Bay Area's Kailer Stone shares U.S. Junior lead; Charlie Woods fails to break 80
The 17-year-old from Alameda, California, is hoping to return to the Bay Area next month for the U.S. Amateur at Olympic Club as the champion of another prestigious junior championship.
Stone joined China's Qiyou Wu in shooting 5-under 66, the leading score in Monday's opening round of stroke play at the 77th U.S. Junior Amateur in Dallas. Stone, a Pepperdine commit, carded five birdies and no bogeys at Trinity Forest, which played over two shots tougher than its companion course, Brook Hollow.
Mason Howell, the Georgia commit who qualified for the U.S. Open earlier this summer, had the best score at Brook Hollow, a 3-under 67, along with fellow Georgia native Trace Carter.
Top-ranked junior Miles Russell shot 67 at Trinity Forest while defending U.S. Junior champion Trevor Gutschewski posted 68 at the former home of the PGA Tour's Byron Nelson event. The player Gutschewski beat in the final last July at Oakland Hills, Tennessee commit Tyler Watts, also shot 68 at Trinity Forest.
Other notables currently inside the match-play cutline include reigning U.S. Amateur Four-Ball champion and Vanderbilt commit Tyler Mawhinney (68-TF), North Carolina sophomore and Ukraine's Misha Golod (69-TF), Auburn signee Logan Reilly (71-TF), Vanderbilt commit Luke Colton (71-TF), Clemson signee Jackson Byrd (71-TF), Vanderbilt signee Michael Riebe (71-BH), Oklahoma State signee Henry Guan (71-BH) and Daniil Sokolov (71-TF), who is the first player from Qatar to play in a USGA championship.
Among those outside the cut line at the midway point of stroke-play qualifying are Cameron Kuchar (74-TF) and Charlie Woods (81-BH). Both of their dads, Matt and Tiger, were out watching their sons' rounds on Monday.
Woods, who missed the cut in last year's U.S. Junior debut, carded birdies on Nos. 18 and 9, but he also had four double bogeys, including three on the back nine, his opening side. He is currently T-242 out of 264 players and nine shots out of what would be a 30-for-8 playoff to get into the Round of 64.
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Forbes
12 minutes ago
- Forbes
What Venus Williams' DC Open Win Says About Women's Tennis
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 22: Venus Williams celebrates after winning a women's single match against ... More Peyton Stearns (not pictured) during on day 2 of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on July 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by) Venus Williams defeated Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open yesterday, becoming the oldest woman to win a WTA Tour match since Martina Navratilova (47) in 2004. Williams returned to tennis for the first time in 16 months. Two weeks ago, her WTA Tour profile listed her as inactive. In the last two years, Venus appeared in more fashion shows than tennis matches. This week, Venus won two matches in two days, including one in doubles with Hailey Baptiste. "There are no limits for excellence," Williams told WTA staff after the match. "It's all about what's in your head and how much you're able to put into it. If you put in the work mentally, physically, and emotionally, then you can have the result." What does it say about the state of women's tennis that an inactive 45-year-old, wearing a black turtleneck dress in the smoldering Washington, D.C. heat, can defeat a 23-year-old player ranked No. 35? Is Venus' talent timeless and so elite that it dwarfs what's considered good play on the WTA today? Has the WTA, sans the Williams sisters, fallen victim to parity or mediocrity? Maybe Venus' victory is merely a moment in time, like Jimmy Connors in the 1991 U.S. Open. Connors was 39, ranked No. 174 and reached the semifinals. PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 23: Venus Williams walks the runway during Vogue World: Paris at Place Vendome ... More on June 23, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo byfor Vogue) Next up for Williams is No. 24 Magdalena Frech, who defeated Yuliaa Starodubtseva, 6-2, 6-4. This will be Venus' first meeting against Frech. Venus took a wildcard to enter the DC Open, a standing offer from tournament chairman Mark Ein, a personal friend. In March, there were rumors that Venus accepted a wildcard to play at Indian Wells, but she declined. Fans saw Venus frequently during the French Open as part of TNT Sports' coverage. As soon as word spread about Venus accepting the wildcard to the DC Open, fans and journalists debated whether an unranked 45-year-old who last won a match in 2023 should get a free pass into the main draw. Venus dismissed the controversy, telling journalists, "I'm not here for anyone else, except for me, and I also have nothing to prove. Zip, zero." Venus Williams Holds Back Father Time WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 22: Venus Williams returns a shot against Peyton Stearns (not pictured) during ... More a women's single match on day 2 of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on July 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by) Father Time is undefeated and a few months ago, Venus looked as if she'd come to terms with the aging state of her game. However, her fiancé, actor Andrea Preti, who'd never seen her play live, encouraged Venus to return to tennis. 'I haven't played in a year. There is no doubt I can play tennis, but obviously coming back to play matches, it takes time to get in the swing of things,' Venus told reporters during a pre-tournament press conference. 