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PGA Tour 2022, St. Jude Championship, Will Zalatoris wins playoff, Sepp Straka, final leaderboard, results, video, FedEx Cup, Adam Scott

PGA Tour 2022, St. Jude Championship, Will Zalatoris wins playoff, Sepp Straka, final leaderboard, results, video, FedEx Cup, Adam Scott

Will Zalatoris has claimed his first-ever tournament win on tour, taking out the FedEx St. Jude Championship in a thrilling duel with Sepp Straka on Monday.

With the victory, Zalatoris rockets up to No.1 in the FedEx Cup points and takes home a cool $18 million ($A25m) in prize money.

It was a tight race to the finish, with Straka sinking a birdie putt to get to 14-under and tie Zalatoris for the lead on the 10th.

At that point the pair were two clear of the rest of the pack and just could not be separated, with Zalatoris salvaging pair with a chip shot on the par-4 15th.

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Unlucky two-stroke penalty costs Smith | 00:58

Straka then matched Zalatoris’ birdie on 16 to tie his rival at 15 under heading into the final two holes.

It would come down to the final hole of the round, with Zalatoris coming up clutch to drain a big par putt on 18, leaving Straka needing a birdie to win the tournament.

The Austrian responded with a spectacular shot from rough to put himself in a position to do that but missed the 22-foot putt just to the left, instead settling for par to force a playoff.

Straka took a gamble with a drive towards the water but it landed in the fairway while Zalatoris’ shot was in first cut right.

Zalatoris looked in with a chance of taking the win after a heavy putt from Straka but the Austrian came up clutch to save par and send it to another hole.

Zalatoris was up first on the second playoff hole, hitting it far right near the cart path but just inbounds while Straka’s tee shot went left, pulling up just short of the water and in the rough.

The American responded with a solid layup while Straka decided to take a stroke penalty, following it up with an unbelievable shot to put the pressure on Zalatoris.

The 25-year-old though came up big with a clutch putt to save par, which Straka matched to send the playoff to a third hole.

The drama, of course, was far from over with Zalatoris’ tee shot on the third danced on the rock wall before settling while Straka also sent his right as it bounced into the water.

Zalatoris' ball just stayed in.
Zalatoris’ ball just stayed in.Source: FOX SPORTS

Straka then put his next shot in the bunker, while after an agonizing debate with his team, Zalatoris opted to head to the drop zone.

It proved the right call in the end as Zalatoris hit it close to the hole to successfully putt seven foot for bogey and the win.

It was an incredible turnaround for Zalatoris, who was nine shots back in 86th place after the first round, with it looking more likely he would miss cut than win the whole thing.

Zalatoris’ fiancée even asked him what plans he had for the weekend, seemingly convinced he would not be going much further.

“She meant that in all good fun,” Zalatoris told reporters, later asked what answer he gave her.

“I told her let’s cross that bridge when we get there,” Zalatoris said, and it never came.

Instead, Zalatoris recovered to head into the final round just a few shots off the lead and would later be the winner of his first PGA Tour trophy.

McCarthy makes birdie from a cupholder?! | 01:08

Elsewhere, Cameron Smith’s final round at the FedEx St Jude Championship may not have gone to plan but it was a different story for fellow Australian Adam Scott on Monday.

Scott entered the week at No. 77 in the FedEx Cup, needing to move his way into the top-70 to play in week two and did just that courtesy of a brilliant final round.

The 42-year-old carded a 66 in his final round to move up to 44th in the rankings, qualifying for next week’s BMW Championships as a result.

Scott had stormed to the top of the leaderboard at 11 under midway through the final round but will certainly still settle for Monday’s final result.

Smith finishes 13th in St Jude C’ship | 04:26

“I played really poorly yesterday and somehow shot a decent score and to turn it around and play solid today and give myself a chance to go through, I’m happy with that,” he told reporters.

“I get to play four rounds next week. My golf was been good and I’ve got nothing out of it, I feel like even though I’m not winning this event, I’m getting something out of this week so hopefully that’s good for the confidence going into next week.

“I feel like my game is in a good enough spot that I wasn’t searching for anything this week. It was really about putting my mind to do something and getting it done.

“Sometimes that is the hardest thing at this point in my career, week after week, switching the mind on all the time, floating around on auto pilot some times and that does not get you very far.”

Meanwhile, fellow Australian Smith, who was the betting favorite going into the final round of play, copped a two-stroke penalty in a big blow to his bid to become world number one.

