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Who Is The Oldest Player On The Champions Tour?

Hale Irwin is currently the oldest player on the PGA Tour Champions.  He may be older than his competition, but he can still play at a high level with some of the best golfers to ever do it.

He made his debut on the PGA Tour back in 1968 and is still competing today. While on the PGA Tour, Irwin was known to excel in tournaments when the conditions were toughest. This was obvious during the 1974 U.S. Open when he was able to secure the win under some of the hardest course conditions ever to be played in the U.S. Open era. He was able to win the tournament with a score of seven-over par in the tournament that was later named the “Massacre at Winged Foot.” 

From 1971 until 1994, Irwin secured victory at 20 PGA Tour events.  Along with being known for his strong performances in difficult conditions, he is also the definition of consistency. He holds the fourth-best mark in PGA Tour history, making the cut in 86 consecutive tournaments. This means that he was in the running to win in every tournament he participated in from 1975 to 1978. After his retirement from the PGA Tour in 1994, he continued his playing career on the PGA Tour Champions and has won a record 45 tournaments.

Irwin has been a well-renowned golfer throughout his career and was even named the captain of the United States team in the inaugural President’s Cup of 1994. He is known to be one of the most consistent golfers of his time and still competes at a high level today at the age of 76 years old.

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Who has won the most money in pga tour champions history.

Bernhard Langer is the top money winner in PGA Tour Champions history, with a total of $35,446,920 in winnings.  Hale Irwin sits at number two in these rankings, with $27,158,515 earned throughout his career in the PGA Tour Champions. Irwin’s placing second in prize money but tied for first in total wins can be attributed in part to the increase in prize money in recent years, compared to lesser pots handed out during the start of his PGA Tour Champions career.

What is the minimum age to compete in the PGA Tour Champions?

The minimum age to participate in the PGA Tour Champions is 50 years old.  You can also participate if you are 49 but will turn 50 by June 1st of that tournament’s year. The PGA Tour Champions is geared toward golfers who were once successful on the PGA tour but have since passed their athletic prime. A handful of amateur golfers have also been known to participate and perform surprisingly well, given the competition. 

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Welcome to t he 2024 season!

LIVESCORE: Padova Senior Open 2024 - 14th-16th of May

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Pirin  Senior Open 2024 - 14th-16th of June

Basildon Senior Open 2024 - 25th-27th of June

Norwegian Senior Open 2024 - 30th of July-1st of August

National Senior Open 2024 - 23rd-25th of August

Tegernseer Senior Open 2024 - 9th-11th of September

Andalucian Senior Open 2024 - 22nd-24th of November

Algarvian Invitational 2024 - 2nd-6th of Janu ary

Alga rvian Charity Pro Am 2024 - 7th-14th of January

Mallorca Senior Open 2024 - 7th-9th of  February

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Barcelona Senior Open 2024 - 8th-10th of March

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Algarvian Invitational 2023 - 3rd-7th of January

Algarvian Charity Pro Am 2023 - 8th-15th of January

Mallorca Senior Open 2023 - 9th-11th of  February

JJW International Amateurs 2023 - 12th-19th of February

Malaga Senior Open 2023 - 4th-6th of April

Lisbon Senior Open 2023 - 14th-16th of May

Padova Senior Open 2023 - 28th-30th of June

Norwegian Senior Open 2023 - 25th-27th of July

National Senior Open 2023 - 18th-20th of August

Tegernseer Senior Open 2023 - 11th-13th of September

Marbella Senior Open 2023  - 28th-30th of November

“It´s a fantastic opportunity for amateurs to play together with professionals at great venues! I really recommend all senior players to join the events and feel the good atmosphere!”

Algarvian Invitational 2022 - 4th-8th of January

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Lisbon Senior Open 2022 - 27th-29th of May 

Padova Senior Open 2022 - 23rd-25th of June 

National Senior Open 2022 - 26th-28th of August 

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Valencia Senior Open 2022 - 13th-15th of October 

Marbella Senior Open 2022 - 5th-7th of December

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Algarvian Charity Pro Am 2021 - 10th-16th of January

Mallorca Senior Open 2021 - 6th-8th of May

Costa del Golf Senior Open 2021 - 28th-30th of May  

Lisbon Senior Open 2021 - 17th-19th of June

National Sen ior Open 2021 - 20th-22nd of August 

Munich Senior Open 2021 - 11th-13th of October 

Marbella Senior Open 2021 - 1st-3rd of December

Algarvian Inv itational 2020

Algarvian Charity Pro-Am 2020

Mallorca Senior Open 2020 - 20th-2 2nd of February

Norwegian Senior Open 2020 - 31st of July-2nd of August

National Senior Open 2020 - 21st-23rd of August

SGTE Senior Open at Olching 2020 - 5th-7th of October

Senior Golf Tour Europe Open 2020 - 6th-8th of November

Marbella Senior Open 2020 - 3rd-5th of December

The 2019 season was a big success!

In Portugal the first event was fully booked with 144 players and in Pro Am the week after it was 200 players! 

In Mallorca Senior Open there were 53 players from 13 nations and we had a new record with 7 women playing in the event!  We moved to Hungary and the beautiful Zala Springs Resort, then off to UK and the fantastic Rockliffe Hall.

Then we spent the days just outside Rome at Fiuggi and experienced the great Italian hospitality with wine and food. After Rome, it was time to travel up to the magic summer light in Scandinavia and  Norwegian Senior Open.

Then  some  fantastic days at  the  beautiful National Golf Resort in Lithuania After  Lithuania, we organized SGTE Senior Open at Golf Club  Olching which is one of the best golf courses in Germany. 

We were on Sardegna, Italy at the fantastic Is Molas golf resort for the Is Molas Senior Open 2019 and then moved to Asolo for the  Asolo International Pro Am.  And finally we ended the season with the Tour final at La Cala Golf Resort in Marbella!

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Will Tiger Woods Play in Senior Tour? Insider Makes a Confession Amid the Golfer's Wobbling Schedule

Pga tour champions president on his preparation for tigerâ  woods's â future move.

He was the No. 1 amateur in the world as a senior at UW. Now, he’s giving up professional golf.

