Sports
Anthony Anderson and Don Cheadle Bring Star Power to 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Hollywood’s finest hit the greens at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club as actor and comedian Anthony Anderson and renowned actor Don Cheadle teed off at the 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. The annual event, known for blending professional golf with celebrity appearances, showcased an exciting mix of LPGA champions and entertainment icons competing on the course.
The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions brings together LPGA Tour winners from the past two seasons, pairing them with celebrity amateurs for an unforgettable pro-am competition. Anderson and Cheadle, both avid golfers and longtime supporters of charity-driven golf events, added star power and charisma to this year’s tournament.
Actor Anthony Anderson chips his way out of the sand trap at the 18th hole during the 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona, Florida, on Friday, January 31, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David III.
Spectators lined the fairways to watch the stars in action, as both actors displayed their skills on the course while engaging with fans and fellow competitors. Anderson, known for his comedic wit and love for the sport, kept the energy high, while Cheadle showcased his smooth swing and strategic approach to the game.
The tournament, held at the prestigious Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, is a unique kickoff to the LPGA season, with the celebrity field competing in a modified Stableford scoring format. Past events have featured a wide range of stars, from athletes to actors, making it one of the most anticipated golf tournaments of the year.
Actor Anthony Anderson pucks the golf ball at the 18th hole during the 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona, Florida, on Friday, January 31, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David III.
As the competition heats up, all eyes remain on the LPGA champions vying for the first victory of the season, while celebrity participants like Anderson and Cheadle bring a fun and entertaining dynamic to the tournament.
2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions Takeaways:
✔ LPGA champions compete for early-season dominance
✔ Celebrity field adds excitement and fan engagement
✔ Anthony Anderson and Don Cheadle showcase their golf skills
✔ Lake Nona Golf & Country Club provides a stunning backdrop for the tournament
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament continues at Lake Nona in Orlando, Florida.
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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Shooting struggles and a costly third quarter leave Orlando winless through two games under first-year coach Sean Sweeney
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — A new coaching era has opened with consecutive losses for the Orlando Magic, who fell 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Kia Center.
Orlando dropped to 0-2 under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney as shooting struggles again slowed its offense. The Magic also struggled with turnovers and missed free throws, repeating problems from their season-opening loss to Atlanta. Yahoo Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero contests the play at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.
Third-quarter struggles prove costly
Minnesota led 57-45 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Timberwolves closed the period with a 17-3 run, building an 86-60 advantage heading into the fourth. Orlando could not recover from the 26-point deficit. reuters.com
Carter leads Orlando
Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner scored 18 points before fouling out, while Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs added 14 apiece.
Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scored 15 points for Minnesota, which improved to 2-0. Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Reuters
Perimeter shooting remains a concern
Orlando made just eight of its 39 attempts from 3-point range, shooting 20.5%. Minnesota connected on 37.8% of its attempts from beyond the arc. reuters.com
Two games offer a limited measure of Sweeney’s tenure, but the early results identify an immediate challenge: improving offensive execution and preventing difficult stretches from becoming decisive runs.
Central Florida News
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign
Orlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.
ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.
Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips
Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.
The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.
“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”
Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts
The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.
Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.
“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”
