AP Sports Digest

Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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SOC--WCUP-RONALDO’S NEW REALITY

DESCRIPTION: Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth and likely final World Cup will be the first for the all-time great since he left Europe to play in Saudi Arabia. The surprise move in late 2022 shocked many in the soccer world and prompted widespread doubts about whether his form would be affected by facing lower-level competition. But Ronaldo, who turned 41 in February, has repelled any notion of a dip in performance going into next month’s World Cup. And, to help make his case, the goals kept coming, both with Al Nassr and with Portugal.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 4:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--COBBS CREEK REVIVAL

DESCRIPTION: A Philadelphia golf course seeks to reclaim its status as a force for opportunity and inclusion. By Bob Lentz.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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RAC--PREAKNESS STAKES-LAUREL PARK

DESCRIPTION: Horse racing at Maryland’s Laurel Park is set to wind down after more than a century as it transitions into a training facility. Before it does, the track will have one final moment on a national stage: hosting this year’s Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the prestigious Triple Crown, while its traditional home at Pimlico undergoes reconstruction. By Joey Cappelletti. Text, photos, video.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Video, Text

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FBN--NFL SCHEDULE

DESCRIPTION: The NFL continues its revelation of the 2026 schedule with an announcement of dates and opponents for full nine-game slate of international games that’s the largest in league history. By Pro Football Writer Dave Campbell. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN--DRAFT COMBINE

DESCRIPTION: Duke’s Cameron Boozer, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson figure to be drafted with the top four picks. What remains to be seen is the order they’ll be taken, starting with Washington holding the No. 1 overall selection. By Andrew Seligman. 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CYC--GIRO D’ITALIA

DESCRIPTION: Italian rider Giulio Ciccone defends his overall lead on a hilly stage 5 of the Giro d’Italia. UPCOMING.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKN-NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

BKN-TIPOFF

DESCRIPTION: The Detroit Pistons host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of their second-round Eastern Conference series on Wednesday night. By David Brandt. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT

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BKN-KNICKS PREPARE

GREENBURGH, N.Y. — The New York Knicks return to practice in preparation for the Eastern Conference finals and hope to be rejoined by OG Anunoby, who missed the last two games of their second-round sweep of Philadelphia with a hamstring injury.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT

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BKN-CAVALIERS-PISTONS

DESCRIPTION: The Detroit Pistons host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 with their second-round series tied at two games apiece. By Larry Lage. 400 words, more on merits, photos. Game starts 8 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 10:30 p.m. EDT

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: MANCHESTER, England-Manchester City plays Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday in a game it must win to keep the title pressure on leader Arsenal.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--SPANISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: MADRID -- With the Spanish league title already secured, Barcelona visits Alaves.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--FRENCH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain can retain the Ligue 1 title with a draw at rival Lens and Brest faces Strasbourg in other game. UPCOMING: By Jerome Pugmire

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKW--PWHL--WALTER CUP FINALS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Walter Cup Finals will feature a first-time all-Canadian matchup involving the Victoire and Ottawa Charge in a best-of-five series that opens at Montreal on Thursday. Montreal makes its first finals appearance after dispatching the two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost. Ottawa returns to the finals for a second straight year after losing to Minnesota last season. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

HKN--WILD-AVALANCHE

DESCRIPTION: DENVER —-The Colorado Avalanche can move on to the Western Conference final with a win over Minnesota in Game 5 on Wednesday night. By Pat Graham. 500 words, photos. Game time is 8 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

HKN--FACEOFF

DESCRIPTION: The Sabres return home to Buffalo for Game 5 after tying up their second-round series against the Canadiens by winning in Montreal, while the Ducks and Golden Knights go back to Anaheim for their Game 6. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 05/13/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--DUCKS-GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Dorofeyev scores in OT to give Golden Knights 3-2 win over Ducks and 3-2 series lead

SUMMARY: Pavel Dorofeyev scored his second goal of the game at 4:10 of overtime to give Vegas a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night, moving the Golden Knights a victory away from advancing to the Western Conference final. Game 6 of the second-round series is Thursday night at Anaheim. The Golden Knights can reach the conference final for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. Anaheim, making its first playoff appearance in eight years, will try force a Game 7 back in Las Vegas on Saturday. Tomas Hertl had gone 29 games going back to the regular season without a goal, but now has two in two games. Carter Hart stopped 34 shots for Vegas.