This might be a sad story if Chris Williams didn’t seem so content, happy and relaxed.

In the summer of 2013, Williams had just finished a remarkable college golf career at Washington and seemed like a can’t-miss professional star.

Williams had been the world’s No. 1 amateur for almost a year, won the Hogan Award, college golf’s version of the Heisman Trophy, and had just signed a deal with Nike through 2018.

But nothing is certain in golf.

After six years of near-constant travel, the ups and downs in his game, and the pressure of trying — and failing — to advance past the Canadian tour, Williams needed to stop. It didn’t matter that he had just had his best year, he was mentally done. So, what to do?

Come back to school, and accomplish something he thought he might never do: get a college degree. Williams is taking two classes this spring at UW while working as an intern in the athletic department, and is expected to finish up in summer quarter.

“It always weighed on me,” Williams said of not getting his degree.

And after graduation? Not even 28, he’s got a lot of options. He might return to pro golf. He might not.

He has time to figure it out, and as he casually talked over lunch at University Village, it’s clear he’s not stressed about it.

Whatever the decision, he will be more prepared than the last time he left school. If only he knew then what he knows now.

 So much promise

Williams wasn’t highly recruited out of Moscow, Idaho, but won the Mickelson Award in 2010 as the nation’s top freshman. He won six times at UW, second most in school history; his 28 top-10 finishes is also No. 2.

Williams became No. 1 in the world amateur rankings in the summer before his senior year, staying there for 46 weeks until he turned pro.

The next spring, Williams joined former teammate Nick Taylor (2010) as the only Huskies to win the Hogan Award. As the No. 1 amateur in the world, Williams had exemptions into the 2013 U.S. Open and British Open, but elected to turn pro after the U.S. Open, making headlines by signing with Nike through 2018.

It meant forgoing the British Open. He would have had to remain an amateur to keep his exemption for that event.

“I thought I’d play in many (British Opens),” he said. “Depending on what happens, I may never get that opportunity.”

Eroding confidence

Williams was a confident golfer at UW. And why not? When he got into rare slumps, the self-taught Williams worked himself back into form with long hours of practice.

“The real talent in the game to me is the ability to concentrate for a long period of time, and he has the ability to practice and work longer than probably anyone I have ever been around,” said Matt Thurmond, Williams’ coach at UW before leaving for Arizona State. “He has such a great capacity for effort.”

But the confidence began chipping away. It started during his senior season at UW, when he began tinkering with his swing.

“I always hit a big draw, a big hook,” said Williams, who had several top-10 finishes as a senior but no wins. “Being a naive 20-year-old, I said, ‘I’ll just fix it. It’s simple, right?’ I started trying to hit it a little bit straighter, and I didn’t know how to go about it. All of a sudden I was hitting it both ways, and I lost confidence. Everything I taught myself and everything I referred back to, didn’t work.

“I could still compete, I could still score, but in my opinion, that’s why I never won as a senior. When I got in those situations, I wasn’t confident I could do it.”

He lost more confidence when after signing with Nike, he changed to its equipment right away, and never felt comfortable with it.

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“They never pressured me, but I felt an obligation,” Williams said. “Being naive again, I thought I could play anything.”

As a decorated amateur, Williams received a few PGA Tour sponsor exemptions after turning pro. He finished 30th in the Travelers Championship, his first event, but missed the cut the next week at the end of June. His next sponsor’s exemption wasn’t until August, when he finished 56th; then he missed the cut again two weeks later.

Williams said the long break between sponsor exemptions left him rusty. In hindsight, he wished he had done what Cheng Tsung Pan did when he left UW. Pan went to PGA Tour Canada qualifying school during his senior season, allowing him to play in Canada when he wasn’t in a PGA Tour event.

“I play my best when I am competing and playing week after week,” Williams said.

Stuck in Canada

Williams got four more exemptions the next season on the PGA Tour but made just one cut, ending his chance of making enough money in those events to earn his PGA Tour card.

Instead, he would need to advance from the Canadian tour to the Web.com Tour and then to the PGA Tour. To make the Web.com Tour, he would need a top-five in the Canadian tour standings or to advance through Web.com Tour qualifying school.

After three years in Canada, not only had he not advanced, but he was coming off his worst season.

“At the end of 2015, I said, ‘I am going to give myself three years,’ ” Williams said. “And that was on top of three years of already playing and going through the motions and learning the ropes. I followed my plan. Unfortunately it didn’t work out.”

It wasn’t from lack of effort. He practiced so much he would burn himself out.

Williams noticed that he played his best golf at the end of the Canadian Tour’s season. To be more ready for the start of the Canadian tour, Williams played on PGA Tour Latinoamerica in 2018.

“I needed to play more in the spring, in tournaments where I really cared,” Williams said of playing on PGA Tour Latinoamerica, with stops in Mexico, Central America and South America. “It was perfect. I was starting to play really well right toward the end of that tour, which went right into Canada.”

For the first time, he got off to a great start in Canada last year. He lost in a playoff in his fourth event, his best career finish. But the good play didn’t last.

“The last three events I played in Canada were probably the worst three events I played all year,” said Williams, who still was a career-high 13th on the Tour’s order of merit.

Williams regrouped and played in a couple of PGA Tour Latinoamerica events to prepare for his sixth attempt to get past the Web.com Tour’s second stage of qualifying school.

“My finishes were good, but I felt like I was going through the motions,” Williams said. “I hated that feeling and I couldn’t really put a pinpoint to why that was.”

It didn’t help that his clubs got lost in transit coming home from Central America. Forced to use an old set at Web.com Tour qualifying school in November, he failed again to advance.

“To go there with a different set of clubs, it took everything out of me, and to miss it then for the sixth year in a row, it was painful,” Williams said. “It was tough to swallow. You get through second stage and you’re in the finals and you have (Web.com Tour) status. And I could never get through it.”

Williams played in the PGA Tour Latinoamérica championship in early December, and told his agent, “This might be my last tournament I play as a pro. I am so burned out.”

Williams had checked out. An admitted “home body,” he realized he had been home (in Bellevue) only about 10 to 12 weeks in the prior year.

