Health & Lifestyle
Fred Couples claims he will never speak to Phil Mickelson again over LIV Golf switch
Golf legend Fred Couples has fired a shot at Phil Mickelson and insisted he will never speak to the icon again after he left the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series.
The highly-anticipated LIV Golf series made its debut at The Centurion Club in St Albans last month, with the likes of Dustin Johnson, Lee Westwood, and Sergio Garcia joining Mickelson in headlining a mixed field in terms of big name pull and talent. Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion, secured a one-stroke victory and a £3.86 million payout – more than the £2.56 million awarded to Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick for securing the coveted US Open title last month.
The second LIV Golf event is underway in Portland, Oregon and the field showcases nine of the last 21 major winners, four former World No. 1 players and nearly half of the field currently ranked in the top 100. Mickelson exiled himself away from golf after his comments regarding the Saudi regime and their human rights record, but emerged to still join LIV Golf ahead of its inaugural event outside London.
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Couples, who is captaining the US squad at the Icons Series in New Jersey this week, admitted he is ‘disappointed’ to see players join LIV Golf as the Saudi Arabian government is bankrolling the series, and they have all been essentially muzzled. The former Masters champion is particularly disappointed in six-time major champion Mickelson.
“I don’t think I’ll ever talk to him again,” Couples told Golf.com. “What for? I’m not in the same boat as him anymore, and probably never will play golf with him again.
“I’m not saying that to be mean. We’re just in different orbits.”
Fred Couples is currently the Team US captain at the Icons Series where he is playing with former NBA star JR Smith
Fred Couples is currently the Team US captain at the Icons Series where he is playing with former NBA star JR Smith ( Image: Getty Images)
When pressed on his comments regarding the ‘muzzling’ of the LIV Golf recruits, Couples added: “These guys – you’ve seen their interviews, right? Have you ever seen Phil look so stupid in his life?
“They know it’s a joke. They’re all saying they want to change golf; they’re doing it for the better of golf.”
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Mickelson is perhaps the leading name among a group of high-profile players to have ditched the PGA Tour to join the LIV series, as names including Johnson, Kevin Na and Brooks Koepka have followed suits. Each player to have defected has been banned by the PGA Tour.
Phil Mickelson is competing in the second LIV Golf Invitational event, which is currently being played in Portland
Phil Mickelson is competing in the second LIV Golf Invitational event, which is currently being played in Portland ( Image: Getty Images)
Do you think LIV Golf is here to stay as a long-term rival to the PGA Tour? Let us know in the comments section.
Couples believe his family would ‘disown’ him if he left the PGA Tour to join the controversial new series. He declared: “I think this is a family thing for me.’
It was light years from Tour golf, writes Morning Read’s Dan O’Neill, but so what? Watching Woods play alongside his 12-year-old son and set a tournament record for consecutive birdies was a sight to see.
DAN O’NEILLDEC 19, 2021
Let’s be honest, this was competitive golf only in the way frozen pizza is gourmet pizza.
Pars were bogeys, birdies were pars, carts were common and giggles were plentiful. But when you’ve been living in abstinence, you take what you can get. Pizza is pizza, period.
So seeing red, watching Tiger Woods come down the backside on Sunday, in contention — 10 months after that terrible crash — was a little bit o’ heaven. Didn’t matter that his 12-year old son was playing alongside, in fact it added to it. Didn’t matter that it was a co-ed scramble, it was a sight many weren’t sure they might see again, in any form.
So it was special, and it was presented accordingly. Thus, it seems only a matter of time before Woods contends in a major. At least, Charlie Woods.
And as the two Woods strung together 11 consecutive birdies and climbed the PNC Championship leaderboard, it was hard to say who was more impressive — Tiger or Tiger Cub.
“Yeah, we had a little run there,” the elder Woods said. “It was nice; it was fun. When we played the turn, I told Charlie, I said. ‘We’re going to have to at least birdie out, at least make eight out of the nine on the back nine to have a chance.’
“And we got on a nice heater, and … we made 11 in a row, and on the last hole, we probably — we knew on the tee box that we needed (eagle) to probably get into a playoff or at least make it interesting … Unfortunately, we didn’t chip-in and we didn’t make the putts, either.”
“But it was fun. The goals this week, two things: One, to have fun; and two, no bogeys, and we accomplished both.”
The key word, repeated often, was “fun.” Before anyone gets too carried away with Masters wishes and U.S. Open dreams, let’s keep the lid. This was frozen pizza. “I’m just really tired,” Woods, who turns 46 on Dec. 30, said on TV after the round. “I mean, I’m not used to this. This was my … fourth or fifth round of golf this year? I’m a little worn out and it was nice to have a cart.”
That said, a funny thing happened during this Woods Family Festival, a twist in the plot. Tiger and Charlie Woods hogged the spotlight, to be sure. That was understandable.
