IPL 2026 — How Rajasthan Royals is nurturing its talent at Talegaon High-Performance Centre Over the last decade or so, Talegaon, a tiny town located about 150 kms from Nagpur, has risen in prominence in Indian cricket.This surge in attention is all thanks to the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Centre (HPC) located there.Founded in 2010, it is a year-round establishment with over 25 pitches and a multitude of training facilities, aimed to function as a training base for the Royals – a sort of high-end cricketing garage aimed to reset and fine-tune their players.Rajasthan Royals performance coach Siddhartha Lahiri, though, described the HPC through a different technical spectrum during a press conference in Guwahati on Monday“I call it the ChatGPT of world cricket,” said Lahiri, making no effort to mask his pride.Lahiri didn’t go on to explain his analogy. But the idea was clear – it is an establishment where players are equipped with the resources to work out solutions to their problems.What Lahiri made clear, though, was his belief that the facility was a point of difference for Royals.“I think the huge advantage which we have is our high-performance centre, where we can absolutely have unrivalled practice. Players, with their calendars, playing at different times, it’s not always easy for them to get that practice.“For us, that’s a huge advantage. Anytime, anyone can go to Talegaon. We have enough infrastructure at Talegaon for coaches, even if they are not present, to work with the players and help them improve,” added Lahiri.The RR HPC’s functioning isn’t limited to the framework of the Indian Premier League. Royals have also used the facility to mimic conditions and manufacture match situations for their players to perform at almost any level.Wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal have utilised the facility extensively to prepare for Test cricket. Former captain Sanju Samson and current skipper Riyan Parag have trained in Talegaon ahead of the domestic season. This is all in addition to their pre-IPL season practice camps. Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour. | Photo Credit: Dhruv Jurel/Instagram Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour. | Photo Credit: Dhruv Jurel/Instagram At their disposal have been a wide range of pitches and an unrelenting battery of net bowlers, allowing them to train at high volume and variability.“The best thing about Rajasthan Royals is that they have an academy, which is open for 12 months. You can go there, you can call them, and they conduct everything from net bowlers to everything else,” hailed Jurel in 2025, while speaking in the AB de Villiers’ 360 Show.The latest player to be nourished extensively by the Royals HPC has been teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was signed by the side at the IPL 2025 auction for Rs. 1.10 crore.The left-handed batter took IPL by storm last season, when he scored a stunning hundred against Gujarat Titans. The 15-year-old has started IPL 2026 in a similar flamboyant fashion, scoring 122 runs from the first three games at a strike rate of 248.97.“Vaibhav spends a lot of time in our HPC,” said Lahiri. “So, we have different types of wickets, we have hundreds and hundreds of net bowlers. The practice which he gets there, he would not get anywhere else.”“There is a sync for us between our analytics team and our coaching team. The work is going on all through the year, and we always bring in a player with that confidence. So, I think we have a cutting edge in that,” added Lahiri.Published on Apr 08, 2026 #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #nurturing #talent #Talegaon #HighPerformance #Centre

