Steven Alker of New Zealand posted a 3-under-par 69 as he cruised to a seven-shot victory at the Simmons Bank Championship on Sunday in Little Rock, Arkansas.

At the penultimate event of the PGA Tour Champions season, Alker vaulted from fourth to first place in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup standings.

He's now in position to win his third Schwab Cup in four years.

Pure domination in Little Rock 💪

Steven Alker is the champion at the Simmons Bank Championship! pic.twitter.com/ATf2jtLC0N

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 26, 2025

Alker won the season-long title in 2022, his first full year on the tour, and again in 2024 when he held off South Africa's Ernie Els in points late in the year.

"Obviously you want to be as far ahead as you can," Alker said. "I know there's not much gap, there's probably five, six guys who can win it. So again, it happens every year apart from (Steve) Stricker a couple years ago. I've been there, I know what it feels like and got it done, so hey, we'll just get working on the game."

Alker finished the three-day event at Pleasant Valley Country Club with a 20-under-par 196. Buoyed by an opening-day 61, he entered Sunday with a five-stroke advantage on his way to a wire-to-wire victory.

There's a new No. 1 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings after @SBGolfChamp 👀

The moment Steven Alker secured the win in Little Rock 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KDb2nRJwdc

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 26, 2025

Richard Green of Australia (66) and Tag Ridings (71) tied for second at 13 under par. Stewart Cink (69) was alone in fourth at 11 under.

Alker made his first bogey of the tournament at the par-4 ninth but erased it at the very next hole.

On his third shot at the par-5 10th, Alker flipped a wedge shot onto the green, and after the ball's second hop it backspun straight into the cup for eagle.

"That bogey actually annoyed me because it was my first one of the week, and holed that shot (at No 10) and I hit some beautiful shots on the next couple holes as well," Stricker said. "Just kind of got me fired up a little bit I think, that was it. I hit – it's hard to, you're so far ahead to just keep those targets, keep firing at them."

Win No. 10 on PGA TOUR Champions for Steven Alker🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/sKUcfbhZjx

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 26, 2025

Alker birdied the next two holes before making bogeys at Nos. 13 and 17 coming in.

Ridings made the biggest jump in the Schwab Cup standings. He entered the week on the bubble in the 35th spot – only the top 36 qualify for next month's Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix.

Ridings' stellar week, which began with two rounds of 66, rocketed him up to 22nd place and locked up his berth in the season finale.

Dicky Pride entered the week in the 37th place in the standings and didn't do enough to surpass No 36 Tommy Gainey for the last spot in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Gainey went 6 under for the week and Pride finished back at 3 under.

Alker unseated Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez for first place. Jimenez, Cink, Els and Denmark's Thomas Bjorn round out the top five in points entering the season finale.

Minjee Lee led the way as Australia stunned the United States in the final to win the LPGA Tour's International Crown for the first time on Sunday in South Korea.

The Australians clinched victory in the biennial team golf trophy when world No 3 Lee beat Angel Yin and Hannah Green downed Yealimi Noh in their singles matches, both 2 and 1.

Steph Kyriacou and Grace Kim tied their foursomes match with Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin, but by that time, the result was already in the bag.

Lee, a three-time major winner, said the team nature of the victory made it even more special.

The moment Team Aussie claimed the crown 👑🏆 pic.twitter.com/xor12WPGXR

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 26, 2025

"I'm so happy that I could do it with these girls, it was just a lot of fun this whole week," she said.

"Playing match play is something different and we don't get to do it too often."

Lee came through a close battle with Yin, with neither player managing to edge more than one ahead until the Australian broke clear at the end.

Kyriacou said the Australians had to dig deep to lift the trophy in their fifth appearance in the competition, including a runner-up finish to Thailand two years ago.

"In a lot of our matches, we were behind the eight-ball, especially going into the back nine," said Kyriacou.

"We managed to come back in every match with me and Gracey.

"I think having grit throughout the week got us over the line."

Australia beat the World team in Sunday morning's semifinals while the Americans got the better of Japan.

The World team beat Japan for third place after singles wins for England's Charley Hull and New Zealand's Lydia Ko over Ayake Furue and Rio Takeda respectively.

Mao Saigo and Miyu Yamashita beat Taiwan's Hsu Wei-ling and Canada's Brooke Henderson in the foursomes match.

Thailand, China, South Korea and Sweden were eliminated in the pool stage.

An emotional Miguel Tabuena fell to his knees and kissed the turf at his home Sta. Elena Golf Club after winning the International Series Philippines on Sunday for the biggest victory of his career.

A brilliant third straight round of seven-under 65, including a spectacular chip-in for birdie at the 15th, saw the Filipino stretch away to 24-under par and win by three strokes.

For the flag. For the fans. For history. 🇵🇭@migueltabuena becomes the first Filipino to win an International Series title, and he did it right here at home. 🏆

What a defining moment for Philippine golf! ⛳️#InternationalSeries #ThisISEverything #TimeToRise pic.twitter.com/xG8WEONlbA

— Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) October 26, 2025

The Japanese pair of Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67) finished joint second on 21-under to head a high-quality chasing pack.

But the day was all about local hero Tabuena, playing with a colossal weight of expectation on his shoulders at his home course in front of family, friends and large crowds following his every move.

The 31-year-old held his nerve until the final putt for par was safely in the cup.

"I'm still on a high right now," said Tabuena, his voice cracking with exhaustion, elation and pure emotion.

