John Lindert named 43rd president of PGA of America, succeeds Jim Richerson

The 106th PGA annual meeting was at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix.

PHOENIX — John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing and Michigan PGA Section member, was elected president of the PGA of America.

The 106th PGA annual meeting was this past week at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort where about 450 members gathered to also vote Southwest PGA Section Member Don Rea, Jr. as vice president and Gateway PGA Section Member Nathan Charnes as secretary.

Lindert, elevated after two years serving as vice president, succeeds Jim Richerson, whose two-year term has ended. Richerson is now PGA Honorary President. He was named general manager of Riviera Country Club in March.

Lindert has been a PGA Member for more than 35 years. In 2019, he was inducted into the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame. He has served on four national committees and has collected numerous accolades, including Michigan PGA Section Golf Professional of the Year in 2009 and Michigan Section PGA Professional Development Award in 2021 and 2015.

As a competitor, Lindert, who played his college golf at the University of Arizona, is a past Toledo Chapter Stroke Play Champion and played in the PGA Professional Championship five times.

“This is a remarkable time for our Association, and I truly believe that we have the right people in place with the passion and desire to elevate our profession and our Association over the coming years,” said Lindert. “We have an opportunity to strengthen our position as an Association in the sport of golf and, most importantly, use that position to improve the lives of our PGA Members.”

106th PGA of America Annual Meeting
The 106th annual meeting for the PGA of America at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix on Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo: Todd Kelly/Golfweek)

Rea lives in Gilbert, Arizona, and is the owner and general manager of Augusta Ranch Golf Club, a public golf course in Mesa, Arizona. He previously served as secretary and is a member of the Southwest PGA Section. Off the golf course, Rea was an umpire for nine years in the minor leagues and has worked several MLB spring training games.

Charnes is the general manager and director of golf of WingHaven Country Club in O’Fallon, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Evansville in 2001, where he played on the golf team.

In addition, five people were named to the PGA Board of Directors:

  • Larry Kelley, PGA – Five Star Golf Cars & Utility Vehicles,
    Ludlow, Vermont
  • Steve Parker, PGA – Portage Country Club, Akron, Ohio
  • Paige Cribb, PGA – Coastal Carolina PGA Golf Management University Program, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
  • Russ Libby, PGA – Hidden Hills Golf Club, Jacksonville, Florida
  • Jeff Lessig, PGA – Verde River Golf & Social Club, Fountain Hills, Arizona

John A. Solheim, who earned the PGA’s Distinguished Service Award for 2022, was also honored during the week.

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New B/R article proposes Boston draft one of a trio of prospects with their No. 53 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft

Two wings — one with upside and another who could play now — and a floor general are seen as good fits for the team.

The 2022 NBA draft is scheduled to be held on June 23, 2022, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City, a little over a week from today. And while the Boston Celtics may have their hands full trailing the Golden State Warriors 3-2 in the 2022 NBA Finals, they do have a second-round draft pick at their disposal at least some parts of the team’s front office are currently doing their due diligence on.

Plenty of analysts have tried their hand at prognosticating what the Celtics will do with their No. 53 pick, a challenging proposition given the team is not exactly in the right place to offer much in-game development given they are currently competing for titles with a fairly short rotation even in the regular season.

Still, Bleacher Report draft expert Jonathan Wasserman put together a trio of prospects for the Celtics to consider with all this in mind in a new article; let’s see what he has in mind for Boston’s late second-rounder.

Dolphins WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. could be a hidden key to their offense

He’s not on the top of everyone’s mind, but that’s what makes him dangerous.

The big-ticket items are always going to get more fanfare.

In all things, it’s flashy products and purchases that get people excited. If you’re a kid waiting for the groceries to come home, most look at the snacks and treats.

However, while fun and enjoyable, the real meat and potatoes of a grocery trip tend to get less publicity and celebration. At the same time, some of those purchases could be key to weekly, monthly or seasonal success or survival.

Following what seemed to be a trip to Costco and then a factory outlet mall, Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier loaded up for at least a season or two with purchases and acquisitions such as Terron Armstead, Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert and, of course, Tyreek Hill. On the way home, Grier couldn’t help but run into the Dollar Tree and scoop up a veteran linebacker.

Among the other moves that Grier made, like signing offensive lineman Connor Williams and said linebacker Melvin Ingram, there are a few additions that could prove as valuable as any when considering the task of the individual.

Enter Cedrick Wilson Jr.

The former Dallas Cowboy was an early free agent signing for the Dolphins back in March. Wilson had a fine 2021 season for Dallas, catching 45 passes for 602 yards and six touchdowns. That’s a ratio of a score every 7.5 catches.

Going deeper into those catches is the timing and importance of them, as Wilson was a prominent chain-mover out of the slot position, converting 27 of those 45 passes into first downs. When taking a closer look at his early career, Wilson’s three NFL seasons have seen a nice, steady trajectory.