FINAL LEADERBOARD

S1 — Will Zalatoris (-15) — won in playoff

T1 — Sepp Straka (-15)

S3 — Lucas Glover (-12)

S3—Brian Harman (-12)

S5—Trey Mullinax (-11)

S5—Matt Fitzpatrick (-11)

T5 — Tony Finau (-11)

S5—Andrew Putnam (-11)

S5—Adam Scott (-11)

S5—Colin Morikawa (-11)

S5—Jon Rahm (-11)

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Kalyn Ponga video, toilet cubicle footage, Newcastle Knights investigation, security guard escorts Kalyn Ponga and Kurt Mann out of toilet

Kalyn Ponga video, toilet cubicle footage, Newcastle Knights investigation, security guard escorts Kalyn Ponga and Kurt Mann out of toilet

The Knights have launched an investigation after footage emerged of star fullback Kalyn Ponga and utility Kurt Mann being escorted out of a toilet cubicle.

In the vision which has been circulating in the last 24 hours, security from the venue can be seen directing Ponga and Mann away from the toilets

According to The Daily Telegraph, Newcastle learned of the video on Monday morning and have since questioned Put over the footage.

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It is currently unclear when the video was captured or why Ponga and Mann were in the cubicle together.

The 24-year-old has been ruled out for the season after failing his third HIA of the season in Round 19.

Ponga revealed to Triple M on Sunday he could have returned for the final round of the season claiming “there’s nothing wrong with me” but the club are taking a cautious approach.

Ponga’s dad Andre has since given an excuse as to why the Maroons gun was in the cubicle with Mann.

“He made an exciting house purchase Saturday and celebrated with a few mates drinking. Sick in the toilet and his mate went in to help him, ”Andre Ponga said to The Daily Telegraph.

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Matty nails Buzz impersonation | 00:51

The Knights marquee man signed a mega five-year $5-million contract in April to remain in the Hunter until at least the end of 2027.

Mann has also spent an extended period sidelined with a quad injury.

Adam O’Brien’s side are currently struggling in 14th place on the ladder, suffering a 28-10 loss at the hands of the Broncos in Round 22.

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St. Jude Championship live leaderboard, scores, Cameron Smith penalty, reaction, rules, explanation

St. Jude Championship live leaderboard, scores, Cameron Smith penalty, reaction, rules, explanation

Australian Cameron Smith was penalized two strokes by US PGA Tour officials, dimming his chances of a victory at the St. Jude Championship to become world number one and putting a dent in his campaign to take out the $25m FedEx Cup playoffs.

World number two Smith started the final round in Memphis, Tennessee, four strokes off the pace instead of only two after the punishment was applied for improper ball placement.

Smith, who has deflected questions this week on reports he will jump to LIV Golf after the PGA playoffs, made the violation on the par-3 fourth hole in the third round at TPC Southwind.

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FINAL LEADERBOARD

S1 — Will Zalatoris (-15)

T1 — Sepp Straka (-15)

S3 — Lucas Glover (-12)

S3—Brian Harman (-12)

S5—Trey Mullinax (-11)

S5—Matt Fitzpatrick (-11)

T5 — Tony Finau (-11)

S5—Andrew Putnam (-11)

S5—Adam Scott (-11)

S5—Colin Morikawa (-11)

S5—Jon Rahm (-11)

Cameron Smith suffered a setback. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP
Cameron Smith suffered a setback. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP

Gary Young of the PGA Tour rules staff said that Smith plunked his tee shot into the water on the hole and when he dropped the ball outside the penalty area, it rolled back and came to rest touching the red hazard marking line.

Rules committee members reviewed video replays of the hole and brought in Smith to talk about the infraction.

“At that point, he said yes, my ball was definitely touching the line,” Young said. “He wasn’t aware that no portion of the ball could be touching the line.

“You have to take complete relief from that area.”

The two-stroke punishment boosted Smith’s score from a three-under par 67 to a one-under 69 that left him on nine-under 201 through 54 holes, four adrift of 54-hole leader JJ Spaun.

“He felt it was OK to play it from there but unfortunately the rules say differently,” Young said.

“The rules give the player, as long as the player has shown reasonable judgment in determining whether or not his ball was in or out of the penalty area in this situation with his own naked eye, I thought it was simply going to be a situation where I asked Cam the question and he was going to tell him that he was comfortable that his ball was outside the penalty area.

“When I asked him the question, unfortunately, he said to me, ‘No, the ball was definitely touching the line’. So at that point there’s no turning back. That was a moment where I know that the player has knowledge that the ball was touching the line, he just simply didn’t understand the rule that it requires the entire ball to be outside of the penalty area and in his relief area. So that was the tough part.”

“He just said to me, ‘The rules are the rules.’ I just accepted it and left the office.”

Elsewhere, fellow Australian Adam Scott’s four-under-par 66 took up to the top of the leaderboard at 11 under midway through the final round.

‘Ready to cop some heat’ Smith talks LIV | 00:49

Smith seeks his seventh career PGA title and his fourth of the year after the Tournament of Champions, the Players Championship and taking the Claret Jug last month at St. Andrews.

A victory would vault Smith over Masters champion Scottie Scheffler of the United States to the top of the world rankings for the first time in his career.

Smith said his game has not been affected by distractions this week such as numerous questions about his future and reports compatriot Cameron Percy said the Smith has already made a deal to join LIV Golf.

“My goal here is to win the FedExCup playoffs. That’s all I’m here for,” Smith said earlier this week. “If there’s something I need to say regarding the PGA Tour or LIV, it will come from Cameron Smith, not Cameron Percy.

“I’m a man of my word and whenever you guys need to know anything, it’ll be said by me.”

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St Jude Championship scores, Cameron Smith, LIV Golf, Aussies in action, latest, updates

St Jude Championship scores, Cameron Smith, LIV Golf, Aussies in action, latest, updates

JJ Spaun birdied two of the last three holes to shoot a two-under par 68 for a one-stroke lead after Saturday’s third round of the US PGA Tour’s St. Jude Championship.

Spaun tapped in to birdie the par-5 16th and holed a 17-foot birdie putt at the 17th then stood alone at the top after Austrian Sepp Straka missed a nine-foot par putt at the 18th at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.

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The 31-year-old American stood on 13-under 197 through 54 holes with Straka on 198 after shooting 68.

British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia fired 67 to share third on 199 with Americans Will Zalatoris and Trey Mullinax. Americans Tyler Duncan and Troy Merritt were another stroke adrift.

However, Smith had to cop some stick from fans as he walked the course.

The tournament opens the FedEx Cup playoffs, three season-ending events with a winner’s prize of $18 million.

Only 125 players qualified on season points and only the top 70 advance to next week’s BMW Championship, where the 30 qualifiers for the Tour Championship in Atlanta are decided.

‘Ready to cop some heat’ Smith talks LIV | 00:49

MORE COVERAGE

Aussie Smith on the charge in Tour playoffs despite dark LIV Golf cloud as world No. 1 misses cut

World No. 1 commits ultimate golfing sin on Smith … sparking storm about whether he meant it

‘Ready to cop some heat’: Cam Smith’s big admission over $140m PGA bombshell

Spaun won his first PGA title after 147 tour starts in April at the Texas Open while Straka, who missed six consecutive cuts coming into this week, won his first PGA title in February at the Honda Classic.

Spaun began with nine pars before a bogey at 10, but sank an 11-foot birdie putt at the par-3 11th and overtook Straka with his closing surge.

After a birdie-bogey start, Straka sank a 15-foot birdie putt at the fifth hole and another from just inside 12 feet at the sixth to seize the outright lead, but he fell back with a bogey at seven.

Straka took the lead alone with a 16-foot birdie putt at the 13th and grabbed a two-stroke lead by sinking a six-foot birdie putt at 15, setting the stage for Spaun’s run.

Zalatoris, still chasing his first PGA Tour victory, was a runner-up this year at the PGA Championship and US Open and last year in his Masters debut.

“I played on the biggest stages in three majors and I felt comfortable in those positions,” he said.

“I haven’t gotten a win out of it yet. Eventually we will and hopefully tomorrow is it.”

LIV golfers still welcome in Australia | 01:46

World number 14 Zalatoris, who turns 26 on Tuesday, has a PGA-high eight top-10 finishes without a victory this season.

“Today was awesome,” Zalatoris said of his 65.

“Tee to green was great and I rolled in a couple nice putts, so I just need to keep that going.”

Zalatoris split with caddy Ryan Goble last week and new caddy Joel Stock has read his putts the past 36 holes.

“It has been great,” Zalatoris said.

“He has been awesome. Obviously it has paid off. He’s doing a good job.”

Mullinax, who shot 66, won his first PGA title at last month’s Barbasol Championship.

He began the week 70th in points, the last spot to advance, but is in position to leap into the top 30.

“Been playing really well,” he said. “Just going out and sticking to the game plan.”