"I've always wanted to get my hands on one of these trophies and it was nice that the first one is at home, in my home club.

"I'm so thankful for everyone who came out, my family, my friends."

It was his fourth win on the Asian Tour but first on the elevated International Series of $2 million events bankrolled by LIV Golf.

'DREAM COME TRUE'

Tabuena dominated a loaded field containing four major champions to carry away the sparkling new trophy and a cheque for $360 000.

"I'm speechless right now and exhausted, but I'm glad that we were able to get it done this week."

The final group all started on 17-under par and it was Tabuena who made the early move with birdies at the second and third.

The challenge from playing partners Sarit Suwannarut and Sampson Zheng melted away as they both carded 69 to finish at 20-under par in a share of fourth.

It was a second successive Sunday of disappointment for Thailand's Sarit, who began last week's final round of the Macau Open with a two-shot lead only to card a three-over 73 and finish fourth.

Tabuena moves to second in the International Series order of merit with three events to play.

The series winner will be granted a place on the LIV Golf league roster for 2026.

"It's certainly different playing at home," said Tabuena, who shed more tears as he was hugged by his mother Lorna, father Luigi, wife Sandra and 22-month-old daughter Paloma on the 18th green.

"It's a dream come true. It's special."

It was the most prestigious tournament ever staged in the Philippines, but none of the major winners managed to make a run at Tabuena.

Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 US Masters champion, was the best of them as a final-round 68 took him to 14-under par and a share of 12th.

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson was a shot further back after a 6,7 and the 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed finished on 11-under after a 70.

Steven Alker maintained his sizable lead in the second round of the Simmons Bank Championship Saturday in Little Rock, Arkansas, by going bogey-free for the second straight day.

After posting an 11-under-par 61 on Friday, Alker shot 6 under on Saturday to enter the final round with a five-stroke lead at 17 under at Pleasant Valley Country Club.

The New Zealander's day included three straight birdies on Holes 6-8 and then birdies on 16 and 18 to close out his round.

What a finish for Steven Alker‼️

The defending Charles Schwab Cup champion is heading into Sunday @SBGolfChamp with a five(!) shot lead. pic.twitter.com/IbpPoB5ENS

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 25, 2025

Through two rounds of the event, he's tallied 17 birdies and no scores worse than par.

"I had a little goal going out, just keep my nose clean again, not make any bogeys. So, if you're giving away shots, you're giving away shots to the guys. I did that today, which I was really pleased with," Alker said after his round.

"Then (I) threw some birdies in there. ... My lead was 5 going out and I've still got it, so that's nice."

Alker, who won the Charles Schwab Cup in 2022 and 2024, began the week in fourth place in this year's standings.

Should he preserve this lead, he's projected to move atop the leaderboard entering next month's playoff finale, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix.

He's not taking it easy going into Sunday's final round.

"I don't shoot (low), someone else might," Alker said. "I have that mentality of just kind of staying patient but kind of conservatively aggressive, taking my chances where I can because there's a low round out there. Someone can hunt me down pretty quick."

Tag Ridings, who posted his second straight 6 under score Saturday, is alone in second place at 12 under, tying with Alker for the low round of the day.

He entered the weekend firmly on the bubble for the final playoff event, ranking 35th with only the top 36 of the 54 golfers competing this weekend advancing to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

Ridings is now projected to sit 22nd in the standings should he remain in second place.

"It's really nice to play some solid back-to-back rounds without really – I've hit some poor shots but I've gotten away with them," Ridings said. "I've worked hard to get a lot of pars out of it. That's been nice, especially on a hard golf course."

Justin Leonard sits in third place at 10 under after shooting 4 under on Saturday. Cameron Percy and Greg Chalmers of Australia as well as Stewart Cink are tied for fourth at 8 under.

Cink entered the week second in the Charles Schwab Cup standings while current leader Miguel Angel Jimenez has struggled this week, tied for 30th at 1 under.

Miguel Tabuena held his nerve to sink a 10-foot par putt at the 18th Saturday and complete a third round of seven-under-par 65 that put him in a three-way tie for the lead at the International Series Philippines.

Tabuena followed his hole-in-one Friday with two eagles and three birdies to electrify the Filipino fans for a second day running at his home Sta. Elena Golf Club, south of Manila.

He moved to 17-under par, level with overnight leader Sarit Suwannarut of Thailand, who shot 69, and Sampson Zheng of China, who carded the round of the day, a brilliant 10-under 62.

We have a three-way tie after 54 holes at the International Series Philippines ⛳ 🇵🇭

How will the drama unfold on Sunday?https://t.co/QQChqRqIrM #InternationalSeries #ThisISEverything #TimeToRise pic.twitter.com/QRUf3jHaSF

— Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) October 25, 2025

They will form the final group on Sunday, but it is the Filipino, Tabuena, who will carry home hopes as he chases glory in the $2 million elevated Asian Tour event.

"It was crazy. I haven't played in front of that many people for a long time," Tabuena, a three-time winner on the Asian Tour, said after his second successive 65.

"It makes it even more special that it is in the Philippines."

The powerful Zheng had eight birdies and an eagle in a sparkling 62, which enabled him to come from seven shots behind Sarit at the start of the day and muscle into Sunday's final group.

"Just hit a lot of greens and made a lot of putts," said Zheng, who improved on his second-round 66.

