Two Carolina boys settled it in a playoff.

PGA TOUR ^. THE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

J.T. Poston walked to the 14th tee Sunday trailing for the first time since Friday. Four bogeys in 13 holes had vaporized his lead, and at one point, five players were tied at the top. Then the Hickory, NC native birdied three of his last five holes, including an 8-iron to 7 feet on 18 to force a playoff with fellow North Carolinian Ryan Gerard.

Gerard, a Tarheel from Raleigh, who drove 20,000 miles chasing his Tour card, three-putted from 55 feet on the second extra hole. Poston won the biggest title of his career, $4 million, 700 FedEx Cup points, and spots in the next three majors. He told reporters he'd treated the playoff like a U.S. Open qualifier. Now he doesn't need one.

Two Carolina boys, one trophy, and Jack Nicklaus watching. Golf doesn't script it better than that.

LPGA TOUR ^. U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN

Nelly Korda's final putt at Riviera caught the left edge and toured half the circumference of the hole before falling in. She put her hand over her mouth in disbelief. That 2.5-footer was the difference between a one-shot win and a playoff with Charley Hull and Gaby Lopez.

It's Korda's first U.S. Women's Open title, her fourth major overall, and her second consecutive major this season after winning the Chevron in April. She's 27 and one leg away from the career Grand Slam. Four wins and three runner-ups in seven starts this year. The women's game has a generational talent at the peak of her powers.

Four wins in seven starts. Three second-place finishes in the other four. Korda's 2026 is historic.

LIV GOLF ^. SURVIVAL

Tyrrell Hatton won LIV Andalucia on Sunday. That might be one of the last checks the PIF writes. Front Office Sports reports that every remaining LIV tournament is "on the fence," with insiders unsure whether the Saudi fund will keep monthly payments flowing through the season's final four events. The league has cut travel expenses, killed its "Any Shot, Any Time" app feature after not paying the vendor, and hired an investment bank to shop for buyers.

The Bedminster stop in August looks safe because of Trump's Saudi ties. The finale in Michigan? One prominent industry source told FOS flatly: "I don't think they'll ever get to Michigan." CEO Scott O'Neil is pitching a "LIV 2.0" business plan to hundreds of prospective investors. So far, none have committed publicly.

ALSO THIS WEEK

LOOKING AHEAD

The Tour heads north to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley's North Course in Caledon, Ontario. It's one of the older stops on the calendar with a fresh venue and a wide-open field after the Memorial. Names to watch: Tommy Fleetwood, fresh off a T4 at Muirfield, plus Robert MacIntyre and Sam Burns looking to bounce back.

Costco dropped the Kirkland Signature Gen 3 Forged Wedge set this week: 52, 56, and 60-degree wedges for $199.99. That's three forged, raw-faced wedges for less than one Vokey. Carbon steel construction, progressive CG, Lamkin Crossline 360 grips. Right-hand only for now, no custom grinds. If you want boutique sole options, look elsewhere. If you want competent wedges at a price that makes your playing partners angry, get to Costco before they sell out. Again.

Ping announced the G440 K driver, claiming a company-record combined MOI thanks to a new Dual Carbonfly Wrap (carbon crown and sole) that frees up weight for a heavier, adjustable tungsten back weight. Three CG positions (draw, neutral, fade) give fitting flexibility. The T9S+ face carries over with refinements for better ball speed retention on heel misses. No price confirmed yet, but expect it in the $599 range given the G440 family. Worth a fitting if you're chasing forgiveness over workability.

ALSO THIS WEEK

Elizabeth Rudisill of Charlotte posted rounds of 73-71-72 to win the 100th Carolinas Women's Amateur at Grandfather Golf & Country Club by six shots, the only player to finish at even par or better. The Vanderbilt rising sophomore hit driver just twice all week and leaned on precision to control a course that punished even small misses. The win earns her an exemption into the U.S. Women's Amateur at The Honors Course in August. Raleigh's Grace Ridenour and Kasey McIlvaine both finished in the top six.

Duke senior Ethan Evans finished No. 20 in the final PGA Tour University Ranking, earning PGA Tour Americas membership and an exemption into Q-School Second Stage. Evans tied for 10th at the NCAA Championship and set a Duke program record at 7-under for 72 holes. He finished his career eighth in Duke history in stroke average and second in rounds in the 60s. His first event as a professional: the Wichita Open on June 25.

Justin Poole is the 53rd Durham Amateur Champion after an opening 63 at Hillandale Golf Course held up through a grinding final round 74 in 90-degree heat. Quin Covington finished runner-up at 140, three back. The firm, fast conditions on Sunday separated the field. If you haven't played Hillandale in summer conditions, it's a different course than the soft spring version.

The Village of Pinehurst is asking Gov. Josh Stein to block NCDOT's proposed redesign of the iconic Pinehurst Traffic Circle. The council says the plan introduces traffic signals and intersections that conflict with the village's historic character and federal landmark status. There's never been a fatality at the circle in its 70-year history. Construction isn't slated until 2031, so there's time to fight. If you've ever driven through Pinehurst and felt like the roundabout was part of the charm, the council agrees with you.

ALSO THIS WEEK

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