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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BKN--NBA-EXPANSION

DESCRIPTION: The NBA’s board of governors is expected to vote Wednesday on a plan that will bring the league one step closer to expansion. If the current owners give their approval, and all signs are that they will do so, the league will essentially begin the process of working with potential ownership groups who will aim to have franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas sometime in the next few years. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SKI--WCUP-WOMEN’S GIANT SLALOM

DESCRIPTION: HAFJELL, Norway — Mikaela Shiffrin and Emma Aicher’s duel for the overall World Cup title is decided in the final race of the season. UPCOMIMG.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SKI--WCUP-MEN’S SLALOM

DESCRIPTION: HAFJELL, Norway — Atle Lie McGrath leads the discipline standings entering the final World Cup slalom of the season. UPCOMING.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKC--MARCH MADNESS

DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the men’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament:

BKC--NCAA-Things To Know -- Breaking down one statistical nugget worth knowing about each of the 16 teams remaining in the men’s NCAA Tournament. By Steve Megargee. Text, photos.

BKC--NCAA-West Preview -- The Sweet 16 matchup between Arizona and Arkansas in the West region features two of the team’s most reliant on freshmen this season thanks to Brayden Burries and Koa Peat on the Wildcats and Razorbacks stars Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas. By Josh Dubow. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, DigitalPlans, Text

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BKW--MARCH MADNESS

DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament:

BKW--NCAA-Things To Know -- Breaking down one statistical nugget worth knowing about each of the 16 teams remaining in the women’s NCAA Tournament. By Steve Megargee. Text, photos.

BKW--NCAA-Marketing Fudd -- Tuning in for March Madness it’s nearly impossible to miss seeing UConn star Azzi Fudd as she’s all over TV commercials and social media. Fudd is one of the most recognizable stars of women’s basketball whether in Planet Fitness ads, Marriott spots or Geico commercials. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg, Text, photos.

BKW—NCAA-TCU-Miles and Marta -- When Marta Suarez decided to transfer for her final college season, she wanted to go somewhere where she would have a chance to make a deep run in March Madness while getting ready to turn pro. TCU was on her list, and it certainly helped to find out playmaking guard Olivia Miles was also joining the Horned Frogs. The duo, who have developed such a good connection on and off the court, have led a rebuilt Frogs roster to another NCAA Sweet 16. By Stephen Hawkins, Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, DigitalPlans, Text

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FBN--SEAHAWKS-SMITH-NJIGBA

DESCRIPTION: RENTON, Wash. - The Seattle Seahawks signed All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a four-year contract extension on Monday, one which made him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. The team has lost some role players from last year’s team, like Super Bowl MVP-winner Kenneth Walker III, among others. Despite some losses in free agency, Seattle has retained its best - namely, Smith-Njigba. By Andrew Destin. 750 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--EAST PLAYOFF RACE

DESCRIPTION: Ten teams in the NHL’s Eastern Conference have more points than everyone in the Pacific Division, including two out of a playoff spot with 10 or so games left apiece. The traditional level to qualify over the past couple of decades has been 94 points, and it’s all but certain that at least one contender in the East will exceed that mark. From Columbus and Pittsburgh to Detroit, Ottawa and the New York Islanders, the rivals in the race all keep winning, making it a fight to the finish that looks a whole lot different than the top-heavy West. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FIG--WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

DESCRIPTION: Amber Glenn takes on 3-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto as the figure skating world championships get underway with the women’s and pairs short programs.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Real Madrid takes on Barcelona and Manchester United hosts Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKC--ARIZONA ST-BENNETT’S MOVE

DESCRIPTION: TEMPE, Ariz. — Randy Bennett spent 25 years at Saint Mary’s repeatedly turning down chances to coach at bigger schools. When the Arizona State job opened up, the opportunity to return home was too much to pass up. By John Marshall. 600 words, photos from 5 p.m. PT news conference.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--YANKEES-GIANTS

DESCRIPTION: New York plays San Francisco at Oracle Park to open the Major League Baseball season. By Janie McCauley. 250 words, more on merit.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 8:05 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--DODGER STADIUM

DESCRIPTION: Dodger Stadium is adding a sponsor name to the field for the first time at the major leagues’ third-oldest ballpark. By Beth Harris. 400 words after 8:30 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 03/25/2026 8:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--OILERS-MCDAVID-400

Oilers’ Connor McDavid has 401 career goals, but insists scoring doesn’t come easy to him

SUMMARY: Connor McDavid reached 400 career goals but the Edmonton Oilers star says scoring still does not come easily to him. On Tuesday night, he scored twice in a 5-2 win over Utah and has 401 for his career. He says he works at shooting more and treats it as a focus point. Teammate Jack Roslovic reacted with disbelief and said the Oilers follow McDavid’s example. McDavid’s 40th goal of the season put Edmonton ahead in the second period. He added an empty-net goal late. Coach Kris Knoblauch praised McDavid’s shot and determination.