"The last two days I've played some tremendous golf, so if I could repeat that, that would be the goal."

'TOUGH ONE'

Sarit went into the final round of the Macau Open a week ago with a two-shot lead only to card a three-over 73 and finish fourth.

He began his round on Saturday with a four-shot cushion but saw it whittled away by the charging Zheng and playing partner Tabuena.

"Ah, it was tough one," Sarit admitted after a round that featured five birdies and two bogeys.

"I mean, I didn't hit my driver as good as the first two days, and the pins were a little bit tougher. I'll say overall solid, but not as good as I want."

Lurking one stroke behind the leading trio is Japan's Yosuke Asaji, who was level par for his round at the turn but blitzed the back nine with seven birdies in a 65 that took him to 16-under par.

South Africa's Dean Burmester (65) and Japan's Kazuki Higa (68) are two strokes further back in a tie for fifth at 14-under par.

The major winners playing this week in the most prestigious tournament ever staged in the Philippines failed to make a third-round impact.

The 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed had a 71 that took him to nine-under, one ahead of fellow American and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson, who shot 68.

Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 US Masters champion from South Africa, carded a three-under 69 to get to 10-under.

Players who sign with LIV Golf beginning in 2026 will have increased responsibilities beyond the league's 14 annual events.

Newly contracted players will also be expected to play a minimum of two International Series events on the Asian Tour, according to a report by Flushing It.

While many players already compete in multiple Asian Tour events on their own, the new requirement further strengthens the partnership between LIV Golf and the International Series.

LIV's indemnity policy that covers fines imposed on its players by the DP World Tour expires at the end of 2025, which could lead to more players competing on the Asian Tour. The International Series also affords the critical opportunity for LIV players to earn Official World Golf Ranking points.

The International Series is a slate of events that offers a pathway to promotion to LIV.

The sixth of nine 2026 tournament begins in the Philippines on Thursday, and features a $2 million prize fund along with a field that includes 15 LIV players.

Among them are Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen.

At least six LIV Golf roster spots remain open for the 2026 season.

While many of them are expected to be filled by re-signing players on expiring contracts, Cleeks captain Martin Kaymer said earlier this month that he has heard from several DP World Tour players who are interested in making the move to the Saudi-backed league.

LIV Golf's fifth season is scheduled to begin 5-7 February, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Veteran Angelo Que said Wednesday that the high quality of the field for this week's Asian Tour event made it "like a major" for him and his fellow Filipino golfers.

Former Masters champions Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson and Charl Schwartzel, plus 2010 British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen, lead the most prestigious line-up ever assembled for a golf tournament in the Philippines.

Que, a 46-year-old three-time winner on the Asian Tour, said he was honoured to be teeing up alongside golfing royalty in the inaugural International Series Philippines, beginning Thursday.

The tournament is one of nine enhanced events of the Asian Tour this season that carry a $2 million prize fund, far bigger than regular Asian Tour events.

"The International Series is on a different level when it comes to competition," Que told reporters at Sta. Elena Golf Club, south of Manila.

"The level of play with these players are so different. It's just another event for them. But to us, yes, it is somewhat like a major."

Johnson, a former world No 1, is impressed with the entry list.

"It's my first time playing in the Philippines," he said.

"The field is really good, a lot of great players, major winners, quality golfers.

"Hopefully this becomes something bigger in the future."

Reed has played all over the world and is a regular visitor to Asia, where he will defend his Hong Kong Open title next week.

Despite being one of golf's most global travellers he is happy to still find fresh frontiers to conquer.

"It's awesome to find new venues and new places, especially in this part of the world," Reed said.

"I'm excited to be here in the Philippines for my first time and hopefully in the future we'll see even more new venues helping expand the game."

Miguel Tabuena, currently in the top 25 of the Asian Tour order of merit, is playing on his home course this week.

"I'd be lying if I said there's no added pressure, there is," said Tabuena.

"But you have to treat it like any other event and not let the pressure break you. Of course there's pressure. You can't avoid it. You have to face it head-on and just let it happen.

"This is where I grew up playing. I'm very proud that Sta. Elena is actually hosting this event.

"It's the biggest event that we've ever had in the Philippines."

South Korea's Kim Sei-young won her first LPGA title in five years when she triumphed on home soil by four strokes at the BMW Ladies Championship on Sunday.

Kim led from the first round to the last at Pine Beach Golf Links on the southwestern tip of South Korea, lifting the trophy after finishing ahead of Japan's Nasa Hataoka.

It was the 32-year-old's first title since 2020, the year she won her only major at the Women's PGA Championship and was also crowned LPGA player of the year.

Lucky No. 13 in front of a home crowd 🏆 pic.twitter.com/sri4Er8whq

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 19, 2025

Kim started the final day with a four-shot lead but a bogey on the third hole gave the chasing pack hope.

She soon snuffed that out by rattling in six birdies, including three on consecutive holes on the way to a five-under-par final round score of 67.

Nothing like being back on top 🏆 👊 pic.twitter.com/HehpXvrWUH

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 19, 2025

It gave her the 13th win of her career on the LPGA Tour and the first in her native South Korea.

It also meant there have now been 27 different winners on the tour this season, setting a new record.

Hataoka made a late charge with four birdies on the final five holes but by that time Kim was out of sight.

American Yealimi Noh, who began the final round tied for second with Hataoka, finished in a tie for fifth with defending champion Hannah Green of Australia.

