Connect with us

Sports

Larry the Cable Guy, Joe Pavelski, and More Shine at 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions

Published

on

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, Saturday, February 1, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III

ORLANDO, 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

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games

Published

on

New affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.

The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.

“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.

$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs

The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.

The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.

Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.

Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7

The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.

Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.

“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.

Merchandise Deals Start at $15

The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.

Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.

SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation

The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.

According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.

Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans

Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.

“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.

Continue Reading

Central Florida News

Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles Backs Jalon Daniels Ahead of First NFL Start Against Packers

Published

on

Todd Bowles wears a red Buccaneers cap and dark team shirt while speaking into an NFL microphone against a red Buccaneers and Raymond James backdrop.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles expressed confidence in quarterback Jalon Daniels after Wednesday’s practice, emphasizing preparation, improved pass protection and accountability as the team seeks its first victory of the season against the Green Bay Packers.

Daniels is preparing for his first NFL start, with Tampa Bay trying to avoid an 0-4 start. Bowles said the quarterback’s responsibility is to execute the offense while his teammates and coaches fulfill their own assignments.

“For us, it’s just trying to get a win,” Bowles said. “Everybody has to do their job.”

Daniels’ preparation and decision-making take priority

Bowles said film study and mental preparation will be central to Daniels’ readiness. He encouraged the quarterback to trust his experience and avoid trying to do too much.

The coaching staff is evaluating which elements of the game plan Daniels handles most comfortably. Bowles said veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield’s experience allows him to manage more checks, audibles and offensive adjustments.

“We’ve just got to make sure Jalon is comfortable with the things we give him,” Bowles said.

Although Daniels can extend plays outside the pocket, Bowles said his intelligence and pocket performance earned him a place on the roster.

“His intelligence and his pocket play is what got him on the team,” he said.

Bowles also dismissed the suggestion that entering the season with Daniels as the backup quarterback was a risk.

“He earned it, and he beat [the others] out fair and square,” Bowles said.

Pass protection needs improvement

Bowles said correcting pass protection requires contributions from both the offensive line and running backs. He identified communication, fundamentals and footwork as areas needing attention.

“The communication has got to be better,” he said.

Bowles confirmed that the team has adjusted aspects of its practice routine but declined to explain the changes.

He also said the coaching staff has discussed increasing running back Sean Tucker’s involvement.

“He definitely needs to run the ball a little bit more,” Bowles said.

Diaby, Bain among injury concerns

Bowles expressed optimism about outside linebacker Yaya Diaby, who is dealing with a calf injury, while saying outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr.’s status remains uncertain.

“Yaya, we think, will be okay,” Bowles said. “Rueben, we’re still trying to decide, and we’ll see at the end of the week where he is.”

Bowles said Bain’s shoulder remains a concern.

Defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches sustained a foot injury during stretching before putting on his uniform, according to Bowles.

Linebacker Josiah Trotter participated fully in Wednesday’s practice. Bowles said he would have a better assessment after Thursday’s practice in shoulder pads.

Packers present an explosive offensive challenge

Bowles praised Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love’s accuracy and command of the offense. He also highlighted tight end Tucker Kraft and the speed of receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.

“Then, [Love] puts the ball on a dime,” Bowles said. “He knows how to get rid of it, and he understands the offense very well.”

Potential changes along Green Bay’s offensive line will require adjustments, Bowles said, but Tampa Bay’s defenders must remain focused on their assignments and technique.

Defense shows progress

Bowles said Tampa Bay’s defense performed significantly better against Minnesota than it did during the first two weeks.

He praised defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson’s leadership, energy and tenacity, and said linebacker Alex Anzalone played well against the Vikings.

Outside linebacker David Walker has earned additional defensive snaps, Bowles said. The coaching staff also is working to expand safety Antoine Winfield Jr.’s role.

“We haven’t put in everything to access all his talents, and we’re working on that right now,” Bowles said.

Veteran leadership essential to a turnaround

Bowles described Sunday’s game as critical and said overcoming a difficult start requires mental toughness, veteran leadership and unity.

“You have some veterans that step up, and you stay the course and you stay together and you don’t point fingers,” he said. “Those are the teams that come out of it.”

Continue Reading

Central Florida News

USF Saves Its Best Work for the Fourth in 14-6 Win Over Bowling Green

Published

on

The Bulls erase a six-point deficit and leave Ohio 4-0 for the first time since 2018.

The Bulls erase a six-point deficit and leave Ohio 4-0 for the first time since 2018.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (FNN SPORTS) — The first three quarters belonged to a low-scoring game. The fourth belonged to South Florida.

Bowling Green entered the final quarter ahead 6-0, but USF’s defense had kept the margin small enough for one possession to change the direction of the game. Three quiet quarters did not decide this one. The final quarter did.

That opportunity came after a fourth-down stop near midfield.

USF Head Coach Brian Hartline reviewing play. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.

D.J. Crowther helped move the Bulls downfield, and Luke Kromenhoek finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run to put USF ahead 7-6.

Crowther was back at the center of the next scoring drive, ending a 72-yard possession with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the afternoon with 143 rushing yards on 23 carries.

Bowling Green’s final drive reached USF territory, but Asani Redwood recorded a late sack before the Falcons came up two yards short on fourth-and-16.

USF walked away with the 14-6 win and its first 4-0 start since 2018.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending