Sports
Golf Glance: Masters spot on line in Houston; LPGA hits Arizona
Mar 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Min Woo Lee plays his shot from the ninth tee during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images One of the final Masters spots is on the line at this week’s PGA Tour stop in Houston, while the LPGA Tour hits Arizona, the DP World Tour continues its Asia Swing and the Champions visit southern California.
PGA TOUR
THIS WEEK: Texas Children’s Houston Open, March 26-29
Course: Memorial Park Golf Course (Par 70, 7,475 Yards)
Purse: $9.9M (Winner: $1.782M)
Defending Champion: Min Woo Lee
FedEx Cup Leader: Jacob Bridgeman
HOW TO FOLLOW
TV: Thursday-Friday: 3-7 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (GC), 3-6 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Streaming (ESPN+): Thursday-Sunday: 8:15 a.m.-7 p.m.
X: @TCHouOpen
NOTES: The field includes 18 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking. … The winner will earn a spot in the Masters next month if not already exempt. Thirty players in the field have already qualified to play at Augusta National. … World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler withdrew Tuesday due to the impending birth of his second child with his wife, Meredith. He was replaced in the field by Matt Kuchar. … Woo set the tournament scoring record at Memorial Park of 260 with his one-shot victory over Scheffler and Gary Woodland last year. … Brooks Koepka, who will be making his sixth start in his return to the PGA Tour, assisted in the 2019 renovation of Memorial Park along with Tom Doak and Houston Astros owner Jim Crane. … Sponsor exemptions include Texas A&M alum Bronson Burgoon, Texas alum Cole Hammer and Mason Howell, an 18-year-old who has committed to the University of Georgia.
BEST BETS: Lee (+1500 at DraftKings) is seeking to become the first player to successfully defend his title at Memorial Park. … Chris Gotterup (+2050) is a four-time PGA Tour winner and the only two-time winner on tour this year. … Sam Burns (+2350) bookended a pair of missed cuts with a T6 at Pebble Beach and a T13 at The Players. … Jake Knapp (+2400) is the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 42 who has yet to qualify for the Masters. … Michael Thorbjornsen (+3200) is still seeking his first win on tour, but played in the final group at The Players, carding a 77 to finish T22. … Marco Penge (+3200) is coming off a T4 last week, his best result so far in 2026 after winning the Open de Espana in October. … Sungjae Im (+6100) held the lead after each of the first three rounds last week before being undone by a 74 on Sunday that dropped him to T4.
Last Tournament: Valspar Championship (Matt Fitzpatrick)
Next Tournament: Valero Texas Open, San Antonio, April 2-5
LPGA TOUR
THIS WEEK: Ford Championship, Chandler, Ariz., March 26-29
Course: Whirlwind Golf Club, Cattail Course (Par 72, 6,675 Yards)
Purse: $2.25M
Defending Champion: Hyo Joo Kim
Race to CME Globe Leader: Nelly Korda
HOW TO FOLLOW:
TV: Thursday-Sunday: 6-7 p.m. ET (GolfChannel.com), 7-9 p.m. (Golf Channel)
X: @LPGA
NOTES: World No. 2 Nelly Korda, who won the inaugural Ford Championship in 2024, finished one shot off the lead last week to follow up her win in the weather-shortened Tournament of Champions. She is joined in this week’s field by World No. 1 Jenno Thitikul and No. 3 Charley Hull as well as her sister, Jessica, a six-time winner who will tee it up on the LPGA Tour for the first time since 2023. Jessica Korda, 33, has taken time off for maternity leave after recovering from a back injury. … Lizette Salas, who has been sidelined since 2024 due to her own back injury, is also in the field along with Lexi Thompson. … Kim overcame a four-shot deficit to win last year, beating Lilia Vu with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
Last Tournament: Fortinet Founders Cup (Kim)
Next Tournament: Aramco Championship, Las Vegas, April 2-5
DP WORLD TOUR
THIS WEEK: Hero Indian Open, New Delhi, March 26-29
Course: DLF G&CC (Par 72, 7,416 Yards)
Purse: $2.25M
Defending Champion: Eugenio Chacarra
Race to Dubai Leader: Patrick Reed
HOW TO FOLLOW
TV: Thursday-Friday: 3:30-8:30 a.m.; Saturday, 4-8:30 a.m.; Sunday: 2:30-7:30 a.m. (Golf Channel)
X: @DPWorldTour
NOTES: Chacarra won by two shots last year for his maiden DP World Tour title, and was one of only three players to finish under par. … Akshay Bhatia, who won the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this month, is in the field. … The is the second of the four-event Asia Swing, with DP World Tour members competing for a total prize fund of $10.6 million. … The player who finishes first in the Asia Swing will earn a place in all events in Phase Two of the DP World Tour season, the Back 9 and a $200,000 bonus. Japan’s Keita Nakajima won last year’s Asia Swing. … The three leading DP World Tour members will qualify for the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club from May 14-17.
Last Tournament: Hainan Classic (Jordan Gumberg)
Next Tournament: China Open, Shanghai, April 23-26
PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS
THIS WEEK: Hoag Classic, Newport Beach, Calif., March 27-29
Course: Newport Beach Country Club (Par 71, 6,725 Yards)
Purse: $2.2M (Winner: $330,000)
Defending Champion: Miguel Angel Jimenez
Charles Schwab Cup leader: Stewart Cink
HOW TO FOLLOW
TV: Friday: 3-6 p.m. ET (GolfChannel.com); 10 p.m.-Midnight (Golf Channel — Tape Delay); Saturday-Sunday: 4-5 p.m. (GolfChannel.com), 5-7 p.m. (Golf Channel)
X: @ChampionsTour
NOTES: This is the fifth of 28 events on the 2026 schedule. … Two-time event winner Ernie Els (2020, 2023) is in the field.
