History haunts halfway leaders at Shinnecock Hills as US Open continues
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Wyndham Clark finds himself in the lead at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, sitting four shots ahead of the field after 36 holes. But if history is any guide, that advantage may not be enough. No player who has led at the halfway point at this course has gone on to win in the past four decades.
Geoff Ogilvy, who captured the title there 20 years ago without ever finishing a round under par, recalled advice he received from Judy Rankin: simply “save every shot.” Last year’s tournament at Oakmont saw J.J. Spaun mount a remarkable comeback victory, underscoring just how unpredictable the U.S. Open can be. Previous champions at Shinnecock Hills — including Brooks Koepka, Retief Goosen, Corey Pavin, and Raymond Floyd — all came from behind to claim the title.
Dylan Wu laughs off five-putt nightmare to start third round
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — The third round at Shinnecock Hills got off to a rocky start for Dylan Wu, who was the first player on the course Saturday morning. Playing in heavy winds exceeding 20 mph with even stronger gusts, the 29-year-old five-putted the opening hole. He went on to card an 82, putting him at 16 over par for the tournament.
Still, Wu found a reason to smile. He had barely made the cut Friday, needing to sink a seven-foot putt on the 18th hole just to stay in the field. Getting to spend Father’s Day on the course alongside his dad, Kevin — the person who first introduced him to the game — made it all worthwhile.
Teen and young amateur golfers dubbed ‘future of golf’ at US Open
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Two young amateur players turned heads at Shinnecock Hills on Saturday when 17-year-old Miles Russell and 21-year-old Jackson Koivun were paired together in the third round. TV commentators quickly dubbed the duo the “future of golf.” Russell drew attention early when he launched a tee shot 407 yards on the 18th hole. Both players finished with 4-over-par 74s — solid scores given the brutal conditions, especially for two players making their first major championship weekend appearance.
US men’s soccer team advances to World Cup knockout stage
SEATTLE — The United States men’s national soccer team has secured a spot in the World Cup knockout round, even without injured forward Christian Pulisic. The Americans defeated Australia 2-0 Friday at Lumen Field in Seattle. Pulisic was held out due to a calf injury, but the team’s depth proved more than enough. The U.S. took the lead in the 11th minute on an own goal, and Alex Freeman doubled the advantage in the 43rd minute with a header off a deflected shot — his first career World Cup goal. The Americans later clinched Group D when Paraguay defeated Turkey.
Paraguay’s early goal helps US win Group D
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Paraguay secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey on Saturday, despite playing more than half the match a man short. Matias Galarza found the back of the net just 65 seconds in — the fastest goal of this year’s tournament. Paraguay was reduced to ten men late in the first half after Miguel Almiron received a red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation, violating a newly implemented rule. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill made several crucial saves to protect the lead. The result eliminated Turkey from knockout contention and handed Group D to the United States.
World Cup fears about lopsided games haven’t come true
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — When FIFA announced it was expanding the World Cup to 48 teams, critics warned the larger field would lead to mismatched games and blowout scores. So far, those fears haven’t played out. Through the first 24 matches of the expanded tournament, the goal differential has remained largely in line with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, suggesting the bigger field has not significantly reduced the quality of competition.
Netherlands routs Sweden 5-1 to top Group F
HOUSTON — The Netherlands bounced back from an opening draw with a dominant 5-1 win over Sweden on Saturday. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scored twice to lead the way, with Brobbey’s goals coming in the first half to set the tone. The victory gave the Netherlands four points and the top spot in Group F. Sweden, with three points, suffered its worst World Cup loss since falling 7-1 to Brazil back in 1950. Japan and Tunisia were set to face off later Saturday.
Carolina Hurricanes celebrate Stanley Cup with massive Raleigh parade
RALEIGH, N.C. — Thousands of Carolina Hurricanes fans flooded downtown Raleigh on Saturday to celebrate the team’s Stanley Cup championship. Supporters arrived hours early to stake out spots along the parade route or near the rally stage, waving flags and wearing team jerseys as the players made their way through the city. The Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights last weekend to claim the Cup for the second time in franchise history, the first coming in 2006. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour was actually a captain on that 2006 championship squad. Reflecting on the outpouring of fan support Saturday, he said he was “kinda speechless.”
Shohei Ohtani announces he’s a father again
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani announced on Instagram that he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, have welcomed a new baby. The couple expressed joy over the safe arrival and thanked their supporters. A photo of tiny feet alongside a blue blanket hinted that the newest addition is a boy, joining the couple’s daughter, who was born in April 2025. Ohtani’s absence from the Dodgers’ lineup Friday first raised questions, with the team announcing he was on paternity leave. Manager Dave Roberts said he had only recently found out the news himself. Ohtani has long kept his personal life out of the public eye.