But in the end, lest we forget, it’s Christmas time. And in the end, 11 straight Wood birdies and a final-round 57 wasn’t good enough. In the end, sunny Florida backdrop and crazy-looking pants notwithstanding, Santa and his elf stole the show.
Santa, being John Daly, that is. Daly looks the part, with a Kris Kringle-style beard and an ample belly. On the night before the tournament, all through the pre-championship dinner, not a creature could keep from stirring — and laughing — at the sight of Daly dressed in a St. Nick suit. Miracle on 34th Street eat your heart out.
LA JOLLA, CA – JANUARY 26: Tiger Woods looks on from the 13th hole on the South Course during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course on January 26, 2020. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
On Sunday, Daly and his son — 18-year old University of Arkansas freshman John Daly II — reminded all the good girls and boys that the Claus family still carries a few tricks in the bag, along with presents and stuff. The Dalys combined for their own final-round 57 and a record low 36-hole score of 27 under par to capture the championship.
Ho, ho, ho. Santa was most merry about the play of his namesake elf: “With the holidays everything and, just playing golf with my son every day when I can, is just awesome,” Daly said. “To watch him grow up to do the things he could do with a golf ball and a swing that’s so perfect … saving my you-know-what from (bad) putting yesterday.
Jennifer Aniston ‘s 50th birthday party almost broke the Internet this month when her ex-husband Brad Pitt was spotted sneaking into the bash.
The actress invited all her famous friends to help her celebrate the milestone at a swanky event in Los Angeles.
However, no one was prepared to see her ex rock up and sneak into the party at the Sunset Tower Hotel.
It’s been 14 years since Brad divorced Jen and ditched her for his next wife, Angelina Jolie , and it has since emerged that the pair have put the bad blood behind them.
They are said to have reconnected in the aftermath of Brad’s split from Angelina in 2016, with secret meetings and long phone calls.
A source told Grazia magazine: “Brad and Jen have exchanged messages over email for years… For birthdays or special events…
“That changed when Brad split from Angelina.”
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt reportedly reconnected last year ( Image: Press Association)
Brad Pitt’s friends give real reason behind Jennifer Aniston’s 50th party invite
Jen is said to have supported him after his marriage broke down and he then offered her advice when she split from second husband Justin Theroux last year.
The source added: “It was in the summer of last year that Brad and Jen really reconnected, having both been through really difficult times in their relationships.
“They’ve had long phone conversations and have met up privately at least once in the past year, but it’s all been kept hush-hush.”
They are on good terms and Jen reportedly decided to invite Brad to her party because he means a lot to her – even if their marriage didn’t work out.
Brad and Jen started getting close again after his split from Angelina Jolie ( Image: Getty)
Jennifer Aniston’s ex Justin Theroux calls her ‘fierce and loving’ in birthday message
Multiple sources report that the actress was thrilled that Brad made it to her birthday party, especially as it was such a public gesture of friendship between them.
However, Brad is said to have been in two minds about going to the bash as he wasn’t sure if he could get in and out without being spotted.
A source told heat magazine: “He… was unsure whether to go or not…
“In the end, he didn’t care, he just had his driver drop him off at the front door.”
Brad and Angelina parted ways in 2016 ( Image: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)
Jennifer split from her second husband in early 2018 ( Image: WireImage)
Jennifer Aniston got ‘secret 50th birthday gift’ from Brad Pitt before he went to her party
He also reportedly got his ex a present and sent it to her in secret ahead of the party.
The pair were married from 2000 until 2005 and Brad went on to tie the knot with his Mr and Mrs Smith co-star Angelina, before divorcing her too.
After her doomed marriage to Brad, Jen tied the knot again in 2015 when she wed Justin Theroux.
However, that didn’t last either and they split in 2017. The former couple’s divorce is expected to be finalised this year.
They also appeared to have stayed on good terms after the break-up as he sent her a sweet happy birthday message via Instagram .
Health & Lifestyle
“We have a date!”: Simone Biles gives big update on wedding with fiancee Justin Thomas
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens have a big update regarding their much awaited wedding plans.
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Check out the craziest moments of the 2021-22 PGA TOUR season, including Will Zalatoris’ ball landing on Matt Fitzpatrick’s ball marker, Rory McIlroy’s ball hitting Justin Thomas’ in the fairway and Morgan Hoffmann’s ball hitting his hat, among others.
Wedding Bells are ringing for Simone Biles, as she and her fiancee Jonathan Owens get closer to achieving their dream wedding soon. Biles announced her engagement to football player and long time boyfriend Jonathan Owens. Owens and Biles started dating in March of 2020, and announced their engagement in 2022.
The couple have been thoroughly enjoying themselves recently, with Biles posting several pictures showing their affection for each other. They often post photos of themselves on Instagram and other social media platforms. This time was no different, as Biles posted a photo of the couple on her story, and shared some exciting news.
