Sports
Larry the Cable Guy, Joe Pavelski, and More Shine at 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions
Published
2 years agoon
By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions (HGVTOC) is in full swing at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, featuring a star-studded lineup of over 50 celebrity participants, including comedian Larry the Cable Guy, actor Don Cheadle, and NBA legend Vince Carter.
Celebrate Golf Player Larry the Cable Guy takes sefies with fans during 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, Saturday, February 1, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III
Florida National News caught Larry the Cable Guy’s reaction on the 18th green during the tournament’s third round, capturing the excitement and intensity of this elite celebrity competition.
Joe Pavelski Leads Celebrity Field
NHL All-Star and Olympian Joe Pavelski currently leads the celebrity field with 109 points using the Modified Stableford Scoring system. This marks Pavelski’s first appearance at the HGVTOC, and he is making a strong impression.
Close behind, two-time HGVTOC celebrity champion Mardy Fish and actor Jack Wagner are tied for second place, making the final round a thrilling showdown.
Asterisk Talley Dominates the Amateur Competition
In the amateur field, top-20 ranked amateur golfer Asterisk Talley is also leading with 109 points. Notably, if Talley were competing in the celebrity division, she would be tied for first place alongside Pavelski—a testament to her exceptional skill on the course.
2025 Celebrity Participants
This year’s celebrity field boasts an impressive mix of athletes, entertainers, and golf enthusiasts, including:
- Marcus Allen (NFL Hall of Famer)
- Mike Flaskey (HGVTOC Host)
- AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys)
- Trevor Siemian (NFL Quarterback)
- Dexter Fowler (MLB World Series Champion)
- Ray Allen (NBA Hall of Famer)
- Dwight Freeney (NFL Legend)
- John Smoltz (MLB Hall of Famer)
- Anthony Anderson (Actor & Comedian)
- Blake Griffin (NBA Star)
- Brian Urlacher (NFL Hall of Famer)
- Don Cheadle (Actor)
- Chris Lane (Country Music Star)
- Michael Peña (Actor)
- Michael Waltrip (NASCAR Champion)
- Kira Dixon (Golf Channel Reporter)
- Tuukka Rask (NHL Goalie)
- Jack Wagner (Actor & Musician)
- Landon Donovan (Soccer Legend)
- Courtney Lee (NBA Veteran)
- Alfonso Ribeiro (Actor & TV Host)
- Charles Woodson (NFL Hall of Famer)
Final Round Awaits on Sunday
As the final round of the 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions approaches on Sunday, fans are eager to see who will be crowned the celebrity champion. With Joe Pavelski, Mardy Fish, and Jack Wagner in a tight race for the top spot, the closing day promises an exciting finish at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club.
Stay tuned for full coverage and final results from Florida National News.
_________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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Jacksonville
Jaguars Blowout the Browns 34-10
Published
7 hours agoon
September 13, 2026By
Mike BrodskyJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) beat the Cleveland Browns (0-1) 34-10 at EverBank Stadium today. The Jags scored early and often in this dominant victory over Cleveland, extending their winning streak to nine games, which is now the second-longest regular season winning streak in franchise history.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson entered this game 7-0 against the Jaguars. This was also his first game since October 20, 2024, when he ruptured his Achilles tendon. Watson’s first drive of the game was ended by a Foye Oluokun interception. The Jaguars first drive ended with a 30 yard touchdown pass by QB Trevor Lawrence to WR Parker Washington, with K Cam Little adding the extra point, to put the Jags ahead 7-0. The Jags added another score on their next drive, as Lawrence had his 100th career touchdown pass, a 4 yard completion to WR Josh Cameron, for Cameron’s first career TD reception. Little added the XP, to put the Jags up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Jaguars next possession in the second quarter ended with a 47 yard field goal by Little, extending the Jaguars lead 17-0. On the Browns’ next possession, the Jags forced a fumble by WR KC Concepcion Jr., which was recovered by DE Josh Hines-Allen. Five plays later, Lawrence later completed a 14 yard touchdown pass to TE Brenton Strange, followed by another Little extra point, as the Jags moved ahead 24-0, which remained the score at halftime.
