Sports
US Open champ Fitzpatrick holds 1-shot lead at RBC Heritage
Published
2 years agoon
By
FNN SPORTS
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick shot his best round on the PGA Tour with a 63 Saturday for a one-shot lead over Patrick Cantlay through three rounds at the RBC Heritage.
Fitzpatrick had six birdies and an eagle when he holed out from 149 yards away on the par-4 third hole. He was at 14-under 199, poised for his first tour win since that major title 10 months ago.
“For me, that’s ideally the start you need on a Saturday, isn’t it?” Fitzpatrick said of the unexpected hole out. “It just gets you off to a good start.”
Cantlay, who lost in a playoff to Jordan Spieth a year ago, shot 66 to move to 13 under and into position for another try at the plaid, tartan winner’s jacket.
Spieth was also again in the hunt, another stroke back after a 66. He’s seeking to do something he hasn’t in his career — defend a title.
World No. 2 Scottie Scheffler and second-round leader Jimmy Walker were among five players tied at 11 under. Scheffler shot 69 and Walker 72.
Walker, who opened 65-65, reached 14 under and was tied with Fitzpatrick before blowing up with with three bogeys on the back nine and falling back.
Walker missed a par putt inside 2 feet on the 11th to fall out of first. Then, his tee shot on the par-3 14th caromed off a wood piling and way off the green, leading to a second bogey.
On the par-5, 15th, Walker’s second shot appeared to stay in one of that tall, stately trees that front the green, or at least there was no video evidence his ball splashed into the water hazard alongside. Walker took a one-stroke penalty and had a third bogey in a five-hole stretch.
Masters champion Jon Rahm gave spectators who’ve celebrated his second major victory all week something to scream about at Harbour Town when he opened with three straight birdies and closed within three strokes of the lead.
But the feel-good, Rahm-com storyline fell apart on the par-3 fourth when his tee shot stopped on a wood facing short of the water. He followed with a one-handed, backhand shot that stopped 65 feet from the cup and needed three putts for a double-bogey. Rahm never found that same swagger the rest of the way.
The world’s No. 1 player finished at 8-under after a 69 and is 18 holes away from a well-deserved rest after winning at Augusta National last week for his second major title. He’ll return to the tour in two weeks to defend his Mexico Championship title.
Fitzpatrick has struggled much of the year, missing four cuts in his last seven events before arriving at Augusta National last week. That’s where he finished tied for 10th and came to one of his favorite courses — he’s played this tournament eight seasons — with confidence.
“I think this is a golf course that’s shown that there are low scores around here this week,” said Fitzpatrick, whose family took vacations to Sea Pines Resort when he was a child.
Fitzpatrick played Harbour Town as a young guy and took tennis lessons on the green clay courts that used to host the WTA’s annual pro tennis tournament, now called the Charleston Open. How was his tennis game?
“Not as good as my golf game at the time,” he said.
Fitzpatrick, who surpassed his previous tour low of 64 last accomplished at this venue two years ago, looks to add a championship trophy to his Harbour Town memories.
Cantlay has had four top-seven finishes at Harbour Town in five previous appearances. He had birdies on three of his first six holes to give himself a chance at another high finish.
“I’ve had a good track record around this golf course and had a number of chances, so should be nothing new tomorrow,” he said.
Fitzpatrick was lowest on a picture-perfect Saturday custom-made for going low — and plenty of golfers accomplished that at Harbour Town Golf Links.
Former PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley finished off a 64 before lunch, while Chez Reavie had a 65 to get himself into the top 10. In all, 37 of the 73 competitors finished in the 60s.
Sports
Super Bowl Opening Night Kicks Off in New Orleans as Chiefs & Eagles Gear Up for the Big Game
Published
3 days agoon
February 3, 2025By
Willie David
NEW ORLEANS, La. (FNN SPORTS) – Super Bowl week officially kicked off Monday night as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles took center stage at Super Bowl Opening Night in New Orleans. Florida National News sports team was on-site at the Superdome, capturing all the excitement and exclusive player insights.
A standout moment from the night featured Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez, who had Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sign a pillow with Mahomes’ own face on it, adding a fun twist to the media frenzy.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts answers media questions during Super Bowl Opening Night on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. (Photo: Florida National News / J. Willie David III)
FloridaNationalNews.com conducted interviews with players and coaches from both teams, with quarterbacks sharing their thoughts on the highly anticipated Super Bowl 59 matchup.