“I thought, ‘I gave myself three years, and I’m going to be true to my word,’ ” Williams said. “I have buddies who are 32, 33, 34 who are still playing in Canada. That wasn’t going to be me, because for a lack of better words, those guys are miserable.”

Williams decided to take advantage of the Finish Line program for athletes who come back to finish their degrees.

“I was nervous because I wasn’t a good student,” Williams said. “School doesn’t come easy to me. This was like playing in a tournament for the first time in six years. I’ve got to really work and I’ve tried to be in class and actually learn the material as opposed to just trying to get by.”

Williams needs one more class this summer to get his degree in sociology. He plans to attend next year’s graduation ceremony with longtime girlfriend Elizabeth Tuesley, “who graduated when she was supposed to, but missed the ceremony to be with me at the U.S. Open.”

Williams said Tuesley always supported his dream, even when he was going through tough times.

“She almost pushed me out the door to go play in more tournaments,” he said.

Time away has made Williams realize he never lost his love for the game. He was thrilled when former teammate Pan won on the PGA Tour last month, and “rooted like crazy” for childhood friend Joel Dahmen, another former Husky, when he finish second last month.

“Seeing Pan win and Joel almost win — there is still a drive there, still a passion for it,” Williams said. “The love of the game will never leave. The love of the professional aspect wasn’t there — the travel and the grind and the mentality of it.”

Williams has connections in the insurance business if he wants to leave the game, but said he would prefer to stay in the game, and might like to be a college coach someday.

“My best time was at college, being around college kids and being on a team,” Williams said. “That is something I have thought back to multiple times. Because my relationship with Matt was so positive, I want to be that influence with a kid.”

Thurmond, though flattered that Williams might like to coach, would like to see his former star give pro golf another shot.

“I don’t know why it didn’t go the way he would have thought, but I still think he’s got it in him,” Thurmond said. “Those things don’t leave you. If he has any gas left in the tank to play, I would love to see him continue to pursue that because I still think he is a superstar player.”

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

Scottie Scheffler, world's top golfer, charged with assaulting a police officer outside PGA Championship

The world's top-ranked golfer, Scottie Scheffler, was detained by police after he was accused of dragging an officer with his car Friday outside the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, according to an incident report.

Footage posted on X by ESPN's Jeff Darlington appeared to show Scheffler being led away by officers. Scheffler appears to turn to Darlington as he is being led away and asks, "Can you please help me?"

Scheffler’s attorney Steve Romines called the arrest a misunderstanding and told The Associated Press they "will litigate the case as it goes."

In an interview with NBC news from Louisville, Romines conveyed Scheffler's account of what happened Friday morning before the second round of the tournament. 

Romines said officers who were investigating and handling traffic for a fatal traffic accident down the road weren’t communicating with those who were handling event traffic for the tournament.

So when Scheffler was given directions for how he should get onto the grounds to prepare for his morning rounds, which he followed, Romines said an "officer on a different unit took issue with Scottie following the directions he was given and subsequently placed him under arrest."

The incident happened before the second round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. It was set to begin at 7:15 a.m. but was delayed by more than an hour after a man was fatally struck by a shuttle bus around 5 a.m.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg identified the man as John Mills. PGA of America said he was an employee with one of its vendors and was reporting to work.

"This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones," the organization said in a statement.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear weighed in on the accident, saying on X , "Our hearts are broken, and we continue to pray for the victim’s family."

"The events that occurred afterward are the unfortunate result of this tragic incident, and we are hopeful that all parties involved can come to a resolution," Beshear added .

The accident caused traffic outside the club to be backed up for about a mile in both directions, the AP reported.

The Louisville Metro Police Department said in a statement that "all lanes of traffic at the scene were closed while the fatality investigation occurred." The police department was also at the scene directing traffic, the statement said.

An officer was directing traffic into the club when Scheffler, who was in the eastbound lane, allegedly drove into the westbound lane "to avoid backed up traffic," according to a police incident report.

The officer stopped Scheffler and attempted to give him instructions, but the golfer "refused to comply and accelerated forward" dragging the officer to the ground, the report says.

The officer "suffered pain, swelling, and abrasions to his uniform pants," it states.

The LMPD said an officer who was directing traffic had an "encounter with a motorist" who was trying to enter a restricted area which "ultimately led to the driver being arrested."

Darlington said Scheffler was attempting to drive around the crash scene. An officer told the golfer to stop, but he allegedly kept going, ESPN reported.

An officer "attached himself" to the side of Scheffler’s vehicle and Scheffler stopped as he turned into the entrance of the club, according to ESPN. When Scheffler rolled down his window to talk to the officer, he was allegedly pulled out of the vehicle and handcuffed.

When asked about the police report that said Scheffler dragged and injured an officer, Romines said "that did not happen." 

"If we need to litigate that issue, we will litigate it," Romines said. "He did not drag any officer. He did not injure any officer. As soon as he received the directions — conflicting directions — to stop, he stopped."

While Romines was not there, he cited eye witnesses and videos he’s seen of the arrest that he said "confirmed that it did not happen."

Romines also made it clear that "there was never a time in which … Scottie Scheffler tried to drive through any accident scene or anything else," referring to the nearby fatality. 

"He didn’t do anything wrong," Romines insisted, noting that the charges against Scheffler "will either be dropped and dismissed or we’ll go to trial."

Jail records show that he was booked on charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from officers directing traffic.

An arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, at which Scheffler will appear unless it is moved, Romines said. 

"It’s not like he’s going to plead guilty to something," Romines said. "He didn’t do anything wrong. He was following directions in a chaotic situation."

Romines said he was contacted about the incident early this morning and that his client spent about an hour and a half in jail and was later released on his own recognizance. Scheffler did not have to post any bail to be released, but his release came with the stipulation that he has no contact with the arresting officer. 

Romines acknowledged that "anything can happen" between now and the Tuesday arraignment, or during the process of litigation, but what Romines said he wants to see is the arresting officer’s body camera footage. 

"We believe it’ll confirm what the witnesses have said," Romines said. "As soon as we get that body cam video, we believe the case will probably be dismissed."

Scheffler is "upset about the whole situation," Romines said, adding that "it’s distracted from the golf tournament." 

