Latest news with #PGATOUR
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Major Champion Receives 'Humbling' Award Named After Legendary Late Friend
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. Major champion and current golf commentator Paul Azinger was honored by the PGA Tour with one of its most special awards, the Payne Stewart Award. It was a particularly meaningful moment for Azinger, as Stewart was one of his closest friends until his death in 1999. The Payne Stewart Award is given to recognize the honoree's character, sportsmanship, and commitment to charitable giving. It has been presented annually since 2000, and past recipients include Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Byron Nelson, Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, and Justin Rose. "To be named the recipient of this award, representing my dearest friend, is one of the proudest moments in my life," said Azinger, according to the PGA Tour's official website. "Payne displayed the ultimate character, sportsmanship and service to others throughout his career. He set the standard for how to represent the game of golf, so to be recognized for this award is truly humbling." 'It's probably one of the proudest moments of my life.' In a special surprise, @PaulAzinger and his wife Toni learn that he's been named the 2025 Payne Stewart Award recipient presented by @SouthernCompany. — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 21, 2025 In officially presenting the award, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan highlighted Azinger's extraordinary qualities. "We are pleased to add Paul Azinger's name to the long and illustrious list of those who have received the Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company," Monahan said, according to the PGA Tour's official website. "If there is one person who knows all the positive traits that exemplified Payne Stewart, it's his close friend, Paul. His values align with the character and charitable pursuits that Payne displayed throughout his career, and it's only fitting that Paul be honored with this year's award." Azinger has done extraordinary charitable work throughout his career, primarily through the Paul and Toni Azinger Charitable Fund, which manages the Azinger Family Compassion Center. The center serves disadvantaged families in Manatee County, Florida. 1993: Portrait of Paul Azinger of the USA with the trophy after winning the USPGA tournament at the Inverness Golf Club in Ohio, USA. 1993: Portrait of Paul Azinger of the USA with the trophy after winning the USPGA tournament at the Inverness Golf Club in Ohio, Azinger and Payne Stewart in Professional Golf Azinger won 12 PGA Tour tournaments during his professional golf career, including the 1993 PGA Championship. In 1995, he began combining broadcasting work, a career he pursued after his playing days ended. Currently, Azinger covers the PGA Tour Champions for Golf Channel. Stewart was one of the most popular players on the PGA Tour in the 1980s and 1990s. His unique outfits and extraordinary results made him a true fan favorite. Stewart won 11 PGA Tour tournaments, including three major championships (the 1989 PGA Championship and the 1991 and 1999 US Open). He also represented the United States in five Ryder Cups, with three wins and one tie. He died in a plane crash in October 1999. More Golf: The Open: Scottie Scheffler Sets Multiple Records With Fourth Major Title
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
PGA Bringing HBCU Golf to South Florida
In a major move for diversity in golf, Florida Memorial University (FMU) is bringing HBCU pride to the fairway. Located in Miami Gardens, FMU-South Florida's only Historically Black College or University- will launch its first-ever collegiate Golf Club, thanks to an Equipment Grant from the PGA TOUR's Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. The program is scheduled to officially tee off in Spring 2026, with plans to join intercollegiate competition by 2027. But this isn't just about launching a golf team. It's about leveling the playing field, with some help from the PGA. "This grant is more than just golf clubs and gear. It's a doorway to access, exposure, and equity," said FMU Interim President William C. McCormick, Jr., an avid golfer and the first FMU alum to lead the university. "Golf is a game of discipline, integrity, strategy, and connection. Our students deserve every opportunity to discover and benefit from that experience." The grant will provide student-athletes with everything they need to get started-from clubs and training equipment to access to local courses and mentorship opportunities. FMU hopes to build not just a team, but a movement that introduces students of color to a sport often perceived as exclusive and inaccessible. "We're thrilled to support FMU and its mission to provide students exposure to the game," said Todd Fleming, Executive Director of the Cognizant Classic. "The opportunity to enrich the lives of young people through the game we love is a privilege." The support from the Cognizant Classic-South Florida's marquee PGA TOUR event-marks a significant push toward expanding golf's reach in Black communities. It aligns with FMU's broader strategy of diversifying its athletic offerings and preparing students for success on and off the course. For FMU, golf isn't just a sport-it's a tool for professional development and personal growth. The university aims to use the program to promote: Networking and leadership skills are critical for post-graduate successMental and physical wellness through focused, low-impact playIncreased representation in golf, from players to industry leaders "Historically, golf has been out of reach for many in our community," McCormick said. "This changes that. It's about planting a seed that can grow into an opportunity for generations to come." While the FMU Golf Club will start as a student organization in 2026, the long-term vision is competitive. By 2027, FMU intends to field a team in the Sun Conference, competing with other NAIA schools. It's part of a larger blueprint for elevating HBCU athletics strategically, inclusively, and boldly. "Florida Memorial University continues to rise," said McCormick. "This new golf program is another example of how we're writing our future-boldly, purposefully, and inclusively." HBCU visibility in golf is gaining momentum-and FMU is taking the lead in South Florida, one swing at a time. The post PGA Bringing HBCU Golf to South Florida appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Final Round Barracuda Championship