Duncan birdied four of the first six holes to shoot 67.

It has been 77 starts without a top-10 finish for Duncan since his lone PGA victory at the 2019 RSM Classic.

Rickie Fowler found water twice on the way to a quintuple-bogey nine on the 18th hole. He shot 72 to stand on 208, likely dooming his bid to advance in the playoffs.

LEADERBOARD (AFTER 3 ROUNDS)

1st: JJ Spaun -13

2nd: Sepp Staka -12

S3: Will Zalatoris -11

S3: Trey Mullinax – 11

S3: Cameron Smith -11

S6: Tyler Duncan -10

S6: Troy Merritt -10

AUSSIES IN ACTION

S3: Cameron Smith -11

S25: Adam Scott -7

T36: Cam Davis -5

69th: Marc Leishman +3

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Pre-season games, New York Jets vs Philadelphia Eagles, Quincy Williams late hit on Jalen Hurts, video, reaction, Jordan Mailata, Zach Wilson injury update

Pre-season games, New York Jets vs Philadelphia Eagles, Quincy Williams late hit on Jalen Hurts, video, reaction, Jordan Mailata, Zach Wilson injury update

Australian Jordan Mailata was fired up after an unnecessary late shot from New York’s Quincy Williams sent Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts crashing to the ground.

The Jets scored a 24-21 win over the Eagles in the pre-season game but coach Robert Saleh was left less than impressed by Williams’ cheap shot.

The incident, which happened in the first quarter, saw Hurts forced to scramble towards the sideline on a third-and-5 play for no gain.

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Aussie punter melts minds with epic play | 00:20

Williams though came charging towards Hurts, even with the Eagles quarterback clearly heading for the sideline, hitting him late and hard.

That was to the displeasure of Australian left tackle Mailata, who came running over to confront Williams, telling reporters post-game he was “seeing red” after the hit.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni was also livid, with the Eagles awarded a 15-yard penalty which ultimately led to them scoring the opening touchdown of the game.

Jets coach Saleh admitted to reporters after the game that it was a bad look and something Williams needed to address.

“You know, it’s one thing to make a mistake in the game,” Saleh said, calling the hit ““egregiously awful”.

“It’s another thing to make a mistake that leads to points.”

Hurts was not injured by the shot, although the Jets will be sweating on quarterback Zach Wilson after he injured his right knee on a scramble in the first quarter.

Based on how Wilson went down, there was fear that he had torn his ACL, which would end his season.

But after the game, head coach Robert Saleh said initial tests indicated the ACL was intact, but nothing would be known with certainty until Wilson underwent an MRI exam on Saturday. Sources said the Jets had optimism that Wilson’s injury will only cause him to miss weeks and not months.

After initially being wrong on his diagnosis of tackle Mekhi Becton earlier in the week, Saleh chose his words carefully in the postgame press conference.

Zach Wilson walks to the locker room after an injury. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“I’m always concerned until you get the final evaluation,” Saleh said. “We’ve walked off the field with very positive thoughts and it’s been opposite. We’ve walked off the field with bad initial readings and it’s been the opposite. I’m just going to let it play out and we’ll see [Saturday].”

The injury came on the Jets’ second drive of the game.

Saleh said Wilson “100 percent” should have gone out of bounds.

“It was tough, man to see a guy like that, a guy that you’ve got so much love for not just as a player but as a person to go down like that it was tough,” wide receiver Corey Davis said. “We do n’t know the extent of his injury to him but we just hope he’s all right.”

Wilson also injured his right knee last season as a rookie. That injury, a sprained PCL suffered on Oct. 24 at New England, cost Wilson four games. ESPN reported Friday that the Jets believe the new injury also may be to Wilson’s PCL.

The Jets have high hopes for Wilson in his second season after a disappointing rookie season. The entire offseason was about surrounding Wilson with better talent.

Zach Wilson failed to finish the game. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

For a while it looked like the lowlight of Wilson’s night would be an interception by Eagles linebacker Kyzir White that ended the Jets’ first drive of the game. Wilson went 3-for-5 for 23 yards and the interception before suffering the injury.

If Wilson is ruled out, the question will become whether the Jets will stick with veteran Joe Flacco as their starter or try to make a trade for 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, whom San Francisco has been trying to trade for months without finding a taker. Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur were with Garoppolo for 3 ½ years in San Francisco.

“You guys know how I feel about Joe,” Saleh said of Flacco. “Everyone does, the whole world does. Joe is a phenomenal football player. He’s having a great camp and he’s got a juice left.”

