Month: April 2025

Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a ‘sudden-death’ playoff round to win his first green jacket at the 89th Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday.

The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland overcame a shaky start in the final round to become only the sixth golfer to complete the career Grand Slam. McIlroy joins Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only golfers to capture the four major championships in the Masters era, and the first to do so since Woods achieved the Grand Slam in 2000.

McIlroy, who had posted a 1-over 73 to finish 11 under, tied Rose to force the first playoff at the Masters since 2017. Playing again on the 18th hole, McIlroy’s second shot landed just a few feet away from the hole, and after Rose’s putt for birdie just missed, McIlroy was able to get the win by sinking his birdie putt. McIlroy threw his putter in the air and put his head in his hands while falling to his knees and weeping, before hugging his caddie, Harry Diamond. He was still crying after finding his wife Erica, and daughter, Poppy as he walked from the 18th green to the clubhouse, with the crowd cheering him on.

Rose finished in second for the third time at the Masters in his career, with Patrick Reed finishing third at 9-under, and Bryson DeChambeau finishing five-shots back.

Editorial credit: Andre61 / Shutterstock.com

The Portland Trail Blazers announced on Sunday that head coach Chauncey Billups has agreed to a multi-year contract extension. The move comes six days after the Trail Blazers reached a multi-year extension with general manager Joe Cronin, who took over as GM after Neil Olshey was dismissed @six months after Billups was hired as head coach.

GM Joe Cronin said in a statement: “Chauncey Billups is a great leader, motivator and communicator that has worked tirelessly to establish an identity for this team that has taken shape over his time in Portland. I am beyond excited to continue this partnership with Chauncey and take this team to the next level.”

Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed for Billups, 48, who is in his fourth season coaching Portland and is in the final year of his four-year contract. The NBA Hall of Famer has compiled a 116-211 record with the franchise, after having played 17 NBA seasons that included five All-Star appearances and an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004, when he also earned Finals MVP.

Billups released in a statement: “I want to thank (Trail Blazers chair) Jody Allen, (vice chair) Bert Kolde and Joe Cronin for their belief in me as we all progress on this journey of creating a sustained winner for years to come. We are building this team the right way with a defensive-minded, hard-nosed, competitive culture. I look forward to continuing to give Rip City fans a product on the court that they can be proud of and cheer for every night.”

Jody Allen, chair of the Portland Trail Blazers, said: “The core of Chauncey’s leadership is his ability to build a collaborative culture and growth mindset for our young team. We’re very happy to extend his contract as head coach, and excited to see his continued work developing our players and transforming this team into one capable of long-term success.”

Portland was officially eliminated from playoff consideration last Sunday with the Sacramento Kings’ win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Blazers are currently slotted for the No. 9 selection in the NBA Draft, pending the outcome of the NBA Draft Lottery.

Editorial credit: Ridex Official / Shutterstock.com

The 89th playing of the Masters began on Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, which kicked-off with the annual ceremonial tee shot from Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson.

As the quest for the iconic green jacket began, England veteran Justin Rose took an early lead finished with 65 in the first round of the Masters — tying his career low on the course. Rose hit eight birdies to go seven-under par.

World No. 1 and reigning Masters champion Scottie Scheffler seeking to become just the fourth player to successfully defend his title, and the youngest player since Jack Nicklaus with three green jackets. Scheffler played his first nine in 3 under to match the tournament record for a defending champion, highlighted by a 60-footer for birdie at the par-3 fourth. Scheffler finished the 1st round 4-under.

Rory McIlroy, the sentimental choice with only a Masters title keeping him from the career Grand Slam, arrived at the par-5 15th hole at 4-under par.  However, a pair of double bogeys on No. 15 and No. 17 brought him to par, and erased his lead over the rest of the field — ending the day at an even 0.

The first two rounds of the Masters will be shown by ESPN, while CBS will pick up coverage for the final two rounds this weekend. Tournament coverage is also simulcast on Masters.com, the Masters app, ESPN+ and Paramount+ each day.

Editorial credit: world_pictures / Shutterstock.com

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Thursday that they have released kicker Matt Gay after two seasons with the team. The Colts save $2.75 million against the salary cap with the move, which also results in a $4 million dead money charge for the team. Gay’s release makes Spencer Shrader the lone kicker on the Colts’ roster.

This decision was surprising since Gay still has two years left on his four-year, $22.5 million contract, which he signed as a free agent before the 2023 season, making him the highest-paid kicker at the time.

Gay was a fifth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019,  playing there one season but producing his career lowest numbers. He went on to spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, helping them win the Super Bowl in the 2021 season, before joining the Colts.

Over 33 games with the Colts, Gay made 64 of 78 field goals (82.1 percent) and 68 of 69 PATs (98.6 percent. During the 2024 season, Gay made 31-of-37 field goal attempts for 83.8%. Across six seasons in his career, Gay has made 165-of-193 field goal attempts for an overall 85.5% completion rate. He’s made 206-of-214 extra point attempts.

Editorial credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com