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US Open champ Fitzpatrick holds 1-shot lead at RBC Heritage

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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.

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Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Fall to 0-2 Under Sean Sweeney After 115-93 Loss to Timberwolves

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Orlando’s Paolo Banchero, wearing a white No. 5 jersey, dribbles while Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards defends in a blue uniform.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93, dropping the Magic to 0-2. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

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’s Anthony Edwards holds the basketball while airborne as Orlando’s Paolo Banchero contests behind him and another Magic defender raises both arms.

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.

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Central Florida News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships

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The fourth class will receive scholarships for a weeklong program in Tampa, with five participants returning for training camp and preseason.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are accepting applications for their 2027 National Coaching Academy, offering 25 finalists an opportunity to learn from NFL coaches and participate in rookie minicamp activities.

Applications close Dec. 31, 2026. The program uses rolling admissions, and applicants are encouraged to apply early, according to the team.

Presented by ReliaQuest, the academy was established by the Glazer family to create pathways for coaches seeking NFL opportunities. The upcoming class will be its fourth.

Eligibility and Scholarships

Applicants must have at least three years of coaching or work experience in a football program at the high school, college or semiprofessional level.

The 25 finalists will receive full scholarships covering costs while in Tampa for the weeklong academy.

After completing the program, five participants will be selected to return as fellows for training camp and the preseason.

On-Field Experience and Coaching Instruction

Finalists will attend team meetings and participate in on-field coaching sessions during rookie minicamp.

The program includes master classes led by Buccaneers coaches, along with Super Bowl-winning head coaches Jon Gruden, Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, according to the announcement.

Additional sessions cover film review, media training, business insights and networking.

Program Draws International Interest

The academy has attracted more than 3,000 applicants from 22 countries over its first three years, the team said. Dozens of previous finalists have since earned new positions or promotions at their institutions.

Applications for the 2027 class are open now until Dec. 31, 2026, with a rolling admissions program. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. More information can be found HERE.

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Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign

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Orlando Magic Add Veteran NBA Coaches, Player Development Leaders to Sean Sweeney's Coaching Staff

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.”

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