After missing his rookie season, he had just five catches on eight targets in barely any action through six games. 2020 saw an opportunity for more playing time, as he appeared in all 16 games, recording 17 receptions, 10 of which gained a new set of downs. He also hit the endzone twice, which is a similar ratio of a score every 8.5 catches.

2021 was a solid leap, more than doubling his catch production while gaining a respectable 602 yards. For what is arguably work from a fourth offensive weapon, these numbers are rather impressive. Wilson was reliable in 2021 with a catch rate of 73.8%. If we want to compare, Hill had a catch rate of 69.8% in 2021, and Jaylen Waddle hauled in passes at a 74.3% clip.

Add Mike Gesicki into a target crew that includes Waddle, Hill and Wilson, and quarterback Tua Tagovailao truly need not have to throw the ball too deeply to gain heavy yardage. The Dolphins are aiming for higher yards after catch numbers from all receivers, and Wilson specializes in this area as well.

The 26-year-old had an average yards-after-reception of 5.6 last season which compares favorably with teammates Waddle (4.2) and Hill (4.0). It’s fair to say that while Wilson could be far down on the target list of Tagovailoa, simply because of the company around him, the former Cowboy will seemingly ride with whatever opportunity he gets and make the most out of it.

Wilson also has the benefit of getting coached up by one of the best slot receivers to ever wear cleats in former Dolphin Wes Welker. The once New England Patriot and Denver Bronco, coached with new Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel in San Francisco the last three seasons, and each and every Miami pass-catcher should be thrilled to learn from Welker.

After putting the full offense on paper, opponent questions will arise about who will cover who. Hill, Waddle and Gesicki give defenses nightmares, but please don’t sleep on Wilson, Jr.

When it comes to looking for an unsung, unheralded Dolphin with uncapped potential, look no further than Wilson, who may be a sneaky player to produce in important instances of the game. Look for Wilson to be a third-down fixture on a Miami offense that’s looking to be more potent than it has in decades.

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Boston Celtics select 3-and-D small forward in new Bleacher Report mock draft

We approve of this projected selection for Boston in the second round.

For most of us, it is far too soon to start thinking about the 2022 NBA draft with the playoffs yet to even begin. But for draft experts, no time is too early, and Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman has already prognosticated a full, two-round mock draft that has a player in mind for the Boston Celtics’ sole selection in the 2022 draft.

With the team playing as well as they have in the second half of the 2021-22 NBA season, they’ll be selecting fairly late in the second round — here, B/R sees the Celtics selecting 56th overall. With that pick, Wasserman sees Boston going for Rutgers small forward Ron Harper, Jr.  “Improved three-point shooting to 39.8 percent has helped Harper enter the draft discussion,” suggests Wasserman of the son of the former Chicago Bulls great.

“There is enough belief in his IQ, maturity, and impact that a spot-up jumper may be all he needs to stick,” he adds.

The 6-foot-6 wing is a solid bet that late in the draft, and his shooting and low turnover rate suggest he has real upside as a potential rotation player at the NBA level.

This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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Arkansas hoping to secure commitment of Smith later today

Nick Smith Jr. is announcing his college decision later today in Little Rock. Eric Musselman and staff are hoping he puts on a Hog hat.

5-star guard Nick Smith, Jr. is finally making his college decision today.

The Sherwood native, who climbed to No. 6 in ESPN’s recruiting rankings for the class of 2022, would be the highest-ranked player to ever commit to Arkansas and the most heralded since Corliss Williamson in 1992.

Smith will be making his decision in front of family and friends at 7 p.m. this evening.

Smith would join an in-state class of Morrilton 4-star small forward Joseph Pinion and Magnolia 4-star combo guard Derrian Ford.

4-star forward Barry Dunning of Mobile, Ala. is also in the class.

Eric Musselman and his staff are also hoping to secure the commitment of 5-star forward Jordan Walsh, who recently transferred to Link Year Prep in Branson, Mo., just a two-hour drive from campus.

Steelers waive S Antoine Brooks Jr., release four others

For the second phase of NFL roster cuts, the Pittsburgh Steelers reduced their roster from 85 to 80 players.

For the second phase of NFL roster cuts, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced the release of linebacker Calvin Bundage, offensive lineman Aviante Collins, running back Pete Guerriero and wide receiver Tyler Simmons.

The Steelers also waived/injured second-year safety Antoine Brooks, Jr.

The last round of cuts comes on August 31 when teams must reduce their rosters from 85 to the final 53.

Stay tuned to Steelers Wire for more roster moves news. 

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Look: Chargers’ top draft picks receive jerseys

Rashawn Slater, Asante Samuel Jr. and Josh Palmer have arrived to Chargers headquarters.

The Chargers are gearing up for rookie minicamp, which begins on May 17.

