Aloha, PGA Tour. Hawaii will be without a tour event in 2027 for the first time in 56 years

The PGA Tour will not be in Hawaii in 2027 for the first time in 56 years as it moves toward a revamped schedule that no longer will start the season in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

PGA Tour Hawaii Golf

The Sentry was canceled last Januaryon drought-stricken Maui when the grass on the Plantation course at Kapalua was dying due to restrictions brought on by a dispute with the company in charge of a century-old water delivery system.

Two staff members at Kapalua, which is operated by Troon Golf, were notified Monday of the decision not to return. The PGA Tour confirmed it when contacted by The Associated Press.

The Sony Open on Oahu was in the final year of its sponsorship. It had leaned on being the week after Kapalua since 1999 to help attract players for a two-week stay in Hawaii.

The Sony Open is working toward becoming a PGA Tour Champions event to be packaged with the Mitsubishi Electric Championship on the Big Island.

“We are grateful to The Plantation Course at Kapalua, Kapalua Resort, Maui County and the state of Hawaii for their longtime support of our season-opening PGA Tour event, as well as the fans, partners and volunteers across Maui who have supported the event throughout the years,” the tour said in a statement.

It said it would share more details on the 2027 schedule at a later date. The tour also confirmed it was in conversations with the Sony Open about a spot on the PGA Tour Champions schedule, without further comment.

Kapalua began as a winners-only start to the PGA Tour season in 1999, a favorite among players for its wide fairways and endless views of the ocean on the west end of Maui.

Wisconsin-based Sentry took over as title sponsor in 2018, and its most recent extension takes it through 2035.

The most likely landing spot for Sentry is Torrey Pines in San Diego, where several executives attended this year. The previous sponsorship for Torrey Pines with Farmers Insurance ended this year without any intention of renewing.

Advertisement

Stephanie Smith, the company’s chief marketing and brand officer in charge of the golf partnership, did not mention future plans, only to say Sentry was proud of its eight-year run at Kapalua.

“We have said from the beginning, we love Maui and Maui is a Sentry community not unlike our hometown of Stevens Point, Wisconsin,” she said. “We cherish the friends and partnerships we have formed over the past several years. Our commitment to the island runs deep, and we remain committed to being active in the community.”

Hideki Matsuyama was the last winner at Kapalua.The final stroke was an 8-foot birdie putt that set the PGA Tour record for score to par at 35 under.

The tour had been subsidizing the purse increase to $20 million when it became a signature event, and The Sentry was among the most expensive operations because of shipping so much equipment to Maui. Attendance was moderate at best.

The water disputeinvolved accusations from the Kapalua owner, Japanese billionaire Tadashi Yanai, homeowners and Hua Momona Farms that Maui Land & Pineapple had not maintained the water delivery system.

MLP then filed a countersuit and alleged Kapalua was violating water restrictions.

The Sony Open dates to 1965 and had been played continuously since 1971, played at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, along the ocean down from Diamond Head. It took over as the season opener this year when The Sentry was canceled,won by Chris Gotterup.

The most famous moment in tournament history was Isao Aoki holing out from the fairway for eagle to win in 1983. Ernie Els became the first player to sweep the tour’s Hawaii events in 2003 when he won at Kapalua and Waialae.

AP golf:https://apnews.com/hub/golf

byDaniel Coleman

in

April 20, 2026

Aloha, PGA Tour. Hawaii will be without a tour event in 2027 for the first time in 56 years

The PGA Tour will not be in Hawaii in 2027 for the first time in 56 years as it moves toward a revamped schedule that no longer will st...

Read More

Aaron Rodgers' act is tired, but Pittsburgh Steelers share blame | Opinion

Easy as it is to faultAaron Rodgersfor the most insufferable soap opera in NFL history, thePittsburgh Steelersdeserve equal billing in the latest episode.

Rodgers is never going to act in someone else’s best interest, and he’s always going to find a way to stay in the spotlight. This offseason is no different. Having already left theSteelersin limbo during free agency over his intentions to either play in 2026 or retire,he seems set to do it againfor this week’s NFL draft.

No big deal. It’s just the most important position on Pittsburgh’s roster, and every personnel move the Steelers make or, in this case don’t make, is amplified because they’re hosting this year’s draft.

It’svintage Rodgers, as predictable as it is tiresome.

Steelers chose another offseason of Aaron Rodgers speculation

But the Steelers are not helpless here. They could have called Rodgers’ bluff weeks ago and given him a deadline. They could have pursuedKirk CousinsorKyler Murrayin free agency. Heck, they could have set the tone with Rodgers by showing some backbone last season, when he hemmed and hawed for months until finallysigning a contract in June.

Instead, they’re letting Rodgers do what he does. Control the narrative regardless of the impact on anyone else.

