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CHARLOTTE -- Spain's Jon Rahm views experience as important when assessing his chances for this week's PGA Championship.
Yet in a career dotted with spectacular moments and despite being a regular contender in majors, this is a tournament that largely has escaped his grasp.
"I'm aware it's been probably the one I haven't been my best at," Rahm said Tuesday at Quail Hollow Club. "I think my best finish was Bellerive. I think it's possibly because of the versatility and variability of this event."
The tournament begins Thursday, with Rahm in the role of a dark horse at best.
Rahm, a two-time major winner (2021 U.S. Open, 2023 Masters), hasn't fared well in the PGA Championship. Aside from a tie for fourth place at Missouri's Bellerive in 2018, a tie for 13th in 2020 and a tie for eighth in 2021, he hasn't had much success.
He shared 48th place in 2022 and 50th place in 2023 before missing the cut last year at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.
"It's this championship that we change venues and drastically change the way we set it up," Rahm said. "... They're all drastically different. So it's quite possibly the difference, which is more about, OK, your game needs to be a very high level as opposed to possibly the other three that you can adjust a little bit more knowing what's coming.
"At that point, that's a bit of speculation. I think it's more coincidence that I haven't played good."
And past tournament outings at Quail Hollow might not matter much this week. Rahm expects to encounter new challenges, referring to several changes he has heard about before getting in practice time on the course.
"As difficult as they could set it up for the Wells Fargo Championship in the past, for majors it's a whole different story," Rahm said. "I would suspect that it will be a more difficult setup this week."
Rahm, 30, captured two majors while still in his 20s, so the Grand Slam topic isn't farfetched. It's certainly a subject that came to the forefront because of Rory McIlroy's achievement last month at Augusta.
But for now, it won't consume the LIV Golf competitor.
"I think obviously it would be a lot more on my mind if I were to win a third different one, kind of like Jordan (Spieth) has been able to do," he said. "But as in right now, if I ever had a thought, I'll focus more on quantity of majors rather than which ones obviously, in the sense of let's say I never achieve it, I'd rather have a situation like Sir Nick Faldo where he has six of two of them instead of having maybe three different ones, if that makes sense."
While there figures to be plenty of time for Rahm to rack more accomplishments on the biggest golf stages, he also knows time is ticking.
"I can't believe I'm almost at a decade in majors," he said. "It goes by fast."
--Bob Sutton, Field Level Media
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Stephanie White Puts Indiana Fever Players on Notice Despite Win Against Aces
The Indiana Fever’s starters turned in a strong all-around effort in Thursday’s 80-70 win over the Las Vegas Aces. The starting unit scored at least 13 points each, save for Aari McDonald, who registered nine points in 22 minutes of action. Indiana’s starters combined for 76 out of the team’s 80 points on the evening, which only means that the four other players who came off the bench accounted for just four points in the game. All that came from Sydney Colson, who went 2-of-5 in 18 minutes of playing time. Lexie Hull, Makayla Timpson and Damiris Dantas all failed to score in the win. Stephanie White Calls Out Fever's Bench Be that as it may, offense wasn’t even the biggest concern for head coach Stephanie White. In her postgame press conference, the veteran shot-caller called out Indiana’s bench for their lack of intensity on the defensive end, particularly in the first half. “Our bench has to be ready,” she said. “I felt like our bench in the second half was really good defensively. In the first half, I didn't feel that way. You got to be ready to come in and you got to be ready to guard your matchup and execute the game plan. "We have depth for a reason. We've got quality depth and we've got to be able to use it. So if fatigue is a factor in execution, then they just need to ask for a sub and I'll get them out and get them back in." It has been a bit of a busy stretch for the Fever at the midway point of the season. Thursday’s matchup against the Aces was their second game in three nights, and they will be back in action again on Sunday in a rivalry showdown against the Chicago Sky. White, however, isn’t accepting fatigue as an excuse. This is regardless of the fact that Caitlin Clark remains out with a re-aggravated groin injury. White is adamant that this roster has been built for adversity, and she didn’t hesitate to put her bench on notice after Thursday’s showing.
Bruins' David Pastrnak Calls Out Canadiens' Juraj Slafkovsky: He Just Lacks Humility'
Juraj Slafkovsky is one of the most promising players in the NHL, but now he has been called out by David Pastrnak, who stated he lacks humility. After being picked No. 1 overall in 2022 NHL Draft, expectations were high in Montreal for young star Juraj Slafkovsky, and thus far, he's shown glimpses of being the elite level player many expected when he entered the National Hockey League. However, there are still some major steps to go, and in a recent interview, Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak pointed out perhaps one area where the 21-year old may need to improve moving forward. When asked about Slafkovsky and his potential, Pastrnak gave nothing but a glowing review of the young Canadiens star, but he did note that he believes Slafkovsky needs more humility. 'He's still a young player who is gaining experience in the NHL every year. This season it was already clear that he gave the team more than before...He just needs a little more humility, he should set an example for the young ones.' On the ice, there's no doubting that Slafkovsky has the presence, the size and the talent to be a true star, posting 101 total points over the past two seasons, but for whatever reason, it appears as though Pastrnak believes he needs to improve off the ice before he can take a major leap in Montreal. Ultimately, the talent is still there for Slafkovsky, and at 21-years old, he'll continue to learn off the ice, and if he can go anywhere close to living up to the potential that he's shown in his first three years at the NHL level, there's no doubt that he can be a big time star and help lead the Canadiens to significant post-season success.