—with New York Post

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PGA Tour 2022, LIV Golf, Cameron Smith, FedExCup playoffs, scores, leaderboard, news, highlights

PGA Tour 2022, LIV Golf, Cameron Smith, FedExCup playoffs, scores, leaderboard, news, highlights

Australia’s Cam Smith is reportedly defecting to LIV Golf in a $140m deal – but he’s still storming up the leaderboard at the FedEx St Jude Championship as the PGA Tour playoffs begin.

After a stunning hole-out eagle from 156 yards capped a respectable opening round at TPC Southwind in Memphis as the world number two finished three-under, the second day saw him emerge into contention.

A sensational draw shot gave Smith an eagle chance on the par-five 16th, and the Australian duly drained the putt to move to eight-under overall and three off the lead.

But a tricky birdie putt on the 17th just curled around the cup and missed, as a commentator exclaimed: “How did that stay out?”

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Cam Smith holes out for EAGLE! | 00:24

Smith finished -8 overall after his second round 65, leaving three shots behind solo leader JJ Spaun (62.67).

Smith picked up birdies on the fifth and sixth holes, and another on the eighth and 14th holes.

A poor drive found the rough on the 15th, where he gave a shot back, before his impressive eagle on the 16th.

Austrian Sepp Straka (64.66) is tied for second with American Troy Merritt (65.65) on 10 under. Straka remarkably had missed his last six cuts before this event.

“Took what the course gave me,” Spaun said. “I worked on some good things in the past couple weeks that are starting to pay off. Got a nice feel with my swing and just trusting it. And the putter is working, too.”

Straka birdied four of the last five holes to shoot 66. “Hadn’t played great coming into this week,” Straka said. “But that’s golf. You’re going to have the ebbs and flows and just go with it.”

‘Ready to cop some heat’ Smith talks LIV | 00:49

MORE NEWS

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World No. 1 commits ultimate golfing sin on Smith … sparking storm about whether he meant it

RD 1 WRAP: J-Day of old stuns to revive hopes in $75m event

Meanwhile world number one Scottie Scheffler missed the cut for just the fourth time this season, a bombshell result that gives Smith a huge opportunity to claim the PGA Tour playoffs.

The tournament is the opener of the FedEx Cup playoffs, a season-ending trio of events with a winner’s prize of $18 million USD.

Only 125 players qualified on season points and only the top 70 advance to next week’s BMW Championship, where the 30 qualifiers for the Tour Championship in Atlanta are decided.

Aussie Adam Scott carded a 67 to finish seven-under overall, while fellow Aussie trio Marc Leishman (69.69), Cam Davis (72.66), both just mad the cut at two-under.

But Lucas Herbert missed the cut after a second-round 70 left him three-over total after a poor opening-round 73, while Jason Day (65, 74) also missed out.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy missed the weekend after a 69 to stand on 139, one over the cut line.

Did Scheffler give Smith ultimate snub?! | 00:22

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Transfer Whispers, Dylan Brown, contract extensions, transfer news, Parramatta Eels signing, re-signing, off-contract players, Isaiah Papali’i backflip

Transfer Whispers, Dylan Brown, contract extensions, transfer news, Parramatta Eels signing, re-signing, off-contract players, Isaiah Papali'i backflip

Isaiah Papali’i’s management has reportedly confirmed the Eels backrower will honor his Tigers contract, ending speculation surrounding his future.

According to the SMH, Tim Sheens, who will take the coaching reins in 2023, spoke to agent Dan O’Loughlin regarding Papali’i’s doubts.

The merger club were reportedly assured the 23-year-old would land in Leichhardt for the club’s pre-season training alongside star recruit Apisai Koroisau.

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Papali’i previously explained he wants to have “no regrets” regarding his decision.

“Obviously people ask me about it, just even on the street or family and friends are hitting me up but that’s kind of for my manager look after and even if I don’t stay here or I do go next year, I want to make sure that this year has no regrets,” he said to 9 News.

When asked why he had doubts about making the move, Papali’i said it was Maguire’s axing that made him question his decision.

“I think it was the coaching axing that went on,” Papali’i said.

“When I did sign it was talking to Madge — he’s an awesome coach. That rattled the cage a bit and I guess you have to have those conversations and I guess that was a massive factor for me.”

Cheese cuts through on hectic solo run! | 00:45

Papali’i will be a key player for the Tigers, who are hoping to rebuild under Sheens, Marshall and Farrah’s tutelage.