The Jaguars’ first possession of the third quarter ended with another score, as Lawrence found WR Jakobi Meyers in the end zone, completing a 32 yard pass, followed by another XP by Little. The Jags now led 31-0. The Browns finally put points on the board on their next drive, with a 26 yard field goal by K Andre Szmyt, reducing the deficit to 31-3. Little added a 40 yard field goal, putting the Jags ahead 34-3 at the end of the quarter.
Nick Mullens entered the game at Quarterback for the Jags about midway through the fourth quarter. Trevor Lawrence left the game with a QB rating of 150.6, his highest ever. The Browns did manage a 46 yard touchdown pass by Watston to WR Denzel Boston just after the two-minute warning, followed by Szmyt’s XP, making the final score 34-10.
Trevor Lawrence finished with 245 passing yards and 4 TDs. Bhayshul Tuten led the Jaguars’ rushing with 66 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 83 yards and 1 TD.
Trevor Lawrence also became only the fourth player in NFL history to record at least 100 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns before turning 27 years old. The first three were Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Cam Newton.
Today’s game also marked the return of WR/CB Travis Hunter, who missed 10 games last season with a torn LCL.
The Jaguars’ stadium renovations also continue all season long, with the team playing in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium for the 2027 season. For an update on this construction project, visit https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdPBZU-BqKC/?stkn=a2lrcXViMmx0aWJ5.
The Jaguars head west to Denver to play the Broncos on Sunday, September 20th at 4:05 p.m. EST. They return to EverBank to play the New England Patriots on Sunday, September 27th at 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
Central Florida News
2027 Arnold Palmer Invitational Tickets Go on Sale With Exclusive Mastercard Presale
Published
2 days agoon
September 12, 2026By
FNN SPORTSGeneral public ticket sales begin Sept. 17 for Central Florida’s signature PGA TOUR event at Bay Hill
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Golf fans can begin making plans for the 2027 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, with tickets and upgraded fan experiences now available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders ahead of next week’s general public sale.
The Mastercard presale began Sept. 10, a date that would have marked golf legend Arnold Palmer’s 97th birthday. The tournament returns March 18-21, 2027, to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando.
Tickets for the general public go on sale Thursday, Sept. 17.
Ticket Prices Start at $40
General admission tickets start at $40 for Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds. Thursday tickets begin at $85, while admission Friday through Sunday starts at $99.
Prices are before fees and are subject to change.
Mastercard cardholders can save 10% on ticket purchases, excluding taxes, when paying with a Mastercard.
“We strive to create unique experiences at all price points,” Tournament Director Drew Donovan said. “From our special events to our premium experiences, there is something for everyone.”
Donovan said spectators can choose from experiences ranging from Bay Hill Clubhouse access at The Orange Grove to front-row viewing at the Michelob Ultra Fan Deck and the premium Lakehouse experience.
Premium Fan Experiences Return to Bay Hill
The Orange Grove returns in 2027 with enhanced amenities, including access to the Bay Hill Clubhouse. The all-inclusive experience features tournament grounds admission, daily clubhouse access, entry to Arnie’s at the Orange Grove, food and beverages, private greenside seating at No. 9 and parking with the four-day Tournament Experience package.
The Michelob Ultra Fan Deck, located between the 15th green and 16th tee, also returns following a full rebrand. The venue features upgraded concessions, a large live video wall and front-row views of players competing at No. 16. Fan Deck tickets, including grounds admission, start at $150.
The Lakehouse returns after selling out in each of its first two years, including an even faster sellout in 2026.
Tournament organizers also plan to bring back Wine & Dine on 9, Birdies & BBQ and Throwback Thursday presented by Corkcicle. All three events sold out last year. Dates, prices and additional details are expected to be announced later.
Akshay Bhatia Set to Defend Title
Defending champion Akshay Bhatia is expected to return to Bay Hill following a career-best year and will compete for a share of the tournament’s elevated $20 million purse.
The 2027 field is expected to once again feature many of the world’s leading golfers competing for one of the PGA TOUR’s most prestigious titles. Additional player commitments will be announced closer to tournament week.
