Latest news with #2025MastersTournament
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Patrick Reed's $750 Million Lawsuit vs. Media Tossed out of Court
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The tension between golfers and the media has been simmering for years, but in 2022, Patrick Reed just turned that feud into a full-blown legal war with $750 lawsuit. But that lawsuit appears to officially be over! On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld the dismissal of Reed's defamation case against a lineup of golf media figures and outlets, including Golf Channel's Damon Hack, Shane Bacon, and Eamon Lynch, as well as Golfweek and its parent company, Gannett. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 12: Patrick Reed of the United States leaves the fifth tee during the third round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2025 in Augusta,... AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 12: Patrick Reed of the United States leaves the fifth tee during the third round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by) More Getty Images The lawsuit, originally filed in August 2022 in Texas and refiled in Florida a month later, accused the defendants of conspiracy, injurious falsehood, tortious interference, and acting "in concert as joint tortfeasors." Reed claimed the media had painted him as a cheater and villain, costing him millions in endorsements. But the court was not convinced. "Reed simply failed to plead facts that addressed the element of 'actual malice' in the context of defamation against a public figure," the ruling stated. Reed Unable to Prove Actual Malice Actual malice is the reason so many public figures sue overseas. It does not exist there. But in America, the plaintiff must prove the defendants knowingly made falsities or with reckless disregard for whether it was true or false. It is a high bar to prove. The ruling added that Reed had two chances to present viable claims and failed both times. "Any further amendment would, therefore, be futile." Judge Timothy Corrigan, who dismissed the suit in 2022, reiterated in a 78-page ruling: "Many of the statements are not about Reed. Some statements are about LIV Golf, of which Reed is a member, but not specifically about Reed. "Others are matters of opinion or permissible rhetorical hyperbole. Still others are statements of fact, the truth of which are not challenged," Corrigan noted during the 2nd dismissal. One of the most cited examples was Reed's time at Augusta State University, where he was suspended from matches after teammates allegedly voted him off the team. Judge Robert Luck noted, "If they are true stories, whether they are negative or not, how can a bunch of true stories be actual malice?" Reed's attorney, Anthony Lake, argued this May that his client had never been "determined to be a cheater," and that the media's portrayal was unfair. But U.S. Circuit Judges Nancy Abudu and Robert Luck argued that articles had presented both sides, and many of the negative claims were based on well-known and documented history, including Reed's suspension from college. As the ruling hit headlines, Eamon Lynch couldn't resist a sarcastic jab. "Must cancel that check for eleventy billion dollars," he posted on X. The post, dripping in sarcasm, was a clear taunt, mocking the astronomical damages Reed had sought. The dismissal marks the end of a feud that blurred the lines between media scrutiny and legal overreach. More Golf: JJ Spaun notice 'complete 180' in players' attitude after U.S. Open win
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Wyndham Clark Sings Familiar Tune amid US Open Locker Room Destruction
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Frustration is a common feeling among golfers when things don't go as expected on the course. Even top professionals aren't immune to taking out their anger on inanimate objects, as was the case with Wyndham Clark during the recently concluded U.S. Open. Images of the damage that Clark caused to the Oakmont locker room while venting his frustration by throwing blows were widely circulated on social media. A week later, the winner of the 2023 US Open addressed the issue after the first round of the Travelers Championship. 🚨🥾🚪 #NEW: Wyndham Clark allegedly damaged several lockers in the change room at Oakmont Country Club following a missed cut, per @TronCarterNLU. Additionally, Clark recently destroyed a T-mobile sign at the PGA Championship not long ago. Is this behaviour acceptable? — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 15, 2025 As expected, Clark issued the apology that typically follows such behavior: "I've had a lot of highs and lows in my career, especially this year some lows. I made a mistake that I deeply regret," he said. However, Clark was equally quick to call for the issue to be put to rest: "I'm very sorry for what happened. But I'd also like to move on, not only for myself but for Oakmont, for the USGA, and kind of focus on the rest of this year and things that come up." "I still want to try to make the Ryder Cup team. I still am on the outside looking in for the FedExCup. So I'm starting to move on and focus on those things." "I made a mistake that I deeply regret. I'm very sorry for what happened." Wyndham Clark addressed his actions regarding the damaged lockers at the U.S. Open. — Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 