“The only thing I will say is I’m looking forward to coaching him,” Sheens said.

Sheens’ Tigers rebuild is underway, with reports suggesting the club will make a play for former Raiders backrower John Bateman.

The Tigers have also reportedly spoken to Papali’i’s management regarding their vision for the club under the new coaching structure.

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BROWN’S LUCRATIVE CONTRACT TALKS

Parramatta star Dylan Brown’s management has reportedly urged the table a lucrative contract extension to keep the young gun at the Eels as rivals circle.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the 22-year-old’s agent met with Parramatta powerbrokers this week as the five-eighth was reportedly labeled a retention priority.

While Brown’s management is hard at work, the New Zealand international expressed his desire to stay out of any negotiations until after this year’s World Cup.

“My manager would have communicated that (to the Eels) to leave me alone until the season is done,” Brown said.

“I just don’t like it. I’d rather not sort that stuff out (during the season).

“Any distraction is a bad distraction when you are playing footy.”

Brown’s preference to put extensions talks on hold could worry Eels bosses, with rivals being able to make a play for the in-form playmaker come November 1.

Reports suggest Brown’s preference is to stay in Sydney’s west and the Eels mass player exodus has left them in a strong position to offer Brown an upgraded deal.

PAUL GREEN NEWS

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‘FUNNY, CARING’: Legends’ emotional tribute to ‘wonderful friend’ Green

Storm sizzle poor Panthers | 02:01

Brown has enjoyed the best season of his four-year career in 2022, recording 14 tries assists with a new-found confidence.

The young gun explained coach Brad Arthur has been instilling that confidence in him, and fans have been treated to a full display of his running game this year.

“The last couple of years … I have always been, not afraid, but I would second guess myself,” Brown said.

“I feel like you have got to go with your gut feeling sometimes and just be confident in what you are doing.

“You’re not getting selected in an NRL team to second guess yourself and not be confident.

“I’m in the team for a reason. Brad is trying to drive that into me. I feel like the more ball I get the better the left edge will go.”

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Fletch lauds Green’s Roosters influence | 03:04

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Tennis news 2022: Casper Ruud fined for not going to the toilet, Montreal Masters, code violation, reaction

Tennis news 2022: Casper Ruud fined for not going to the toilet, Montreal Masters, code violation, reaction

Casper Ruud is the biggest name left in the Montreal Masters but the world No. 7 has landed in hot water after a bizarre code violation in his 6-7 7-6 6-4 win over Roberto Bautista Agut.

The thrilling clash took more than three hours to finish but at the end of the first set, which Ruud lost in a tie-breaker, he took a bathroom break.

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Rather than needing to use the amenities however, the Norwegian just wanted a change of clothes.

When he returned however, umpire Fergus Murphy told Ruud he was in violation of the rules because he didn’t go to the bathroom.

While it was just a warning, it was a bizarre scene as Ruud tried to get his head around the umpire’s instructions.

Ruud: “What, but I used it to change my clothes?”

Murphy: “You have to go to the bathroom as well. That’s the rule,”

Ruud: “But if I need to change my underwear, what do I do? Do it on the court?

Murphy: “No, no, you can do both. It’s called a bathroom break.”

Ruud: “But if I need a change of clothes, what do I do?”

Murphy: “Yeah, I know that man but the rule is covered by the bathroom break rule. You can change your clothes but you have to go to the bathroom when you say you’re going to the bathroom.

Ruud: “But I didn’t say I was going to the bathroom, I said I was going to change my clothes.”

Murphy: “No I heard that.”

Ruud: “My socks, my underwear, my shorts, my t-shirt.”

Murphy: “That is covered by the bathroom break rule.”

Ruud: “Ok, well next time I take it, I’m going to go to the bathroom I just go into the toilet.”

Murphy: :You have to go to the bathroom, that’s your business. But when you don’t go I have to give you a warning for not going, that’s why I’m explaining it.”

Ruud: “So what is it, like a $3000 fine or something?”

Murphy: “I have no idea about that.”

Murphy then gave Ruud an official unsportsmanlike conduct warning.

The ATP’s rule book states “Unsportsmanlike conduct is defined as any misconduct by a player that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the success of a tournament, ATP and/or the Sport.”

Fines generally go along with the code violations and the unsportsmanlike conduct violation “shall subject a player to a fine up to $20,000 for each violation” — although it’s unlikely to be a full $20k.

The commentators were laughing at the situation.