'I definitely feel I'll play well. I'm still the same player. I'm a big hitter. I hit big. This is my brand.' Serena became the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam when she defeated Venus in the final of the 2017 Australian Open. Serena was 35 years and 124 days old. Venus is ten years older than that. On Monday, Stan Wawrinka, 40, became the fourth youngest man to win an ATP Tour match. Connors (42 years and 9 months) is the oldest. Wawrinka has been playing matches regularly and defeated Swiss player Alvaro Guillén Meza, a player ranked No. 244 who spends most of his time on the Challenger's Tour. Meza's career high is No. 175. He's 0-2 in ATP level matches this year. Stearns reached a career-high No. 28 in May. She defeated Naomi Osaka and Elina Svitolina en route to the semifinals in Rome. That's a 1000-level event, not the Challenger Tour. What Venus pulled off would be like if Roger Federer, 43, came out of retirement and beat the ATP's No. 35, Gabriel Diallo, 23, in straight sets. Diallo is playing in the DC Open, won his match in straight sets and faces Ben Shelton in the third round. How Venus Williams Defeated Peyton Stearns WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 22: Peyton Stearns reacts after losing a point against Venus Williams (not ... More pictured) during a women's single match on day 2 of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on July 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by) Stearns had a shaky start. But so did Venus, who was broken at love in the first game. Despite carrying a few extra pounds, Venus's footwork was efficient. She didn't chase down every ball, but approached the net when prudent, showcasing her solid volleys. She still covers the net well. Williams has one of the best serves in the history of the game. And she hit nine aces, leaving Stearns awestruck, jaw dropped in disbelief. Williams won 71 percent of her first-serve points. "I think it was a big win for me today. Like I said, it's not easy. It won't be easy. It's not easy for anyone out here. So I know I'll have to fight for every match, but I'm up for that," said Venus. Did Venus Williams Expose A Weak WTA? Anytime there is a debate about the greatest of all time, people say it's impossible to compare eras. But Venus' career spans three eras. She turned pro in 1994, when Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Navratilova still were on the tour. Stearns was born in October 2001, when Venus was No. 2 and the reigning U.S. Open champion. Yet, today's tour, where Stearns is a tough out, isn't much different from the way it looked three years ago when Venus regularly lost opening-round matches. Between 2022 and 2024, Venus had a 3-13 record. Venus went winless in 2023, the year Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff finished the season ranked No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Currently, Sabalenka, Gauff, and Swiatek are ranked, 1, 2 and 3. None of them are playing in the Citi Open. Perhaps Stearns' loss says more about Venus' skill set. A player with a big serve who can hit winners from both wings will always be competitive. Stearns hadn't faced Venus before. Stearns plays on a tour with big hitters, like Elena Rybakina and Sabalenka. Yet, the weight of Venus' ball seemed to surprise Stearns. Rybakina and Sabalenka hit flat balls and are like pitchers throwing fastballs. Venus serves a fastball with heavy topspin. Venus and Serena play like pitchers with curve and knuckle balls that fly like at a fastball. Stearns is not used to that. WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 22: Venus Williams reacts after winning a women's single match against Peyton ... More Stearns (not pictured) during on day 2 of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on July 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by) Swiatek hits with massive topspin. Her first serve is decent, but her second serve is attackable and not coming from a 6'1" trajectory. Gauff is one of the best movers in the game. She can produce topspin, and she has great hands at the net. But her serve is unreliable. Venus brings the entire package, and that might be what's missing from the WTA. Could Gauff, a great mover, with an all-court game but a shaky serve, win two Grand Slam titles in the Williams sisters' era? Elena Dementieva never did. Maybe it's the Williams-level resilience missing. Getting to the top is not as difficult as staying there. "It doesn't matter how many times you fall down. Doesn't matter how many times you get sick or get hurt or whatever it is. If you continue to believe and put in the work, there is an opportunity, there is space for you," said Venus. Take Grand Slam champions Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka, who will meet in the second round of the DC Open. These champions are struggling to secure enough wins to return to the Top 20. They are in their 20s. At their age, Venus and Serena were trading victory and runner-up speeches in tournament finals. Raducanu and Osaka have victories over Serena. But that was the post-pregnancy Serena. Raducanu's run at the US Open happened in a Williams-less draw. During the pre-tournament press conference, Venus talked about wanting her sister Serena to join her on the tour. If Venus can beat a Top 35 player in straight sets, so can Serena. Regardless, the Williams sisters have nothing to prove. Venus' victory over Stearns puts the burden of proof on the rest of the WTA players.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Best PGA Tour Tournament Event