More than anything, Romines said Scheffler is upset "about the tragedy of the individual that lost his life and somehow this is in any way related to that," but for now, Scheffler is "doing his job and, you know, playing golf the best he can and, you know, he’ll let the court system deal with it."

Scheffler called it a misunderstanding.

"This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do," he said in a statement shared on X by PGA Tour.

"I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today," he added.

Scheffler offered his condolences to the family of the man struck by the shuttle and said "it truly puts everything in perspective."

Greenberg said it was "unfortunate" that an incident took place between Scheffler and the officer.

"LMPD is fully investigating this incident and the legal process will proceed. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation," he said in a statement. "We remain focused on the tragic loss of life and will share more information on both of these matters as available."

PGA of America said it is "fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place" between the officer and Scheffler.

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Scheffler was released from jail and returned to the club just before 9:30 a.m. He teed off shortly after 10 a.m. to an outburst of cheers. Video posted on X by ESPN’s Marty Smith showed fans yelling "Free Scottie" after his tee shot. He was 7 under par, two shots from lead, after going 3 under through 12 holes.

In Friday's second round, Scheffler shot 5 under par. He’s now a combined 9 under par for the first two rounds. That means he finished one stroke better today, after the arrest, than he did yesterday.

Scheffler at the podium says "my situation will be handled."

"I did spend some time stretching in a jail cell," Scheffler said.

The golfer, 27, turned pro in 2018 and has appeared in the PGA championships four times. He won the Master’s in April, and also in 2022.

Minyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

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PGA Championship 2024 live updates: Scottie Scheffler climbs leaderboard despite arrest for assault of a police officer

Scottie Scheffler arrested by police before second round

World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was charged with assaulting a police officer outside Valhalla Golf Club hours before starting his second round at the 2024 PGA Championship.

Scheffler — who was also charged with third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic — was released by police just in time to take to the course for his tee-off time of 10:08am ET. He impressed with a five-under round of 66 that moved him into third, at nine-under for the tournament.

The Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections, who posted a mugshot of the 27-year-old, said he was booked in at 7.28am local time and released at 8.40am. Scheffler later described the incident as “a big misunderstanding”.

The start of Friday’s second round was delayed by 80 minutes because of an unrelated crash near the course . Louisville police said a shuttle bus had struck and killed a pedestrian outside the golf club. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg later named him as local man John Mills.

Louisville police ‘in the process of investigating’ Scheffler incident

Getty Images

As Scottie Scheffler faces the press at Valhalla, the Louisville Metro Police Department has just released a statement on this morning’s events.

It reads: “This is a preliminary statement regarding the facts and circumstances of what occurred near Valhalla Golf Club early this morning.

“We are still in the process of gathering information and investigating what transpired today. At about 5:07 this morning, in front of Gate 2 at Valhalla Golf Club, a pedestrian was fatally struck by a shuttle bus. LMPD expresses its sincere condolences to the family of the individual who died as a result of that collision.

“All lanes of traffic at the scene were closed while the fatality investigation occurred. LMPD personnel were also directing traffic around the scene.

“While an officer was directing traffic, an encounter with a motorist attempting to make entry into a restricted area ultimately led to the driver being arrested. We are in the process of conducting a thorough investigation. We are appreciative that all parties involved are fully cooperating.”

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Scheffler: ‘It was a chaotic situation and a big misunderstanding’

Scottie Scheffler is now talking to the media at his post-round press conference.

Before taking any questions, he says: “First of all my sympathies go out to the family of Mr Mills. I can’t imagine what they're going through this morning. One day he’s headed to the golf course to watch a tournament, a few moments later he’s trying to cross the street… I feel for them. I’m sorry.

“My situation will get handled. It was a chaotic situation and a big misunderstanding. I can’t comment on any specifics but it will be handled. It was a big misunderstanding.”

The top of the leaderboard as it stands

Here’s how things are currently looking at the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla.

1: -11 Collin MORIKAWA

2: -10 Xander SCHAUFFELE thru 4

T3: -9 Scottie SCHEFFLER

T3: -9 Thomas DETRY

T5: -8 Mark HUBBARD thru 15*

T5: -8 Austin ECKROAT

Things aren’t getting any easier for Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods has just endured a hole to forget on the second. He completely fails to visit the fairway — instead hitting not one, but two greenside bunkers — and ends up carding a brutal triple bogey 7.

That puts him on +4. He needs a minor miracle to make the cut now.

Scheffler closes out five-under round of 66

Scottie Scheffler has completed his round. He makes his putt on the 18th to card a five-under 66, which sees him on -9 for the tournament.

British broadcaster Sky Sports are reporting he will speak to the media shortly.

What a sensational performance after the events of this morning. Incredible.

Are we set for a record cut at Valhalla?

It has already been a remarkable day at the 2024 PGA Championship for so many different reasons. And we could also be set for a piece of tournament history today.

The highest cut line at a PGA Championship is level par: in 1995 (Riviera), 2006 (Medinah) and 2018 (Bellerive).

As of this moment, with so many players enjoying these slightly damper conditions at Valhalla, the projected cut line is exactly that, even par. But it could still go lower…

Speaking of birdies…

Rory McIlroy has also made a lightning quick start! The Northern Irishman drains a 40 foot birdie putt and is now -6 for the tournament.

Fast start for Xander Schauffele

The 30-year-old has pretty much picked up from where he left off. Having made par on holes 1 and 2 he makes an absolutely monster putt on the third to move to -10, which moves him into second place.

He’s only one shot back from our leader, Collin Morikawa.

Harris English: 'Not the normal quiet arrival'

(Photo: Scott Taetsch / PGA of America via Getty Images)

Harris English spoke about the situation Friday morning in Louisville, and what he saw upon his arrival at Valhalla Golf Club.

He said he had "no idea what was going on" as he arrived to the club just after 5 a.m. and saw the police cars. English said he had to turn around and go north of the course before eventually turning into the club entrance, which added an extra 20 minutes.

"It was very strange coming into the course this morning," English said after his second round. "Not the normal quiet arrival. Obviously got here this morning, then news broke that Scottie had been detained and all that.

"That could have been any one of us. We're all taking that same route coming into the club."

English called the death of John Mills, the pedestrian who was hit and killed by a shuttle bus outside the PGA Championship Friday morning, "very unfortunate."