IPL 2026 — How Rajasthan Royals is nurturing its talent at Talegaon High-Performance Centre
Over the last decade or so, Talegaon, a tiny town located about 150 kms from Nagpur, has risen in prominence in Indian cricket.
This surge in attention is all thanks to the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Centre (HPC) located there.
Founded in 2010, it is a year-round establishment with over 25 pitches and a multitude of training facilities, aimed to function as a training base for the Royals – a sort of high-end cricketing garage aimed to reset and fine-tune their players.
Rajasthan Royals performance coach Siddhartha Lahiri, though, described the HPC through a different technical spectrum during a press conference in Guwahati on Monday
“I call it the ChatGPT of world cricket,” said Lahiri, making no effort to mask his pride.
Lahiri didn’t go on to explain his analogy. But the idea was clear – it is an establishment where players are equipped with the resources to work out solutions to their problems.
What Lahiri made clear, though, was his belief that the facility was a point of difference for Royals.
“I think the huge advantage which we have is our high-performance centre, where we can absolutely have unrivalled practice. Players, with their calendars, playing at different times, it’s not always easy for them to get that practice.
“For us, that’s a huge advantage. Anytime, anyone can go to Talegaon. We have enough infrastructure at Talegaon for coaches, even if they are not present, to work with the players and help them improve,” added Lahiri.
The RR HPC’s functioning isn’t limited to the framework of the Indian Premier League. Royals have also used the facility to mimic conditions and manufacture match situations for their players to perform at almost any level.
Wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal have utilised the facility extensively to prepare for Test cricket. Former captain Sanju Samson and current skipper Riyan Parag have trained in Talegaon ahead of the domestic season. This is all in addition to their pre-IPL season practice camps.
Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour. | Photo Credit: Dhruv Jurel/Instagram
Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour. | Photo Credit: Dhruv Jurel/Instagram
At their disposal have been a wide range of pitches and an unrelenting battery of net bowlers, allowing them to train at high volume and variability.
“The best thing about Rajasthan Royals is that they have an academy, which is open for 12 months. You can go there, you can call them, and they conduct everything from net bowlers to everything else,” hailed Jurel in 2025, while speaking in the AB de Villiers’ 360 Show.
The latest player to be nourished extensively by the Royals HPC has been teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was signed by the side at the IPL 2025 auction for Rs. 1.10 crore.
The left-handed batter took IPL by storm last season, when he scored a stunning hundred against Gujarat Titans. The 15-year-old has started IPL 2026 in a similar flamboyant fashion, scoring 122 runs from the first three games at a strike rate of 248.97.
“Vaibhav spends a lot of time in our HPC,” said Lahiri. “So, we have different types of wickets, we have hundreds and hundreds of net bowlers. The practice which he gets there, he would not get anywhere else.”
“There is a sync for us between our analytics team and our coaching team. The work is going on all through the year, and we always bring in a player with that confidence. So, I think we have a cutting edge in that,” added Lahiri.
Published on Apr 08, 2026
#IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #nurturing #talent #Talegaon #HighPerformance #Centre

Over the last decade or so, Talegaon, a tiny town located about 150 kms from Nagpur, has risen in prominence in Indian cricket.

This surge in attention is all thanks to the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Centre (HPC) located there.

Founded in 2010, it is a year-round establishment with over 25 pitches and a multitude of training facilities, aimed to function as a training base for the Royals – a sort of high-end cricketing garage aimed to reset and fine-tune their players.

Rajasthan Royals performance coach Siddhartha Lahiri, though, described the HPC through a different technical spectrum during a press conference in Guwahati on Monday

“I call it the ChatGPT of world cricket,” said Lahiri, making no effort to mask his pride.

Lahiri didn’t go on to explain his analogy. But the idea was clear – it is an establishment where players are equipped with the resources to work out solutions to their problems.

What Lahiri made clear, though, was his belief that the facility was a point of difference for Royals.

“I think the huge advantage which we have is our high-performance centre, where we can absolutely have unrivalled practice. Players, with their calendars, playing at different times, it’s not always easy for them to get that practice.

“For us, that’s a huge advantage. Anytime, anyone can go to Talegaon. We have enough infrastructure at Talegaon for coaches, even if they are not present, to work with the players and help them improve,” added Lahiri.

The RR HPC’s functioning isn’t limited to the framework of the Indian Premier League. Royals have also used the facility to mimic conditions and manufacture match situations for their players to perform at almost any level.

Wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal have utilised the facility extensively to prepare for Test cricket. Former captain Sanju Samson and current skipper Riyan Parag have trained in Talegaon ahead of the domestic season. This is all in addition to their pre-IPL season practice camps.

Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour.
| Photo Credit:
Dhruv Jurel/Instagram

lightbox-info

Dhruv Jurel training at the RR HPC in Talegaon with Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour.
| Photo Credit:
Dhruv Jurel/Instagram

At their disposal have been a wide range of pitches and an unrelenting battery of net bowlers, allowing them to train at high volume and variability.

“The best thing about Rajasthan Royals is that they have an academy, which is open for 12 months. You can go there, you can call them, and they conduct everything from net bowlers to everything else,” hailed Jurel in 2025, while speaking in the AB de Villiers’ 360 Show.

The latest player to be nourished extensively by the Royals HPC has been teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was signed by the side at the IPL 2025 auction for Rs. 1.10 crore.

The left-handed batter took IPL by storm last season, when he scored a stunning hundred against Gujarat Titans. The 15-year-old has started IPL 2026 in a similar flamboyant fashion, scoring 122 runs from the first three games at a strike rate of 248.97.

“Vaibhav spends a lot of time in our HPC,” said Lahiri. “So, we have different types of wickets, we have hundreds and hundreds of net bowlers. The practice which he gets there, he would not get anywhere else.”

“There is a sync for us between our analytics team and our coaching team. The work is going on all through the year, and we always bring in a player with that confidence. So, I think we have a cutting edge in that,” added Lahiri.