Continuing Arnold Palmer’s Legacy
The Arnold Palmer Invitational has become one of Central Florida’s signature sporting events while preserving Palmer’s influence on professional golf and the Orlando community.
Proceeds benefit the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and its work supporting children’s health, character development and nature-focused wellness initiatives.
The tournament will be played March 18-21, 2027, at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando.
Central Florida News
Buccaneers-Bengals Injury Report: Jalen McMillan, Justin Skule, Sean Tucker Doubtful
Published
2 days agoon
September 12, 2026Tampa Bay lists three players as doubtful, while linebacker Christian Rozeboom is questionable ahead of matchup with Cincinnati
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be without three players when they face the Cincinnati Bengals, with wide receiver Jalen McMillan, offensive tackle Justin Skule and running back Sean Tucker listed as doubtful on Friday’s final injury report.
Linebacker Christian Rozeboom is questionable with a foot injury, while outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr., wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and guard Billy Schrauth carry no game-status designation after finishing the practice week as full participants.
Three Buccaneers Listed as Doubtful
McMillan, who is dealing with a knee injury, was limited in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before receiving a doubtful designation.
Skule followed the same practice pattern while dealing with an oblique injury. Tucker did not practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury before returning as a limited participant Thursday and Friday. Both are also listed as doubtful.
Rozeboom was limited throughout the week with a foot injury and is questionable.
Bain progressed from limited participation Wednesday to full participation Thursday and Friday despite a shoulder injury. Egbuka, who is dealing with a toe injury, and Schrauth, who has a knee injury, were full participants throughout the week. None of the three received a game-status designation.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report
| Player | Pos. | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen McMillan | WR | Knee | Limited | Limited | Limited | Doubtful |
| Justin Skule | T | Oblique | Limited | Limited | Limited | Doubtful |
| Sean Tucker | RB | Hamstring | DNP | Limited | Limited | Doubtful |
| Christian Rozeboom | LB | Foot | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable |
| Rueben Bain Jr. | OLB | Shoulder | Limited | Full | Full | — |
| Emeka Egbuka | WR | Toe | Full | Full | Full | — |
| Billy Schrauth | G | Knee | Full | Full | Full | — |
Bengals List Shemar Stewart as Doubtful
Cincinnati defensive end Shemar Stewart is doubtful with a knee injury after his participation declined during the week. Stewart was a full participant Wednesday, limited Thursday and did not practice Friday.
Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase did not participate Friday because of a knee/rest designation after practicing fully Wednesday and Thursday. Chase, however, received no game-status designation.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins was a full participant throughout the week despite a foot injury and also carries no game-status designation.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen returned to full participation Friday after a scheduled rest day Thursday. B.J. Hill was limited Thursday before returning to full participation Friday.
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II did not practice Friday because of rest, while cornerback D.J. Turner II was limited Thursday and Friday with a hamstring injury. Neither received a game-status designation.
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report
| Player | Pos. | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shemar Stewart | DE | Knee | Full | Limited | DNP | Doubtful |
| Jonathan Allen | DT | Rest | — | DNP | Full | — |
| Ja’Marr Chase | WR | Knee/Rest | Full | Full | DNP | — |
| Tee Higgins | WR | Foot | Full | Full | Full | — |
| B.J. Hill | DT | Rest | — | Limited | Full | — |
| Dexter Lawrence II | DT | Rest | — | — | DNP | — |
| D.J. Turner II | CB | Hamstring | — | Limited | Limited | — |
What It Means for Tampa Bay
The biggest concern for the Buccaneers is the potential loss of depth across multiple offensive positions. With McMillan, Skule and Tucker all considered unlikely to play, Tampa Bay could be forced to adjust its receiver rotation, offensive line depth and running back workload against Cincinnati.
The positive development is that Bain, Egbuka and Schrauth finished the week as full participants without game-status designations, putting Tampa Bay in a stronger position at several other key spots.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, enters the matchup with Stewart doubtful but without game-status designations for several other notable players who appeared on the injury report, including Chase and Higgins.
Under NFL injury-report terminology, doubtful means a player is unlikely to play, while questionable means it is uncertain whether the player will play. DNP indicates a player did not participate in practice.
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