"You never want to hear about a person losing their life coming to the course. It's just terrible."

Morikawa shoots 65, sits at 11-under-par

Despite a bogey on his 18th hole (No. 9), Collin Morikawa shot a second-round 65.

Morikawa's bogey on his final hole snaps a streak of 30 straight without a dropped shot.

Morikawa is the eighth player in PGA Championship history to open with back-to-back rounds of 66 or lower; six of them have come since 2016.

Birdie. Scheffler.

That's six straight one-putts for Scottie Scheffler, who birdied his 17th hole.

Scheffler is now in a tie for second at 9-under-par, two off the lead.

Tiger Woods tees off

(Photo: Brian Spurlock / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Tiger Woods begins his second round at the PGA Championship.

The 15-time major champion shot 1-over-par Thursday after back-to-back bogeys on his last two holes.

Morikawa's birdie streak

Collin Morikawa's run of five consecutive birdies is the longest at a PGA Championship in 6 years —Andrew Landry and Tony Finau both did it at Bellerive.

Xander Schauffele tees off

(Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

Xander Schauffele, the 18-hole leader, tees off to begin his second round at the PGA Championship.

Schauffele shot a 9-under 62 on Thursday, tying the men's major scoring record.

Xander Schauffele leads the PGA Championship. But can he finish the job?

Four birdies in a row for Morikawa

(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

That's what Collin Morikawa's done his last four holes.

Morikawa, the 2020 PGA champion, is at 11-under-par and has a two-shot lead.

Man killed by shuttle bus identified as worker for tournament vendor

The mayor of Louisville identified the pedestrian hit and killed by a shuttle bus outside the PGA Championship on Friday as a local man named John Mills.

“This morning, our city experienced a tragic accident that took the life of John Mills, a Louisvillian who will be greatly missed by his family and our community. Our focus is on this family who lost their loved one," said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg in a statement.

The PGA of America said earlier Friday that the organization was “devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club.”

And, in a new statement, the PGA said: “Our primary concern today remains with the family of John Mills, who lost his life in a tragic accident early this morning while reporting to work.”

The PGA’s updated statement also touched upon Scottie Scheffler, who was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer outside Valhalla Golf Club in an unrelated incident.

The statement added: “As it relates to the incident involving Scottie Scheffler, we are fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place.

“While the legal process plays out, questions should be directed to Scheffler’s attorney or local authorities.”

Morikawa solo leader at 10 under

Collin Morikawa has the solo lead at 10 under.

Long, long way to go — but Morikawa is seeking his third win in just his 18th career major.

The last player to reach three major wins in 18 or fewer starts was Tom Watson at the 1977 Open (17th start).

Took Jordan Spieth 19, Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka 20.

Morikawa tied for the lead

(Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Back-to-back birdies for Collin Morikawa.

The 2020 PGA champion is in a three-way tie for the lead with Xander Schauffele and Mark Hubbard.

Scheffler remains at 7 under

It's just Friday at the PGA Championship.

But par saves are critical, especially to stay in the mix.

Scottie Scheffler, after landing his chip shot short of the pin out of the bunker, barely converted his par save on No. 3 (his 12th).

A massive putt to stay two off the lead.

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Here Are All 16 LIV Golfers in the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club

John schwarb | may 13, 2024.

Golf’s second major of 2024 is here, and fans can rejoice in how PGA Tour-LIV Golf squabbles are put aside with players from both sides settling matters on the course.

And the PGA of America has helped LIV Golf bring a sizable contingent to Valhalla Golf Club.

A bit more than 10% of the field—16 of 156 players—is from the Saudi-backed league, up from nine players a year ago at the PGA won by LIV’s Brooks Koepka. Koepka and eight other players were exempt into the field based on various criteria, and seven accepted special invitations. The PGA of America has significant leeway to invite whoever it wants , and it saw fit to invite perhaps a larger number of LIV players than many expected.

Thirteen players from LIV Golf were in the field at last month’s Masters.

Here are all 16 in order of Official World Golf Ranking, with how they qualified, recent history and outlook.

OWGR: 5th How qualified: Won 2023 Masters Recent history: Second in 2024 LIV points standings, T45 at Masters Skinny: LIV’s seismic offseason signing hasn’t won yet but hasn’t played poorly either with four top-5 finishes and just one outside the top 10. Had a disappointing Masters defense but will have less pressure this week.

Tyrrell Hatton

OWGR: 18th How qualified: T15 in 2023 PGA Championship Recent history: T5 LIV Golf Singapore, T9 at Masters Skinny: Fiery Englishman comes in off his best LIV finish. On a streak of nine consecutive made cuts in majors with five top-20 finishes.

Brooks Koepka

OWGR: 39th How qualified: Won 2018, 2019, 2023 PGA Championship Recent history: Won LIV Golf Singapore, T45 at Masters Skinny: The defending champion has his swagger back after winning two weeks ago and lives for majors . A third PGA would put him in rarefied air; only Tiger Woods has won as many in the last four decades.

Cameron Smith

OWGR: 61st How qualified: Won 2022 British Open Recent history: Second at LIV Golf Singapore, T6 at Masters Skinny: Indifferent LIV season got a boost in Singapore, the short-game ace has four top-9 finishes in last six majors starting with the 2022 win at St. Andrews.

Adrian Meronk

OWGR: 65th How qualified: Special exemption Recent history: T13 LIV Golf Singapore, missed cut at the Masters Skinny: The PGA traditionally invites all players inside the top 100 in the world, and Meronk remains there after three DP World Tour wins in the 2023 season. Was T40 in first PGA appearance last year. 

Lucas Herbert

OWGR: 90th How qualified: Special exemption Recent history: T29 LIV Golf Singapore Skinny: The Aussie did not qualify for the Masters and only has one top-15 finish all year on LIV. Was T13 at the 2022 PGA. 

Joaquin Niemann

OWGR: 91st How qualified: Special exemption Recent history: T8 LIV Golf Singapore, two-time winner earlier in year, T22 Masters Skinny: The Chilean got a special invite from the Masters for globetrotting that included an Australian Open win and played well off it. Now will make 14th consecutive major start, a streak that could be harder to maintain if he falls outside the top 100 in the world.