South Korea's Kim A-lim and France's Celine Boutier tied for third, six strokes behind the winner.

Sei Young Kim carded a 3-under-par 69 on Saturday to carry a four-stroke lead heading into the final round of the BMW Ladies Championship in Haenam, South Korea.

Kim benefited from an eagle on the 17th hole to highlight an eventful day in which she had five birdies against four bogeys at Pine Beach Golf Links.

Sei Young Kim extends her lead to FIVE with an eagle at 17 🖐️🔥 pic.twitter.com/fAo9ZtFSVW

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 18, 2025

The Korean broke the 54-hole tournament scoring record with her three-day total of 19-under 197, and she is on pace to break the 72-hole mark of 266, set by Jin Young Ko and Hee Jeong Lim in 2021 at LPGA International Busan.

Kim is bidding for her 13th LPGA Tour victory of her career and first since 2020.

She is four shots better than Yealimi Noh (67 on Saturday) and Japan's Nasa Hataoka (69).

Kim, however, said she is not trying to get ahead of herself.

"You just have to deal with the situation, whichever that you have, so that's – I think that's the homework that I have for (Sunday), and it's really a fight against myself," she said. "I think that applies to all sports games. I hope to succeed at that (on Sunday)."

This marks the second time that Kim has led or shared the lead after the first, second and third rounds of the same tournament on the LPGA Tour. She went on to win the other occasion, the 2019 CME Group Tour Championship.

Noh registered six birdies against one bogey on Saturday to keep Kim in her sights. The American is hoping to draw off her victory earlier this season at the Founders Cup.

"Just so much confidence, confidence that I really needed. And then it was a great start to the year," Noh said of that win in February. "Obviously being one of the first events, and it just helped me keep that momentum and get it back this time of the year, too."

American Brooke Matthews (74) triple-bogeyed the par-3 15th hole to fall six strokes back of Kim and into a tie for fourth place with South Korean Somi Lee (67), France's Celine Boutier (69) and Japan's Rio Takeda (72).

Korean A Lim Kim (68) and Sweden's Linn Grant (69) are tied for eighth at 12-under, one shot ahead of defending champion Hannah Green (68) and fellow Australian Minjee Lee (71).

Korean Haeji Kang withdrew during the third round due to injury.

Sei Young Kim survives a blustery Moving Day and looks to close out a wire-to-wire win tomorrow 🔥

FULL LEADERBOARD ⬇️ https://t.co/OJvniT6K9j

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 18, 2025

Tiger Woods isn't committing to a return to competitive golf, but that doesn't mean he won't be involved in the sport.

Woods had been expected to make his presence known in the tech-infused TGL indoor golf league on 13 January as his team, Jupiter Links GC, tees off against New York Golf Club.

The 15-time major champion, however, provided a glimpse of his future schedule on Thursday with a response to a tweet from his TGL team.

Jupiter Links GC wished Woods a quick recovery following his seventh back surgery. The team capped off its tweet by noting that "Rest assured (golf personality and Jupiter Links ambassador Will Lowery) is taking great care of your clubs!"

"I'll be there for every match!" Woods responded. "Looking forward to seeing everyone on January 13th for our home opener. And (Will Lowery), hands off my sticks!"

I’ll be there for every match! Looking forward to seeing everyone on January 13th for our home opener. And @willlowerygolf, hands off my sticks!

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) October 16, 2025

Woods, 49, has been absent from PGA Tour-sanctioned tournaments since the Open Championship in July 2024.

TGL, founded by Woods, Rory McIlroy and Mike McCarley in partnership with the PGA Tour, completed its first season in early 2025.

Atlanta Drive GC defeated New York Golf Club to win the inaugural SoFi Cup.

Sei Young Kim matched the tournament record with a 10-under opening round at the BMW Ladies Championship on Thursday in Haenam, South Korea.

The Korean star carded eight birdies and an eagle, hit 12 of 14 fairways and stuck 17 of 18 greens in regulation to finish with a 62 at Pine Beach Golf Links.

Sei Young Kim stuns with an opening 62 🔥

FULL LEADERBOARD ⬇️ https://t.co/OJvniT6K9j

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 16, 2025

That matched the mark of 62 posted by Ashleigh Buhai in 2023 when it was played at Seowon Valley Country Club in Paju, South Korea.

After waiting out a one-hour weather delay, Kim bookended a brilliant round in front of friends and family with birdies at the first and 18th holes. She was 5-under from Nos. 6-9, including an eagle at the par-5 sixth.

"Yes, so this is near my hometown, so I have lots of family, my cousins, a lot of fans," Kim said.

"I had a great start from the first hole and all the way through 18th, getting a lot of support. The course is absolutely wonderful. The layout and the conditions of the course were great."

Sei Young Kim's putter was the difference maker in her opening round 62 💥

WATCH ⬇️ https://t.co/LburKDbxMn

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 16, 2025

Despite the sizzling start, the former Rolex Player of the Year is only one stroke ahead of compatriot Hyo Joo Kim.

She was also bogey-free, recording seven birdies and a 130-yard hole-out for eagle at the par-4 seventh hole.

Hyo Joo Kim was one of seven players to hit every fairway and shared the low for the round with only 25 putts. It was her lowest score on the LPGA Tour since 2019.

Lindy Duncan is two shots off the pace in solo third place after an 8-under 64.

