One & Done: BMW Championship

NEW YORK – 2K crushed a long drive today with the announcement that PGA TOUR 2K21, its forthcoming, officially licensed golf simulation video game, is currently scheduled for worldwide release on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020 for the PlayStation 4 system, the Xbox One family of devices, including the Xbox One X and Windows PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch system* and Stadia. Featuring decorated PGA TOUR pro Justin Thomas as the cover athlete, PGA TOUR 2K21 heralds the return of the great golf video game that fans have been missing. Developed by HB Studios, the studio behind The Golf Club 2019 Featuring PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR 2K21 marks the evolution of The Golf Club franchise and will include 15 licensed PGA TOUR courses, each of which was scanned using cutting-edge technology to bring the fairways, greens, bunkers, trees, lakes and ponds to life. Players can also trick out their own greens and fairways with thousands of custom options in the Course Designer. Fans can reserve their tee time now by pre-ordering PGA TOUR 2K21 at participating retailers. “Being chosen to be the first-ever cover athlete for the premiere PGA TOUR 2K game is a tremendous honor,â€� said Justin Thomas, 2017 FedExCup Champion, PGA Championship winner and former World #1 on the Official World Golf Ranking. “I’m excited to join the 2K family and challenge players everywhere on the digital links.â€� Thomas will be joined by 11 additional PGA TOUR pros, each of whom will present a challenge to players in PGA TOUR Career Mode as they compete to become a FedExCup Champion. Players can also create and personalize their MyPLAYERs with equipment and apparel from licensed brands including adidas, Polo Ralph Lauren, Malbon Golf, Callaway Golf, Bridgestone Golf, TaylorMade Golf and more. Capping off the simulation experience, PGA TOUR 2K21 will feature a broadcast-style presentation with state-of-the-art graphics, dynamic cutscenes and a seamless replay system, all anchored by the play-by-play commentary of renowned broadcaster Luke Elvy and analyst Rich Beem. “As a global leader in the sports simulation genre, 2K is the perfect partner to kick off the new PGA TOUR 2K video game series and introduce the PGA TOUR experience to new players of all ages,â€� said Len Brown, PGA TOUR Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President, Licensing. “We’re thrilled to see what the future of the franchise has in store, starting with PGA TOUR 2K21.â€� “Golf is hotter than ever with celebrities, athletes and musicians playing the game and sharing their experiences on social media every day,” said Chris Snyder, Vice President of Marketing for 2K. “Our goal is to create the most authentic golf simulation experience ever, and HB Studios brings that authenticity in PGA TOUR 2K21, which is a true 2K game in every sense, incorporating realism, depth and fun that appeals to golf aficionados and casual fans alike.â€� PGA TOUR 2K21 is designed for players of all skill levels. Rookies can take advantage of real-time tutorials, tips and shot suggestions, while veterans can master their games with Pro Vision, Distance Control, Putt Preview and other innovations. Social gaming is at the core of the experience, as players can hit the links with friends in local and online matches, including Alt-Shot, Stroke Play, Skins and 4-Player Scramble. In addition, Online Societies will encourage players to invite their squad to hit the clubhouse and run full seasons and tournaments with unique entry rules and requirements, as well as handicap and event settings. Through a partnership between 2K and sports lifestyle brand adidas, players who pre-order PGA TOUR 2K21 will receive the 2K/adidas CODECHAOS MyPLAYER Pack featuring adidas CODECHAOS BOA® golf shoes and custom 2K/adidas gear, including a sport performance polo, Ultimate365 pants and tour hat, designed by adidas Golf exclusively for PGA TOUR 2K21. Players who purchase the PGA TOUR 2K21 Digital Deluxe Edition will receive the 2K/adidas CODECHAOS MyPLAYER Pack, as well as the “Golden Touchâ€� pack featuring a gold putter and driver, and a 2300 VC pack, which can be used to unlock in-game cosmetic items**. PGA TOUR 2K21 is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information on PGA TOUR 2K21 and 2K, visit PGATOUR2K21.com become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #PGATOUR2K21 or subscribe on YouTube. * Available in digital format for Nintendo Switchâ„¢ system at launch. **Cosmetic items can also be unlocked by achieving in-game objectives. No additional purchase necessary. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

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The Genesis Scottish Open is taking responsibility for unavoidable carbon emissions using accredited climate projects as part of a new strategic collaboration between the DP World Tour and the Gold Standard. Meanwhile, a raft of practical sustainability and climate actions are helping to reduce the environmental footprint of the Rolex Series event, which takes place at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian from July 7-11. In a new step for the DP World Tour’s Green Drive – a Tour-wide sustainability initiative that spans operations, venues, events, media, partnerships and communications – two climate protection projects creating sustainable development benefits for their communities have been selected via the Gold Standard. The projects in Timor-Leste and Laos in Southeast Asia make certified contributions to carbon reduction, as