WORDS: 337 - MOVED: 05/13/2026 1:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5164b20d494e5ec2a6060685240e8c95&mediaType=text

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HKN--SABRES-CANADIENS

Benson breaks tie on birthday, Sabres beat Canadiens 3-2 in Game 4 to even series

SUMMARY: Zach Benson broke a tie on a third-period power play on his 21st birthday and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Tuesday night in Game 4 to even the Eastern Conference semifinal series. Benson took a pass in the slot from Josh Doan, kicked the puck to his stick and put a backhander past goalie Jakub Dobes at 4:41 of the third. Game 5 is Thursday night in Buffalo. The series winner will face Carolina in the Eastern Conference final. Tage Thompson tied it for Buffalo in the second period with a fluke goal and also had an assist. Defenseman Mattias Samuelsson opened the scoring and Doan had two assists. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen replaced Alex Lyon, making 28 saves.

WORDS: 562 - MOVED: 05/13/2026 12:50 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c094db5ace9d5817cdd7a65fe70d6ace&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-SPURS

Wembanyama returns with a huge performance as the Spurs beat the Wolves 126-97 for a 3-2 lead

SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama atoned for his first career ejection with another huge performance, finishing with 27 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead in their second-round series. Keldon Johnson had 21 points, De’Aaron Fox added 18 and Stephon Castle had 17 as San Antonio moved a game away from the Western Conference finals. The Spurs can advance to face Oklahoma City with a victory in Game 6 on Friday in Minneapolis. Anthony Edwards, who was limited to eight points in the first half, finished with 20 points for Minnesota.

WORDS: 641 - MOVED: 05/13/2026 12:09 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ffe963572a0564ec24b2f9ded103e149&mediaType=text

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BKN--GRIZZLIES-CLARKE-DEATH

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, a veteran of 7 NBA seasons, dies at 29

SUMMARY: Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, according to the team, his agency and the NBA. He was 29. A person familiar with the terms of the ongoing investigation said an autopsy was planned to determine the exact cause of his death. His agents, Priority Sports, wrote on social media that they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death. Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance and released on bond a day later. He was the 21st overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma City. Clarke was on the NBA’s All-Rookie team in 2020 but injuries limited him to 72 of 246 games the past three seasons.

WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 10:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:18b73f8f89bc727435f8842df56ac374&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-STRUGGLING OHTANI

Dodgers give Shohei Ohtani a DH break as his offensive slump deepens

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani is getting a break from batting for at least one day. The Los Angeles Dodgers star is 4 for 36 at the plate this month, with just six home runs this season and none in May. Ohtani is batting .233 with 16 RBIs. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani won’t be in the lineup as the designated hitter on Thursday. Roberts also is considering not having Ohtani hit Wednesday when he starts on the mound against the San Francisco Giants. Ohtani is in his first full season as a two-way player for the Dodgers.

WORDS: 683 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 9:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c5ce87ee326e80b3d74f39a16ea2827a&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROCKIES-PIRATES

Paul Skenes takes a no-hitter into the 7th, strikes out 10 as Pirates topple Rockies 3-1

SUMMARY: Paul Skenes allowed two hits and struck out a season-high 10 over eight dominant innings to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Colorado Rockies 3-1. The reigning National League Cy Young winner took a no-hitter into the seventh inning while upping his record to 6-2. The 23-year-old retired 18 for the first 19 batters he faced before Colorado’s Mickey Moniak dumped a single into center field with one out in the seventh. Gregory Soto retired the Rockies in the ninth for his fourth save. Oneil Cruz has three hits for the Pirates. Nick Gonzales adds two hits, including an RBI-single.

WORDS: 422 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 9:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:947c004114ed104396940b24c81d1c03&mediaType=text

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BKN--76ERS-MOREY

76ers fire Daryl Morey as president and keep Nick Nurse as coach

SUMMARY: The Philadelphia 76ers fired president Daryl Morey on Tuesday and decided to keep Nick Nurse as their coach after the team was swept in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The 76ers were easily ousted by the New York Knicks to end Morey’s sixth season in charge, and the organization quickly decided that someone else would lead the basketball operations department. Former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers will lead the search for Morey’s replacement and will oversee the department in the interim. The Sixers went 270-212 record in the regular season under Morey but just 28-26 in the postseason, failing to advance past the second round.

