Category: Sports

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan — The provincial government of La Union has collected 8.4 metric tons of plastic waste from residents across 15 localities.

The action was done through its “Trash to Goods Program” where plastic waste is exchanged for canned goods.

Of the total waste gathered, 4.4 metric tons were polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, while 3.9 metric tons were mixed plastics.

These items were exchanged for over 175 boxes of canned goods.

The initiative was led by the Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) in partnership with HOPE Business for Good and Century Tuna.

It aims to promote responsible waste management and environmental sustainability through recycling.

Launched in April 2023, the program encourages residents to trade recyclable items like plastic bottles, tarpaulins, and styrofoam for canned goods, with exchanges based on weight.

The activity is conducted annually in designated locations.

“This program ensures that waste materials are reintegrated into the economy, instead of being discarded, ensuring sustainability and solid waste reduction,” Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David said in a statement on Wednesday.

“This also proves the strength and unity of our responsible constituents towards the preservation of the environment,” she added.

PG-ENRO head Annalyn Rosario-Valdez said the initiative not only strengthens waste management but also encourages reduced plastic use and proper segregation.

An information education campaign was also held on May 21.

The campaign was meant to educate tourism stakeholders on Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Plastic Code of La Union, and the process of conducting a plastic brand audit.

The program serves as a strategic intervention of the provincial government to support the implementation and preservation of the province’s 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan.

The collected recyclable plastic wastes will be delivered to accredited recycling centers./apl

Something incredible crossed my phone the other night while I was doing my nightly ritual of doomscrolling before bed in an eternal addiction to ruin my sleep. It was a jersey frame being sold on Amazon, but not just any jersey frame — it was a frame for the greatest football player of all time. That’s right, Patriots and Buccaneers legend Tom Braby.

What do you mean you’ve never heard of Tom Braby? It’s Braby. No. 12. In the bottom right you can see him in his iconic Patriots’ jersey.

And this display even has his highly sought after “Braby” signature.

Naturally, seeing this absolutely sent me. The only thing I can assume if that these pop-up drop shippers based out of China are utterly terrified about the NFL suing them or being delisted from Amazon. So instead of actual, realistic images of jerseys, we end up with Tom Braby.

This isn’t a one off either. Amazon is littered with more jersey frames with hilariously fake names.

Being a Carolina Panthers fan I was extremely stoked to see that the esteemed brand “IHEIPYE” was selling a frame for my favorite player: Future Hall of Fame linebacker Luke Kuechll.

I know what you’re thinking: Braby and Kuechll are legends, but what about a player who hasn’t retired and is in the league right now? Don’t worry, because while Braby is the GOAT, he could soon be passed by the legend that is Patrick Wahowes.

The weird thing about Wahowes is no matter how great he is, I can never remember whether he plays for the Los Angeles Chargers or the Detroit Lions. Memory can be funny like that.

You might not really be a football fan though. It’s okay, because if you prefer watching basketball then Amazon frames have you covered. There is absolutely no better way to display your Chicago Bubls jersey than with a shadow box from “Jinchuan.”

The Bubls were a huge part of my childhood. Watching Mitchell Jorban soar over the rest of the NBA was an absolute delight, and I’m so glad there’s a way to remember it now.

These amazing jersey frames are so iconic that you could decorate your entire living space with them. Support your minimalist, workout-focused home decor with a Lakers jersey next to the man, the myth, the legend — Ronald.

It’s been such an illustrious career than I forget sometimes that Ronald played for Manchester United.

Ronald’s history is a huge contrast to Messs. Everyone remembers Messs playing for Barcelona.

It’s just amazing that we live in a world now where you can be sitting at your home one second, staring at your boring, unadorned wall, wondering what you could bring in to jazz up your living space — then with just a couple of Amazon clicks you can find a multi-functional way to hang both your Jordaa jersey and your Jamee one.

In case you need help finding this specific frame it’s the “Sboitflmm Jersey Frame Display Case – Football Jersey Display Frame – Lockable Jersey Shadow Box with UV Protection Acrylic Door and Hanger for Hockey.”

Time to spruce up your home with nostalgia, grace, and Tom Braby.

Israel accused the United Nations Wednesday of seeking to “block” Gaza aid distribution, as the global body said it was doing its utmost to gather the limited assistance greenlighted by Israel’s authorities.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israel has imposed a two-month aid blockade, is dire, with food security experts saying starvation is looming for one in five people.