Last Tournament: Cologuard Classic (Steven Alker)
Next Tournament: Senior PGA Championship, Bradenton, Fla., April 16-19
LIV GOLF LEAGUE
THIS WEEK: OFF.
2026 Season Leaders: Individual: Jon Rahm; Team: Ripper GC
X: @livgolf_league
Last Event: LIV Golf South Africa (Individual: Bryson DeChambeau; Team: Crushers GC)
Next Event: LIV Golf Mexico City, April 16-19
–Field Level Media
Sports
Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. lands historic shoe deal
Feb 25, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives to the basket as Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) defends during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Arkansas All-American Darius Acuff Jr. has a deal with Reebok to become the first NCAA men’s athlete to land a signature shoe from a major U.S. brand while still in college.
Reebok head of basketball Jide Osifeso confirmed the historic agreement with ESPN on Tuesday.
A 19-year-old freshman for the Razorbacks, Acuff was named the 2025-26 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year after becoming the first player to lead the league in points and assists per game since LSU legend Pete Maravich in 1969-70.
After winning the SEC tournament, Arkansas has reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 4 seed. The Razorbacks (28-8) face West Region No. 1 seed Arizona (34-2) on Thursday night in San Jose, Calif.
The 6-foot-3 Acuff is averaging 23.3 points, 6.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 35 games (all starts) this season while shooting 44.6% from 3-point range.
The Detroit native is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Acuff becomes the first men’s basketball player to receive a signature shoe with Reebok since John Wall, according to ESPN.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Montreal signs Team Italy captain Nadia Mattivi
Feb 9, 2026; Milan, Italy; Nadia Mattivi of Italy celebrates after the match against Japan in women’s ice hockey group B play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images The Montreal Victoire signed Italian national team captain Nadia Mattivi to her first PWHL contract.
The 25-year-old defender played at Boston University before launching her pro career in Sweden, where she was the league’s Defender of the Year in 2024-25.
Mattivi tallied two assists in five games for the host country at last month’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, advancing to the quarterfinals.
“Nadia is coming off an excellent season in Sweden and also performed very well at Milano-Cortina, and we are happy to have her join our team,” said Victoire general manager Daniele Sauvageau, who was also the GM of the Italian team.
Also on Monday, the Victoire placed captain Marie-Philip Poulin on long-term injured reserve. The 34-year-old Canadian center has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since March 15 and is eligible to return to the lineup on April 5.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Buccaneers LB Lavonte David retires after 14 seasons
Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement Tuesday after spending his entire 14-year career with the franchise.
David, 36, was a 12-time team captain and Super Bowl LV champion who tied Derrick Brooks’ team record with 1,714 career tackles.
“It’s time,” David told Sports Illustrated. “I’ve been playing football since I was 6 years old. Thirty years straight of football. I never missed a year. A lot of time, man. When it’s time, when you know, you know. I always wanted to be a guy who wanted to retire on my own terms. Right now is the perfect opportunity for that. I give glory to God for me to be able to play football for this long.
“For me, man, 14 years (in the NFL) is enough. I’m comfortable with my decision. I’m satisfied with my career. When I first got into the league, I never, never, ever in a million years expected to play 14 years at a high level for the same organization. And it’s something that doesn’t come around often. I think it’s time that I hang it up and let the next generation of players come in and take over the game.”
David is also the Bucs’ all-time leader in tackles for loss (177), forced fumbles (33) and fumble recoveries (21) and ranks third in games played and started (215).
“For the past 14 seasons, Lavonte David has personified what it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. He was a selfless leader both on and off the field, playing with passion and a genuine love for the game. He leaves a legacy as a Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest players in franchise history, setting a standard that will continue to impact our organization for years to come,” said a statement from the Glazer family, owners of the Buccaneers. “Today, we celebrate Lavonte’s legendary career as one of the most accomplished players of his era and thank him for the many memorable moments he provided our fans. Beyond the statistics and accolades, he will be remembered throughout Tampa Bay for his humble demeanor and strong commitment to our community. We wish him well on his journey after football and look forward to honoring his Hall of Fame-worthy achievements in the near future.”
David recorded 114 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries while starting all 17 games last season. It was his 12th season with triple-digit tackles.
“Lavonte’s mark on our franchise could never be overstated,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said. “For the entirety of his 14-year career, Lavonte set the standard for professionalism, leadership, and consistency. He embodies everything that it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer and he is undoubtedly one of the best players to ever put on this uniform. His contributions to our franchise, to his teammates and to this community will leave an impact far beyond his playing years.”
An All-Pro selection in 2013 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2015, David tallied 42.5 sacks and 14 interceptions since being selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Nebraska.
“Before I came to the Buccaneers, I always had immense respect for Lavonte as a special football player,” said Bucs head coach Todd Bowles. “Having had the fortune to coach him for the last seven seasons, I have also experienced the special person and leader he is. He has been the heart and soul of our defense and a Super Bowl champion on the way to being an eventual Hall of Famer. There isn’t anyone more respected by his teammates, and that respect extends to his peers and opposing coaches throughout the league. I, as well as everyone in this organization, will miss him tremendously.”
–Field Level Media
Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. lands historic shoe deal
Montreal signs Team Italy captain Nadia Mattivi