WORDS: 477 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 9:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:68b81423be229712f718f9eb74caa258&mediaType=text

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BKN--OBIT-JASON COLLINS

Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47 of brain cancer

SUMMARY: Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player who went on to become a pioneer for inclusion and an ambassador for the league, has died after an eight-month battle with an aggressive form of a brain cancer, his family announced Tuesday. Collins spent 13 years as a player in the league for six different franchises. He revealed in 2013 that he was gay, an announcement that came toward the end of his playing career. Collins had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which has an extremely low survival rate. He was 47.

WORDS: 1010 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 8:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3675a6c2263f9ae6858ccab3982bfbdb&mediaType=text

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BKN--BUCKS-ANTETOKOUNMPO

NBA concludes its investigation of Antetokounmpo-Bucks injury dispute, AP source says

SUMMARY: A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press that the NBA’s investigation into the dispute between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks regarding the two-time MVP’s injury status has concluded with a determination that no further action is warranted under the circumstances. Antetokounmpo left a March 15 victory over the Indiana Pacers early after an awkward landing on a dunk. He didn’t play again the rest of the season due to what Bucks officials described as a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. Antetokounmpo said in the last few weeks of the season that he was healthy and wanted to play.

WORDS: 569 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 7:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:13a9858574bf259e16a547385198f6a6&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Amid spying controversy, Southampton reaches playoff final and is one win from Premier League return

SUMMARY: Southampton has brushed off a spying controversy to advance past Middlesbrough after extra time in the Championship playoffs and get to within one win of a return to the Premier League. Southampton rallied for a 2-1 victory at its home stadium at St. Mary’s and seal a win on aggregate by the same score. The two games were played under a cloud with Southampton having been charged by the English Football League with a breach of its regulations following accusations that unauthorized filming of Middlesbrough’s training took place last week. A heated second leg saw both coaches square up to each other at one point.

WORDS: 373 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 6:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7f75cfb7d172bfe8f3e65a32fc2d141a&mediaType=text

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US--TIGER WOODS CRASH

Tiger Woods’ prescription drug records will be handed over to prosecutors in Florida DUI case

SUMMARY: A judge has ruled that Tiger Woods’ prescription drug records will be handed over to prosecutors following his March arrest in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence. A judge approved an agreement between Woods’ defense attorney and prosecutors following a four-minute hearing in Martin County circuit court. Prosecutors had issued a subpoena seeking copies of all prescription medication records for the legendary golfer from the start of the year through the end of March. Woods’ attorney acknowledged during the hearing that the right to privacy is not absolute and that prosecutors could make a compelling argument for why they were needed. Prosecutors agreed to the defense attorney’s request for a protective order limiting who can access the records.

WORDS: 456 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 6:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e56335fa865378a9e6ab88d59ee5b7f4&mediaType=text

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GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Scottie Scheffler is looking to end a streak of runner-up finishes with PGA Championship repeat

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler is the dominant player in golf and looking to avoid feeling like a bridesmaid. He’s the defending champion at the PGA Championship. The world’s No. 1 player also is coming off three consecutive runner-up finishes dating to the Masters. Scheffler says it’s a little bittersweet but at least he knows he’s playing well. He’ll try to join Brooks Koepka and Tiger Woods as the only players to win the PGA back-to-back in stroke play. In his way is the strongest field among the majors and an Aronimink course that has what Xander Schauffele describes as diabolical greens.

WORDS: 911 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 5:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:364d4019d95ce9ec77ef29e6a6b75a14&mediaType=text

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BBO--LABOR

MLB players, owners start collective bargaining, 6 1/2 months ahead of contract’s expiration

SUMMARY: Negotiators for baseball players and owners have begun what figures to be lengthy and acrimonious collective bargaining negotiations to replace their labor contract that expires Dec. 1, with management likely to propose a salary cap system the union has vowed never to accept. An initial session of about two hours took place at the office of the Major League Baseball Players Association, a five-minute walk from Major League Baseball’s headquarters in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center. The meeting lasted about two hours and was scheduled for initial presentations from each side on their view of the sport and its economics. No proposals were made.