Patrick Reed

OWGR: 93rd How qualified: Special exemption Recent history: T15 LIV Golf Singapore, T12 Masters Skinny: The 2018 Masters champ remains inside the top 100 after a decent Masters but his LIV season hasn’t been notable as he’s 30th in season points.

OWGR: 109th How qualified: Special exemption Recent history: T27 LIV Golf Singapore Skinny: The 22-year-old Spaniard won twice in the offseason on the Asian Tour, which is looked favorably upon. His only other major start is a T39 in the 2023 U.S. Open.

Bryson DeChambeau

OWGR: 124th How qualified: Won 2020 U.S. Open Recent history: T28 LIV Golf Singapore, T6 Masters Skinny: Had a three-event stretch of top-7 finishes in LIV before a pair of T28 efforts, led after 36 holes at Augusta before fading on weekend. T4 at last year’s PGA.

Dean Burmester

OWGR: 133rd How qualified: Special exemption Recent history: T17 LIV Golf Singapore, won LIV Golf Miami Skinny: The Zimbabwean is third in LIV points and won back-to-back late last year on the DP World Tour, perhaps all of that factored into being allowed to make his fourth straight PGA Championship start.

Phil Mickelson

OWGR: 160th How qualified: Won 2005, 2021 PGA Championship Recent history: T22 LIV Golf Singapore, T43 Masters Skinny: The 53-year-old hasn’t shown much form this season, 34th in LIV points with one top-10 finish. 

Andy Ogletree

OWGR: 220th How qualified: Top 3, International Federation OWGR list Recent history: T45 LIV Golf Singapore Skinny: The 26-year-old Georgia Tech grad had his best LIV Golf finish two events ago, a T5 in Adelaide, and now makes his first major start since 2020.

Dustin Johnson

OWGR: 392nd How qualified: Won 2020 Masters Recent history: T7 LIV Golf Singapore, missed cut at the Masters Skinny: The 2022 LIV Golf season champion won his third career LIV event in February in Las Vegas then didn’t have another top-10 until two weeks ago at Singapore. Has five top-10s in the PGA, the last being T2 in 2020.

Talor Gooch

OWGR: 668th How qualified: Special exemption Recent history: T4 LIV Golf Singapore Skinny: The most polarizing LIV golfer in the field said in February that a potential Rory McIlroy Grand Slam would have an asterisk for not being against all the game’s best. This could be Gooch’s only major start of the year as he wasn’t invited to the Masters and said he won’t qualify for the Opens.

Martin Kaymer

OWGR: 4,338th How qualified: Won 2010 PGA Championship Recent history: T20 LIV Golf Singapore Skinny: The 39-year-old German is set at the PGA thanks to his win at Whistling Straits but his last made cut was 2018. He’s 42nd in LIV points with a best finish of T14.

JOHN SCHWARB

John Schwarb is the Senior Editor of SI Golf. He has covered golf for the St. Petersburg Times (now Tampa Bay Times), PGATour.com and Visit Florida; and has also written for ESPN.com, The Golfers Journal and several magazines. He lives in Indianapolis and graduated from Indiana University.

PGA TOUR Champions announces 2024 schedule

Upcoming season to feature 28 events and the highest purse in Champions Tour history

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – PGA TOUR Champions announced Wednesday the schedule for its 2024 season, which features 28 events and will conclude at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix, Arizona. The 25-event regular season will welcome one new tournament, the Simmons Bank Championship in Little Rock, Arkansas, and players will visit 19 U.S. states and three other countries (Morocco, Scotland and Canada). In 2024, players will compete for more than $67 million in total prize money, the highest in PGA TOUR Champions’ 44-season history.

“We have had a fantastic 2023 season – which included record charitable donations – and we look forward to carrying the momentum from this year into 2024,” said PGA TOUR Champions president Miller Brady . “I’m thrilled to be able to share next year’s schedule, which includes the Simmons Bank Championship, a new event in our Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs and the first-ever PGA TOUR Champions event held in Arkansas. The success of our Tour comes from the tremendous tournament and title sponsors that support our events, and we are so grateful for those partnerships. PGA TOUR Champions offers the unique opportunity for fans to see golfing legends competing at a high level and after the unprecedented success we’ve seen this year, we can’t wait to kick off the 2024 season.”

The 2024 season will tee off with the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai the week of January 15-20 in Ka’upulehu-Kona, Hawaii, marking the 28th consecutive year that PGA TOUR Champions has started the season at Hualalai Golf Course.

The first stateside event of the 2024 season comes in February, with the Chubb Classic , held at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. From there, the Champions Tour heads overseas for the Trophy Hassan II at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat.

After the event in Morocco, PGA TOUR Champions heads out West for the month of March, with the Cologuard Classic in Tucson, Arizona, which is being contested at La Paloma Country Club for the first time. Back-to-back California tournaments follow, with the Hoag Classic at Newport Beach Country Club and then The Galleri Classic at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage.

Two PGA TOUR Champions Texas events – the Invited Celebrity Classic at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas (April 15-21), and the Insperity Invitational at The Woodlands Country Club outside of Houston (April 29-May 5) – are separated by the Mitsubishi Electric Classic at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia (April 22-28).

The PGA TOUR Champions schedule features five major championships – the first in May with the Regions Tradition at Greystone Golf & Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. The majors conclude in July with The Senior Open presented by Rolex at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland.

2024 PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

After the season’s first two majors, the Champions Tour heads to Iowa for the Principal Charity Classic at Wakonda Country Club in Des Moines, Iowa, followed by the American Family Insurance Championship , being contested for the final time at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin, before the event moves to TPC Wisconsin beginning in 2025. The DICK’S Sporting Goods Open at En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, New York, serves as the lead into the final three majors of the season.

Once the major season has concluded, the first of three August events begins with the Boeing Classic – held at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge outside of Seattle – before PGA TOUR Champions’ annual trip north of the border, with the Shaw Charity Classic at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The month is rounded out with The Ally Challenge , held at historic Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

September opens with St. Louis’ Ascension Charity Classic , held at Norwood Hills Country Club, before the Champions Tour heads to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for the Sanford International at Minnehaha Country Club. The final event of the month is the PURE Insurance Championship , held at historic Pebble Beach Golf Links.