“While the UN spreads panic and makes declarations detached from reality, the state of Israel is steadily facilitating the entry of aid into Gaza,” Israel’s United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon told the Security Council.

He said the assistance was entering by trucks — under limited authorization by Israel at the Kerem Shalom crossing since last week following the blockade — and via a “new distribution mechanism developed in coordination with the US and key international partners.”

Danon was referring to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private, US-backed aid group that has established its own distribution system, one the United Nations considers contrary to its humanitarian principles.

READ: Marcos urges warring parties in Gaza Strip to protect civilians

A chaotic distribution of aid at a GHF center Tuesday left 47 people wounded.

Israel’s ambassador blamed Hamas for the tumult, saying the Palestinian group set up roadblocks and checkpoints to block access to the distribution center.

He accused the UN of “trying to block” the aid.

The United Nations “is using threats, intimidation and retaliation against NGOs that choose to participate in the new humanitarian mechanism,” Danon added.

‘Will not participate’

Danon specifically accused the United Nations of having removed these nongovernmental organizations from a database listing groups working in Gaza, an accusation rejected by the UN.

“There are no differences between the current list and the one from before the launch of the GHF,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told AFP.

But the UN reiterated its opposition to coordinating with GHF.

“We will not participate in operations that do not meet our humanitarian principles,” insisted Dujarric.

He also said the UN was doing all it could to gather the aid arriving through Kerem Shalom.

Since last week 800 truckloads were approved by Israel but fewer than 500 made it into Gaza, according to Dujarric.

“We and our partners could collect just over 200 of them, limited by insecurity and restricted access,” he said.

“If we’re not able to pick up those goods, I can tell you one thing, it is not for lack of trying.”

Danon had said “more than 400 trucks” full of aid were already on the Gaza side of the crossing and that Israel had provided “safe routes” for the distribution.

“But the UN did not show up,” the Israeli envoy said. “Put your ego aside, pick up the aid and do your job.”

Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed at least 54,804 people, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry there. The UN considers the figures reliable.

The punishing offensive has reduced much of the Palestinian territory to rubble — including hospitals, schools and other basic infrastructure — and resulted in the displacement of almost all of its roughly two million people.

Israel launched its operations in response to the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which killed 1,218 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. /das

Last weekend when the AL East-leading New York Yankees (then 30-19) visited Coors Field to play the historically bad Colorado Rockies (then 8-42), a sweep seemed inevitable.

Reality hit on Friday night when RHP Tanner Gordon led the Rockies to a surprising 3-2 win.

The next day, however, Max Fried would set things right as he dazzled over 7 ⅓ innings, striking out seven and giving up six hits that would result in only one run. As he told media after the game, his fastball was working, and he used it aggressively to shut down a feeble Rockies offense.

Fried was also in top defensive form, picking off two base runners at first.

On Sunday, Fried answered a few questions in the Coors Field Visiting Clubhouse about adjusting to Yankee Stadium, the increased vertical movement of his sinker, and what it would take to get him back in the box.

(This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.)

Renee Dechert: This is your first season with the Yankees. Everything indicates you’ve taken to it pretty well. What kind of adjustments have you had to make for pitching at Yankee Stadium?

Max Fried: Physically, not too much. I feel like I’m just being myself. I’m not trying to do anything too crazy, realizing it’s the same game, and I just want to be myself and not try to be anything else. But as far as the transition, being around these guys in this clubhouse has made it really easy. They’ve welcomed me in, and it’s been a seamless transition so far.

RD: When you say “Be yourself,” what do you mean by that?

MF: Just be the same person and the player that I’ve been in my career. I’m not trying to do more or trying to be more than what I’ve already done.

RD: So far this season, you seem to be using your sinker more and your curveball less. Can you talk a little bit about that change?

MF: It’s not anything that’s, I guess, premeditated. It’s just kind of what’s happened. I’ve never gone into a season or a game saying, “I’m going to throw my curveball less,” or “I’m going to throw a certain pitch more.” It’s just when, when you get out there, sometimes, you lean on one over the other.

RD: Your sinker is showing a significant change in vertical movement. Have you made adjustments to get that?

MF: Yeah, I’ve made a few adjustments when I came over, and they seem to be working.

RD: Can you talk a bit about that?

MF: it’s just more of a grip change. They showed me a grip that was a little bit better for me, and I’ve just been trying to throw it, and it’s been getting some results right now.