She started on the back nine and put together two separate streaks of three consecutive birdies at Nos. 5-7 and Nos. 17, 18 and 1.

Duncan was one of four players to reach every green in regulation.

"I think 8-under might be my lowest on the LPGA," Duncan said. "It was a really great day, bogey-free, had a lot of birdie chances and converted a lot of them."

Tied for fourth at 7-under are Brooke Matthews, Thailand's Chanettee Wannasaen and Japan's Rio Takeda.

Defending champion Hannah Green of Australia eagled the 17th and finished with a 4-under 68, tied for 22nd with 10 others.

Lucy Li is part of that group at 4-under after making a hole-in-one with a 7-iron at the 13th hole.

"It was a good number into the wind. Hit it right at the pin," Li said. "Thought it might end up a little short but it went in. I just started freaking out."

Jeeno Thitikul overcame a four-stroke deficit with five holes to play, then outlasted Minami Katsu in a five-hole playoff to win the LPGA Shanghai tournament on Sunday.

 

Jeeno Thitikul becomes the first repeat winner of the season at the Buick LPGA Shanghai 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/UC9uwmFhJi

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 12, 2025

 

The world's top-ranked golfer, Thitikul bested the overnight leader in the playoff to become a six-time LPGA Tour winner and the first two-time tournament winner of the season.

Thitikul, of Thailand, collected an eagle and seven birdies to highlight a round of 9-under-par 63 on Sunday to finish the tournament at 24-under 264. The 22-year-old rolled in birdie putts on holes Nos. 14-16 before bouncing in an eagle on the 17th of Qizhong Garden Golf Club to draw even with Katsu, who shot a bogey-free 65 on Sunday.

Katsu narrowly missed birdie putts on two of her first four playoff holes before Thitikul sent an approach that landed three feet away from the cup on the fifth playoff hole, contested at the par-4 18th. Thitikul tapped it in to pocket the first-prize purse of $330 000 and record her first win since the Mizuho Americas Open in May.

It also helped take some of the sting away from her four-putt fiasco on the final hole at the Kroger Queen City Championship in Cincinnati last month.

"Definitely cried a lot. Not going lie, cried quite a lot," Thitikul said. "... I just kept (telling) myself – whatever is happening in dramatic events, not just Cincinnati, but in this year, I just told myself that I need to earn it by myself."

Thitikul's multiple wins this season were news to Katsu.

"I didn't know about that, there were no multiple winners this season. That was the first time I heard about that," the Japanese golfer said. "So a bit surprised about that. Also, it's very competitive out here and I feel like there is a chance for everyone. Everyone is grinding hard each day."

Three-time major champion Minjee Lee of Australia birdied four of her final five holes to card a 68 on Sunday and finish in third place at 19-under.

"Jeeno had 9-under and Minami had 7-under so I felt like I got outplayed today, and I definitely did," Lee said. "It was kind of cool to see on 17 just the chip-in and obviously the putt going in for eagle. So, yeah, no, I think it was fun to watch them. They're so young and just starting their – well, I don't know if they're starting their careers, but feels like I've been out there much longer than them."

American Jenny Bae (69) tied for fourth place with Miyu Yamashita (67) of Japan and Somi Lee (69) of South Korea at 17-under.

Defending champion Ruoning Yin of China ended up in a tie for 26th place after her final round of 68. She was making her first start since the AIG Women's Open in August.

Alex Cejka of Germany fired a 6-under 66 – the lowest score of the second round – on Saturday to vault atop the leaderboard by three shots at the PGA Tour Champions' SAS Championship in Cary, N.C.

Cejka notched a double eagle on the par-5 No 7 hole, then closed his strong round with two of his five birdies to complete a seven-spot leap on the leaderboard. Countryman Bernhard Langer is three shots back entering the final round following a 2-under 70, which included birdies on Nos. 11 and 17 at Prestonwood Country Club.

"I want to say, I guess, a lucky day," Cejka said. "I hit a lot of good shots, but you've still got to make the birdies. I drove it well. It's a little bit easier on this golf course out of that rough in those conditions to hit it from the fairway, so I really drove it well. ... I missed a couple greens but made great up-and-downs so that kept the momentum going a little bit."

"Don't jump the gun. It would be awesome ... We've got to grind and play 18 more holes and then we'll see what happens." @AlexCejka is seeking his first win since 2023 @SASChampionship and he knows to take it just one hole at a time. https://t.co/J82A0evsEq pic.twitter.com/yHoLS50mvr

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 11, 2025

South Korea's Charlie Wi is four shots off the pace after his second straight 70, while first-round co-leader Robert Karlsson (73 on Saturday) is tied for fourth along with South Africa's Retief Goosen (70) and New Zealand's Steve Alker (72).

Australia's Cameron Pearcy moved up 20 spots with a 3-under 69 and leads a group of five players tied for seventh, six shots off the lead.

Stewart Cink and Ireland's Padraig Harington, who also shared the lead, struggled mightily on Saturday, as Cink dropped into a tie for 49th after shooting a 8-over 80. Harrington (4-over 76), meanwhile, tumbled into a tie for 20th. Chad Campbell, who also held a piece of the lead after the opening round, is tied for 12th after posting a second-round 75.

The SAS Championship is the final event before the Champions' three-event playoff to determine the winner of the Charles Schwab Cup. The top 72 players in the Charles Schwab Cup points standings after this weekend will advance to the first playoff event, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic next weekend in Richmond, Va.