Simone Biles finalises wedding date and location for wedding with Jonathan Owens
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens
The couple is already done with the important preparations including the dress and the guest list. However, they recently gave a big update, as the couple revealed another part of their wedding. Biles posted a photo on her story, with the caption, “WE HAVE A DATE and Venue/Location.” However, the actual location and date of the wedding is still under wraps.
“We have a date!”: Simone Biles gives big update on wedding with fiancee Justin Thomas 2
Biles said that currently the wedding planning was going quite well. “I feel like I’ve only become stressed out within the last week, trying to choose a venue and stuff like that, because there are so many great places to get married, and I feel like that’s a really big decision,” she said according to people.com.
Scarlett Johansson, who is also mom to daughter Rose, married Colin Jost in October 2020
It’s baby joy for Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost.
The Tony winner, 36, and her Saturday Night Live star husband, 39, recently welcomed their first baby together, Johansson’s rep Marcel Pariseau exclusively confirms to PEOPLE.
Johansson is also mom to daughter RoseDorothy, who turns 7 years old this fall.
Jost briefly mentioned their pregnancy news during a stand-up performance at The Ridgefield Playhouse in Connecticut on Sunday, a source confirmed to PEOPLE.
On Instagram later Wednesday, Jost shared a statement revealing that they welcomed a baby boy named Cosmo.
Johansson and Jost wed in an intimate ceremony back in October 2020. The pair got engaged in May 2019 after two years of dating. The Sing 2 actress debuted her 11-carat engagement ring that July while taking the stage at San Diego Comic-Con.
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In October 2019, Johansson told Ellen DeGeneres that Jost “killed it” with his “surprising” proposal, which included “a whole James Bond situation.”
For more on Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost’s baby news and other top stories, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.
Health & Lifestyle
Phil Mickelson to partner Tom Brady in charity showdown vs Bryson DeChambeau and Aaron Rodgers
Fresh from his stunning US PGA Championship win on Sunday, Phil Mickelson has announced he will participate in the fourth edition of Capital One’s ‘The Match’ alongside previous partner and NFL icon Tom Brady.
Golf’s oldest major winner Mickelson, 50, and Brady will come up against Bryson DeChambeau and Aaron Rodgers – the reigning NFL MVP – on July 6 at the spectacular Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana.
Mickelson will once again play with Brady – with the pair having fallen to defeat in ‘The Match II’ against Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning last May.
Phil Mickelson will team up with Tom Brady again in the fourth edition of ‘The Match’ in July
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Phil Mickelson will team up with Tom Brady again in the fourth edition of ‘The Match’ in July
When announcing the news, Mickelson insisted the duo have ‘unfinished business’ to settle
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When announcing the news, Mickelson insisted the duo have ‘unfinished business’ to settle
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After the announcement was made, six-time major winner Mickelson wrote on Twitter: ‘It’s game time! My partner @tombrady and I are back and ready to settle some unfinished business. See you in Montana @AaronRodgers12 @b_dechambeau.’
Mickelson’s partner, Brady, was quick to start the trash talk, taunting his fellow NFL quarterback Rodgers, who currently plays for the Green Bay Packers.
Brady joked: ‘Two old guys against the young bucks @PhilMickelson. @b_dechambeau better get used to laying it up because we know @AaronRodgers12 isn’t going for it.’
It will be the first outing for reigning US Open champion DeChambeau and Rodgers in the exhibition event – which will include donations made to Feeding America and additional charitable beneficiaries.
Mickelson and Brady will come up against Bryson DeChambeau and Aaron Rodgers
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Mickelson and Brady will come up against Bryson DeChambeau and Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers, the reigning NFL MVP, will be hoping to get one over his sporting rival Brady
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Rodgers, the reigning NFL MVP, will be hoping to get one over his sporting rival Brady
Rodgers can hold his own on the golf course, and finished 16th at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in July 2020.
Mickelson has been a staple of the charity event since it begun in 2018 – first facing off against Woods in a one-on-one match.
Lefty eventually defeated old rival Woods in a match that took 22 holes to finish, with Mickelson earning $9m in prize money in Las Vegas.
Mickelson then returned to partner Brady for the first time in a four-ball pro-am against Woods and Manning in May 2020, with the latter pairing claiming victory in Florida. This event raised $20 million for Covid-19 relief funds.
Brady was quick to taunt his fellow NFL star Rodgers after the exhibition event was confirmed
Brady was quick to taunt his fellow NFL star Rodgers after the exhibition event was confirmed
And in November last year, Mickelson teamed up with former basketball star Charles Barkley against Manning and current NBA star Steph Curry.
Mickelson and Barkley managed to see off Manning and Curry in the third edition of ‘The Match: Champions For Change’.
The third edition raised $6.4 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and four million meals for Feeding America.
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The fourth exhibition event in July will be televised live on American network TNT, and all four players will be mic’d up throughout.
Mickelson and Brady were defeated by Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning in May 2020
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Mickelson and Brady were defeated by Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning in May 2020
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