8 amateurs every year. went by, the day came where it was U.S. Open. no matter who is leading as you ery month from Spring to the Sum- and Rahm. All great players. If three Also, the PGA Championship in- necessary to split those who played Numerous prestigious courses read this issue, it will still be a great mer. or four of these names are in conten- vites the top 20 finishers of the PGA for a living and those who promoted have hosted both the U.S. Open and tournament with most likely, a great There have been eras where 2-3 tion on the weekend, or even Jordan Club Professional Championship, the game all over the nation. the PGA Championship, including finish. Many players have won only players are at the top of their game and Spieth, a sentimental favorite who great players who manage and/or When the split occurred, the top Oakmont Country Club (3 PGA, 5+ one major in their lifetime but have great rivalries: Sarazen-Jones-Ha- would complete his Career Slam teach at golf courses across the na- 40 finishers at the Club Profession- U.S. Opens), Baltusrol Golf Club (2 usually won other tournaments gen; Hogan-Snead-Nelson; Nick- with a win, and Cameron Young, tion. There are over 25,000 card car- als Championship were invited, but PGA, 7 U.S. Opens), Oakland Hills beforehand. It is unlikely to have a laus-Casper-Palmer-Player; Nick- the son of a PGA Professional who rying PGA Professionals, just like as time went by, more and more (3 PGA, 6 U.S. Opens), Southern player who never won before to win alus-Watson-Trevino-Norman. is ready to win his first major. You Derek Hahn (Elk City Golf & C.C. tour players became better and bet- Hills (5 PGA, 3 U.S. Opens), Beth- a major as it happened in 1991 when Woods was in a league by himself will have a great time watching: pick and myself) who take care of mem- ter than those who teach or manage page Black (1 PGA, 2 U.S. Opens) John Daly won this tournament, but against the players of his era, and era your horse and see what happens, bers all over, and among them, there courses for a living, so the PGA of and Winged Foot (1 PGA, 6 U.S. had never won before, nor even fin- where many just liked to finish high and, of course, enjoy!!! are some great players who do not America reduced the invitation to Opens), and if you go back to the fi- ished high in any major. and make a great living. Mickelson Sources ESPN, Google, MSN play for a living, like those on the the top 20, nonetheless, there is no nal scores, those of the PGA Cham- It is not “just another tourna- was among those, then Woods came Sports, On-Line media. PGA Tour: they play for the love of question that the field is at par or pionship are usually lower: same ment”, it is a tournament that mat- along and made Mickelson a better the game and many, if they dedicat- better than the other champion- top 50 pros in the world, different ters to history, and it was a great player. Had Woods not come along, Professional Team Sports By Alex Alvarez Antonio is seeded #2. each. Detroit Pistons, seeded #1 and next at 27.4 per game. Of the teams at limiting turnovers. As of early May Western Conference Semifinals: San Antonio and Minnesota next came back from a 1-3 deficit in the left in the playoffs, the San Antonio 2026, they have ranked first in offen- #1 Colorado Avalanche vs #3 Min- NBA PLAYOFFS two games are scheduled for Tuesday opening series against Orlando Mag- Spurs have won 5 championships sive turnover percentage and second nesota Wild (Colorado leads 3-1) #1 The Oklahoma City Thunder the 12 in Texas, and Friday the 15th ic to win the quarterfinals 4-3. Next before, the Detroit Pistons have won on defense, often boasting the lowest Vegas Golden Knights versus #3 looks unstoppable after winning the in Minnesota. If there is a seventh game versus Cleveland is scheduled 3, the New York Knicks have won 2 turnover rates during their 2026 play- Anaheim Ducks (Series tied at 2-2) first two series of the playoffs 4-0. game, it will be in Texas on Sunday for Wednesday the 13th in Detroit, and Cleveland and Oklahoma City off run. [1, 2] As of May 12, 2026, the 2025-26 Phoenix Suns and 17-times cham- the 17th. then the sixth game will be in Cleve- have won one a piece. Meanwhile, the NHL postseason is underway, with pions Los Angeles Lakers were their In the Eastern Conference, the land on Friday the 15th. If a seventh Timberwolves are one of five fran- NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Kirill Kaprizov (MIN) leading all first two opponents in quarterfi- New York Knicks seem to be the game is necessary, it