WORDS: 790 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 5:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7470930e5bd0358fe5bac743c89a1524&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS FUTURE

Lakers want LeBron James to return for another season alongside Luka Doncic, GM Rob Pelinka says

SUMMARY: If LeBron James wants to keep playing professional basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers want it to be with them. General manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick affirmed their desire to keep James in a Lakers uniform one day after his eighth season with the club ended with a heartbreaking 115-110 loss and a second-round sweep at the hands of the powerhouse champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The 41-year-old James hasn’t decided whether to keep playing. Pelinka also said the Lakers badly want to keep guard Austin Reaves with a big new contract while they build a roster around superstar Luka Doncic.

WORDS: 878 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 4:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b7090d084570dd8302efe6e57c26fd98&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-SOFI STADIUM

30 days out, Los Angeles is ready for the World Cup. The playing surface? Not just yet

SUMMARY: Los Angeles is ready with transportation and food for the World Cup, but the playing surface isn’t set yet. The U.S. men open play against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on June 12. The field was all dirt on Tuesday. Sod arrives Wednesday from Washington state and will be installed over two days. Construction on the field began April 13 after a Monster Jam event. Tours of the stadium during the tournament are being sold, and premium seating is still available. The menu includes dishes like salsa verde aguachile and spiced lamb rack. Desserts feature a World Cup trophy made with chocolate mousse.

WORDS: 567 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 4:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d83f335d303e467d7869fcf7e8bfcd16&mediaType=text

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SOC--MLS SALARIES

Messi doubles MLS base salary, his $28 million total compensation more than twice any other player

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi more than doubled his salary to $25 million in his new contract with Inter Miami and earns more more than twice as much as the second-highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min. Messi’s new contract includes $25 million in base salary and $28,333,333 in guaranteed compensation, the MLS Players Association said in its first release of 2026 salaries. Miami’s $54.6 million payroll is more than $20 million higher than LAFC, which is second at $32.7 million, and nearly five times as much as Philadelphia’s league-low $11.7 million.

WORDS: 729 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 3:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0e9320bd5e5a3e5c9722a61ac0cc4761&mediaType=text

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RAC--TRIPLE CROWN-PREAKNESS SHIFT

Preakness could soon move later, to 3 weeks after the Kentucky Derby. That might not be enough

SUMMARY: Maryland officials are considering changes that could impact the Triple Crown schedule by moving the Preakness Stakes to three weeks after the Kentucky Derby. Adding a week would try to address concerns about the short turnaround time between races, which has led to fewer Derby winners participating in the Preakness and thus a lack of Triple Crown possibilities. The current five-week span between the Derby and Belmont Stakes has been in place since 1969. Some trainers believe even three weeks may not be enough for horses to recover.

WORDS: 1241 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 2:38 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e204df243e431e00fbfd491e313c7939&mediaType=text

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GLF--PGA CHAMPIONSHIP-MCILROY

Rory McIlroy hits Hollywood, dines at the White House, still finds time to win grand slam

SUMMARY: Rory McIlroy is enjoying life both on and off the golf course. He recently appeared in movies like “Happy Gilmore 2” and “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” McIlroy is also celebrating his recent Masters win, joining greats like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as repeat winners. Ahead of the PGA Championship, McIlroy feels confident and relaxed. He’s balancing golf with other opportunities, including attending a state dinner at the White House. McIlroy admits he was wrong to support LIV Golf’s alignment with the PGA Tour. He’s focused on winning more majors and possibly a gold medal at the Olympics.

WORDS: 886 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 2:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:798122a593e33fc5cbadc88b45a573d9&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-RAHM

Jon Rahm once fought Scottie Scheffler for No. 1 in the world. A move to LIV Golf changed that

SUMMARY: It was only three years ago that Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler were fighting to be No. 1 in golf. Rahm was the Masters champion. Scheffler had yet to win a major. Then the Spaniard decided to bolt from the PGA Tour to take the Saudi riches of LIV Golf. Rahm was adamant his move in December 2023 wasn’t about trying to bring the two leagues together. He says he doesn’t regret any decision. And he says his world ranking of No. 20 doesn’t reflect how well he is playing. But Rahm’s performance in the majors has been lacking. That makes the PGA Championship a big week.

WORDS: 978 - MOVED: 05/12/2026 2:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7b0eb353a074bbe154256c4898552a0b&mediaType=text