Hovland wins Hero, denies Morikawa No. 1
Viktor Hovland made consecutive eagles and closed with consecutive bogeys while overcoming a six-shot deficit to win the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas and keep Collin Morikawa from reaching No. 1 in the world.
So wild was this final round of the year for golf ’s elite that Morikawa, who started the day with a five-shot lead, wasn’t even a factor over the last hour at Albany Golf Club.
Ultimately, this was about another 24-year-old star in the making adding to a big year. It just wasn’t the one so many expected.
Hovland closed with a six-under 66 while Morikawa, the British Open champion from La Cañada Flintridge, missed three birdie chances from 10 feet or closer at the start of the round and then hit two shots into the bushes at Nos. 4 and 6 that led to double bogeys and a 41 on the front nine. He closed with a 76 and tied for fifth.
Oklahoma announced Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables as its new coach . ... Mario Cristobal is stepping down as Oregon’s coach to take the job at Miami, the Miami Herald reported . ... No. 16 Louisiana Lafayette promoted co-offensive coordinator and former Ragin’ Cajuns quarterback Michael Desormeaux to coach to replace Billy Napier, hired by Florida.
The Carolina Panthers relieved offensive coordinator Joe Brady of his duties. Assistant Jeff Nixon will take over for the rest of the season . ... Washington tight end Logan Thomas left Sunday’s game with a knee injury that the team reportedly fears is seasonending . ... Minnesota receiver Adam Thielen sprained his left ankle against Detroit and didn’t return.
Lightweight champion Gervonta Davis remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory over Isaac Cruz at Staples Center, winning by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113.
Talles Magno scored in the 88th minute to send New York City FC into the MLS Cup final with a 2-1 win over Philadelphia. New York will play at Portland on Saturday for the MLS Cup.
Lewis Hamilton won his third consecutive grand prix, in Saudi Arabia, to pull even with Max Verstappen atop the Formula One standings.
Daniil Medvedev beat Marin Cilic 7-6 (7), 6-2 in the second singles match to give Russia an insurmountable 2-0 lead over Croatia and its first Davis Cup title since 2006. Next year there will be more host cities and fewer nations playing in the finals in an attempt to increase fan engagement and keep the revamped team event sustainable.
Kaillie Humphries completed a perfect weekend, teaming with Kaysha Love to win a World Cup women’s bobsled race in Germany . ... The U.S. set a world record in winning the men’s team pursuit and the Netherlands swept the men’s 1,000 meters for the third straight speedskating World Cup . ... Summer Britcher gave USA Luge its best individual finish in nearly two years by grabbing a silver medal in Russia . ... Strong wind led to the cancellation of a men’s World Cup downhill race at Beaver Creek, Colo.