World number one Scottie Scheffler has described the pin placements at the PGA Championship as “absurd” after battling extremely difficult conditions during his second round at Aronimink Golf Club.

The two-time Masters champion carded a one-over-par round on Friday to sit at two under heading into the weekend.

Strong winds gusting up to 20mph combined with a severe course setup by the PGA of America to create a gruelling test for the entire field in Pennsylvania.

‘Craziest pins I’ve seen’

The American star was left in complete disbelief upon reaching the par-three 14th green.

Organisers had positioned the flag on top of a sharp spine, leaving players with a remarkably small landing area to keep their golf balls close to the hole.

“That was one of the craziest pins I’ve seen,” Scheffler said.

“They put the pin on like this microphone, like it was just like a high point. I hadn’t seen anything like it.”

Despite the punishing layout, the 28-year-old managed to scramble for what he described as an extremely good par on his fifth hole of the day.

Comparisons to brutal Shinnecock

The current FedEx Cup champion even consulted Justin Rose’s caddie, Mark Fulcher, to ask if he had ever encountered a similar challenge on the circuit.

They concluded the extreme conditions mirrored Shinnecock Hills, a notoriously unforgiving venue set to host next month’s US Open.

“This is the hardest set of pin locations that I’ve seen since I’ve been on Tour, and that includes US Opens, that includes Oakmont.”

Scottie Scheffler

He noted that dramatic slopes and high winds made it exceptionally difficult to convert putts, leading to scores hovering remarkably close to par across the leaderboard.

A ‘different’ kind of test

While the reigning Olympic gold medallist stopped short of calling the Aronimink setup explicitly unfair, he admitted the experience was not entirely enjoyable.

“I truly believe they could have the winning score be whatever they want it to be,” he explained.

“Is that the best test? Who knows. It’s a different test.”

Meanwhile, fellow American Chris Gotterup defied the brutal conditions to shoot a five-under 65.

However, even the current round leader agreed that the pin positions bordered on the impossible, contributing to painstakingly slow rounds extending past five hours.

Jonas Vingegaard has completed his set of Grand Tour stage victories by producing a spectacular solo attack to win stage seven of the Giro d’Italia on the formidable Blockhaus climb.

Making his debut at the prestigious Italian race, the Dane launched a devastating acceleration with 5.5km remaining of the punishing 13.6km ascent.

Nobody could match the Visma-Lease a Bike rider as he broke the record time for ascending the mountain, clocking 38 minutes and 22 seconds.

He crossed the finish line 13 seconds clear of Austria’s Felix Gall, with Australian Jai Hindley taking third on the longest Grand Tour stage in five years.

General classification battle intensifies

This landmark victory means the 27-year-old has now claimed stage wins at the Tour de France, the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro.

The impressive performance catapulted the two-time Tour de France champion into second place in the overall general classification.

He now sits three minutes and 17 seconds behind race leader Afonso Eulalio, with Gall a further 17 seconds adrift in third.

I’m definitely happy that I could take back some time.

The pre-race favourite is aiming to write his name in the history books by becoming only the eighth rider to win all three Grand Tours.

It’s a good day for me, a good day for us.

Gall emerges as major threat

While Vingegaard secured the stage honours, he was quick to acknowledge the impressive ride of the climbing specialist behind him.

For sure Felix Gall is a big rival to me.
I knew it already before the race, he’s a really strong guy that we really have to take into account.

Stage seven and general classification results

The brutal 244km test proved decisive for the overall contenders, shaking up the top five standings significantly.

Overall standings after stage seven:

India legend Virat Kohli has declared he will not participate in the 2027 Cricket World Cup if he is made to feel he must continually prove his worth to the national team.

The 37-year-old has already retired from Test and T20 international cricket but remains an active, vital part of the 50-over setup.

He is widely regarded as one of the finest one-day batters in history and played a crucial role in both the 2011 World Cup victory and last year’s Champions Trophy success.

Refusal to justify his place

Speaking on the RCB Podcast, the former captain explained his firm mindset regarding his future in the sport.

“If I can add value to the environment that I’m a part of and the environment feels like I can add value, I’ll be seen,” he stated.

“If I’m made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space.”

The modern-day great emphasised his relentless work ethic and willingness to give absolutely everything on the field.

Unwavering commitment to the team

“When I arrive to play, I put my head down, I work as hard, if not harder, than anyone else. And I play the game in the right way.”

“You want me to run from boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI game, I will do that without a complaint. Because I prepare accordingly.”

The top-order batsman noted that he prepares to treat every single delivery in the field as if it were the final ball of his career.

“After operating like this, if I have to be in a place where I have to prove my worth and value, that place is not meant to be for me. And I am very clear in my head from that perspective.”