Cejka, 54, is seeking his fourth victory on the PGA Tour Champions circuit and his first since The Senior Open Championship in July 2023. After opening the round with four straight pars, he birdied the No 5 hole, followed by his double eagle and another birdie on No 7.

Meanwhile, the 68-year-old Langer, who will play with Cejka in the final round, continued his impressive play at the tournament as he seeks his 48th PGA Tour Champions victory. The two-time Masters winner last won at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in November 2024, extending his record to 18 consecutive seasons with at least one win.

"It's always great to play with Bernhard, but of course you want to kick his ass when you play with him," Cejka said. He's a great friend, he's loved all over the world not only in the golfing scene but everywhere, so it's going to be great, I'm looking forward to it."

Team South Africa’s Christiaan Maas, Daniel Bennett and Charl Barnard carved their names into golfing history on Saturday, capturing the nation’s first-ever Eisenhower Trophy with a resounding eight-shot triumph at Tanah Merah Country Club in Singapore.

It was a week of dominance, composure, and teamwork as Texas Longhorn teammates Maas and Bennett produced a performance for the ages, combining rounds of 139, 135, 132 (the lowest of the tournament) and a closing 141 at the Tampines Course to seal South Africa’s long-awaited breakthrough at the World Amateur Team Championships.

“It’s surreal,” said Maas after the team’s triumph on 29-under. “When you think of all the incredible South Africans who’ve represented our country at this event, and how close they came, it’s humbling to be part of the team that finally took that last step. We stayed calm, trusted our process, and played for something bigger than ourselves. This one’s for South Africa. It’s for every coach, teammate, and junior who dreams of wearing the green and gold.”

Leading the charge, Maas was relentless, his game a masterclass in precision and control. With rounds of 66, 66, 65, and 69, he stormed to victory in the Individual Competition by an extraordinary 10 strokes, finishing at 22-under-par – just one stroke short of Jon Rahm’s 72-hole record. Over four rounds and 72 holes, he dropped just three shots – an astonishing display of consistency befitting a champion.

“It’s hard to describe what this means,” Maas added. “This has been the goal for such a long time, not just to compete, but to truly be in contention for the Eisenhower. All the experiences I’ve had through GolfRSA and the opportunities to play world-class amateur events and college golf in the US have prepared me for moments like this. To stay composed under pressure, to manage my game, to trust the process – that’s what got me through this week. But it’s not just about me. Dan, Charl, and I played for each other and for South Africa. To be part of the team that finally got it done is something I’ll never forget.”

The victory not only broke new ground but also surpassed South Africa’s previous best performances in the event’s storied history – second in 1980 and third in both 1972 and 1970 – since its inception in 1958.

GolfRSA Chief Executive Grant Hepburn hailed the historic achievement as a defining moment for South African amateur golf.

“This is an incredible moment for South African golf,” said Hepburn. “Ashleigh Buhai, Stacy Bregman and Kelli Rackley won the Espirito Santo Trophy in 2006, but the Eisenhower Trophy has been the one title that’s eluded us for decades.

“First and foremost, credit to the players. They are the ones who had to handle the pressure and deliver when it matters most. Christiaan and Dan were exceptional, drawing on their experience from world-class amateur events and the US collegiate circuit to perform at an incredible level. Charl showed maturity beyond his years in his first appearance at this level. He may not have contributed counting, but his attitude, energy, and commitment were every bit as important to the team dynamic. We couldn’t be prouder of these young men.

“Our appreciation also to Team Manager and SAGA Vice-President Peet van Schalkwyk, whose steady leadership and passion for the game continue to drive our teams to greater heights, and to Gavin Groves, our national squad performance and fitness consultant, who stepped in as captain this week. His calm authority, insight, and ability to keep the players sharp and grounded were instrumental in this success. This victory truly reflects the strength of the system and the people who give so much of themselves to it.”

South Africa’s name will now be etched onto the Eisenhower Trophy for the very first time – a milestone that Hepburn believes will inspire generations of young golfers to dream bigger and believe that anything is possible.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to GolfRSA Chairman, Mr Johann Rupert, whose vision and unwavering commitment led to the creation and funding of the GolfRSA National Squad, a programme that continues to produce world-class golfers,” said Hepburn. “To the golf clubs and provincial unions across South Africa: your tireless work in identifying and nurturing young talent is the foundation upon which achievements like this are built.

“A special word of appreciation also goes to the exceptional coaching staff of our three heroes: John Fields, Erik Henson, and Jean-Paul Hebert from the Texas Men’s Golf Programme, along with Nico van Rensburg and Kyle Phelan, for their dedication, mentorship, and belief in our players. Their influence reaches far beyond technique; they are shaping the champions and leaders of tomorrow.”

Team South Africa’s victory represents far more than just a trophy.

It marks the fulfilment of a vision, decades in the making: to position South Africa among the world’s golfing powerhouses. For a proud and passionate golfing nation, Singapore 2025 will forever stand as the moment when belief became history.

 

© GolfRSA 

Two PGA Tour major winners are among a group of four players who shot a 4-under-par 68 on Friday to finish tied atop the leaderboard after one round of the PGA Tour Champions' SAS Championship in Cary, N.C.

And none of them finished hotter than Stewart Cink, who finished with three consecutive birdies and played the back nine in 4-under 37 at Prestonwood Country Club.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington wasn't as clean as Cink down the stretch, bogeying the par-4 15th before getting that shot back with a birdie on the par-5 17th. Those two are joined by Chad Campbell and Sweden's Robert Karlsson in first place, one shot better than a trio of golfers.