Check out the best shots of the day from Round 4 of the 2025 Barracuda Championship, featuring Todd Clements, Erik van Rooyen and Ryan Gerard, who claimed his first victory of his PGA TOUR career.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
On a different level – Rory McIlroy hails Open champion Scottie Scheffler
It would have required a fast start and shooting something close to the 61 McIlroy shot on this course as a 16-year-old – virtually impossible in a major setting. 3 down, 1 to go. Scottie Scheffler will attempt to complete the career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday at the 2026 U.S. Open. — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 20, 2025 'I wish I had have been closer to Scottie going into today and been able to make a real push but he's been on a different level all week and he's been on a different level for the last two years to the rest of us,' he said after his rival won the third leg of the career Grand Slam which McIlroy completed at Augusta in April. 'None of us could live with what he had this week. He is the bar that we're all trying to get to at this point, so hats off to him. 'I think all you can do is admire what he does and how he does it. I think what he does is one thing, but how he does it is another. 'He just goes about his business, doesn't do anything overly flamboyant, but he's the best at executing in the game right now. 'In a historical context, you could argue that there's only maybe two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run, the one that Scottie's been on here for the last 24 to 36 months. Incredibly impressive. 'He's been absolutely amazing over these past two to three years. He's an unbelievable player, an incredible champion and a great person too.' Rory McIlroy put on an improved showing for the Northern Irish fans (Brian Lawless/PA) After missing the cut six years ago when The Open returned to Portrush, McIlroy was determined to make it up to the thousands of fans willing him on this week. But he had too much to do on the last day and a two-under-par 34, including three birdies and a bogey, on the easier front nine, was just not enough. He was still six shots back at the turn but a double-bogey at the 10th, where he mis-hit a chip, represented the end of his challenge despite two more birdies coming home to finish seventh on 10 under, seven behind Scheffler. 'I felt like I did well. Eight, nine and and 10 were the ones that killed me – not that I was ever going to get to 17-under I don't think,' he added. 'I could have maybe finished second, which would have been better than where I did finish, but only making par off those tee shots on eight and nine and then the double off of 10 after the flier did me in. 'Then I just tried to play a good back nine and finish as well as I could.'
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
On a different level – Rory McIlroy hails Open champion Scottie Scheffler
Rory McIlroy expressed his admiration for Scottie Scheffler after the world number one denied him the chance of an emotional win in his home Open with a runaway victory at Royal Portrush. The Northern Irishman began the day six off the lead and he probably knew it was a bridge too far to reel in the in-form American, who had already won the US PGA this year to add to his two Masters titles. Advertisement It would have required a fast start and shooting something close to the 61 McIlroy shot on this course as a 16-year-old – virtually impossible in a major setting. 3 down, 1 to go. Scottie Scheffler will attempt to complete the career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday at the 2026 U.S. Open. — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 20, 2025 'I wish I had have been closer to Scottie going into today and been able to make a real push but he's been on a different level all week and he's been on a different level for the last two years to the rest of us,' he said after his rival won the third leg of the career Grand Slam which McIlroy completed at Augusta in April. 'None of us could live with what he had this week. He is the bar that we're all trying to get to at this point, so hats off to him. 'I think all you can do is admire what he does and how he does it. I think what he does is one thing, but how he does it is another. Advertisement 'He just goes about his business, doesn't do anything overly flamboyant, but he's the best at executing in the game right now. 'In a historical context, you could argue that there's only maybe two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run, the one that Scottie's been on here for the last 24 to 36 months. Incredibly impressive. 'He's been absolutely amazing over these past two to three years. He's an unbelievable player, an incredible champion and a great person too.' Rory McIlroy put on an improved showing for the Northern Irish fans (Brian Lawless/PA) After missing the cut six years ago when The Open returned to Portrush, McIlroy was determined to make it up to the thousands of fans willing him on this week. Advertisement But he had too much to do on the last day and a two-under-par 34, including three birdies and a bogey, on the easier front nine, was just not enough. He was still six shots back at the turn but a double-bogey at the 10th, where he mis-hit a chip, represented the end of his challenge despite two more birdies coming home to finish seventh on 10 under, seven behind Scheffler. 'I felt like I did well. Eight, nine and and 10 were the ones that killed me – not that I was ever going to get to 17-under I don't think,' he added. 'I could have maybe finished second, which would have been better than where I did finish, but only making par off those tee shots on eight and nine and then the double off of 10 after the flier did me in. Advertisement 'Then I just tried to play a good back nine and finish as well as I could.'