WORDS: 494 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 1:27 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a8e8926eb0c0d5f43837ba813ba9a543&mediaType=text

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HKN--OILERS-MAMMOTH

McDavid scores twice to give him 401 career goals and 1,200 points as Oilers top Mammoth 5-2

SUMMARY: Connor McDavid scored twice to give him 401 career goals and 1,200 points, sparking the Edmonton Oilers to a 5-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth. McDavid became the fifth player in Oilers history to reach 400 goals. The go-ahead goal was his 40th of the season and put Edmonton in front 3-2. He scored his 401st goal on an empty-netter with 7.5 seconds remaining that also gave him his 1,200th point. Evan Bouchard had three assists to give him 82 points as he joined Cale Makar, Erik Karlsson and Roman Josi as the only NHL defensemen to record multiple 80-point seasons since 2005-06. Alexander Kerfoot and Lawson Crouse scored for Utah.

WORDS: 321 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 12:34 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9f40c3a993c90b02871dac167bc4f22d&mediaType=text

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BKN--GRIZZLIES-MORANT

Grizzlies’ Ja Morant shut down for the season due to elbow injury

SUMMARY: The Memphis Grizzlies ruled out Ja Morant for the season because of a UCL sprain in his left elbow. The Grizzlies said Tuesday night that Morant would need a platelet-rich plasma injection to aid with the healing. The Grizzlies expected Morant to make a full recovery in time for next season. Morant sprained his elbow in late January after he had just missed two weeks because of calf soreness. He played in only 20 games this season for the Grizzlies and averaged 19.5 points, the lowest since his second season in the league.

WORDS: 326 - MOVED: 03/25/2026 12:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d017d90033e71ab72229cf6c1477a976&mediaType=text

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BBO--WHITE SOX-THOMAS LAWSUIT

Hall of Famer Frank Thomas files lawsuit seeking damages against White Sox, Fanatics, Nike

SUMMARY: Hall of Fame slugger Frank Thomas has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago White Sox and accuses the organization for which he played the bulk of his career of unauthorized use of his likeness on uniforms. The lawsuit was filed March 19 in Cook County, Illinois, and also named Nike and Fanatics as defendants. Thomas seeks payment in excess of $50,000 and demands a jury trial.

WORDS: 222 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 11:17 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:577fa84e1035e5c014f11d84f2f2d74f&mediaType=text

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BKC--NORTH CAROLINA-DAVIS

North Carolina parts ways with men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis after 5 seasons

SUMMARY: North Carolina has parted ways with men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis after five seasons leading the tradition-rich program. The school announced the decision Tuesday night, saying it had made “a leadership change” to end Davis’ tenure as successor to retired Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams. That run featured multiple high points, but also wild swings of results. The final blow was Thursday’s first-round loss to VCU in the NCAA Tournament. The Tar Heels blew a 19-point lead for the biggest first-round comeback in tournament history.

WORDS: 1103 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 10:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:375f6ed9eb2dcdac470367fc71e95d53&mediaType=text

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GLF--TGL FINALS

Tiger Woods returns at TGL and can’t stop LA from winning SoFi Cup

SUMMARY: Tiger Woods returned to some form of competition in the TGL final. He couldn’t do anything about Los Angeles making three straight eagles to close out Match 2 and win the best-of-3 series to capture the SoFi Cup. Woods was playing for the first time in more than a year. He ruptured his Achilles tendon last March and had a seventh back surgery in October that kept him out of the game indoors and outdoors. His full swing was fine. But he missed a 3-foot par putt that gave LA the lead and momentum and it was over quickly.

WORDS: 712 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 9:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8f723107ff11945e109e7b90fd003266&mediaType=text

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FBN--BENGALS-FLACCO

Joe Flacco agrees to return to the Bengals as Joe Burrow’s backup

SUMMARY: Joe Flacco has agreed to terms to return to the Cincinnati Bengals, where he will serve as a backup for Joe Burrow. Flacco was dealt to the Bengals from the Cleveland Browns in October and made six starts for Cincinnati while Burrow was out with a toe injury. The 41-year-old Flacco played well despite going 1-5 as a starter with the Bengals. He threw for at least 200 yards in four of his six starts, and the Bengals offense averaged more than 27 points per game. Flacco, who was Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2012 season, has played for the Broncos, Jets, Eagles, Jets again, Browns, Colts, Browns again and the Bengals.

