Golf

Tiger Woods accepted a special exemption for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, the first time the three-time champion has needed an exemption to play. Woods has been exempt for every U.S. Open since he first played in 1995 as the reigning U.S.

SHENZHEN, China (AP) — Sebastian Soderberg of Sweden maintained his impressive form by shooting a bogey-free 9-under 63 to take a share of the first-round lead at the China Open on the European tour on Thursday.

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Wyoming club pro Ben Polland atoned from a crushing loss in 2015 with steady golf in a tough Texas wind, closing with a 4-over 76 for a three-shot victory Wednesday in the PGA Professional Championship.

McKINNEY, Texas (AP) — Jason Day was something of an oh-by-the-way winner of the Byron Nelson 14 years ago when Jordan Spieth generated plenty of headlines as the local teenager contending on the weekend.

Back-to-back wins by Canadians have added a bit of maple flavour to the top of the PGA Tour Americas points list.

McKINNEY, Texas (AP) — Will Zalatoris has withdrawn from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson citing a flare-up in his back that will require rest after having played the last three weeks. Zalatoris, the No.

TROON, Scotland (AP) — Royal Troon will feature the longest hole in British Open history when the Ayrshire links hosts the event for the 10th time in July.

The disappointment on Martin Trainer’s face was obvious when he pushed a 6-foot par putt that would extended the playoff in the Zurich Classic. Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy wound up winning over Trainer and Chad Ramey.

Winning the Ryder Cup might have been more valuable than Rory McIlroy realized.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry received a standing ovation at historic, creole French Quarter restaurant Arnaud's on the eve of their final round at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event.