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While the professional-amateur duos hit the links, spectators can sip cold drinks from the viewing decks or enjoy games in Triangle Plaza. Want to say you played at the tournament? Test your skills on the custom putt-putt course, then snap a photo with a trophy. BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club Owings Mills, MD Photo courtesy of Phonphipat Sukkasem/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Phonphipat Sukkasem/iStock by Getty Images Higher stakes, taller grandstands, larger crowds—everything is bigger at the BMW Championship. One of the final stops on the road to the PGA Tour playoffs, this tournament pits the top 50 competitors chasing the FedExCup head to head. Cave Valley Golf Club's gentle rolling hills provide the perfect base for 20- to 30-foot stands, which are a must when 100K spectators are expected. PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Charlotte, NC Photo courtesy of ImagineGolf/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of ImagineGolf/iStock by Getty Images As a long-time venue to a variety of PGA Tour events, Quail Hollow Club provides a familiar layout for many competitors. But experience on this historic course isn't enough to win the Wanamaker Trophy. This PGA Championship is for pros only, meaning fans can expect closer scores and dramatic finishes, no matter which course hosts this major in any given year. RBC Heritage Hilton Head Island, SC Photo courtesy of William Reagan/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of William Reagan/iStock by Getty Images The RBC Heritage is all about tradition. Not only has the annual competition been hosted by Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island since its inception in 1969, the festivities begin with a parade and a ceremonial tee shot into the adjacent sound (accompanied by a cannon blast, no less). With broadcasts in more than 200 countries and over 100 thousand spectators every year, it's undoubtedly a fan favorite. Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black Course Farmingdale, NY Image courtesy of the Ryder Cup Image courtesy of the Ryder Cup Known for its extreme difficulty, the Bethpage State Park Black Course offers the perfect setting for the 2025 Ryder Cup. The best golfers from the US and Europe have faced off in this exhibition tournament since 1927. While no prize money is at stake, pride is, and weekend draws plenty of international coverage and sponsorships. Want to play on the same greens as the pros? Bethpage's courses are open to the public. Texas Children's Houston Open Houston, TX Photo courtesy of mrcmos/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of mrcmos/iStock by Getty Images Following its 2019 renovations, Memorial Park Golf Course has become a premier municipal golf course worthy of pro-level play. 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NBC Sports
2 hours ago
- NBC Sports
Historic win by Venus Williams resonates and shows there are no limits for excellence
WASHINGTON — There are plenty of reasons why this particular victory by Venus Williams in this particular tennis match — just one of hundreds — resonated with so many folks. That she's 45, for one thing. Only one woman, Martina Navratilova, ever has won a tour-level singles match while older; her last victory came at 47 in 2004. That Williams hadn't entered a tournament anywhere in 16 months. That she needed surgery for uterine fibroids. And when asked Tuesday night after beating her 23-year-old opponent, Peyton Stearns, 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open what message others might take away from that performance and that result, Williams was quick to provide an answer. 'There are no limits for excellence. It's all about what's in your head and how much you're able to put into it. If you put in the work mentally, physically, and emotionally, then you can have the result,' she said. 'It doesn't matter how many times you fall down. Doesn't matter how many times you get sick or get hurt or whatever it is. If you continue to believe and put in the work, there is an opportunity, there is space, for you.' Williams has been winning at tennis for decades. Her pro debut came when she was 14. Her first Grand Slam title came at Wimbledon in 2000, less than a month after her 20th birthday. She accumulated four major singles trophies before Stearns was born and eventually wound up with seven, five at Wimbledon and two at the U.S. Open, plus another 14 in women's doubles — all with her sister Serena — and two in mixed doubles. 'I have so much respect for her to come back here and play, win or lose. That takes a lot of guts to step back onto court, especially with what she's done for the sport,' said Stearns, who is ranked 35th and won NCAA singles and team titles at the University of Texas. 'You have a lot behind you. You have accomplished a lot. And there is a lot of pressure on her and to kind of upkeep that at this age. So massive credit to her for that.' There were challenges along the way for Williams, none more public than the diagnosis in 2011 of Sjögren's syndrome, an energy-sapping auto-immune disease that can cause joint pain. More recent was the pain from fibroids — noncancerous growths — and shortly before the DC Open, Williams said: 'Where I am at this year is so much different (from) where I was at last year. It's night and day, being able to be here and prepare for the tournament as opposed to preparing for surgery.' As thrilled as the spectators — 'Who I love, and they love me,' Williams said — were to be able to watch, and pull, for her under the lights Tuesday, other players were rather excited about it, too. 'I commend her so much for being out here,' said Taylor Townsend. Naomi Osaka's take: 'She's, like, the queen. There's a royal air around her.' 'She's one of the best athletes of all time,' Frances Tiafoe said. 'Her and her sister, they're not only great for the women's game, not only great for women's sports, but they are so iconic.' Yet, there were some on social media who wondered whether it made sense for the tournament to award a wild-card entry to Williams instead of an up-and-coming player. DC Open chairman Mark Ein said it took him about two seconds to respond 'Of course' when Williams' representative reached out in April to ask whether a spot in the field might be a possibility. A reporter wanted to know Tuesday whether Williams took any satisfaction from proving doubters wrong. 'No, because I'm not here for anyone else except for me. And I also have nothing to prove. Zip. Zero. I'm here for me, because I want to be here,' she said. 'And proving anyone wrong or thinking about anyone has never gotten me a win and has never gotten me a loss.'