Published on Apr 08, 2026

Source link
#IPL #Rajasthan #Royals #nurturing #talent #Talegaon #HighPerformance #Centre

Tag ipl 2026 ipl 2026 news Rajasthan Royals rajasthan royals high performance centre rajasthan royals hpc rajasthan royals hpc talegaon rajasthan royals hpc training rajasthan royals ipl 2026 rajasthan royals training centre siddhartha lahiri siddhartha lahiri rajasthan royals siddhartha lahiri rr performance coach

Deadspin | Giants’ Daniel Susac hopes to continue fast start vs. Phillies <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28647808.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28647808.jpg" alt="MLB: New York Mets at San Francisco Giants" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Daniel Susac (6) looks on during an interview after the game against the New York Mets at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Daniel Susac’s start to his career has been so eye-opening that the rookie catcher has earned himself more at-bats.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Susac became the first player in Giants history to open his career with five consecutive hits, and San Francisco manager Tony Vitello indicated he’s ready to write Susac’s name on the lineup card more frequently.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The mystery is whether Susac will be in the lineup for the second straight day on Wednesday afternoon when the Giants close a three-game set with the visiting Philadelphia Phillies.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Susac, 24, went 3-for-4 with a two-run triple in Tuesday night’s 6-0 victory over the Phillies. When he started 2-for-2 for his fifth hit in a row this season, he was one safety away from becoming the first player to start his career 6-for-6 since Ted Cox of the Boston Red Sox in 1977.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Susac fell short of Cox when he flied out in the sixth inning. Still, the rookie surpassed a big name for the team mark in Hall of Famer Willie McCovey (4-for-4 in 1959).</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Susac is batting .857 while regular catcher Patrick Bailey is struggling at .129 with four hits (all singles) in 31 at-bats.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“I think he’s obviously earned the right to be out there for us more often,” Vitello said of Susac. “It would be good for those guys.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>“I think they have a good friendship and also a good working relationship. … It’s not an easy thing to go out there all the time. You’ll be seeing plenty of both guys as the season goes on.”</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Susac was a Rule 5 Draft pick in the offseason by the Minnesota Twins out of the Athletics’ organization. He later was traded to the Giants. He saw an opportunity with them and worked on his approach.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“A lot of it has to do with offseason changes I made,” Susac said. “Just being a lot calmer at the plate, smooth, seeing the ball a little better.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“Growing up, my strength was the opposite side of the field. So getting back to that … taking what they give me as well.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>Philadelphia had just four hits in Tuesday’s loss, and the defense had issues in the fifth inning.</p> </section> <section id="section-13"> <p>Star shortstop Trea Turner fumbled a grounder that appeared to be a double play. Later in the inning, left fielder Otto Kemp’s reaction time was slow as Matt Chapman’s RBI double sailed over his head.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“Hindsight, I wish I would have tried to beat the ball to the spot,” Kemp said. “Better chance to make that play rather than trying to jump up.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto exited in the bottom of the first inning due to a bruised right foot. He was hit with a foul ball off the bat of San Francisco’s Rafael Devers.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“X-rays were negative,” Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said. “We’ll re-evaluate (Wednesday).”</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Thomson said Rafael Marchan will start at catcher on Wednesday. Marchan was hitless in four at-bats Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Aaron Nola (1-0, 3.18 ERA) will start for the Phillies in the finale against fellow right-hander Tyler Mahle (0-2, 7.00) of the Giants.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Nola, 32, beat the Colorado Rockies on Friday when he gave up one run and five hits over 6 1/3 innings. He struck out nine and walked one in a 10-1 victory.</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Nola has struggled against San Francisco, going 3-3 with a 7.00 ERA in nine career starts. Willy Adames is just 1-for-19 with 10 strikeouts against him while Matt Chapman is 3-for-7.</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>Mahle, 31, served up two homers while allowing five runs and eight hits over five innings in a 10-3 loss to the New York Mets on Friday. He struck out four and walked two.</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>Mahle is 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA in three career starts against the Phillies. Kyle Schwarber (5-for-18) has homered twice off him.</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Giants #Daniel #Susac #hopes #continue #fast #start #Phillies