Warriors eyeing superstar in blockbuster trade, explains why Golden State has moved slowly with Jonathan Kuminga
The Golden State Warriors are yet to reach a resolution with Jonathan Kuminga this summer, and they seem to be biding their time for a superstar, should he be made available. The Golden State Warriors are yet to make any sort of move this offseason, despite being linked to both Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton. Priority number one seems to be figuring out the Jonathan Kuminga situation. He is a restricted free agent, and the Warriors have extended a qualifying offer, keeping him on the books for another season unless he is moved in a sign-and-trade, which seems to be a very real possibility. Kuminga and the Warriors seem to be on the outs, with both parties preferring him to play elsewhere this season, although it could benefit both of them for him to sign a longer deal with Golden State. Warriors would prefer to sign Kuminga to longer deal If Kuminga returns to Golden State on the one-year qualifying offer, he will make $7.9 million next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. As a free agent, he should be able to sign a lucrative deal next summer, but that means spending another year in Golden State, which he doesn’t want to do. On top of that, if he gets injured this season, there is no guarantee that his next contract will be maximized, so there is some risk involved. It seems counter-intuitive for him to sign a big deal with the Warriors, although committing–on paper at least–to the Dubs long term could work out for him. If he signs a new deal, he has to wait three months before being traded, although he will likely have more suitors than he would if he was simply playing on a one-year rental contract. For both the Warriors and Kuminga, signing him for three or four years not only would make him more guaranteed money, but it makes him easier to move. With Kuminga signed to a whole new contract, the Warriors can set their sights on a prized trade target. Kuminga could be centerpiece of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade Giannis Antetokounmpo has yet to demand a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, but if the Doc Rivers-led team falls flat, even with Myles Turner in town, it stands to reason that the Bucks will have to have a difficult talk next summer. A fourth first-round exit in a row in 2026 would likely spell the end of the Giannis era in Milwaukee, and the Warriors, as well as the rest of the league, are gearing up to add him. With Kuminga signed to a longer deal, the Warriors can include him as a key part of a possible trade package. “There’s another reason why the Warriors don’t want to give Kuminga away for less than his full trade value: Like every other smart team, they’re trying to maintain every asset they’ve got so they’re ready once and if the Giannis Antetokounmpo market heats up,” wrote The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami. “If you’re looking to build a trade around a young player who could step right into a barren roster and give a transitioning team a burst of energy … well, I think the Warriors might have a candidate to bring up if Milwaukee ever asks. That is, if the Warriors and Kuminga can agree on a solid deal this summer.” It will take a lot more than Kuminga to land Antetokounmpo, although the Warriors could toss in Moses Moody, who was extended last summer, as well as up to three first-round picks and multiple pick swaps, possibly enough to get a deal done for a new franchise centerpiece to build around.
Everything I Saw at Raiders Training Camp Today No. 4
HENDERSON, Nev.—Day four of the Las Vegas Raiders' 2025 NFL Training Camp is officially in the books, and from inside camp, I saw plenty of things to tell you about. Everyone, from players to coaches, media, and fans, is ready for tomorrow to end the underwear Olympics and put on some pads and play real football. As your Las Vegas Raiders Beat Writer On SI, I will share what stood out to me. Please note that I will be commenting on any specific information that could harm the Raiders strategically, should their opponents process it. For that reason, I will, in some cases, speak very generally. The Offense: OL Laki Tasi continues to work hard. His effort is impressive. He is learning the game of football, and, in my opinion, is still destined for the practice squad. But remember this. *• The second team offensive line struggled today with timing. That isn’t the end of the world, but with pads coming on tomorrow, it has to get corrected quickly. · I preached to you all about Isaiah Pola-Mao when he was trying to go from undrafted to where he is today, and he made it. I have the same confidence in Tasi. · Dylan Parham ran with the ones at LG today and moved exceptionally well. · Jarrod Hufford, the UDFA OL for the first time this offseason, looked comfortable today. He wasn’t swimming like most rookies are; he looked relaxed and, for the first time, looked like he was playing football and not thinking about it. · Once again, rookie QB Cam Miller showed his arm with a strike for a score. Don’t let that lead you to thinking he is more than what he is. He made plenty of questionable throws, also, but that is normal. · The rookie shows why Tom Brady likes him, but he has a ways to go. · It is early in camp, so with so many new schemes, guys are working on timing. We saw it today with Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, which is normal in a new system, but what stood out was their mutual frustration. · Competing is the name of the Pete Carroll game, and Meyers and Tucker saw an opportunity. · You may remember that several times I have mentioned Tre Tucker being wide open last season, but having to wait for the ball to get to him, and then being covered when it finally arrived. · I explained in great detail that QB Geno Smith had the cannon to throw him open. Today, the cannon was officially fired. · Tucker used his speed to break away from the initial hands by the defender and burst like a