RD: You’ve won three gold gloves. We saw some of your defensive work yesterday, when you picked off two runners. Can you talk a bit about how defense became so much a part of your game and your development in this area?

MF: I grew up playing positions. I played first base and outfield growing up, and being an athlete, just taking pride in my defense was something that I always really enjoyed. And then when I converted to just being a pitcher, it was my way of trying to still have some athleticism on the field, and also realizing that fielding your position and holding runners and things of that nature is a real benefit, especially to pitching, getting deep into games, and trying to win. So just keeping that emphasis,

RD: In 2021, you won a Silver Slugger, which suggests you’re pretty good on the other side of the plate.

Seth Lugo told me last year he feels like he has an advantage over a lot of younger pitchers because of his experience as a hitter. Have you had a similar experience?

MF: I would definitely say it gives you perspective. When you’re standing in the box and you’re facing a major-league pitcher and you’re seeing what it looks like from that end, it just gives you perspective on how hard it is actually. So that’s the one thing that I do miss, is being able to step in the box and see what it looks like to give you that reassurance that what you’re doing on the mound is really hard to do and really hard to hit.

RD: Do you think there’s ever a chance you’ll get to hit again. I know Germán Márquez misses it a lot.

MF: Maybe if there’s a certain situation where we burn every bench guy and we get into a lot of extra innings and something crazy happens, but I’m not expecting it, but if it ever happens, I’ll be ready.

RD: You went to high school with Jack Flaherty and Lucas Giolito. Did you keep up with those guys?

MF: Yeah, absolutely. We can keep in touch all the time. I follow every one of their starts. I make sure when, when they’re pitching, I check the box score and send the messages and stuff like that.

RD: What’s it been like, watching the three of you evolve in the way that you have?

MF: It’s really cool. You realize that it’s rare, and something that not a lot of people kind of have, but we try to make the most of it, or at least just support each other. You know, it’s a hard game, and it’s hard to do it, so just to give our friends support. It’s important.

RD: Last one from me. What’s the best pitch you’ve shown so far this season?

MF: Wow. Best pitch I’ve thrown this season [long pause]. I don’t know if I have a single pitch, not one that stands out to me the way it was like, “That was the one.”

RD: Can you think of one?

MF: There’s one in the past. It was the first glove-side two seamer that I had thrown, and I had struck out Starling Marte.

RD: Can you take me through it?

MF: I want to say was 2023? I threw it, and it was the first time that I had gotten it called, and I executed it, and I struck him out. And it was like a moment of “That, that felt really good.”

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) wants banks and financial companies to incorporate news reports about individuals and entities with possible money laundering offenses in their screening of transactions and activities, in a bid to prevent any illicit flow of funds.

Memorandum No. M-2025-017 dated May 27, reminded banks and nonbanks to adopt policies and procedures in handling such news reports, which can be used to enhance customer due diligence.

The central bank issued the reminder amid an ongoing probe into the laundering of ransom money in the kidnapping of slain Chinese Filipino businessman Anson Tan, also known as Anson Que. The bad actors reportedly utilized e-wallets intended exclusively for casino gaming, shell accounts and cryptocurrency to conceal the money trail.

READ: Inept Anti-Money Laundering Council

The Bangko Sentral explained that news articles about possible money laundering and terrorist financing may trigger a deeper review of transactions and activities of certain customers and entities.

Bangko Sentral directives

That said, the central bank is compelling financial firms to update their risk management practices so they can immediately spot any new and emerging threats to their products and services. Such operational risks include developments related to money laundering and terrorism financing carried in news reports.

According to the memo, banks and nonbanks under its supervision, like e-wallets, must monitor all relevant risk factors, including—but not limited to—institutional level of exposures to people and entities reported to have potential links to illegal activities.

READ: AMLC launches probe into laundering of Anson Que ransom

At the same time, the BSP said financial companies must keep an updated list of sources of negative reports, such as news articles, public registers, court and congressional records, among others. Banks and nonbanks must also maintain a database of individuals and companies that were the subject of negative media reports.

Those reports are to be included in the screening of a customer’s transaction activities. To ensure a holistic investigation, the BSP said the screening must extend to ultimate beneficial owners and authorized signatories of juridical customers, as well as related parties.

Ultimately, the central bank said regulated entities would have to identify the action that may be triggered by the results of the investigation. These actions may include flagging the customer’s account for ongoing monitoring and periodic due diligence.

