Few in the golf world appear surprised that Tiger Woods is not expected to compete in either the U.S. Open or the U.S. Senior Open as he continues recovering from ongoing physical and personal challenges. Recovery, Not Golf, seemingly remains the Focus for Tiger Woods.

According to United States Golf Association chief executive Mike Whan, expectations remain low that Woods will return to competition this summer. Woods has reportedly been receiving treatment in Switzerland following his March arrest near his Florida home on charges related to driving under the influence after a car crash.

Authorities reportedly discovered two prescription hydrocodone pills in Woods’ pockets at the time of the arrest. The medication has been used to help manage pain stemming from multiple surgeries and years of injuries that have taken a toll on his body and career.

Now 50 years old, Woods is eligible to compete on the Champions Tour, where the physical demands are generally lighter than on the PGA Tour. That sparked speculation he could return at the U.S. Senior Open at Scioto Country Club in July, shortly after the U.S. Open at Shinnecock.

Still, Whan made it clear he would be shocked to see Woods tee it up at either championship this year.

“I’d be super surprised,” Whan told Sports Illustrated when asked about Woods potentially playing in the U.S. Open.

Whan acknowledged that while Woods’ presence would be a boost for the tournaments and for golf fans, the larger concern remains Woods’ health and well-being rather than his return to competition.

He also pointed out that Woods has overcome difficult situations before and still has time ahead of him to compete in future USGA events if he chooses.

At this stage, however, many around the sport believe Woods focusing on recovery instead of rushing back into tournament golf is the expected and sensible outcome.

Bermuda has officially become a full member of the Caribbean Golf Association after a unanimous vote during the organization’s Annual General Meeting held at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic alongside the 30th Caribbean Golf Classic.  

The Bermuda Golf Association had spent several years pursuing full membership and previously participated as an associate member in Caribbean Golf Association events. During the meeting, Bermuda officials presented their vision for the future of golf on the island and outlined how the country could contribute to the regional golf community. Delegates voted unanimously to approve Bermuda and Saint Lucia as full members.  

Caribbean Golf Association president Sidney Wolf welcomed Bermuda into the organization and said the addition reflected the continued growth of golf throughout the region. He praised Bermuda’s commitment to development and said the organization looked forward to the island’s participation in future championships and regional initiatives.  

Craig Brown, president of the Bermuda Golf Association, said the move marked an important milestone for Bermuda golf. He noted that the island had maintained a longstanding relationship with the Caribbean Golf Association and believed the timing was right to advance to full membership after two years of active involvement. Brown said the decision would create more meaningful competitive opportunities for Bermudian golfers while strengthening regional ties.  

Founded in 1987, the Caribbean Golf Association includes member nations such as the Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. The organization hosts five annual championships for junior, amateur, and senior golfers across the Caribbean.  

Bermuda’s growing involvement in Caribbean organizations has also paralleled wider discussions about the island’s regional identity and participation in Caribbean affairs. In recent months, Bermuda has explored stronger ties with CARICOM and other regional bodies as leaders continue discussions about economic, sporting, and cultural cooperation throughout the Caribbean.  

Debris from the demolition of the White House East Wing that was dumped at a nearby public golf course has reportedly tested positive for lead, chromium, and other toxic metals, according to an interim report commissioned by the National Park Service. The material was transported to the historic East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., where the Trump administration is planning major renovations to transform the public facility into what officials described as a “world-class” golf destination.  

The report, prepared by Jacobs Engineering Group, found traces of hazardous substances including PCBs, pesticides, petroleum byproducts, arsenic, and other contaminants in soil samples collected at the golf course. More than 30,000 cubic yards of excavated debris from the East Wing demolition had reportedly been transferred to the site by April after dumping operations began in October 2025.  

The East Wing was demolished as part of President Donald Trump’s plan to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom on White House grounds. Initially promoted as a privately funded $400 million project tied to national security upgrades, the ballroom’s estimated cost has reportedly increased significantly due to added security requirements.  

The Department of the Interior defended the disposal process, stating that the soil was tested multiple times and met all legal safety standards. Officials maintained that all required procedures were followed before the debris was relocated to the golf course.  

Environmental advocates and preservation groups, however, have raised concerns about public health risks and environmental oversight. The nonprofit DC Preservation League filed lawsuits challenging both the dumping of debris and the administration’s broader redevelopment plans for the golf course and surrounding public land. The group argued that the contamination could pose hazards to golfers, nearby residents, and the environment.  

The controversy has become part of a larger debate over Trump’s efforts to reshape public spaces in Washington, D.C. In addition to the golf course redevelopment, critics have objected to proposals involving the Kennedy Center, the National Mall, and other landmark areas in the nation’s capital.  