The first-year players are starting to arrive in Los Angeles, including the team’s top three draft selections, Rashawn Slater, Asante Samuel Jr. and Josh Palmer.

The team’s official Twitter account posted a video of them holding up the jerseys with their numbers that they will be donning this upcoming season.

Check it out:

Way-too-early 53-man roster projection for Chargers

Who will make the cut? Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez predicts Los Angeles’ 53-man roster ahead of OTAs.

For the most part, the Chargers roster is set. They may make a few more moves, but this is the team they will roll with into camp.

With such a long time from now until the regular season, there’s plenty of time to speculate who will and will not make Los Angeles’ 53-man roster.

With that being said, here is my very early prediction for the team’s Week 1 roster.

Quarterbacks (2): Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel

Misses the cut: Easton Stick

Running backs (4): Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree III

Misses the cut: Darius Bradwell

Fullbacks (1): Gabe Nabers

Misses the cut: Hunter Kampmoyer

Wide receivers (6): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Jalen Guyton, Tyron Johnson, Josh Palmer, Joe Reed

Misses the cut: K.J. Hill, Jason Moore

Tight ends (3): Jared Cook, Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty

Misses the cut: Stephen Anderson

Offensive linemen (10): Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Oday Aboushi, Bryan Bulaga, Trey Pipkins, Brenden Jaimes, Tyree St. Louis, Storm Norton, Scott Quessenberry

Misses the cut: Nate Gilliam, Ryan Hunter

Defensive linemen (6): Linval Joseph, Justin Jones, Jerry Tillery, Christian Covington, Breiden Fehoko, Cortez Broughton

Misses the cut: Joe Gaziano, T.J. Smith

Edge defender (5): Joey Bosa, Uchenna Nwosu, Kyler Fackrell, Chris Rumph II, Emeke Egbule

Misses the cut: Jesse Lemonier

Linebackers (4): Kenneth Murray, Drue Tranquill, Kyzir White, Nick Niemann

Misses the cut: Cole Christiansen

Defensive backs (9): Michael Davis, Asante Samuel, Jr., Chris Harris, Jr., Ryan Smith, Brandon Facyson, Derwin James, Nasir Adderley, Alohi Gilman, Mark Webb

Misses the cut: Tevaughn Campbell, John Brannon, Donte Vaughn

Specialists (3): Alex Kessman, Ty Long, Cole Mazza

Misses the cut: Michael Badgley, Tristan Vizcaino

State of the Chargers cornerback room after re-signing Michael Davis, Brandon Facyson

The Los Angeles Chargers still need to add another cornerback or two before the start of camp.

Outside of adding three offensive linemen through free agency, the other notable moves made by the Chargers were bringing back cornerbacks Michael Davis and Brandon Facyson.

Los Angeles let go of Casey Hayward prior to the start of free agency. Davis will fill in as one of the starters on the outside. Chris Harris, Jr. will mainly man the slot. Facyson is likely just a depth piece.

The team also has Tevaughn Campbell, Donte Vaughn and John Brannon on the roster, but they all don’t have the experience to be counted on as starters.

Therefore, even after re-signing Davis and Facyson, the positional group is not a finished product and they will need to add another player with the ability to start before entering training camp.

L.A. was in the mix for Kyle Fuller, but the Broncos signed him on Saturday. The Chargers could still elect to sign a veteran like Adoree Jackson, A.J. Bouye, Malcolm Butler, Richard Sherman, Bashaud Breeland, among others.

Los Angeles, however, could have their eyes on the draft to upgrade the position. If the team chooses to pass on a left tackle in the first-round, they could be locked in on Patrick Surtain, Caleb Farley or Jaycee Horn.

Let’s say L.A. gets their franchise blindside blocker with pick No. 13, all the attention turns to the second day of the draft. Guys like Asante Samuel, Jr., Eric Stokes, Tyson Campbell, Aaron Robinson, Trill Williams, Ifeatu Melifonwu could be on their radar.

The bottom line is that with strong defensive back play being a necessity in head coach Brandon Staley’s system, the Chargers need to add at least two more cornerbacks before the end of the offseason to piece together a formidable group.

Get to know Ohio State basketball’s newly inked commitments

Ohio State and Chris Holtmann signed three new players to their national letters of intent Friday. Get to know all three of them.

In case you missed all the fun yesterday, the Ohio State basketball program officially inked three players on Friday. Malaki Branham, Kalen Etzler, and Meechie Johnson, Jr., all signed their national letters of intent to play for Ohio State and head coach Chris Holtmann.

It’s a class that ranks No. 41 in the country according to the 247Sports Team Composite rankings, but it’s a little tricky. That’s because Johnson reclassified to the 2020 class and will be enrolling in December. That means only two of the three players are technically considered part of this recruiting cycle.

Still, all three are new to the program, so we’re here to tell you about each of the new additions to the program thanks to a press release by the fine folks at Ohio State

NEXT … Malaki Branham