“It is essential for [banks and nonbanks] to promptly escalate and report significant risks based on the results of [negative media report] screening activity,” the memo read.

It is a Signature Event week on the PGA Tour and one of the larger ones at that with play happening at Jack’s place at the Memorial.

Jack Nicklaus is in fact hosting the Memorial Tournament per usual and if you are a professional golfer it is likely a dream of yours to walk off of 18 and shake the hand of one of the greatest people to ever swing a club. That makes sense.

Reigning Masters Champion Rory McIlroy will not be in attendance at the Memorial, something that sparked some criticism when it was first announced last week. Players are entitled to construct and adjust their schedules as they wish and it is worth noting that the PGA Championship was just two weeks ago, but this is the Memorial. It is Jack’s place.

This may sound like posturing, but the reality of the situation is that missing it raises eyebrows from some. Given who Rory is, a Career Grand Slam winner, some people feel he has an obligation to the game of golf to be at events such as these. We can debate that idea forever, obviously.

One thing that is seemingly less open for interpretation is that Rory could have handled his absence from the Memorial with a bit more tact. Speaking on Wednesday, Mr. Nicklaus noted that Rory did not reach out to him to share that he would not be playing in the event.

Mr. Nicklaus shared that he was surprised that Rory was not attending, but he did note tht players have things they have to structure their careers around and shared that he had to go through that himself when he was an active player. That makes sense as well.

If you watch the clip above in its entirety it is clear that Mr. Nicklaus does not want to imply anything negative about Rory missing the Memorial. That is respectable and commendable.

No one is saying that Rory is being disrespectful in going about things the way that he is, but a phone call in this instance would have maybe been a proper move.

Beyond the element that involves Jack Nicklaus, this is now the third Signature Event of the season that Rory is skipping. The days of arguing about the PGA Tour against LIV and what is right and what makes sense and all of that are not worth re-visiting, but it is worth noting that Rory was one of the proponents for the structure that his Tour has in existence right now. Missing a Signature Event is reasonable, but. missing three before June is going to draw criticism in and of itself.

There is no specifically right or wrong thing happening here as Rory is still a global ambassador for the game. We can argue about the manner in which he chose to go about not playing in the Memorial and whether or not he should play in it at all, but that speaks to larger issues surrounding professional golf at the moment (as if that weren’t obvious enough).

Does Rory owe the game more because of who he is and the stature that he carries? That argument can be made. Equally though one could offer that Rory has earned some grace and freedom to operate as he sees fit.

Round and round we go.

MANILA, Philippines — The government of Timor-Leste on Wednesday announced that it will deport expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. back to the country to face the murder cases lodged against him.

The statement from the Timor-Leste government came after Teves was arrested by Timorese immigration authorities on Tuesday evening at his house in the capital city of Dili.

READ: Arnolfo Teves rearrested in Timor Leste; son cries ‘kidnap’

According to the Timor-Leste government, it considers Teves’ presence within their jurisdiction a threat to national security and interests, particularly, in its bilateral relations with the Philippines.

“The Government hereby informs that Arnolfo Teves Jr. will be deported from Timor-Leste by administrative decision of the Ministry of the Interior, as he is in the country without a valid visa, lacking legal authorization to remain, and holding a passport that the Government of the Philippines has cancelled,” the Timorese government said.

“The decision, which takes effect immediately, is based on national legislation regarding migration and asylum and is grounded in the risks that this citizen’s continued presence poses to public order and national security,” it added.

Apart from deporting Teves, the Timor-Leste government also announced that in accordance with its Migration and Asylum Law, the expelled lawmaker will be prohibited from entering their territory for a period of 10 years.

The Timor-Leste government explained that in deporting Teves, it frees itself from being seen as a “refuge for individuals fleeing international justice.”

“The Government reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the rule of law, respect for international norms concerning cooperation between states, and the safeguarding of security and stability not only within the national territory but also in the Southeast Asia region, in coordination with the collective efforts of Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Member States,” the Timorese government said.

Although the Timorese government has announced its intention to deport Teves, it has not specified the exact date of his deportation.

Teves is currently facing multiple counts of murder and frustrated murder. He was tagged as the alleged mastermind behind the assassination of then Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo—also known as the Pamplona Massacre—in 2023. /cb

MINNEAPOLIS — When Sue Bird was appointed as the Managing Director for the U.S. women’s national basketball team earlier this month, Cheryl Reeve reached out to congratulate her.