Photos from the Masters Tournament <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Masters is here and it is utterly spectacular.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Wednesday brings actual playing in the Par 3 Contest, but obviously the full and total experience begins on Thursday.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Earlier this week I was fortunate to have an experience of my own. I took in the Masters on Monday and Tuesday, my second visit to the fabled grounds overall. While I’d been to the Masters before (I went on Saturday and Sunday in 2018) this was my first visit during practice rounds which meant I was allowed to have a camera on property for the first time in my life.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Here are some of my favorite photos.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Everybody knows about how you are not allowed to have your phone at the Masters. It truly is an experience that takes you back in time.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Being able to walk, admire, stop, take photos… it was among the most incredible days that I have had.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Augusta is a special place.</p></div> #Photos #Masters #Tournament

#Deadspin #Panthers #pick #Bryce #Youngs #5thyear #option">

Deadspin | Panthers pick up QB Bryce Young’s 5th-year option Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images The Carolina Panthers officially picked up quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth-year option on Wednesday. The move, which Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has been adamant was coming this offseason, keeps the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 with Carolina through the 2027 season. The deadline for fifth-year options to be signed for 2023 first-round picks is May 1. Young is set to make .5 million guaranteed in 2027 under the option, although Morgan has also discussed the possibility of signing the quarterback to a long-term extension. Young, who turns 25 in July, is coming off a season where he set career highs for completion percentage (63.6), passing yards (3,011) and passing touchdowns (23). He led Carolina to its first playoff appearance since 2017 and first NFC South title since 2015. Of Young’s league-leading 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime since he was drafted in 2023, six of them came last season. Over three seasons, Young has thrown for 8,291 yards, 49 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in 46 games (44 starts). He has rushed for 718 yards and eight scores and has a 14-30 record as a starter. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Panthers #pick #Bryce #Youngs #5thyear #option

mwasimuddin125 0

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers officially picked up quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth-year option on Wednesday.

The move, which Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has been adamant was coming this offseason, keeps the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 with Carolina through the 2027 season.

The deadline for fifth-year options to be signed for 2023 first-round picks is May 1. Young is set to make $29.5 million guaranteed in 2027 under the option, although Morgan has also discussed the possibility of signing the quarterback to a long-term extension.

Young, who turns 25 in July, is coming off a season where he set career highs for completion percentage (63.6), passing yards (3,011) and passing touchdowns (23). He led Carolina to its first playoff appearance since 2017 and first NFC South title since 2015.

Of Young’s league-leading 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime since he was drafted in 2023, six of them came last season.

Over three seasons, Young has thrown for 8,291 yards, 49 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in 46 games (44 starts). He has rushed for 718 yards and eight scores and has a 14-30 record as a starter.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Panthers #pick #Bryce #Youngs #5thyear #option">Deadspin | Panthers pick up QB Bryce Young’s 5th-year option

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers officially picked up quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth-year option on Wednesday.

The move, which Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has been adamant was coming this offseason, keeps the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 with Carolina through the 2027 season.

The deadline for fifth-year options to be signed for 2023 first-round picks is May 1. Young is set to make $29.5 million guaranteed in 2027 under the option, although Morgan has also discussed the possibility of signing the quarterback to a long-term extension.

Young, who turns 25 in July, is coming off a season where he set career highs for completion percentage (63.6), passing yards (3,011) and passing touchdowns (23). He led Carolina to its first playoff appearance since 2017 and first NFC South title since 2015.

Of Young’s league-leading 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime since he was drafted in 2023, six of them came last season.

Over three seasons, Young has thrown for 8,291 yards, 49 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in 46 games (44 starts). He has rushed for 718 yards and eight scores and has a 14-30 record as a starter.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Panthers #pick #Bryce #Youngs #5thyear #option

Deadspin | Brooks Koepka commits to alternate-field event ahead of PGA Championship Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images Brooks Koepka continues to prove his willingness to play in second-tier events as he grinds to stay in good form ahead of the final three 2026 majors. As part of his immediate return to the PGA Tour through the hastily-created Returning Player Program after Koepka parted with LIV Golf, he is ineligible to accept sponsors exemptions into 2026 signature events. With two such events leading up to next month’s PGA Championship, Koepka has committed to next week’s alternate-field event, the Myrtle Beach Classic. Among his five major titles, Koepka has a trio of PGA Championship victories. Myrtle Beach and its million purse present a final tune-up opportunity for Koepka while the majority of the tour’s marquee players will be competing for million at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. Myrtle Beach does provide an additional opportunity for Koepka. Should he win the event, Koepka would earn a spot into the final two signature events of the season at the Memorial and Travelers championships. Koepka is coming off a missed cut with teammate Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic. That followed a solid T-12 at the Masters. He does have four top-20 finishes in his past five stroke-play events, sitting 59th in the FedEx Cup standings. He was the first alternate two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where Koepka was seen waiting out the first-round tee times in the event that someone withdrew. His presence at the Myrtle Beach Classic will provide the third-year event with a rare marquee name. “Having Brooks Koepka commit to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is a tremendous moment for our tournament and our community,” tournament director Darren Nelson said, per the Post and Courier. “He’s one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his presence speaks to the continued momentum of this event on the PGA TOUR calendar.” The PGA Championship will begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #commits #alternatefield #event #ahead #PGA #Championship

#Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #commits #alternatefield #event #ahead #PGA #Championship">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Brooks Koepka continues to prove his willingness to play in second-tier events as he grinds to stay in good form ahead of the final three 2026 majors.

As part of his immediate return to the PGA Tour through the hastily-created Returning Player Program after Koepka parted with LIV Golf, he is ineligible to accept sponsors exemptions into 2026 signature events. With two such events leading up to next month’s PGA Championship, Koepka has committed to next week’s alternate-field event, the Myrtle Beach Classic.

Among his five major titles, Koepka has a trio of PGA Championship victories. Myrtle Beach and its $4 million purse present a final tune-up opportunity for Koepka while the majority of the tour’s marquee players will be competing for $20 million at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte.

Myrtle Beach does provide an additional opportunity for Koepka. Should he win the event, Koepka would earn a spot into the final two signature events of the season at the Memorial and Travelers championships.

Koepka is coming off a missed cut with teammate Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic. That followed a solid T-12 at the Masters. He does have four top-20 finishes in his past five stroke-play events, sitting 59th in the FedEx Cup standings.

He was the first alternate two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where Koepka was seen waiting out the first-round tee times in the event that someone withdrew. His presence at the Myrtle Beach Classic will provide the third-year event with a rare marquee name.

“Having Brooks Koepka commit to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is a tremendous moment for our tournament and our community,” tournament director Darren Nelson said, per the Post and Courier. “He’s one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his presence speaks to the continued momentum of this event on the PGA TOUR calendar.”

The PGA Championship will begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #commits #alternatefield #event #ahead #PGA #Championship">Deadspin | Brooks Koepka commits to alternate-field event ahead of PGA Championship

Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Brooks Koepka continues to prove his willingness to play in second-tier events as he grinds to stay in good form ahead of the final three 2026 majors.

As part of his immediate return to the PGA Tour through the hastily-created Returning Player Program after Koepka parted with LIV Golf, he is ineligible to accept sponsors exemptions into 2026 signature events. With two such events leading up to next month’s PGA Championship, Koepka has committed to next week’s alternate-field event, the Myrtle Beach Classic.

Among his five major titles, Koepka has a trio of PGA Championship victories. Myrtle Beach and its $4 million purse present a final tune-up opportunity for Koepka while the majority of the tour’s marquee players will be competing for $20 million at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte.

Myrtle Beach does provide an additional opportunity for Koepka. Should he win the event, Koepka would earn a spot into the final two signature events of the season at the Memorial and Travelers championships.

Koepka is coming off a missed cut with teammate Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic. That followed a solid T-12 at the Masters. He does have four top-20 finishes in his past five stroke-play events, sitting 59th in the FedEx Cup standings.

He was the first alternate two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where Koepka was seen waiting out the first-round tee times in the event that someone withdrew. His presence at the Myrtle Beach Classic will provide the third-year event with a rare marquee name.

“Having Brooks Koepka commit to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is a tremendous moment for our tournament and our community,” tournament director Darren Nelson said, per the Post and Courier. “He’s one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his presence speaks to the continued momentum of this event on the PGA TOUR calendar.”

The PGA Championship will begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #commits #alternatefield #event #ahead #PGA #Championship

Deadspin | Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza to wear No. 15 with blessing from Tom Flores Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders. The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66. “He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.” Flores, 89, didn’t stop there. “He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.” Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it. “He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.” Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor. Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #Flores

#Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #Flores">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66.

“He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

Flores, 89, didn’t stop there.

“He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.”

Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it.

“He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.”

Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor.

Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #Flores">Deadspin | Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza to wear No. 15 with blessing from Tom Flores

Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66.

“He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

Flores, 89, didn’t stop there.

“He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.”

Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it.

“He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.”

Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor.

Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #Flores

Related Posts

Post Comment Cancel reply