“It’s seems a little ridiculous that you almost have to fake going to the bathroom,” one said.

The bizarre scenes were not lost on fans who were stunned by what they had seen.

However, others pointed to it being a 10-minute break when players are allowed “a maximum of three minutes once they have entered the toilet” and “two minutes for a change of attire in addition to the three-minute toilet break”.

In Ruud’s defence, the court was some way from the locker room.

Ruud, who has won three titles so far this season, is the highest seed still remaining in the tournament.

After the break and the warning, Ruud bounced back to take out the second set in another tense tie-break.

But in the deciding set, both meant had to head to the locker rooms after a 69-minute interruption as thunderstorms passed over the area at 1-0 to Bautista Agut in the third.

He said time in the locker room was the perfect antidote for a game which had gone slightly stale as he battled the Spaniard.

“Thanks to the weather gods,” he said. “It was a tough battle, the first two sets, two hours 20 minutes of good intensity.

“But I was feeling it a bit in the legs, it was tough to find my intensity. The rain gave me time to breathe and regain some energy.”

Ruud wrapped up a long afternoon on his fourth match point, ending with 54 winners and 39 unforced errors.

“I’m still surviving, there will be another match tomorrow and I’ll try to survive it,” added the seventh-ranked Ruud, who is the top target remaining after the second-round exits of Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas .

He’ll play Canadian sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who dispatched Britain’s Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4.

With AFP

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Sports

FedEx Cup, Scottie Scheffler walks over Cameron Smith’s lie amid LIV storm, video, highlights, reaction

FedEx Cup, Scottie Scheffler walks over Cameron Smith's lie amid LIV storm, video, highlights, reaction

Scottie Scheffler is coming under fire for his cardinal sin during the opening round of the PGA Tour’s FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis.

The world No.1, who won this year’s Masters and backed it up by finishing runner-up at the US Open, walked across Open Champion Cameron Smith’s line on the 12th hole as the world No.2 prepared to make a putt.

As a seemingly oblivious Scheffler walked across the green, Smith, 28, looked up at his rival quizzically before returning his focus on the hole.

Eagle eye fans didn’t miss the moment, however, as they highlighted Scheffler’s actions as a not-so-subtle attack on Smith, who is reportedly sitting on a deal to join the rival LIV Golf Series on a deal worth an estimated $AU140 million.

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Cam Smith holes out for EAGLE! | 00:24

“This is basically golf’s version of throwing at someone’s head,” one Twitter user wrote.

Another said: “Spicy head games from Scottie LIV related?”

Interestingly, though, only a hole earlier Smith and Scheffler had high-fived each other on the green.

But, then again, Smith did record an eagle on 13 as he holed out from 156 yards. Did it help his focus on him?

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J-Day of old stuns to revive hopes in $75m event, Smith’s strong response to LIV drama

While Scheffler has not criticized Smith for his coy responses regarding his future, the world No.1 hit out at the golfers, including Australian Matt Jones, who tried to gain an exemption to play at this week’s FedEx playoffs despite joining the rebel golf league.

“Those guys kind of made their decision to go join another tour and they broke the rules and regulations of our tour and now they’re trying to sue us, which is definitely a bit frustrating,” Scheffler said ahead of the tournament.

“I definitely am surprised to see some guys now suing us. If they win, come out here and play, that’s something that’s up to the courts, I can’t control what’s going to happen in a court case. Definitely interested but at the end of the day it has no effect on my preparation for the week.”

Scheffler had a frustrating opening round, finishing one-over. Smith managed to put a difficult fortnight to rest, posting a respectable three-under pair to be firmly in the mix.

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How Smith shock exposed sobering truth… and left question that may never be answered

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PGA Tour 2022, LIV Golf, news, Australian Open, Australian PGA Championship, schedule, dates, Tour of Australasia, Cameron Smith

PGA Tour 2022, LIV Golf, news, Australian Open, Australian PGA Championship, schedule, dates, Tour of Australasia, Cameron Smith

Australia is set to stage one of its biggest ever seasons of golf, headlined by an $8 million, 16-event tour, starting in October.

PGA of Australia on Thursday confirmed the summer schedule, which has increased from 12 events in 2019-20, and will see the return of the Australian Open.

Bolstering the announcement is the likelihood of big Australian names committing to play on home soil after the pandemic crushed opportunities over the past two summers.

Scroll down for the full schedule!

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World No.2 Cameron Smith is set to return to play in the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship, while compatriot Marc Leishman is also expected to feature.