A federal judge recently ordered the government to provide notice before removing additional trees at the golf course while litigation continues. Preservationists and local residents have argued that the historic East Potomac Golf Links, which opened in 1921 and has long been known as an affordable public course, could lose much of its public character under the planned redesign.  

A student robotics team from Philadelphia achieved a major milestone on the global stage during the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship, earning recognition for its promise and rapid development in its very first season.

Tiger Robotics, also known as Team 10979, received the FIRST Rising All-Star Award, an honor that highlights emerging teams demonstrating exceptional potential, resilience and long-term impact within the international FIRST community. The award, introduced in 2025, goes beyond typical rookie recognition by identifying teams already building a strong foundation for future success.  

The team is made up of 22 high school students from across Philadelphia who participate through the TGR Learning Lab. Drawing members from a wide range of schools and backgrounds, the program provides hands-on experience in engineering, programming and collaborative problem-solving, helping students develop both technical and leadership skills.  

During a three-month competition season, the students designed and built a custom robot named Tinker Tiger, engineered to compete in complex, high-pressure gameplay challenges. Along the way, team members gained experience in mechanical design, coding, computer-aided design, fabrication and communications, while also strengthening teamwork and confidence.  

Their path to the world championship was already notable. In their debut season, Tiger Robotics earned Rookie All-Star honors at two district competitions, securing a place at the global event held in Houston, where top teams from around the world compete annually.  

At the championship, the team not only competed against elite programs but also connected with industry professionals and explored emerging technologies, gaining exposure to a broader engineering community. Their performance and presence reflected both technical ability and professionalism on an international stage.  

Tiger Robotics is the only FIRST Robotics Competition team based in West Philadelphia, and its presence is helping expand access to STEM education and career pathways for local students. Participants benefit from mentorship, internships and opportunities to guide younger learners, creating a pipeline for future innovators.  

The team’s inaugural season has established a strong foundation, with its world championship recognition serving as an early indicator of long-term potential. Their success underscores the impact of providing students with access to resources, mentorship and real-world challenges in science and technology.  

The Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Production Grant Administered by NATAS Names 2026 Student Winners 

New York (May 5, 2026) – The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) has announced the Gold & Silver Circle Honor Society inductees and NATAS Foundation scholarship recipients who will be celebrated at the  47th Annual Sports Emmy® Awards and the 47th Annual News & Documentary Emmy® Awards taking place May 26-28 in New York City. NATAS has again partnered with Coca-Cola to reward three winning student entries with the Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Production Grant at the 47th Annual Sports Emmy® Awards. 

The NATAS Foundation, in partnership with Coca-Cola, is proud to announce the three winning entries for the 2026 Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Production Grant. The $40,000 grant program, now in its fifth year, recognizes outstanding student storytellers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are passionate about sports, storytelling and media production. These winners will help make up the next generation of sports media creators, bringing to life the voices, pride and impact of HBCU athletics.

View below a video of ceremony host Roy Wood Jr. surprising the deserving students

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Winners were notified by ceremony host Roy Wood Jr. and NATAS Foundation Cochair Danielle Mannion, and will be flown to New York to receive recognition and connect with industry professionals at the 47th Annual Sports Emmy^® Awards on May 26. This year saw a record number of submissions, up by 88%, driven by the efforts of a volunteer HBCU Advisory Committee made up of sports and media industry leaders including Roy Wood Jr., Drew Watkins (Warner Bros. Discovery), Howard Bryant (CBS Sports) and more. 

Winners of the Coca-Cola HBCU Production Grant administered by the NATAS Foundation:  

• First Place: Stevie Jackson, Mateo McIntosh, Makai Brown and Ian Chamberlin (Morehouse College)
• Second Place: Darnell Walker-Jones, Charmiana Delphonse and Rowan Mumford (Florida A&M University)
• Third Place: Sanaiyah Baines-Butler and Tia Jarvis (Delaware State University)

“The NATAS Scholarship Committee is proud to support tomorrow’s media professionals with this financial assistance and deserving platform,” said NATAS Foundation Cochair Barbara Williams Perry. Cochair Danielle Mannion added, “this year’s student submissions from across the country impressed our team of judges with their creativity and passion, and we’re excited to celebrate these bright minds together in May.” 