The final two events of the regular season come in October, with the Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS , held at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida, and the regular season finale: the SAS Championship in Cary, North Carolina, at Prestonwood Country Club.

The 25-event regular season will lead into the eighth-annual Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, which begin at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic in Richmond, Virginia, followed by the newest event on the PGA TOUR Champions – the Simmons Bank Championship . Serving as the second leg of the Playoffs, the Simmons Bank Championship will be contested at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas.

“We are ecstatic to have the addition of the Simmons Bank Championship to the PGA TOUR Champions schedule,” said PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady . “Simmons Bank has been a tremendous title sponsor on the Korn Ferry Tour and we are thrilled to have them join PGA TOUR Champions to sponsor one of our playoff events. Bringing a tournament to their home in Little Rock shows Simmons Bank’s commitment to supporting their local community using the platform of professional golf to highlight the state of Arkansas and all that it has to offer.”

The season will conclude with the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at Phoenix Country Club on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024.

Since 2001, the Charles Schwab Cup has been awarded to the winner of a season-long, points-based competition. Steve Stricker – who leads the Charles Schwab Cup standings by 1,945,013 over No. 2 Steven Alker with three events remaining in the 2023 season – is in prime position to win his first-ever Charles Schwab Cup.

Each event in 2024 will be televised nationally on GOLF Channel, the Champion Tour’s exclusive cable-television partner that reaches close to 60 million U.S. households. In addition, the majority of tournaments will also be available to stream on Peacock. Two events will have weekend coverage on NBC, the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and the U.S. Senior Open. PGA TOUR Champions coverage is available in 175+ countries and territories via more than 20 broadcast partners.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin pledge closer ties, discuss 'political solution' to war in Ukraine

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have condemned what they cast as increasingly aggressive US behaviour and pledged to deepen their countries' already close defence and military ties.

In a snub to Washington, whose top diplomat flew into China last month to try to persuade Beijing to scale back its relationship with Moscow, Mr Xi signalled Beijing and Moscow saw eye to eye on a range of important issues, including on Ukraine, and would resist Western pressure to downgrade their ties.

"The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it," Mr Xi told Mr Putin at the meeting on Thursday.

"China is willing to … jointly achieve the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries, and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world."

A joint statement said both countries were opposed to a drawn-out conflict in Ukraine and spoke of concerns about what were described as US efforts to violate the strategic nuclear balance.

Mr Putin, on his first overseas trip since his inauguration this month for a new presidential term, described Moscow and Beijing's cooperation in world affairs as one of the main stabilising factors in the international arena.

"Together we are defending the principles of justice and a democratic world order reflecting multipolar realities and based on international law," Mr Putin told Mr Xi.

Mr Putin's visit comes weeks after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew into China to raise concerns about what he said was China's support for Russia's military, and a day after he said Washington would continue to impose sanctions on Chinese companies supplying Russia's defence sector.

Mr Blinken's China trip appears to have been an unsuccessful attempt to undermine a "no-limits" partnership proclaimed when Mr Putin visited Beijing in February 2022, just days before he sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine triggering the deadliest land war in Europe since World War II.

Political settlement to Ukraine war the 'right direction'

By picking China for his first foreign trip this term, Mr Putin is sending a message to the world about his priorities and the strength of his personal ties with Mr Xi.

Their joint statement spoke of plans to step up military ties and how defence cooperation between the two nations improved regional and global security.

It also condemned initiatives to seize assets and property of foreign states, a clear reference to Western moves to redirect the profits from frozen Russian assets or the assets themselves to help Ukraine.

Mr Xi said both sides agreed that a political settlement to the Ukraine crisis was the "right direction" and the joint statement said both countries were opposed to a drawn-out conflict in Ukraine and its possible transition to an uncontrollable phase.

Mr Putin, who arrived on Thursday for a two-day visit that will include talks on Ukraine, Asia, energy and trade, said he was grateful to China for trying to solve the Ukraine crisis, adding that he would brief Mr Xi on the situation there.

Russian forces are advancing on several fronts in Ukraine .

Describing his initial talks with Mr Xi as "warm and comradely", he outlined sectors where the two countries were strengthening ties, from nuclear and energy cooperation to food supplies and Chinese car manufacturing in Russia.

Informal chats between the leaders and senior officials of both sides later on Thursday are expected to be key to the two-day trip.

Mr Putin's newly appointed defence minister, Andrei Belousov, as well as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov will also attend, along with Russia's most powerful CEOs.

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May 16, 2024 - Russia's war in Ukraine

By Helen Regan and Sana Noor Haq, CNN

Our live coverage for the day has ended. Follow the latest Ukraine news  or read through the updates below.

Russia and China display united front, as fighting ravages Ukraine. Here's what you need to know.

From CNN staff

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping sought to deepen ties across energy, trade and security on Thursday, against a backdrop of political unrest.

Both leaders made specific references to the war in Ukraine, sovereignty in Taiwan and fighting in the Middle East, during Putin's two-day state visit to Beijing.

Here are the latest developments:

• 'International turbulence': Putin and Xi expressed "very deep concern" over "destabilizing" US military activity with allies "that have a clear anti-Russian and anti-Chinese orientation," in a statement released by the Kremlin. Referencing Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Russia said it welcomes the readiness of China "to play a constructive role" in the political and diplomatic settlement of the war.
• Symbolic overseas trip: Putin's visit marked his first foray abroad since starting a  new term as Russia’s president  last week, as Russia and China form closer relations in the face of heavy friction with the West. Relations between the two countries are "experiencing the best period in their history,” the statement from the Kremlin added.
• Zelensky warns of Russian advances: In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with senior military officials in Kharkiv city. He described an "extremely difficult" outlook for Ukrainian troops on the ground, after Moscow's forces drove a surprise cross-border attack in the northeastern region earlier this month. Lt. Col. Nazar Voloshyn said combat in the Kharkiv direction "is changing dynamically." 
• Civilians try to flee beleaguered Kharkiv: A senior Ukrainian minister alleged Russian forces are prohibiting civilians evacuating from the town of Vovchansk, one of the sites of Moscow's sweeping offensive towards Kharkiv. CNN is unable to independently verify the claims from Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and has asked the Russian Defense Ministry for comment. 
• Ukrainians celebrate national identity: On the third Thursday of May, Ukrainians worldwide celebrate the Vyshyvanka , a traditional embroidered shirt. Nowadays, many wear the Vyshyvanka as a challenge to Russia, as a display of their national identity and to celebrate the long history of Ukraine. Zelensky said the shirt is synonymous with "those who defend humanity, freedom, and the right to self-identity," in a post on X .