19, 2025 Some players, most notably Graeme McDowell, came out in support of Clark, claiming to have been in the Denver native's shoes. However, this is the second time in less than a month that Clark has had to apologize for similar behavior. At the PGA Championship, he lost his temper again and threw his driver into a promotional fence on the 16th tee, endangering others who were in the path of the club. At the time, Clark didn't apologize through the press but rather through a statement on social media. "As professionals, we are expected to remain professional even when frustrated...I promise to better the way I handle my frustrations on the course going forward," is part of what he posted then. Wyndham Clark of the United States looks across the first green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. Wyndham Clark of the United States looks across the first green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Clark missed the cut at the U.S. Open after shooting consecutive 74s in the first two rounds at Oakmont. A week later, he fared much better at the TPC River Highlands, posting seven birdies and one bogey in the opening round of the Travelers Championship. He currently sits tied for third at 6-under. More Golf: Rory McIlroy Dishes on PGA Tour Signature Events' Biggest Problem
Newsweek
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Justin Thomas Thrived at Oakmont US Open as Brooks Koepka was 'Pissed Off'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. With just two days until the start of the 125th US Open, Oakmont is proving all the hype to be true. Most players have had a chance to try out the course, and they have commented endlessly about how difficult the setup is. Naturally, some players are better prepared than others because they remember playing there before. And not all of those memories are negative. Justin Thomas, for example, recalled playing one of the best rounds of his career there. He told this story to illustrate the extraordinary challenges Oakmont poses. He also recalled that it was a difficult time for his playing group mate, Brooks Koepka. "One of the best rounds of golf I've probably ever played in my career in 2016 [was] here on Friday," he said. "I think I hit four fairways, but I remember I hit seven greens and I shot 69. I chipped in three times. I was beyond exhausted when I got done." "I actually played with Brooks [Koepka] the first two days. I remember he was so pissed off. He just couldn't get over it." "So I would prefer to not do that, but if that means I shoot 69 every day, I'll take four fairways and seven greens right now." Brooks Koepka of the United States speaks with jtduring a practice round prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. Brooks Koepka of the United States speaks with jtduring a practice round prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2025 in Augusta, Thomas fondly remembers that round thanks to his score, it was by no means an easy day. The two-time major champion had seven birdies that day, but only managed to finish at 1-under, as he also carded two bogeys and two double bogeys. Thomas shot a 73 in each of his other three rounds and finished tied for 32nd place. As for Koepka, he carded an identical score to Thomas's during the second round (69). He struggled the day before, scoring a 75, but he did well over the weekend, carding 72-68 to finish tied for 13th. "I don't need to hear horror stories. I've played it. I know it's difficult." Justin Thomas knows what Oakmont will be throwing at him. — Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 9, 2025 Thomas also said he is confident that he can perform well at Oakmont again, nine years later: "I understand this place is hard. I don't need to read articles, or I don't need to hear horror stories. I've played it. I know it's difficult," he said. "I also have faith that if I go play well and I'm driving the ball well and I'm hitting my irons like I know I can, I'm going to have a lot of birdie opportunities." "I just need to kind of pick my spots and take the hole and the course for what I have that day kind of thing." This will be Thomas's 11th US Open appearance. Of his 10 previous starts, he has made the cut six times and finished in the top 10 twice. His best finish has been a tie for 8th place at Winged Foot in 2020. More Golf: US Open 2025: Odds, Predictions, Best Bets on the Board
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
PGA Tour: Will Zalatoris' Heartbreaking Update Sure to Derail his Comeback
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Less than a year and a half after returning to professional golf following back surgery, Will Zalatoris underwent surgery again for the same reason. The 28-year-old will miss the rest of the 2025 PGA Tour regular season because of a new back injury. Zalatoris himself announced the news himself in a post on his social media profiles. "This spring, I started feeling some discomfort and instability in my back that progressively got worse," Zalatoris posted. "Following the PGA Championship, an MRI showed that I had re-herniated two discs. After discussing the options with my medical team, I underwent surgery this past Friday with Dr. Michael Duffy at the Texas Back Institute. I'm happy to say that I woke up feeling good and excited about my long-term back health." Will