NATAS Foundation Scholarship Recipients: 

• Jim McKay Memorial Scholarship presented on May 26 at the Sports Emmys
  • Thomas Gamba (Mineola, NY)
  • Named for sportscaster Jim McKay (1921-2008), this scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in sports television and is funded by ABC/ESPN, CBS, FOX, HBO, and NBC.
• Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship presented on May 27, News Night of the 47th News & Documentary Emmys
  • Santiago Campos (Washington, DC)
  • Named for news correspondent Mike Wallace (1918-2012), this scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in television journalism and is funded by a grant from CBS News. 
• Doug W. Mummert Scholarship presented on May 28, Documentary Night of the 47th News & Documentary Emmys
  • Cameron Kirkegaard (Grand Junction, CO) 
  • This scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in the television industry who has made a positive impact through community service. 

The Gold & Silver Circle Honor Society recognizes exceptional individuals who have made significant and impactful contributions to the television industry and their respective fields. Inductees to the Gold & Silver Circle have performed distinguished service and exhibited inspirational careers for 50 and 25 years respectively. 

2026 Sports Inductees, Gold & Silver Circle 

Gold

• Howard Katz (Former Senior Vice President, Broadcasting for the NFL) 

 Silver 

• Kenny Albert (Play by Play Announcer, NBC Sports) 
• Steve Anderson (Executive Vice President, ESPN – retired) 
• Pete Macheska (Producer, FOX Sports) 
• Suzanne Smith (Director, NFL on CBS; Coordinating Producer, “We Need To Talk”) 
• Hannah Storm (Anchor and Host, ESPN) 

2026 News Inductees, Gold & Silver Circle 

Gold

• Mary Laurence Flynn (Senior Producer, NBC News) 
• Fountain Jones (Sr. Technical Director/Vision Mixer/Audio Engineer, CBS; and, formerly Recording and Mixing Audio Engineer, ABC)
• Jim Murphy (Former Senior Vice President, CNN) 
• David Sloan (Senior Executive Producer, ABC News) 
• Kerry Smith (Senior Vice President, ABC News) 
• Mary Walsh (Producer, CBS) 

Silver

• Fredricka Whitfield (News Anchor and Journalist, CNN) 

2026 Documentary Inductees, Gold & Silver Circle 

Gold 

• Susan Lacy (Documentary Film Director and Producer; Creator and Executive Producer of PBS American Masters) 

Silver 

• Patricia Aufderheide (University Professor, School of Communication, American University, Washington, D.C.) 
• R.J. Cutler (Filmmaker / President and Founder of This Machine Filmworks) 
• Sally Jo Fifer (Former President and CEO at Independent Television Service/ITVS) 
• Vicente Franco Izquierdo (Cinematographer / Director, Franco Productions) 
• Renee Tajima-Peña (Documentary filmmaker and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles/UCLA) 

About the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Awards for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime and Children’s & Family programming, as well as achievements in television Technology & Engineering.

NATAS membership is made up of National members joined by more than 18,000+ broadcast and media professionals represented in 19 regional chapters across the country. Beyond awards, NATAS has extensive educational programs including its National Student Production Awards for outstanding journalistic work by high school students, as well as scholarships for aspiring filmmakers and broadcasters.

For more information, please visit the website at http://www.theemmys.tv/ 

NEW YORK – May 4, 2026 – LIV Golf League, the global golf league blending world-class competition with entertainment and culture to grow the game worldwide, today announced that it has retained Ducera Partners LLC (“Ducera”) as its investment banking advisor to guide the league in its efforts to secure long-term investment partners and support its evolution into a diversified, multi-partner investment model.   Ducera, founded and led by Chief Executive Officer Michael Kramer, is a leading investment bank specializing in complex high-stakes corporate finance. Since its founding in 2015, the firm has advised on more than $850 billion in transactions across industries including media, entertainment, and sports. Ducera’s experience guiding organizations through pivotal financial transitions, combined with its independent, senior-level advisory approach, makes it well-positioned to help LIV Golf secure the long-term investment partners it needs to define its next era.   “This league has proven its value, and our focus now is on building the right financial foundation for the long term,” said Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf. “Mike and the Ducera team bring deep transaction experience and a track record of delivering in complex, high-stakes situations. They are the right partner for this process.”   Mr. Kramer is one of the country’s preeminent investment bankers and brings more than 30 years of experience leading companies through periods of transformation. He has served as a trusted advisor on landmark transactions, including NHL and MLB franchises, and has guided global institutions and Fortune 500 companies through some of the most consequential moments in their history.   “LIV Golf has built something that is hard to replicate: a global league with a growing fan base, world-class talent, and a team structure that benefits captains, players, and fans alike,” said Mr. Kramer. “We see significant value in what has been created here, and we are focused on helping the league identify the right long-term partners to unlock that value and power its next phase.”   With sponsorships and partnerships up 40% year-over-year, ticket sale growth over 130%, and broadcasts reaching nearly one billion households across 200 countries and territories, LIV Golf is entering this process with significant momentum.   This follows LIV Golf’s recently announced appointment of independent directors Gene Davis and Jon Zinman and the league’s expanded strategy to evolve from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model. The league will continue to work with its Board, Ducera, and other experienced professionals to identify long-term strategic investment partners and evaluate opportunities that have emerged with the league’s rise.   “The Board sees a clear opportunity in front of this league, and engaging Ducera is a direct reflection of that conviction,” said Gene Davis, Chairman of the Independent Director Committee. “They bring the expertise and global reach to help us run a rigorous process and secure the partners that will guide this league into its next chapter with renewed strength.”