Top-50 player Lucas Herbert has already committed to play both showpiece Australian events, while No.66 Min Woo Lee will feature at the Australian PGA Championship.

LIV Golf, meanwhile, is reportedly eyeing three Australian events as part of its expanded 2023 core schedule, and the International Series it runs with the Asian Tour.

Should those events materialize around April, as reported by Australian Golf Digestit would see the likes of Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson also down under this upcoming season.

Terse Cam refuses to address LIV rumors | 00:43

While the Greg Norman-led series has its detractors due to its Saudi Arabian funding, LIV’s reported venture into Australia will ultimately give golf fans more events, and more international stars, playing for big-money purses on these shores.

Combined with the bumper PGA Tour of Australasia schedule, golf’s Australian presence is set for a significant shot in the arm, while the groundwork has been put in place for more growth in the coming years.

PGA of Australia is committed to increasing the prize money on its tour, this year offering $2 million at the Australian PGA Championship, and $1.7 million each for the men’s and women’s fields at the Australian Open.

Combined with state Opens, state PGAs, The Players Series, and a New Zealand swing, the full season is worth more than $8 million.

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Just as significant, however, is the creation of better pathways into Europe and, in turn, the US, through a strengthened partnership with the DP World Tour.

Thursday’s announcement revealed that the top three players in the Order of Merit will earn a DP World Tour playing card for the following season, while the following 10 players gain exemption into at least the second stage of Q-School.

The Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship will both be co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour with the winner also gaining automatic entry to the circuit, while the winner of the Order of Merit earns a spot at next year’s Open Championship.

“What I love about this is the pathways that it creates for our exciting crop of future Australian stars,” PGA of Australia chief Gavin Kirkman said.

“We’ve worked hard to build the schedule back after Covid knocked everyone around in the tournament space, and having the Australian Open and the New Zealand Open back stronger than ever really makes a difference.”

Cam Smith and others set to join LIV | 01:30

Playing fields could improve again next season when the US PGA Tour reverts back to a calendar schedule, instead of the current wraparound program that conflicts with the Australasian Tour.

Furthermore, Kirkman confirmed to reporters that LIV players are allowed to feature on the tour, unlike in Europe and the US where the PGA and DP World Tours have banned dual members.

“The players coming home to play, as long as there’s no conflicting event, they will be welcome to play,” he said. “And the Australian players that come home, and wherever they’re playing at the moment, if they’re members of our organisations, they’ll be eligible to play, and that’s been discussed with the other tours.”

In theory, this would open the door for LIV Golf’s Australian contingent to play several events at home in the coming months, split between the two tours.

That ensures that any defection to LIV Golf, as widely reported, would likely see Smith play more in Australia, not less.

Kirkman, meanwhile, said he hasn’t been approached by LIV about the staging of a tournament next year in Australia.

“We’re hearing things are going on but at the end of the day … if that event comes to Australia we’ll just continue focusing on what we do best and that’s running our tour and servicing Australian golf in the way we feel it should be serviced,” he said.

“We’ll just see what happens there.

“If it comes to Australia, we’ve got to be in a position to stay focused on our strategy. If it fits in, it fits in, but we will talk closely to Golf Australia and the WPGA Tour and work on what we need to keep working on.”

PGA TOUR OF AUSTRALASIA FULL 2022-23 SCHEDULE

October 10-16 — CKB WA PGA, Kalgoorlie Golf Club — $200,000

October 17-23 — WA Open, West Australian Golf Club — $162,500

November 7-13—VIC PGA, Moonah Links Resort—$200,000

November 14-20—Queensland PGA, Nudgee Golf Club—$200,000

November 21-28 — Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, Royal Queensland Golf Club — $2,000,000

November 29-December 4 — ISPS HANDA Australian Open, Victoria Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club — $1,700,000

December 5-11 — Gippsland Super 6, Warragul Country Club — $175,000

January 23-29—TPS Victoria, Rosebud Country Club—$200,000

Jan 30-Feb 5 — TPS Murray River, Cobram-Barooga Golf Club — $200,000

TBA February—VIC Open, TBA—TBA

February 13-19 — TPS Sydney, Bonnie Doon Golf Club — $200,000

February 20-26—TPS Hunter Valley, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort—$200,000

February 27-March 5—NZ Open, Millbrook Resort—$1,400,000

March 6-12 — NZ PGA Championship Auckland — $150,000

13-19 March—Play Today NSW Open TBA—$400,000

Late March – Season Finale TBA TBA — $200,000

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