Zalatoris has announced he had surgery last Friday for two herniated discs in his back. — Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) May 26, 2025 Zalatoris added that he expects to return next fall, when he will be looking to compete in the PGA Tour's September–November series of tournaments, known as the PGA Tour Fall. Will Zalatoris faced a similar situation in 2023, when he had a back injury that required microdiscectomy surgery in April, just when the Masters Tournament was being played. The issue, which had been lingering since late 2022, forced him to withdraw from the Augusta National's event and miss the remainder of the season. He approached his recovery cautiously, focusing on long-term health, and returned to official competition in early 2024 at the Sony Open in Hawaii. However, his competitive comeback had occurred a month earlier when he received an invitation to the Hero World Challenge hosted by Tiger Woods in December 2023. Will Zalatoris of the United States reacts during the second round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. Will Zalatoris of the United States reacts during the second round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. Getty Images/Michael Reaves That injury raised concerns about his durability, given the physical demands of his powerful swing, but Zalatoris remained optimistic about his comeback, emphasizing strength and mobility improvements in his rehab. In his return for the 2024 season, the one-time PGA Tour winner played in 22 tournaments, making 15 cuts and achieving three top-10 finishes. His best result of the year was a second-place finish at the Genesis Invitational. The current 2025 season was not as successful for Zalatoris. He did not have any top 10 finishes in the 11 events he played in, missing two cuts. His best result was a tie for 12th place in the American Express. Zalatoris's PGA Tour membership is only guaranteed until 2025, so he must play in the FedEx Cup Fall Series to secure his card for next season. Otherwise, he may need a medical extension to play in 2026. More Golf: Rory McIlroy Turning Heads with Stunning Decision Ahead of US Open
Newsweek
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy Share Awkward PGA Championship Exchange
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau came face-to-face for the first time since their final-round pairing at the Masters, but it was more awkward than anything. Amidst all the excitement of McIlroy finishing off the career grand slam last month at Augusta, DeChambeau told the media immediately after their final round together that McIlroy refused to talk to him throughout the day, sparking a social media backlash that would not die. But their paths connected while DeChambeau was finishing his second round and McIlroy was set to begin his, according to the Irish Star. There was "a subtle exchange" but it is unknown if they actually spoke to one another. They did at least acknowledge each other's existence with Bryson reportedly giving the Masters champ a friendly good luck nod as Rory worked his way to the first tee. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 13: (R-L) Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shakes hands with Bryson DeChambeau of the United States on the 18th hole during the final round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta... AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 13: (R-L) Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shakes hands with Bryson DeChambeau of the United States on the 18th hole during the final round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. MoreMcIlroy has been unapologetic since first hearing DeChambeau's comments shortly after beating him head-to-head in order to claim his fifth major. "I don't know what he was expecting," McIlroy said. "We're trying to win the Masters. I'm not going to try to be his best mate out there." And that's hard to argue. Of course, the way one goes about keeping to themselves during a round can still be done graciously. And that was what seemed to bother DeChambeau at the time. When a reporter asked DeChambeau that Sunday after their round together if he knew how Rory was feeling after the win, he said, "I have no idea. Didn't talk to me once all day." And when pressed about trying to initiate any conversation, he added, "He wouldn't talk to me." It didn't come off very well with some of the other golfers, which is nothing new for DeChambeau, who has had run-ins with Brooks Koepka and others during his time on Tour. Former PGA champion Padraig Harrington didn't take kindly of Bryson at the time either, saying, "Who does Bryson want to be? Could you imagine going out on the (soccer field) and saying about the guy marking me 'He wasn't chatting to me, he wasn't very nice?'" Regardless, it seems as if the beef is over for the time being. Of course, there are still two rounds left to play this weekend and the chance of them being paired together again on Sunday still looms, despite DeChambeau going into Saturday at 3-under, while McIlroy sits at 1-over, just barely making the cut. If the inevitable pairing doesn't happen Sunday, however, the next chance will come June 12-15 at the US Open at Oakmont, where we'll all be anxiously awaiting the tee times announcement. MORE GOLF: 2025 PGA Championship: Justin Thomas, Biggest Names to Miss the Cut