About Ducera Partners Ducera Partners is a leading investment banking advisory firm with expertise in mergers & acquisitions, strategic advisory, restructuring, liability management, capital markets, and growth capital. Since its founding in June 2015, Ducera Partners has advised on over $850 billion in transactions across various industries. Ducera Partners has offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Stamford. For more information about Ducera Partners, please visit www.ducerapartners.com.

The Trump administration is proposing a new golf course on the site of three historic and affordable municipal courses in Washington, D.C.

The future of Washington, D.C.’s public golf landscape took another dramatic turn this week as the Trump administration moved to assume direct control of East Potomac Golf Links, one of the nation’s busiest and most iconic municipal golf facilities.

Located on the Potomac River with sweeping views of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial, East Potomac has long been a beloved public golf destination for local players, visitors, beginners, and families. Now, that tradition faces uncertainty as the federal government prepares to close the facility temporarily for renovations and a broader reimagining of the property.

According to multiple reports, the administration plans to take official control of East Potomac Golf Links immediately, with initial work expected to begin following the course’s closure. Early renovations are slated to include landscaping, tree clearing, and deferred maintenance. Longer-term plans reportedly envision transforming the historic municipal layout into a championship-caliber golf venue capable of hosting elite competitions.

Golf course architect Tom Fazio is expected to play a leading role in the redesign, though final plans remain subject to approval by the National Park Service and other regulatory reviews. The proposed overhaul is also tied to broader redevelopment efforts along Washington’s waterfront, including the possible addition of the National Garden of American Heroes nearby.  

The move follows the Trump administration’s December 2025 decision to terminate the 50-year lease held by the National Links Trust, the nonprofit organization that had managed East Potomac, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf since 2020. Federal officials cited alleged lease defaults and unmet capital improvement requirements. National Links Trust strongly disputed those claims, noting that it had invested more than $8.5 million into the three facilities while significantly increasing rounds played, revenue, and community engagement.  

In a statement released May 2, National Links Trust said it was blindsided by reports of the impending East Potomac takeover. The organization stated that it had no prior notice of the administration’s plans and had not been contacted by either the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service.

“Last night’s report from NOTUS that the Trump Administration plans to officially take over the East Potomac Golf Links on Sunday and will begin renovations was a complete surprise to us,” the organization said. “Contrary to the report, we have also not received any offer of a lease at Rock Creek Park Golf, or any indication of what the future holds at Langston Golf Course.”

The statement continued: “As of the time of this posting, we have had no interaction with anyone from the Department of the Interior or National Park Service on these matters. For the sake of our community and employees, we hope to have clarity as soon as possible.”

National Links Trust reaffirmed its commitment to preserving accessible public golf in the nation’s capital, adding: “We remain committed to our mission and working to protect the public golf courses in Washington, D.C., for the benefit of the entire community.”

That mission has been especially significant at Langston Golf Course, one of the country’s most historic African American golf venues. Established during segregation, Langston has served generations of Black golfers and remains a vital center for youth development, community programming, and the preservation of Black golf history. Concerns persist that any changes to its management or mission could affect its cultural legacy.

For many golfers, East Potomac represents something increasingly rare in American golf: an affordable, welcoming, and centrally located public course open to everyone. Its three-course complex—including the popular Blue Course, White Course, and Red Course—has introduced countless players to the game while serving as a year-round recreational hub.

As the Trump administration moves forward with its plans, questions remain about public access, affordability, and the long-term stewardship of Washington’s municipal golf assets. Supporters of National Links Trust argue that any future vision for East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek must preserve the courses’ public mission and ensure they remain accessible to golfers of all backgrounds and skill levels.

For now, the golf community awaits further details, while National Links Trust, local players, and preservation advocates continue to push for transparency and a future that honors both the history and accessibility of these treasured public courses.