“I think a decision is coming soon,”Steelers owner Art Rooney II told ESPN’s Brooke Pryorat the NFL’s annual meeting last month. “I would say by the draft I would expect an answer."

Yet here we are.

Steelers don't have great QB options beyond Aaron Rodgers' return

It is, of course, Rodgers’ prerogative to take the time he needs to make his decision. Sit with his feelings, have his chakras read, whatever it is he does that gives him clarity. Or maybe, similar to last year, he and the Steelers have an understanding and he’ll re-sign when those annoying offseason workouts are over.

That wouldn’t be a surprise, given Rodgers' history with newSteelers head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy was Rodgers’ first NFL coach, and the two won a Super Bowl together in Green Bay.

“I have not talked to (Rodgers),” Rooney said at the annual meeting. “(McCarthy) has been in contact with him pretty regularly."

Advertisement

But nothing is ever done until it’s actually done, and we’re not talking about the backup kicker here.

If Rodgers doesn’t re-up, Pittsburgh’s choices are to hopeWill Howardturns out to be as good as a certain other sixth-round QB from a Big Ten school or hopeMason Rudolphturns out to be more than a career backup.

Not great options, either one of them.

New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Washington Commanders

Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Jayden Daniels #5 after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

New York Giants

Jaxson Dart #6 and Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Skattebo carried the ball into the endzone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Tennessee Titans

Head coach Brian Callahan talks with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Las Vegas Raiders

Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a missed field goal during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 07, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Miami Dolphins

De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes for yards against Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid interact against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> New York Jets

Head coach Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 09, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft

10. New Orleans Saints
    
    Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Aaron Rodgers' best days are behind him

And say Rodgers does decide he wants to play this season. Apologies to Steelers fans, but he’s not going to pull off a Tom Brady and take Pittsburgh to the Super Bowl.

Rodgers is still a better QB than many, and his mind and experience was enough to overcome his physical limitations last year and get the Steelers to the playoffs. Pittsburgh also could do worse than having Howard learn behind Rodgers for a second year.

But at 42, the four-time MVP’s best years are behind him. Rodgers doesn’t have the mobility that once made him so dangerous, and his stats last year were good, not great. His last throw in Pittsburgh’s loss to the Houston Texans in the wild-card game wasan interception.

Even if Rodgers takes the Steelers to the playoffs again, then what? Another offseason of “will he or won’t he”? Another season of kicking the proverbial can down the road?

At best, Rodgers is a Band-Aid. Just as Russell Wilson was intended to be.

The Steelers should have done what Rodgers’ old team did: Draft their franchise QB’s replacement while they still had him. But they didn’t do that. So here they sit, willing hostages to the whims of an aging quarterback.

It's a circus, and the Steelers were happy to pay the admission.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Pittsburgh Steelers willing hostages in Aaron Rodgers drama

byDaniel Coleman

in

April 20, 2026

Aaron Rodgers' act is tired, but Pittsburgh Steelers share blame | Opinion

Easy as it is to faultAaron Rodgersfor the most insufferable soap opera in NFL history, thePittsburgh Steelersdeserve equal billing in ...

Read More

Macron says a French soldier was killed and 3 were wounded in attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon

BEIRUT (AP) — A U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon came under attack with small arms fire Saturday morning leaving one French peacekeeper dead and three wounded, two of them seriously, France's president and the force known as UNIFIL said.

APTOPIX Lebanon Israel Iran War

Both President Emmanual Macron and the UNIFIL force blamed Hezbollah, but the militant group denied involvement.

The attack near the southern Lebanese village of Ghandouriyeh came after a10-day ceasefirewent into effect at midnight Thursday between Israel and Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group.

The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began on March 2 when the Iran-backed group launched rockets into Israel after theU.S. and Israel attacked Iran, killing top officials including the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The war, in whichIsrael invadedparts of Lebanon, left nearly 2,300 people dead in Lebanon, more than 1 million people displaced and caused wide destruction.

“Everything suggests that responsibility for this attack lies with Hezbollah,” French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media. “France demands that the Lebanese authorities immediately arrest those responsible and assume their responsibilities alongside UNIFIL,” the U.N. mission in southern Lebanon.

Investigation launched as Hezbollah denies responsibility

In Beirut, three judicial officials said the country's Military Tribunal opened an investigation over the incident and is in contact with the army's intelligence department to work on identifying the attackers. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Hezbollah denied links to the attack calling in a statement for caution in assigning blame and judgment until the Lebanese army completes its investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident. Hezbollah said peacekeepers should coordinate with the Lebanese army in their operations.

Hezbollah expressed surprise in the statement at the hasty accusations leveled against it, especially given the silence of these same parties “when the Israeli enemy attacks UNIFIL forces.”

Macron identified the dead soldier as Staff Sgt. Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment from Montauban. He added that three of Montorio’s “comrades in arms were injured and evacuated.”