well as global climate justice by delivering impact to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Core emissions for the Genesis Scottish Open will be offset, including all energy, waste, haulage, player, event-organiser and guest travel. The WithOneSeed community forestry programme is working with subsistence farmers in the remote state Timor-Leste to replant their forests, improve livelihoods and build their economies to help the climate. In Laos, the project with social enterprise TerraClear is delivering enhanced clean water access for rural communities, thereby improving health, contributing to the household economy and helping to conserve local forests. The practical measures to reduce the Genesis Scottish Open resource use, emissions and waste are planned, tracked and promoted in collaboration with GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, and include: • Promotion of public transport and the provision of complimentary shuttle buses from Longniddry Station to the venue – with an estimated 1,000 fans per day or 10% of fans anticipated to travel by this means, saving an estimated 5.2 tonnes of CO2e travelling by train and shuttle compared to a single car model travelling from Edinburgh • Provision of eight player and spectator hydration stations, supplied by mains water, and encouraging use of re-useable water bottles. Reduction in use of plastic water bottles estimated to be 40,000, with estimated carbon reduction of 4.1 tonnes CO2e compared to plastic bottled water provided entirely by a regional provider • All on-course catering outlets use only wooden cutlery, paper straws, 100% biodegradable food trays and 100% compostable hot drink cups. Removing similar items from other waste streams, supporting zero waste to landfill targets and aligning with new Scottish Government Regulations on single use materials at events. Recycling points will be provided across the site • All generators to be powered by hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) bio-fuel with minimum 80% post-consumer content, which can lead to an 94% reduction of CO2e compared to traditional fuels • Provision of a digital programme, reducing production of 10,000 programmes and associated haulage emissions by estimated 0.3 tonnes CO2e • Prioritising sourcing of seasonal foods from local suppliers, with around 75% coming from sources and companies within a 50 mile radius In addition, other initiatives are aimed at protecting nature, avoiding pollution risks and raising awareness. These include: • Working with NatureScot to ensure spectators and infrastructure do not damage the nationally important ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ that borders the golf course and coastline • Using a chemical-free approach to site cleaning • Running an educational beach clean event with partners OCEANTEE, that will involve local schools and families alongside professional players The new title sponsor of Scotland’s national open – Genesis, the luxury automotive brand from South Korea – has stated its commitment for a sustainable future. Genesis has introduced three electric cars in Europe this year, and from 2025, all-new Genesis vehicles will be pure electric whilst pursuing a goal to become carbon net zero by 2035. Maria Grandinetti-Milton, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for the European Tour group said: “The Genesis Scottish Open is a global sporting event, and we at the DP World Tour, along with our sponsors and partners, care about the legacy that we leave in the local area and beyond. Working with the Gold Standard to offset unavoidable carbon emissions via credible projects is an important next step in our Tour-wide Green Drive strategy, and we are delighted to bring that to fruition at the Renaissance Club next month. “As ever, we thank our partners at the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf for their valued input into the Green Drive, and in particular assisting with the practical measures that allow us to reduce the environmental footprint of the Genesis Scottish Open.” Gold Standard CEO Margaret Kim, said: “Ensuring a safe climate requires all of us to play our part. We applaud the sustainability measures taken by the Genesis Scottish Open, including financing carbon reductions in line with those carbon emissions they cannot yet eliminate. By supporting Gold Standard certified projects, this goes even further – helping communities on the front lines of climate change benefit in a meaningful way.” The work being carried out at the Genesis Scottish Open is part of a wider programme of sustainability and climate action during Scotland’s summer of golf. Led by VisitScotland, and delivered in partnership with GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, there are coordinated efforts across all of the professional golf tournaments taking place in Scotland in 2022 – helping to make sure that Scotland’s leadership in golf and sustainability is both accelerated and promoted on the global stage. Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events supported the announcement adding: “We are delighted to see the fantastic efforts around sustainability and climate action from the Genesis Scottish Open and congratulate the DP World Tour and other partners on this proactive work. This aligns well with several Scottish Government policies and our own VisitScotland commitments around the support and promotion of sustainable events in Scotland. We are grateful to the GEO Foundation for their support here and their wider work to help advance sustainability in and through golf around the world.”