The SAS Championship is the final event before the Champions' three-event playoff to determine the winner of the Charles Schwab Cup. The top 72 players in the Charles Schwab Cup points standings after this weekend will advance to the first playoff event, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic next weekend in Richmond, Va.

Cink and Harrington combined to win The Open Championship in three consecutive years, with Harrington winning it 2007 and '08 before Cink won it in 2009 in a famed playoff with then-59-year-old Tom Watson.

Echoing the sentiments of most of the field, Harrington quickly pointed out the biggest challenge on the course: the greens.

"As fast as I've ever putted on, anywhere any stage at anytime."@Padraig_H knows how challenging the course is at Prestonwood Country Club, the site of this week's @SASChampionship. pic.twitter.com/p5cBVovN6W

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 10, 2025

"I think they're as fast as you could possibly get them," said Harrington, seeking his 12th career Champions win. "Yeah, no, they're the fastest greens, I'd say as fast as I've ever putted on anywhere at any stage at any time."

He added, "The goal today was hit as many fairways and as many greens as you could. Obviously just eliminate the stress of those 3- or 4-footers with the pace of the greens."

Putting wasn't a problem for Cink down the stretch, as he one-putted each his final three holes to make his birdies – twice making the green from the rough. He needed only one putt on five of the final nine holes.

Cink has three career wins on the Champions tour, including two this year. Campbell and Karlsson, on the other hand, have yet to win on the Champions circuit. Both sit outside the top 50 in the Schwab Cup standings entering the event.

"It's day one, but I'm looking more on the long term," Karlsson said when asked about his spot in the Schwab Cup standings. "You can't get too caught up in that, the whole thing is to try to play as good as I can ever shot, every hole, every round."

Two-time Masters winner Bernhard Langer of Germany, who bogeyed the par-4 18th, is among the players at 3-under 69. He owns an all-time-record 47 Champions victories. Langer is joined at 3 under by Billy Andrade and New Zealand's Steven Alker.

World No 2 Nelly Korda has withdrawn from the upcoming Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown, per the LPGA.

While the LPGA only cited "an injury" for Korda, the two-time major champion and former World No 1 player told reporters on Saturday that she was "definitely worn down."

Yealimi Noh has been tabbed to replace Korda and will join Angel Yin, Lauren Coughlin and Lilia Vu for the Americans in the team competition from October 23-26 in South Korea.

"I would say by this time of the year my body is definitely worn down," Korda said after finishing in a tie for fourth place at the Lotte Championship last weekend.

"I do have some injuries I've had in the past that kind of linger that are never really fully resolved, that you still do PT on every single day, you do therapy."

Korda, 27, has yet to win a tournament in 2025 after capturing seven titles last year.

Also, Patty Tavatanakit withdrew from the event and will be replaced by Pajaree Anannarukarn on defending champion Thailand. Anannarukarn will join Jeeno Thitikul, Ariya Jutanugarn and Chanettee Wannasasen.

TGL, the tech-infused indoor golf league, will begin its second season on December 28.

The league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy announced the 15-match schedule on Monday.

Action begins on December 28 with a rematch of last year's final between defending champion Atlanta Drive GC and New York Golf Club at the SoFi Centre in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

McIlroy's Boston Commons will debut against the Los Angeles Golf Club on January 2, with Woods' Jupiter Links Golf Club getting started on January 13 against New York GC.

"ESPN has embraced TGL from the beginning," said Rosalyn Durant, ESPN executive vice president, programming and acquisitions. "It delivered everything we had hoped for in its first season: an innovative new sports product, good competition among the stars of the PGA Tour, and a strong audience that is one of the youngest in sports. We look forward to bringing all of the action of TGL's second season to sports fans."

The regular season ends on March 3. The top four teams advance to the March 17 semifinals, with the best-of-three finals scheduled for March 23-24.

Tiger Woods, sidelined from competitive golf for 15 months because of injury, will make his TGL Season 2 debut in mid-January, the tech-infused indoor team golf league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy announced on Monday.

Woods will lead Jupiter Links Golf Club in a January 13 match against Season 1 runners-up New York Golf Club, TGL said along with the release of its 15-match regular season schedule.

Woods and Masters champion McIlroy will face off in the league's first-ever primetime Sunday match when Jupiter Links meet Boston Common Golf on March 1.

Jupiter Links also have matches on January 20 against Los Angeles Golf Club and February 2 versus Atlanta Drive.

TGL teams are made up of four players, but only three will play during matches.

The 49-year-old Woods last competed at the British Open in July 2024 at Royal Troon where he missed the cut, and two months later the 15-times major champion underwent surgery to repair a nerve impingement in his lower back.

Woods announced in March 2025 that he underwent surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon, the latest of a number of injuries he has suffered during his career.

There is still a chance Woods could return to action in 2025, in the December 4-7 Hero World Challenge that he hosts, or two weeks later alongside his son Charlie at the PNC Championship.

TGL previously announced that its second season will tee off on December 28 with a rematch of last season's final between the reigning champion Atlanta Drive GC and New York Golf Club.

All matches are played in a coliseum environment at TGL's custom-built arena in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida which seats 1 500 people.