WORDS: 178 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 8:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9e586ef8f9e16090f45c6e167f34c2ee&mediaType=text

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SOC--LIVERPOOL-SALAH

Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool at end of the season after 9 years with club

SUMMARY: Liverpool says Mohamed Salah will leave the club at the end of the season after nine years at Anfield in which he has established himself as one of its greatest-ever players. Liverpool says Salah has “reached an agreement” to leave the team one year before his contract was due to expire. There was no immediate word about where Salah was going next. The Egypt winger has scored 255 goals in 435 appearances for Liverpool. He has won two Premier League titles and a Champions League since joining from Roma in 2017.

WORDS: 809 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 6:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:81724a3afca1f695e559eca4f76fd01c&mediaType=text

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BKN--WARRIORS-MOODY

Warriors guard Moses Moody suffers season-ending left knee injury, will have surgery this week

SUMMARY: Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody will miss the rest of the season after a gruesome left knee injury that will require surgery later this week. The Warriors say Moody tore his patellar tendon and underwent an MRI exam that revealed the severity of his injury. He went down with 58.5 seconds left in overtime of Golden State’s 137-131 victory while going for an uncontested dunk off a steal against Cooper Flagg.His knee buckled and Moody went down in agony for several minutes before being carted off the court on a stretcher and giving a wave to the supportive road crowd. The injury left teammates, coaches, the Mavericks and their fans in shock.

WORDS: 440 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 6:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c74a82fa7bb10a65ad12799cf1c29439&mediaType=text

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FBC--LSU-KIFFIN

Lane Kiffin addresses high expectations as LSU opens spring practice under its new coach

SUMMARY: New LSU coach Lane Kiffin says his team has “a ton of work” to do to perform like an elite program. Kiffin noted that the Tigers are coming off a 7-6 season and a roster that has undergone a major overhaul. He says new players have to adjust to new teammates, different coaches and schemes that may be unfamiliar to a number of them. Kiffin is entering the first year of a seven-year, $91 million contract with LSU. Kiffin coached Mississippi to an 11-1 record and College Football Playoff berth last season but wasn’t permitted to remain with the Rebels for the postseason after opting to take the LSU job.

WORDS: 728 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b14c25540b4022292e1f373b128f493&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-PROPOSED RULE CHANGES

The NFL proposes contingencies for replacement refs in hopes of avoiding another ‘Fail Mary’

SUMMARY: The NFL is preparing for the possibility of replacement officials in the 2026 season, proposing a rule change for one season that would allow the replay center in New York to correct any “clear and obvious” mistakes by on-field officials in case of a work stoppage. The competition committee released its proposed rule changes for next season, including some small tweaks to the kickoff rule and allowing the replay center to eject players for flagrant acts on plays that were not penalized on the field. The changes will be considered by the owners at next week’s league meetings and would need to be approved by at least 24 of the 32 teams.

WORDS: 1043 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 5:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:de11539c2646cd78dce38066d6587828&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-SIZE ADVANTAGE

Going big: High-major programs using size to their advantage to maul midmajors in March Madness

SUMMARY: The NCAA Tournament is down to a Sweet 16 void of midmajors for the second straight season. NIL and the transfer portal have played significant roles in the recent downturn in March Madness upsets. Being a bully has also helped. One of the biggest advantages power-conference programs have over midmajors is their heft, and they’ve been throwing it around a lot more. Michigan has 7-foot-4 Aday Mara roaming the paint. Arizona likes to get the ball to 7-2 Motiejus Krivas early in games to force opponents to make decisions. Illinois has the biggest team in the country, anchored by twins Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic.

WORDS: 839 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:33db2581fbb8f0cb20cab55a7b63abb4&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-65-GAME RULE

Players like Cunningham should have award eligibility, NBPA says in push for 65-game rule change

SUMMARY: Detroit guard Cade Cunningham’s eligibility for individual honors such as a spot on the All-NBA team is in some doubt because of the 65-game rule for such awards. The players’ association said Tuesday that shouldn’t be the case. The National Basketball Players Association said it wants to see the rule that it agreed to through collective bargaining be amended. Cunningham has appeared in 61 games this season. He is expected to miss several more games while recovering from a collapsed lung. If he misses too many, he’ll fall short of the 65-game threshold.