An unrivaled one-day pedigree

Only Sachin Tendulkar has amassed more than his phenomenal tally of 14,797 runs across 311 one-day internationals.

The right-hander boasts a staggering overall average of 58.71, which notably climbs to 65.78 when chasing down targets in the second innings.

Furthermore, his exceptional record in South Africa – the host nation for the 2027 tournament – stands at a formidable average of 76.38 from 20 matches.

Frustration with external noise

During the interview, the prolific run-scorer admitted that certain individuals are currently attempting to overcomplicate his situation.

While he refrained from naming anyone specifically, his frustration with shifting expectations and unprompted criticism was glaringly apparent.

“Look, if you go to your workplace, and if people say we believe in your abilities, and then a week later they start questioning the way you operate, it’s like, why?” he asked.

“Either tell me on day one I’m not good enough or I’m not needed. Or if you’ve said I’m good enough and you say we’re not even thinking otherwise, then be quiet.”

Champion jockeys Jose and Irad Ortiz are facing allegations of participating in illegal cockfighting events in Puerto Rico just days before the Preakness Stakes.

The highly successful siblings have been linked to the outlawed blood sport following a media investigation into social media posts and videos.

This controversy emerges on the eve of the second leg of the US Triple Crown at Laurel Park.

Both riders are scheduled to compete this Saturday, with Jose partnering Chip Honcho and Irad taking the reins on Talkin.

Animal rights activists demand investigation

Footage recently shared online allegedly shows the prominent horsemen collecting cash from inside a fighting ring.

Cockfighting has been strictly prohibited in the United States and its territories since 2019.

Despite the federal ban, the practice remains a deeply ingrained cultural tradition on the Caribbean island.

Campaigners are now urging racing authorities to intervene and strip the multimillion-pound earners of their eligibility for the prestigious Eclipse Awards.

Facebook posts highlight tournament participation

A promotional post from last December explicitly named the celebrated track stars as participants in a major tournament.

“Brothers Irad and José Luis Ortiz accepted the challenge of competing in the tournament of champions known as the ‘Gran Campeón Caribeño’, with a single goal: to attempt to be crowned the undisputed champions.”

“Although they distinguish themselves in the world of international horse racing, they also harbor a passion for fighting cocks.”

The event organisers further stated it was an absolute honour to host the world-renowned equestrian duo at their coliseum.

Unmatched success on the racecourse

The timing of these claims casts a shadow over an incredibly lucrative period for the celebrated Puerto Rican natives.

Jose recently guided Golden Tempo to victory in the Kentucky Derby, narrowly defeating Renegade, who was ridden by his older sibling.

Irad has firmly established himself as the leading US jockey by both wins and earnings over the past four consecutive years.

Together, the formidable partnership has accumulated more than £520m in total prize money throughout their distinguished careers.

Neither rider nor their official representatives have publicly responded to the ongoing allegations.

The Horse Racing Safety and Integrity Authority currently holds no regulatory jurisdiction over events occurring in Puerto Rico.

Great Britain’s Amy Hunt and Ben Pattison will join global athletics stars, including Armand Duplantis, as the 2026 Diamond League season begins in China this Saturday.

The prestigious 15-meeting track and field circuit was originally scheduled to commence in Doha but will now launch in Shanghai/Keqiao following regional postponements.

World 200m silver medallist Hunt faces a formidable sprint lineup featuring Jamaican icon Shericka Jackson and American champion Sha’Carri Richardson.

British interest extends across multiple disciplines, with 800m runner Pattison and discus thrower Lawrence Okoye among the travelling home nations contingent.

Pattison targets fresh silverware

Pattison approaches the new campaign fully fit after a difficult period plagued by illness and a stress fracture that previously hampered his Olympic ambitions.

The 24-year-old middle-distance specialist is now heavily focused on securing podium finishes at the upcoming European and Commonwealth competitions in Birmingham and Glasgow.

“The plan is to do both and my goal is to get two medals.”

The English runner announced himself on the global stage with a surprise bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

Despite moving behind only Sebastian Coe on the British all-time list shortly after, he admits frustration at still being defined by that breakthrough Hungarian performance.

“I don’t like the fact that people still reference Budapest.”
“To achieve that by the age of 21, I’d like to think by the end of my career I’ll definitely be able to get more medals – and that’s what really gets me going.”

Global icons set for Shanghai

Swedish pole vault sensation Duplantis and Kenyan distance great Faith Kipyegon provide the headline star power for the opening weekend.

They are joined by Botswanan sprinting prodigy Letsile Tebogo as the elite competitors prepare for a long season culminating in September’s two-day Brussels finale.