Reeve, the 58-year-old longtime coach of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, coached Team USA to its 10th Olympic gold medal last summer in Paris, France.

“I was thrilled for USA Basketball to appoint Sue to the position, and I thought the timing of it was great,” Reeve said last week before the Lynx played the Dallas Wings. “The evolution — you know, it’s hard to change something. It’s been so successful for so many years. And so, I give leadership, General (Martin) Dempsey, (CEO) Jim Tooley, just a lot of credit for that decision.”

But beyond that, Reeve says she and Bird haven’t talked about anything else, such as, if Reeve will continue to be the head coach of the senior national team.

“I congratulated Sue, and that’s been the extent of our conversation,” Reeve said when asked by SB Nation if she planned to coach the team in 2026 or 2028.

And so, with the FIBA World Cup approaching in about a year, and the next Summer Games on U.S. soil looming in 2028, it’s unclear who the next coach of the ultra successful U.S. women’s basketball team will be.

At her introductory press conference on May 8, Bird — who won five Olympic gold medals while representing Team USA as a player — identified “choosing a coach” for the 2026 World Cup in Berlin as one of her top priorities.

“There’s no specific timeline on that, but obviously that is super important,” Bird said. “And then once that’s done, choosing the larger staff.”

Based on the history of the U.S. national team, it wouldn’t be stunning if Reeve doesn’t continue on as head coach. Really, it would only be surprising if she is indeed standing on the sidelines in Los Angeles when the Summer Games begin in 2028. Beginning with Billy Moore in the 1970s, only one of the 11 coaches to lead the national team have coached in multiple Olympics: Geno Auriemma. Though, it’s worth noting that Pat Summitt would have likely been the coach for the 1980 team too had the U.S. not withdrawn from the games in Moscow. Instead, her lone Olympic coaching stint came in 1984, when the U.S. won the gold for the first time.

Every other coach that has led the national team has typically coached for just one cycle that includes a World Cup and an Olympics. That group includes Kay Yow, Theresa Grentz, Tara VanDerveer, Nell Fortner, Van Chancellor, Anne Donovan and Dawn Staley.

Should Reeve remain the coach, she would join Auriemma as the only two people to coach the women’s national team in multiple Olympics.

Tooley told the Associated Press that Bird’s term for managing director is for four years. She’ll have a major say in what the roster looks like and who the coach is for the World Cup and Olympics.

“Of course I’ve started to think about it, jotting some names down here and there,” Bird told the AP of choosing the next coach. “It’s the first priority without a doubt. There are so many qualified coaches in college and the WNBA.”

Should Bird not decide to retain Reeve as the coach of the national team, one possible and seemingly logical successor could be Kara Lawson.

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils has a long history with and deep ties to Team USA. She won a gold medal as a player in 2008 — playing alongside Bird — and coached the Americans to an Olympic gold in 3×3 basketball at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. Lawson was also an assistant coach on Reeve’s Team USA staff last summer and was the lead scout for the gold medal game against France. Additionally, she has already been appointed as the head coach of Team USA for the FIBA AmeriCup this summer in Chile.

Lawson coached the Blue Devils to an ACC Championship this season, her fifth at Duke, and guided the team to its first Elite Eight appearance since 2013. It’s also worth noting that Duke athletic director Nina King was appointed to the USA Basketball Board of Directors for a term that runs through 2028.

The next FIBA Women’s World Cup begins on Sept. 4, 2026, in Berlin, Germany.

‘EAT’S FINALLY BACK!’ Worldbex Services International (WSI) welcomes all food lovers and food businesses to attend this event and see how the Philippine F&B industry continues to grow and innovate, happening from June 11 to 15, 2025,  at the World Trade Center Metro Manila! 

The Manila Foods and Beverages Exposition (MAFBEX) returns this year to bring you the 19th edition of the biggest and tastiest food & beverage expo in the Philippines! Unlike other F&B events, MAFBEX sets itself apart with its unique activities and highlights. These highlights will serve as a great introduction to the world-class potential of the Philippine food & beverage industry, attracting not only the Filipino market but also internationally. It is also proven by its ever-growing foot traffic, reaching 52,000 quality audiences!

Chefs of the World

Located at the Main Lobby of the World Trade Center, the Chefs of the World stage shines a spotlight on the famous local and international chefs of the Philippines who will demonstrate how to make gourmet dishes and 5-star cuisine through simple techniques and easy steps that anyone can follow. 