WORDS: 555 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 3:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d43e0b531bd8ef1f65ab733e2f40d3a0&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA-CBA

WNBA owners ratify landmark 7-year CBA, setting up a sprint to the May 8 regular-season start

SUMMARY: The WNBA Board of Governors has unanimously ratified the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement. Their vote came a day after the players also unanimously approved the seven-year CBA, which will begin this season and run through 2032. It represents a landmark labor deal for the WNBA and its players. Lawyers on both sides are writing up the long form of the new agreement, which should be done soon. Now there will be a sprint to the start of the regular season on May 8.

WORDS: 289 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 3:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1b4da5e8dcc152fcc76370a799363a83&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-ST JOHN’S-PITINO’S PROJECT

Rick Pitino has seen and done it all in hoops. He’s doing it again for St. John’s in March Madness

SUMMARY: Rick Pitino is back on top of college basketball yet again after leading St. John’s to its first Sweet 16 of the 21st century. The 73-year-old Pitino knows he is closer to the end than the start of an epic coaching career, but it’s also far from over, and there are still so many horizons ahead. No coach has ever led four different schools to a Final Four, but St. John’s is two victories away. The Johnnies return Friday against Duke, a No. 1 overall seed that looked slightly shaky last weekend. But historic achievements and trophies seem to be secondary to the ride for Pitino at this stage of his life.

WORDS: 1125 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 3:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e0ed59ead91f99d56e7825e7d976a3f7&mediaType=text

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FBN--FALCONS-TAGOVAILOA

Tagovailoa is looking for a ‘fresh start’ with Falcons after rocky finish to his stay with Dolphins

SUMMARY: Tua Tagovailoa says his new one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons provides an opportunity for a fresh start after a rocky finish to his six-year stay with the Miami Dolphins. Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said on March 13 Tagovailoa will have an opportunity to compete at quarterback with Michael Penix Jr. when Penix is recovered from a torn ACL. Tagovailoa says “competition is just a thing in the NFL.” He says he’ll have to play better than in 2025, when he set a career high with 15 interceptions before being benched for the final three games.

WORDS: 593 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 3:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4219989d8d8cee3f07e6cc6e9646277b&mediaType=text

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BKN--AROUND THE NBA

Tanking remains a problem in the NBA and the league is going to take action, again

WORDS: 997 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 2:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:831967b8d13b107d744875595ce7632a&mediaType=text

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BBO--RANGERS-HAPPY MOUND VISIT

Rangers rookie pitcher finds out he made the team during a mound visit from manager

SUMMARY: The mound visit Carter Baumler received from Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker wasn’t to take the rookie right-hander out of his last spring training game. The manager instead went out to tell Baumler he made the opening day roster. Baumler retired the first two Kansas City Royals batters in the fifth inning Monday night before Schumaker came out of the dugout. The 24-year-old reliever thought he was being taken out of the game. Baumler allowed one unearned run and struck out 10 over 9 1/3 innings in eight spring training games. He has never pitched above the Double-A level.

WORDS: 690 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 2:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a4d694dc9246f9b0b855025a536751bb&mediaType=text

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BKN--76ERS-GEORGE-SUSPENDED

76ers’ Paul George apologizes for flunking drug test, ready to return for late-season playoff push

SUMMARY: Paul George declined to get into the specifics of his failed drug test that landed him a 25-game suspension. George says he is mentally and physically ready to help the Philadelphia 76ers with their playoff push over the last 10 games of the season. George will play for the Sixers on Wednesday night against Chicago. George was suspended in late January for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program. He said Tuesday that his choice to take a banned substance was connected to a mental health issue that developed because of an offseason knee injury that limited his production this season.

WORDS: 674 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 2:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:595117a3cc93541283b15d4097532f59&mediaType=text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-MASTERS

Fitzpatrick and DeChambeau are part of a growing list of players rounding into form for the Masters

SUMMARY: Matt Fitzpatrick is coming off two big weeks including a win. Does that bode well for the Masters? There’s more in play than just a trophy. But recent history shows that winning doesn’t hurt going into the first major of the year. Five of the last six Masters champions won multiple times before they slipped into a green jacket. Bryson DeChambeau warrants attention. He has won the last two weeks on LIV Golf by hitting shots that few others can hit. There’s also a pair of newcomers trending in the right direction with Chris Gotterup and Jacob Bridgeman.

WORDS: 950 - MOVED: 03/24/2026 2:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:36c60f93741841c31f61681c5432526d&mediaType=text

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