“The nation bows in respect and extends its support to the families of our soldiers and to all our military personnel engaged for peace in Lebanon,” he said.

His death came nearly a month aftera drone attackon March 12 targeted a Kurdish military base in Iraq's Erbil region, killing French Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion and wounding six others.

French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said Saturday that the soldier was killed during an ambush. She said he was on a mission to open a route toward a UNIFIL post that had been isolated for several days due to fighting in the area between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

A 10-day ceasefire took effect in Lebanon on Friday, but it wasn't clear to what extent Hezbollah would abide by a truce it did not play a role in negotiating.

Advertisement

“He was caught in an ambush by an armed group at very close range,” she said on X. “Immediately hit by a direct shot from a light weapon, he was pulled back under fire by his comrades, who were unable to resuscitate him.”

UNIFIL said a patrol clearing explosive ordnance along a road in the village of Ghandouriyeh on Saturday to re-establish links with isolated UNIFIL positions came under small-arms fire from non-state actors. UNIFIL said one peacekeeper succumbed to his injuries and three others were injured, two of them seriously.

Macron demands clarification of the incident

Macron spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam following the attack “in order to call on the Lebanese authorities to shed full light on this incident, to identify and prosecute those responsible without delay, and to do everything possible to ensure the safety of UNIFIL soldiers, who must under no circumstances be targeted,” Macron's office said.

Salam posted on X that he has ordered an investigation into the attack and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Aoun and Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri condemned the attack.

The Lebanese army condemned the attack in a statement adding that it will continue its “close coordination” with UNIFIL. The army added that it is investigating the attack to detain the perpetrators.

Macron also reiterated “the importance of full respect for the ceasefire by all parties and reaffirmed France’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, for the benefit of all Lebanese people and regional stability.

Israel confirms it carried out strikes in Lebanon

Earlier Saturday, the Israeli military said it had conducted aerial and ground strikes in southern Lebanon adding after it identified several incidents in which militants “violated the ceasefire understanding” by approaching areas close to where Israeli troops are located.

The military mentioned for the first time what it called a “Yellow Line,” saying militants tried to approach it from the north.

There is no mention of a “Yellow Line” in the 10-day ceasefire agreement that was announced by President Donald Trump and went into effect this week.

The U.S. State Department said Thursday that according to the ceasefire agreement, Israel reserves the right to defend itself “at any time, against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks.”

Senior Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qammati told Lebanon’s Al-Jadeed TV Saturday that the group will not tolerate any Israeli strikes similar to what happened after the November 2024 truce, when Israel continued to carry out almost daily airstrikes.

“This time we will not practice the strategic patience policy,” Qammati said.

Petrequin reported from London.

byDaniel Coleman

in

April 19, 2026

Macron says a French soldier was killed and 3 were wounded in attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon

BEIRUT (AP) — A U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon came under attack with small arms fire Saturday morning leaving one French ...

Read More

'She keeps getting better and better': Umpire Jen Pawol stands tall in first MLB ABS game

WASHINGTON –Jen Pawolwas behind the plate for her first major league game in the automated balls and strikes challenge system era. And the first woman to serve as an ump in a Major League Baseball game stood her ground against the so-called robots.

Pawol called balls and strikes for theSan Francisco Giants-Washington Nationalsgame Friday, April 17 and withstood a pair of challenges from Giants catcher Daniel Susac, with a pair of ball calls upheld quickly by the ABS system.

By the third inning, the Giants were out of challenges, while the Nationals successfully appealed a pair of calls during San Francisco’s 10-5 victory.

To be sure, this was a solid standoff early in this ABS era.

Entering Friday’s game, players were successful on 54% of their challenges to umpires, and the typical game averaged 4.05 challenges. Pawol saw exactly four challenges and won two of them.

Of course, ABS is relatively old news for those umpiring in Class AAA in recent years, where ABS was first deployed on a trial basis.

Pawol is technically still in the Class AAA ranks. She is on MLB’s list of call-up umpires who are based in Class AAA yet work major league games as fill-ins in the event of injuries, illnesses, vacations, or other forms of absence by the 76 full-time umps.

And her strong performance was no surprise to Susac, who caught several games at Class AAA that Pawol umped. As Susac assumes more of the Giants' catching duties as incumbent Patrick Bailey struggles at the plate, Friday was a big game for both of them.

"In my opinion, she keeps getting better and better," Susac tells USA TODAY Sports. "And I thought she did a really good job. She’s always great to have back there. We always have a good conversation, especially at the start of games and I thought she did a great job tonight."

Advertisement

Pawol debuted as an MLB fill-in in 2025 and on Aug. 10became the first woman to call balls and strikesfor a major league game. She called six games behind the plate last season and, according to the umpire tracking website Umpire Scorecards, maintained a 92.9% accuracy rate.