MAFBEX Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition

The MAFBEX Culinary Cup returns this year, now more competitive than ever! The Culinary Cup highlights the saying that “Anyone can be a gourmet chef in their way”, bringing ordinary people together and giving them a chance to showcase their best cooking in this competition. The best home chef gets to win the title of “Grand Home Chef” and a chance to further improve their cooking skills!

The Brew District

A place for coffee lovers to mingle and enjoy the fresh scent of coffee beans and tea leaves, the Brew District features the Philippines’ best local breweries while shining a spotlight on the local growers and farmers, highlighting their hard work and sacrifice to provide the best produce. 

And for the first time, MAFBEX is partnering with the Philippine National Coffee Competition to bring you two National Championship competitions for coffee lovers: The are the National Barista Championship and the National Brewers Cup. These competitions will take the coffee industry of the Philippines to the next level.

MAFBEX Scoop

An exhibit that champions innovation, MAFBEX Scoop showcases the best innovative food equipment, materials, and food services that will make your food journey a whole lot easier.

MAFBEX Talks

A series of talks and seminars for those who want to get into the food business. MAFBEX Talks offers a wide range of topics that will help you get the edge you need to start your own food business and have a better understanding of food theory.

MAFBEX Flair Cup Competition

A show of skill and flair, the MAFBEX Flair Cup Competition is a show to see who will mix the best drinks while displaying their skills of flairtending. 

YHE Competitions

MAFBEX is once again partnering with the Young Hoteliers’ Expositions from the College of St. Benilde to bring you even more shows and competitions for the young students who are looking to make a name for themselves in the F&B industry. 

MAFBEX Bites

Missing out on the on-ground activities and shows of MAFBEX? Now, you don’t have to miss much! MAFBEX Bites is the online live platform of MAFBEX, showcasing the latest happenings on ground while giving exhibitors an avenue to advertise and show their latest products tot the digital world. 

MAFBEX 2025 is looking to be the biggest F&B event of the year, bringing only world-class cuisine and event experiences to visitors who want to satisfy their cravings. You too can have a taste of what’s to come and more when you get your tickets now at https://mafbex.com/. You can also avail of the 5+1 promo that’s available until May 27, 2025! Don’t miss out and buy now!

MAFBEX 2025 is organized by Worldbex Services International and is for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.

This article is brought to you by MAFBEX.

At long last it is over.

It was announced on Tuesday that the PGA TOUR Championship at East Lake will officially begin with every player at even par. Starting Strokes are a thing of the past.

From the PGA TOUR:

As part of its ongoing commitment to accelerate innovation on behalf of fans, the PGA TOUR announced updates to its TOUR Championship format. Beginning this year, Starting Strokes will be eliminated from the season-ending TOUR Championship as the TOUR’s top players compete for a chance to win the PGA TOUR’s Ultimate Prize, the FedExCup.

Ultimately the PGA TOUR announced three specific changes to the TOUR Championship.

Elimination of Starting Strokes – The TOUR Championship will be played as a 72-hole stroke-play event, with all players starting the tournament at even par. The best performer over the course of four rounds at the TOUR Championship will win the FedExCup.

Adjustments to Course Setup – In response to data indicating fans want to see winning scores closer to par, the PGA TOUR Rules Committee will adjust its course setup approach to encourage more risk/reward moments throughout each round, further heightening the drama and competition to determine the FedExCup Champion.

Toughest Tournament to Qualify for – Already the most elite field in golf, the TOUR Championship field size will remain at 30 players in 2025. The Player Advisory Council is studying the qualification system of future years to raise the stakes on the entire FedExCup season and reinforce the TOUR Championship as the hardest tournament to qualify for.

The second and third points here are significant obviously, but they carry far less impact relative to the past than Starting Strokes. While it made sense to reward players for their success all season long in spirit the reality is that Starting Strokes really took away a point of competitiveness in the event. It makes more sense to go at it like a traditional tournament.

Scottie Scheffler spoke on the changes:

“We want the TOUR Championship to be the hardest tournament to qualify for and the FedExCup trophy the most difficult to win,”

“Shifting the TOUR Championship to a more straight-up format with a tougher course setup makes it easier for fans to follow and provides a more challenging test for players – which brings out the best competition.”

These changes, notably the elimination of Starting Strokes as mentioned, certainly help the cause of making this event the hardest in golf to win become more attainable.

Good for the players and the TOUR on making this happen.