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JACKSON, Miss. – Notes and observations from the final round of the Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson. LEADING LIGHT Cameron Champ was an amateur this time last year. Now he’s a PGA TOUR winner. Champ, 23, claimed the Sanderson Farms Championship in just his second start as a TOUR member. He birdied five of his final six holes for a four-shot victory over Corey Conners. Champ shot a final-round 68 to finish at 21-under 267, the lowest score in the five editions of the Sanderson Farms at the Country Club of Jackson. And to think he almost didn’t turn pro last fall. He planned to finish his senior season at Texas A&M if he didn’t advance through the second stage of last year’s Web.com Tour Q-School. A third-round 75 left him outside the cut line with one round remaining. He closed in 68, including a birdie at the last, to advance to the final stage with three shots to spare. “It’s pretty unreal,â€� he said. “I can think back to second stage when I kind of almost choked with three holes to go. I made a great putt on 17 to move on to finals.â€� Advancing to Q-School’s final stage guaranteed him Web.com Tour status for 2018. He finished sixth on the money list, including a win at the Utah Championship, to earn his TOUR card. Now he has a guaranteed home on the PGA TOUR. The Sanderson victory comes with an exemption that will last nearly three years, through the end of the 2020-21 season. He also earns spots in THE PLAYERS Championship, the Sentry Tournament of Champions, PGA Championship and the TOUR’s invitational events. Champ’s booming tee shots should play well on the wide, sloping fairways of Kapalua’s Plantation Course. Champ can set his schedule instead of thinking about the reshuffle and keeping his card. He has the early, early lead in the Rookie of the Year race and moves to sixth in the FedExCup standings. He dominated the Country Club of Jackson’s back nine, which features two par-5s (Nos. 11 and 13) and the drivable, par-4 15th hole. He was 16 under on the course’s inward half and didn’t make a bogey. Champ’s trademark driving distance was key to his victory. He finished first in driving distance, averaging 308 yards on all holes and 334 yards on the measured holes. He was second in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, as well. Champ also finished second in Strokes Gained: Putting (+2.27 per round) and ninth in greens hit (55 of 72), despite hitting just 11 in the final round. OBSERVATIONS CANADIAN CHALLENGE: Conners put pressure on Champ for the majority of Sunday’s round. The Canadian caught Champ with a 13-foot birdie putt on the ninth hole and remained tied with him by matching his birdie at the par-3 13th. Conners almost tied Champ again on the 15th hole, but his 7-foot eagle putt on the drivable par-4 burned the edge. Champ birdied the next hole to take a two-shot lead. He carried that advantage to the 18th tee, eventually winning by four after Conners’ three-putt on the final hole. That bogey on the 18th hole was inconsequential. Conners finished two shots ahead of third place for his best finish in 40 PGA TOUR starts. He has conditional status this season after finishing 130th in the FedExCup. He’s 18th in this season’s standings. He can take confidence from his strong play under Sunday pressure, as well. This was the third time he started the final round of a PGA TOUR event in first or second place. He shot a final-round 77 at the Valspar Championship after holding a one-shot lead. He was in second at the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship before a final-round 76. CASTRO’S CHARGE: Roberto Castro started Sunday in 19th place. He teed off more than an hour before the final group. He briefly pulled within two shots of the lead after making birdie on eight of his first 11 holes, though. He couldn’t keep up the pace. He bogeyed the 12th hole, then parred the last six. He finished T5 after a final-round 65. It was his best finish since the 2016 BMW Championship, when he finished third to qualify for the TOUR Championship. Castro, who graduated from the Web.com Tour in 2018, hopes another strong start to the season can result in his third trip to the TOUR Championship in his hometown of Atlanta. He’s 61st in this season’s standings. EAGLE HAS LANDED: Dylan Meyer is a first-year professional out of the University of Illinois. D.J. Trahan is a PGA TOUR veteran with two victories. They both parlayed sponsor exemptions into top-10 finishes at the Sanderson Farms Championship. They finished T7 at 13-under 275 to earn starts in next week’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Meyer’s final-round 69 included an eagle on the par-5 11th hole. Meyer will have Web.com Tour status in 2019 after qualifying for the Web.com Tour Finals via his play on the PGA TOUR. He made the cut in five of seven starts as a pro, including a T17 at the Quicken Loans National and T20 at the U.S. Open. Trahan, who played in the final group alongside Champ and Conners, fired a final-round 71. It’s his first top-10 since the 2015 Sanderson Farms. QUOTABLE It doesn’t matter if you play good or bad. You go back to a little kid and they really don’t care.It really does help a lot just to get a little confidence going into the holidays and a few points. SUPERLATIVES Low round: Carlos Ortiz shot a final-round 64 to jump 16 spots on the leaderboard and finish in a tie for third. It was the best finish in 64 PGA TOUR starts for the 2014 Web.com Tour Player of the Year. Longest drive: Wyndham Clark hit a 369-yard drive on the sixth hole. He made par on the hole in his final-round 73. Clark, a Web.com Tour grad, finished T54. Longest putt: Brady Schnell made a 50-foot putt in his final-round 69. He finished T45. Hardest hole: The 209-yard, par-3 seventh hole played to a 3.3 scoring average, yielding just five birdies. Champ made one of the 19 bogeys there in the final round. Easiest hole: The 534-yard, par-5 third hole played to a 4.33 scoring average. There were six birdies and 38 eagles on the hole, compared to just two bogeys. CALL OF THE DAY  For play-by-play coverage of the PGA TOUR, listen here. SHOT OF THE DAY

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