Tiger Woods had a brutal day at the PGA Championship and here is how it went down

Three-time PGA TOUR winner and longtime golf instructor Dave Ragan, who proved himself a steady, consistent presence on the leaderboards in the 1950s and 1960s, passed away Tuesday. He was 82 years old. Ragan turned professional in 1956 after finishing a stellar career at the University of Florida, where he earned All-America honors that year after winning an SEC individual championship. The Gators have since enshrined the Daytona Beach, Florida, native into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. In his time on TOUR, Ragan missed just six cuts over 278 starts, finishing with 54 top-10 finishes and those three aforementioned victories. His first career victory came in June 1959, when he won the Eastern Open Invitational, before encountering his best run in late 1962, when in the span of a month he won the Beaumont Open Invitational and the West Palm Beach Open Invitational in a playoff over Doug Sanders. “My second year, I went right out to Los Angeles— finished seventh, I think—and I was kind of on my way,� he told the Daytona Beach News-Journal in 2014. “From there, I was consistently in the money, but we weren’t playing for very much then.� In 1963, he earned a spot on the Ryder Cup team, which the U.S. won, 23 to 9, thanks to his performance. He teamed with Billy Casper to win 1 up in foursomes, and won 2 & 1 in singles over Neil Coles. That year also saw his best finish in a major, when he finished second to Jack Nicklaus at the PGA Championship. His other showings in majors are highlighted by a pair of T25 finishes at the Masters and a T12 at the U.S. Open in 1963. “He was a peaceful gentlemen and the kindest soul who devoted his life to his family, the game of golf and the good book,� his son, Chuck Ragan, posted on Instagram. “Just like his sweet parents, he inspired and lifted up anyone that came close to him. He taught my brothers and I more about life, fishing, the outdoors, the game of golf, sportsmanship, love and never quitting than anyone ever had.� Ragan, who also spent time on PGA TOUR Champions, discovered instruction after his playing days ended. He was the Director of Golf and Teaching Professional at Pine Tree Country Club and Inverness Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. Earlier this year, Pine Tree renamed their club’s tournament the Dave Ragan Cup in honor of his service. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine, and five sons.

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PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico - For Joaquin Niemann's 1-month-old cousin, life could hinge on whether $2.1 million is raised within three months. A surreal but true statement. RELATED: Niemann’s generosity helps family facing long odds Niemann has committed his Mayakoba Golf Classic presented by UNIFIN paycheck in support of cousin Rafita Calderon, who has been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. The disease is treated by "the most expensive medicine ever," said Niemann - a drug called Zolgensma - which must be administered within the first 100 days of a baby's life to be most effective. This week, fellow pros are wearing ivory ribbons in support of Calderon, and Niemann is finding "special" inspiration in playing for a cause greater than himself. The 22-year-old Chilean opened the Mayakoba Golf Classic in 5-under 66, one off the lead in blustery Thursday conditions at El Camaleon GC. For Niemann, a high finish in Mexico would go a long way in bolstering his young cousin's fight. In his last start (The RSM Classic), he donated $152,450 - a combination of $5,000 per birdie, $10,000 per eagle, and his winner's check. Fellow pros, family and friends have also donated to a GoFundMe page organized by Niemann, titled ‘#SalvemosARafita - 100 days for Zolgensma.' The hashtag translates to ‘Let's Save Rafita.' "It's always extra motivation trying to play for him and get some more money for him," said Niemann after completing his final seven holes Thursday in 5-under. (The support) is big for me and for my family in Chile. Having all the support from all the people here on TOUR is really amazing, and also from Mexico. "The tournament, they're helping me a lot to tell a little bit more of the story of Rafita, and I'm happy for all the support of the players. We're fighting for him." Last week, Mexico's Carlos Ortiz played nine holes with Mayakoba Golf Classic organizers, leading to a pro-am fundraiser on the picturesque par-3 fourth at El Camaleon. An island green was created between the tee box and green, and the tournament raised more than $2,500 toward Niemann's fundraising efforts. This will supplement GoFundMe donations ($120,000 and counting) and Niemann's pledges via his play. Opening-round leader Russell Knox sported an ivory ribbon on Thursday, as did Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, Sebastian Munoz, Marc Leishman and many more. Since Niemann joined the TOUR in 2018, he and Ortiz have developed a close friendship. Ortiz describes the youthful Niemann as "like a kid," and was more than happy to play a small role in facilitating support for Niemann's family. ‘He's always loving," Ortiz said. "I love hanging out with him and having a good time. "We're in a position ... if we can help, we should do it. I think (the tournament) is doing a great job, and we're going to try to do the same thing, the best we can to save this kid's life." Donations to #SalvemosARafita can be made here.

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