With Opening Night wrapped up, teams have returned to their bases to continue preparation. The next major media event arrives Thursday with the Super Bowl pregame and halftime show press conference. Fans can expect appearances from headliner Kendrick Lamar, along with Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty, Lauren Daigle, and Ledisi, as they gear up for an electrifying halftime performance.
________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Sports
A Lim Kim Wins 2025 LPGA Season Opener Over Nelly Korda; Joe Pavelski Takes Celebrity Title
Published
4 days agoon
February 2, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The 2024 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions brought together 32 of the LPGA’s top players and a star-studded lineup of celebrities at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. The event featured two prize purses: a $2 million purse for LPGA professionals and a $500,000 purse for celebrities.
A Lim Kim Claims Victory with Dominant Performance
A Lim Kim, the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open champion, secured a two-stroke victory over World No. 1 Nelly Korda, earning her second career LPGA title and taking home a $300,000 winner’s prize.
- Kim shot a final-round 67 (-5), sinking a nearly 20-foot birdie putt on No. 18 to seal the win.
- She led the field in birdies (24) and was the only player to shoot all four rounds in the 60s (65-69-67-67).
- Kim also excelled in par-5 scoring, a key factor in both this victory and her 2024 LOTTE Championship win.
- Her 72-hole score of 268 tied her career-low, matching her performance at the 2022 CPKC Women’s Open.
- This marks Kim’s second wire-to-wire win, making her the first player since Hyo Joo Kim (2023) to win wire-to-wire without ties.
- She also secured victory in her first tournament with new caddie Bruce Lowe.
Nelly Korda Finishes Runner-Up
World No. 1 Nelly Korda mounted a strong challenge with a final-round 65 (-7), but ultimately fell two strokes short.
- Korda recorded nine birdies and two bogeys on Sunday.
- She tied Kim for most birdies in the tournament (24).
- With this result, she notched her best career finish at the HGVTOC and fifth top-4 finish at the event.
Other Notable Finishes
- Linn Grant (-3, 69) finished in solo third, her best LPGA finish since the 2024 Dana Open.
- Minjee Lee shot a career-low 10-under 62 on Sunday, moving from T12 to T4.
- Defending champion Lydia Ko (-13) finished solo sixth after recovering from three early bogeys.
Joe Pavelski Wins Celebrity Division
Recently retired NHL All-Star and Olympian Joe Pavelski made a statement in his HGVTOC debut, winning the celebrity division with 145 points under the Modified Stableford format.
- Pavelski edged out 2024 champion Jeff McNeil by five points to claim the $100,000 first-place prize.
- Asterisk Talley, 15, won the amateur field with 149 points, playing from the same tees as LPGA professionals.
Looking Ahead
With a commanding wire-to-wire performance, A Lim Kim has established herself as a force to watch in 2024. Nelly Korda, Linn Grant, and Minjee Lee will look to build on their performances as the LPGA season continues.
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Sports
Osceola Magic Extend Winning Streak to Four with 113-104 Victory Over Delaware Blue Coats
Published
4 days agoon
February 2, 2025By
FNN SPORTS
WILMINGTON, Del. (FNN SPORTS) – The Osceola Magic (7-6) powered past the Delaware Blue Coats (6-10) with a 113-104 victory on Sunday afternoon, extending their winning streak to four games. A dominant Colin Castleton led the charge with 22 points and 13 rebounds, delivering an ultra-efficient performance by shooting 10-of-12 from the field.
Magic’s Defense Stifles Delaware’s Offense
Despite Jeff Dowtin Jr. leading the Blue Coats in scoring with 21 points, the Magic’s relentless defense held him to an inefficient 7-of-24 shooting from the field. Jarron Cumberland added 19 points for Delaware, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Osceola’s second-half surge.
Balanced Scoring Fuels Magic’s Win
Alongside Castleton’s stellar performance, Mac McClung stepped up in the starting lineup, contributing 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range.
The Magic’s bench played a pivotal role in the victory, with Jarrett Culver delivering 17 points on an impressive 70% shooting. The Texas Tech standout also recorded six rebounds and three steals, providing a crucial spark off the bench.
What’s Next for Osceola Magic?
The Magic will face the Blue Coats again on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Chase Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Osceola will then return to Kissimmee on Sunday, Feb. 9, for a home game against the Grand Rapids Gold at 3 p.m. ET, airing on FanDuel Sports Network Florida and NBA TV.
Black History Month Celebration
The Magic will host a special Black History Month Celebration, presented by Publix, on Monday, Feb. 10, against the Grand Rapids Gold. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, with the game airing on FanDuel Sports Network Sun and NBAGLeague.com. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a replica Black History Month Magic jersey.
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