will be Sunday chises who have not gone to the NBA STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS scorers with 14 points, closely fol- nals and semifinals of the Western favorites after beating the #2 seeds the 17th in Detroit. finals. They have reached conference In the Eastern Conference Semi- lowed by Quinn Hughes (VAN) and Conference respectively. They are Boston Celtics 4-3 in the quarterfi- Cade Cunningham, from the De- finals twice but lost both times. finals: Mitch Marner (TOR) with 13 points now 8-0 in the post season of 2026. nals and then sweeping the Phila- troit Pistons leads post season scor- Least Team turnovers in the post- #1 Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Ca- each. They will play the Conference finals delphia 76ers 4-0 in the semifinals ing average with 29.2 points per game season belongs to the Oklahoma City nadiens (Colorado lead Series 3-1); Sources: ESPN, PGA Tour.com, against the winner or the San Anto- and are waiting for the winner of and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander from Thunder. Based on data from the #1 Golden Knights vs #3 Anaheim LPGA.com, AP Tennis, MSN Sports, nio Spurs and Minnesota Timber- the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit the Thunder is next at 29.1. Jalen 2025-26 NBA postseason, the Okla- Ducks (Series tied at 2-2) On-Line media. wolves who are tied at 2 games. San Pistons who are ties at two games Bruson from the New York Knicks is homa City Thunder have been elite Sports Tidbits By Alex Alvarez President’s Cup in September! What do we non-experts fail to see? came along! Jealous? winner has skipped the Preakness! CITY’S PRIDE: We missed Nelly Korda being on OKC Thunder will have a few days Honestly, they take away the excite- No city’s pride this year. Philadel- GOLF: the last group of Championship Sun- NBA & WNBA off since the San Antonio Spurs and ment of watching the Preakness. phia 76ers lost in the NBA playoffs Alex Fitzpatrick shows that he is day at the Mizuho Americas Open; Oklahoma City Thunder joined a Minnesota Timberwolves are tied against the New York Knicks and the no fluke! Although he had two dou- it’s okay, she took the week off and few teams who have swept the first at 2 and will need at least two more TENNIS: Philadelphia Flyers lost in the NHL bles in his last round, he finished watched on TV with the rest of us! two series of the playoffs by sweep- games to finish their semifinals se- Linda Noskova has won match- playoffs against Carolina Hurricanes. solo 4th in the Truist Championship, ing the Lakers in four games. This ries. es after saving match points against Both teams were swept 4-0 in their a Signature event that he led after 54 BASEBALL: kept Lebron James from getting to her and has also lost matches when semifinal conference series! Yikes! holes. Next, he’ll try to beat brother Even though the Dodgers are in his 13th conference finals. Sad? Not HORSE RACING: NO TRIPLE she had match points in her favor. Now forget team sports and go watch Matt and the rest of the field at the second place in their division (San for Oklahomans! CROWN THIS YEAR The latest is having overcome two the PGA Championship just outside PGA Championship. Diego Padres are ahead by ½ game), The WNBA will not grow if the Golden Tempo, the winner of the match points against Coco Gauff Philadelphia and see if Braden Shat- Eight years without a win is an experts say that they continue to lead mean players do not accept Caitlin Kentucky Derby will not compete in the Mutua Madrid Open where tuck, from Pennsylvania and reign- eternity for a good player in the PGA the way of favorites for World Series Clark and stop trying to bully her. in the Preakness Stakes this Sunday. she beat the American 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 ing Pennsylvania PGA Player of the Tour, but Brandt Snedeker won his Champions. It would be a “three- Come on ladies, whatever the rea- Trainer Cherie DeVaux said that she where she came back from being 1-4 Year wins a title for the state! 10th title by finishing -18 in Myrtle peat”. So far in the conference they son may be, play and get down to is aiming to train for the Belmont in the deciding set. Don’t take a lead Sources ESPN, Google, MSN Beach after a finishing 66. Now, he sit in fourth behind the Braves, Cubs the business of growing your league Stakes in June. This marks the second for granted Coco! Sports, on-line me will captain the Americans in the and San Diego (½ game behind). which catapulted 290% when Caitlin consecutive year a Kentucky Derby