Gary Player’s 90th birthday will feature one of the largest gatherings of South Africa’s most iconic sportsmen and the stars of the Sunshine Tour as they join one of the country’s greatest ever sportsmen in celebrating this milestone and competing in the Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational at Sun City this November.

Springbok legends such as Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield and Steven Kitshoff will join Bafana Bafana greats Lucas Radebe, Shaun Bartlett and Mark Fish, as well as Proteas cricketers Herschelle Gibbs, Jonty Rhodes and JP Duminy, Liverpool football legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, International Boxing Hall of Fame star Brian Mitchell, golf star David Frost, former Miss World Rolene Strauss, and Irish musician Brian McFadden in a veritable Hall of Fame of sports stars, golfers and celebrities who will compete in the 36-hole Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational at the Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Course from 1-2 November.

This will be matched by a glittering array of business giants from Sun International, BMW, Citadel, Tabono, The Pro Shop, Rolex and Cell C as they continue their support of the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation South Africa (GVPF SA) and its commitment to the sustainability of The Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School.

A field of 39 Sunshine Tour professionals will also compete in the Tour’s own tribute to an icon of the global game and a man who inspired generations of South African professional golfers.

The tournament will coincide with Gary Player’s 90th birthday celebration that weekend.

Nelson Mandela once declared: “Through his tremendous influence as a great athlete, Mr Player accomplished what many politicians could not… His accomplishments as a humanitarian and statesman are equal to, and may even surpass, his accomplishments as an athlete. That is a legacy that will last forever.”

Player has always sought to remain true to these words, and his desire to keep giving back will also form part of his birthday festivities as he’s asked for people worldwide to respond to his call for “90 Acts of Kindness” in a show of compassion, and for the youth to “Become a Future Player” and make an impact in their own communities.

“In life we can be called to many things. Some to become great sportsmen. Some to entertain. Some to become business leaders. And we all walk those paths of our lives. But all of us, no matter who we are, are called to be kind to one another. I’m overwhelmed by the number of people who have shown me kindness in my life, and who will do so again by joining us at Sun City. And I hope it inspires all of us to not give in to the cynicism of the world, and to keep fighting to be kind,” said Player.

FULL FIELD

Sports stars and celebrities:

Gary Player, Brian McFadden, Keith Duffy, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Steven Kitshoff, Patrick Lambie, Schalk Brits, Jonty Rhodes, Rolene Strauss, Shaun Barlett,Victor Matfield, Owen Nkumane, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jimmy Tau, Maps Maponyane, David Kau, Mark Williams, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Stefan Terblanche, Butch James, Brian Baloyi, Corinne Vidén, Isabella Deilert, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers, Brian Mitchell, Naas Botha, Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, Odwa Ndungane, Akona Ndungane, Robbi Kempson, Bongani Kumalo, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Jaco Kriel, Stanton Fredericks.

Sunshine Tour professionals

Oliver Bekker, Luis Carrera, Pieter Moolman, Jean Hugo, Heinrich Bruiners, Luca Filippi, Samual Simpson, Malcolm Mitchell, Luke Jerling, Yurav Premlall, Jacques Blaauw, Jacquin Hess, Makhetha Mazibuko, Karabo Mokoena, Keenan Davidse, Keelan Africa, Warwick Purchase, Altin van der Merwe, Ricky Handler, Lyle Rowe, Christiaan Burke, Fredrick From, Martin Rohwer, Jason Roets, Wynand Dingle, Graham van der Merwe, Conner Mackenzie, Jaco Prinsloo, Xander Basson, Jack Hawksby, Jake Redman, Jordan Duminy, Matthew Spacey, Ethan Smith, Doug McGuigan, Quintin Wilsnach, James Mack, Keelan van Wyk, David Frost.

Robert MacIntyre became the first Scot to win the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 20 years on Sunday, just a week after featuring in Europe's Ryder Cup triumph over the United States.

MacIntyre, who won one-and-a half points at Bethpage Black, secured victory in Scotland with a round of 66 at the Old Course at St Andrews to finish 18 under for the weather-hit tournament.

Tyrrell Hatton, who secured the half-point that saw Europe win the Ryder Cup, finished four shots back in second place after going seven-under on the day.

MacIntyre's victory saw him follow Colin Montgomerie, the last Scottish winner of the Dunhill Links back in 2005, as he chalked up a fourth European Tour title.

"It's brilliant but I don't know how I'm going to celebrate after the (European) celebrations we had last Sunday... but we'll try our best," said MacIntyre.

"It's a beautiful end to a good week. I've done everything against the book this week. I only pitched up here on Wednesday and had 12 holes... the diet has not been good this week and I've eaten plenty of takeaways, fish and chips and plenty of others.

"But sometimes when you least expect it, things happen."

MacIntyre, who won the Scottish Open in 2024, hit matching rounds of 66 at Kingsbarns and Carnoustie -- the other two courses involved in the tournament and made it a hat-trick as he went six under again at the Old Course.

With the after effects of Storm Amy wiping out Saturday's third round, the event was reduced to a 54-hole competition.

MacIntyre started his round Sunday with a birdie three on the first hole and was four under at the turn.

A solitary bogey on the 17th and a missed birdie putt on 18 were rare blemishes but by then he had done enough to take the title.

Reigning champion Hatton's charge came too late and South Africa's Richard Sterne, the co-leader at the start of Sunday's play, finished on 13 under for a share of third place with England's John Parry.