missile with his 4.3 speed for the endzone. Smith hit him in stride for the 70-yard TD strike, and the defender had no shot. · That speed, and that arm and accuracy are a very special thing. Somewhere, Al Davis was smiling after that play. · Aidan O’Connell showed off his quick release again today. He threw a bullet with the pressure on and found the Auburn Tiger Seth Williams for a terrific play. · Unfortunately for O’Connell, the very next play, he had a shot at a touchdown and sailed the ball. He isn’t Geno Smith, yet, but he has to become more consistent. · O’Connell shows the skill set, now it is a matter of consistency. · Let me give you an example. Shortly after O’Connell sailed the ball, Geno Smith ran the exact same play, an out to the sideline, and with about a 10-inch window, he put the ball where no one but the receiver could catch it, and as beautiful as the play was, the Dont’e Thornton catch was equally a thing of beauty. · Sincere McCormick looks faster, I highly doubt that he is, but he looks it, and twice today I watched him run away from people. · Raheem Mostert looks like the former Pro Bowler that he was. Every single day, I can’t help but ask at least two or three times what in the world the Miami Dolphins were thinking, letting him go. · Forget if he is healthy, the narrative is now, if he stays healthy, how much can he impact this team? · Brock Bowers, as usual, had a fantastic day. Watching him and Eric Stokes' battles was fun to see. More on that when I talk defense. · With Maxx Crosby in his face, Geno Smith somehow threw a strike to Michael Mayer today. · I have been very impressed early in this camp with Geno’s “feel” for the game. · Nobody that Smith will face in 2025 is as good as the Raiders superstar, and if he can learn to “feel” his presence, he will do that against a gauntlet of great ones on the schedule. · Michael Mayer has always been in good shape, but he looks to be the best I have ever seen him. I asked him about it today, and he agreed with me. · One thing that stands out is that he is flourishing in his relationship with Pete Carroll. · Lost in the greatness of Brock Bowers is that Michael Mayer was the best TE in the 2023 NFL Draft. If he reaches his potential in 2025 with Brock Bowers, the Raiders will have, by far, the best TE tandem in the NFL. · Jordan Meredith is one of the nicest human beings on the planet, who is also an exceptional football player. Watching him help the young players (while he is still young) bodes well for a long career for that young man. · The Raiders are simply blessed with a large group of talented offensive linemen. · I keep mentioning the young WR Alex Bachman, but that is how a player on the bubble makes a team. He caught a 35-yard TD pass today, but made additional plays as well. · He has gone from a nice anecdote, and a guy you have to watch. But don’t worry, if you don’t watch, he just keeps making plays and grabbing your attention. He is very intriguing, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what he does when the pads are on. He shows some “it.” The Defense · Maxx Crosby is not human. Best player on the field. · Charles Snowden was very smooth off the ball today. He is very light on his feet, and he had an excellent day. · Jonah Laulu is doing everything to win that starting DT spot next to Adam Butler. The Raiders are thrilled with the competition, but the Las Vegas Native is playing heads up and not having to think. I have always liked his game, but this training camp, he is far more instinctive than he has ever shown. · Not sure he wins the starter's job, he very well might, but he is going to have a big year, and will be the starter at some point based on his current trajectory. · John Humphrey, the rookie CB out of USC, is a practice squad player right now, but that doesn’t mean, like IPM, he doesn’t have something. · Twice today, the young man flashed some athleticism, and it was clear he has the skills to get his shot here. · I predicted before camp it was right after mandatory minicamp, that Michael Barrett, the Wolverine linebacker, would make this team. Today, he showed some tremendous athleticism getting to the ball and being a disturbance. He has an impressive skill set. · I mentioned the battle between Brock Bowers and Eric Stokes. Last year, we all saw that no one could block the NFL's best tight end in Bowers. · That hasn’t changed, but the one guy who has been able to occasionally is Stokes. · We will learn a lot with pads on starting tomorrow, but this one thing is sure. Stokes, like the Mostert above, looks healthy. · Jamal Adams, who is now a running back, really stood out to me today in coverage. We all know he is a heat-seeking missile against the run and bringing pressure, but the young man has shown some impressive coverage skills, which, frankly, I didn’t think he had. · The other day, for the first time, I mentioned the second-year Baylor Bear in JT Woods. Well, look at this, he is stacking good practices up like cordwood. · We see you, young guy, and tomorrow when the pads come on is your day to keep on shining. · Decamerion Richardson is playing well and having an excellent camp. He was running with the ones and communicating as effectively as I have ever seen him. · The game is slowing down for DCam, and no matter what you do, don’t rule the young man out. · I’ve always liked his skill set, and now he is getting confident. The Intangibles · The offense had two penalties today, the defense had two, and there were three on special teams. · Approximately 2,000 of the Raider Nation faithful were at camp today. It is free, and I highly recommend that you all try to make it out. · The Raiders organization does a magnificent job with the fan experience, and the players and coaches are very generous with their time for autographs and appreciative of your presence. We'd appreciate it if you would follow us on X @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr , and let’s talk about the Silver and Black’s training camp.
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