Action from the Shanghai/Keqiao meeting will be broadcast live on BBC Two from 12:00 BST this Saturday.

Key schedule events (BST)

Fabio Wardley has officially activated an immediate rematch clause to fight Daniel Dubois later this year as he attempts to reclaim the WBO heavyweight world championship.

The Ipswich-born boxer lost his title belt following an 11th-round stoppage defeat during an epic battle in Manchester last Saturday.

Despite suffering that late heartbreak, the 31-year-old had heavily dominated the early stages of the encounter by flooring Dubois twice.

Epic Manchester showdown

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that the contractual return bout has now been formally enforced by the defeated camp.

The veteran boxing promoter previously described the weekend’s brutal clash as the best heavyweight fight he has ever put on.

It is understood the former champion avoided serious harm and did not require hospital treatment to recover from his facial injuries.

Vow to reclaim the belt

The British heavyweight remains highly motivated to avenge his dramatic weekend loss against his domestic rival.

The boxing world knows my character, and Saturday night proved that without a shred of doubt.
It was a fight for the ages, but I made some mistakes that I will rectify in the rematch. Congratulations to Daniel, but I’m coming for you… and my belt!

Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has been revealed as the wealthiest active British athlete in the 2026 Sunday Times rich list, boasting a net worth of £240m.

The 36-year-old boxer sits significantly ahead of domestic rival Tyson Fury, who makes his debut appearance on the prestigious financial rankings with an estimated £162m fortune.

The two heavyweight giants are scheduled to finally meet in the ring later this year in a highly anticipated bout that is expected to further boost both fighters’ monumental earnings.

Boxing giants dominate active rankings

Joshua owes his massive valuation to a string of lucrative world title fights and immense commercial appeal since capturing Olympic gold at the London 2012 games.

His upcoming opponent has similarly profited from global stadium events, including a legendary trilogy of fights against American knockout artist Deontay Wilder.

The man known as the “Gypsy King” has also expanded his financial portfolio outside the squared circle through successful reality television ventures.

Kane leads active football earners

Away from the boxing ring, England men’s captain Harry Kane is currently the wealthiest active footballer on the list with a valuation of £110m.

The prolific striker recently enjoyed another outstanding domestic campaign, netting 55 times in 49 appearances to secure another Bundesliga crown for Bayern Munich.

Despite earning £420,000 per week in Germany, the national team skipper actually trails Ivan Toney’s reported £429,000 weekly wage at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.

However, the former Tottenham Hotspur talisman retains a superior overall net worth as he prepares to lead the Three Lions at this summer’s World Cup.

Retired stars maintain immense wealth

Sir Andy Murray matches Kane’s £110m valuation, demonstrating enduring financial power despite having stepped away from professional tennis two years ago.

The Scottish three-time Grand Slam winner accumulated his vast fortune through decades of top-level prize money and blue-chip endorsement deals.

While these individual athlete valuations are staggering, the broader sporting landscape is now headlined by the Beckham family, who have officially surpassed the monumental billion-pound threshold.

Tiger Woods could be offered a backroom role with the United States Ryder Cup team following his return to Florida from a 40-day rehabilitation stint in Switzerland.

The 15-time major champion recently landed at Palm Beach International Airport after seeking overseas treatment.

He was charged with driving under the influence and property damage following a vehicle crash in March.

Furyk plans to contact American icon

Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his playing career, US captain Jim Furyk is eager to utilise the 48-year-old’s vast experience.

The next edition of the biennial tournament takes place at Adare Manor in Ireland in September 2027.

Furyk confirmed he intends to contact the golfing legend once he has settled back into family life.

“We haven’t spoken yet. I think, out of kind of courtesy for him and his family, and I know maybe a road to health, I haven’t reached out, but I will.”

The American captain praised the former world number one’s previous contributions in leadership roles.

“I will say I enjoyed serving as a vice-captain with him a number of times.”
“I think he brought a lot to the team room and a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience.”

Rehabilitation and previous accidents

The five-time Masters winner released a statement following his arrest, confirming he was stepping away to prioritise his well-being.

His legal representation successfully argued that a high-profile European clinic was necessary to guarantee privacy during his recovery.

The veteran was initially expected to complete a 90-day comprehensive inpatient programme before returning home early.

He was reportedly seen walking with a limp upon his return to the tarmac, with lingering issues from a torn Achilles still hampering his movement.

The global sports star has endured a troubling history of severe motor vehicle incidents over the past 15 years.

He crashed his vehicle in 2009, was charged with a DUI in 2017 after a reaction to medication, and suffered significant leg injuries during a high-speed accident near Los Angeles in 2021.