Susac tried and failed twice in the early innings, challenging a full-count ball call to Luis Garcia Jr. He was off by an inch and the Giants were out of challenges by the third inning.

"The second one, I probably had a little more emotion to it. Probably knew it was a ball, but wanted to get one there," he says.

Nationals third baseman Brady House successfully challenged a strike call in the bottom of the eighth, while a strike call in the top of the ninth was successfully overturned to a ball.

In the meantime, Pawol punched out Nationals slugger James Wood twice on called third strikes and did the same to Giants first baseman Rafael Devers in the seventh. Both retreated to the dugout rapidly.

While the more in-depth scorecards of Pawol’s first big league foray behind the plate in 2026 will have to wait, she withstood the rigors of ABS just fine: Two wins, two losses, a little better than average.

And another step toward making the notion of a woman calling balls and strikes in a big league game a little more unremarkable.

"It’s a good way that she blends in," says Susac. "She’s done a great job and she keeps getting better, which is awesome to see."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Giants catcher Daniel Susac loses both ABS challenges vs ump Jen Pawol

byDaniel Coleman

in

April 19, 2026

'She keeps getting better and better': Umpire Jen Pawol stands tall in first MLB ABS game

WASHINGTON –Jen Pawolwas behind the plate for her first major league game in the automated balls and strikes challenge system era. And ...

Read More

How Angels honored Garret Anderson after team legend's passing

Major League Baseball and theLos Angeles Angelsaremourning the loss of Garret Anderson, who died at the age of 53, the team announced on April 17.

Anderson played 17 MLB seasons, most of them in Anaheim from 1994 to 2008, before playing for the Braves and Dodgers for one season, each. He was a three-time All-Star and named All-Star Game MVP in 2003. He was named a Silver Slugger Award-winner in 2002 and 2003. Anderson helped the Angels win the World Series in 2002.

He was named to the Angels Hall of Fame and the ballclub honored him during their Friday game against theSan Diego Padres.

More:Appreciate Garret Anderson's greatness – even if late Angels star strived to lay low

"The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons," said Angels owner Arte Moreno in a statement. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success.

"Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable. We extend our deepest condolences to Garret’s wife Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey, son Garret ‘Trey’ Anderson III, and his entire family.”

Advertisement

Garret Anderson, one of the greatest players in Los Angeles Angels history, has died at the age of 53, the team announced on April 17, 2026.

A three-time All-Star and key part of the Angels’ 2002 World Series title, he holds multiple franchise records, including games played (2,013), hits (2,368), runs scored (1,024), RBI (1,292), and total bases (3,743). He ranked second behind only Hall of Famer Derek Jeter for the most hits from 1997-2003.

Revisit his baseball career, from joining the MLB in the 1990s to his induction into the Angels hall of fame and later becoming a broadcaster for the Angels.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Remembering Angels great Garret Anderson

Garret Anderson, one of the greatest players in Los Angeles Angels history, has died at the age of 53, the team announced on April 17, 2026.A three-time All-Star and key part of the Angels’ 2002 World Series title, he holds multiple franchise records, including games played (2,013), hits (2,368), runs scored (1,024), RBI (1,292), and total bases (3,743). He ranked second behind only Hall of Famer Derek Jeter for the most hits from 1997-2003.Revisit his baseball career, from joining the MLB in the 1990s to his induction into the Angels hall of fame and later becoming a broadcaster for the Angels.

Angels pay tribute to Garret Anderson

Angel Stadium was rocked with emotion as the major league club in Anaheim soaked in the loss of Anderson. To pay tribute to the Angels' former left fielder, Anderson's initials were cut into the outfield at the ballpark.

The Angels didn't stop there in memorializing one of their greats. A three-minute tribute video was played honoring Anderson and his accomplishments with the Angels throughout his MLB career.

Anderson became only the second player in baseball history in 2000 to hit more home runs (35) than walks (24). He finished fourth in the AL MVP race in 2002 when the Angels won the World Series. He hit .306 with 29 homers and 123 RBIs, while scoring a career-high 93 runs that season.

The Angels outfielder finished his career with 2,529 hits and a career .293 batting average.

Anderson was raised in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, where he starred as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He had a scholarship to play at Fresno State but instead opted for MLB after being selected in the fourth round by the Angels in the 1990 MLB Draft.

Anderson's debut came in 1994 against the Oakland Athletics. He had two hits in four at-bats, including his first career hit on a single to right field off A's pitcher Ron Darling.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:How Angels honored Garret Anderson after team legend's death

byDaniel Coleman

in

April 19, 2026

How Angels honored Garret Anderson after team legend's passing

Major League Baseball and theLos Angeles Angelsaremourning the loss of Garret Anderson, who died at the age of 53, the team announced o...

Read More