Xi told Putin that China supports peace conference for “Ukraine crisis," China’s foreign ministry says

From CNN’s Shawn Deng, Mariya Knight and Sahar Akbarzai

Chinese President Xi Jinping had an in-depth exchange of views Thursday on the war in Ukraine with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry. 

During the meeting in Beijing, Xi conveyed China’s support for convening an international peace conference to settle the “Ukraine crisis” and reiterated China’s commitment to continue to play a constructive role in an early political settlement, according to the statement.

Putin said he welcomed China’s stance on Ukraine and said Moscow would further ensure a consensus is reached between both sides.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he would “very much  like China to be involved ” in Ukraine’s peace plan.

The Ukrainian peace summit is set to take place  next month in Switzerland .

Russia has not been represented in any of the four closed-door international peace talks so far and will not be participating this year. China has only attended one hosted by its increasingly close strategic partner, Saudi Arabia.

NATO: Russian forces lack numbers for a "strategic" breakthrough in Kharkiv

From CNN’s Alex Hardie in London

NATO believes Russian troops don't have the numbers necessary for a "strategic" breakthrough in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, a senior commander of the military alliance said on Thursday, though he acknowledged that Moscow's forces have made "local advances."

Responding to a question about Russian troops pushing deeper into the northeastern region, Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told a press conference in Brussels that "(Russians) don't have the skill and the capability to do it, to operate at the scale necessary to exploit any breakthrough to strategic advantage."

NATO's assessment comes after Russian forces took control of several villages close to the border since launching a surprise attack on May 10. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with senior military officials in Kharkiv earlier on Thursday. He described an "extremely difficult" outlook for Kyiv's troops on the ground, where "we are strengthening our units." 

Ukraine’s Lt. Col. Nazar Voloshyn warned combat in the Kharkiv direction "remains complicated and is changing dynamically."

Why Ukrainians wear this symbol of national identity

From CNN's Maria Kostenko and Sana Noor Haq

On the third Thursday of every May, Ukrainians across the globe celebrate the vyshyvanka, a traditional embroidered shirt.

Yet the stitched panelling of a vyshyvanka extends beyond the garment itself. For many Ukrainians, each star or flower design is a symbolic expression of their right to self-determination.

"I think that vyshyvanka is a very vivid symbol that speaks for itself. Wearing vyshyvanka is very easy to show your identity, your position, your belonging to a certain group," said Natalia Kamenska, co-founder of the Ukrainian brand Gunja Project. "It is a way of saying 'We are Ukrainians.'"

Ukrainians mark Vyshyvanka Day by wearing the traditional dress. Kamenska, a designer, told CNN the shirt helps Ukrainian people form a sense of belonging in the face of colossal grief and uncertainty.

"All Ukrainians have been thinking about who we are and how important it is to defend our land, our right to exist on this land, and our independence," she told CNN. "A lot of people wear vyshyvankas. More and more people have become interested in the history of their family and their country.

Kamenska described the war in Ukraine as "a tumultuous time" for her compatriots.

"With families being separated, people fleeing their homeland, people have a sense of constant anxiety from not knowing what will happen tomorrow," she added. "For many people, vyshyvanka is a thing that reminds them of the importance of everything that is happening now."

Ukrainian minister claims Russians are refusing to let civilians evacuate from town in Kharkiv region

From CNN's Maria Kostenko in Kyiv and Radina Gigova in London 

The Russian military is not allowing civilians to evacuate from the town of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, according to Ukraine's interior minister on Thursday. Ihor Klymenko said that National Police investigators in the region have launched a criminal investigation "into the violation of the rules and customs of war." 

CNN is unable to independently verify Klymenko's claims and has contacted the Russian Defense Ministry for comment. 

Klymenko said the police evacuation teams continue to work in Vovchansk "despite intense fighting and are trying to ensure further evacuation of people." 

Oleksii Kharkivskyi, the chief patrol officer of the Vovchansk Police Department, posted on Facebook on Thursday that evacuations are still underway and that "staying in the town is dangerous."

The head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, Oleh Syniehubov, also said Thursday that evacuations continue but claims Russian forces have used cluster munitions to attack a village in the Vovchansk area, injuring five people.

Some context: The town of Vovchansk, located about 60 km (or about 37 miles) northeast of Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv, has been the scene of some of the most intense battles in areas near the border in recent days as Russia continues efforts to push deeper into Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainians celebrate their heritage on Vyshyvanka Day, as Russia's invasion rages on

From CNN's AnneClaire Stapleton

Every year, on the third Thursday of May, Ukrainians worldwide celebrate Vyshyvanka Day. 

This holiday is dedicated to preserving Ukraine's famous embroidered shirt, known as a “vyshyvanka," as a symbol of its people's material and spiritual heritage. 

Ukrainian embroidery varies in its techniques, and different regions across the country produce their own patterns. Traditionally, each stitch, star or flower has a particular meaning.

In the past, many Ukrainians saw the embroidery as a protective talisman and it represents happiness, fate, life and victory. 

Nowadays, Ukrainians also wear the vyshyvanka as a challenge to Russia, as a display of their national identity and to celebrate the long history of Ukraine.

Russia and China relations are at "the best period in their history," joint statement says

From CNN's Simone McCarthy, Alex Stambaugh and Anna Chernova

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to strengthen ties across energy, trade, security and geopolitics on Thursday, as both parties displayed their close relationship against the backdrop of regional unrest.

Both leaders shared their vision in a statement released by the Kremlin after a meeting in Beijing, with specific references to the war in Ukraine, sovereignty in Taiwan and fighting in the Middle East. 

"In conditions of international turbulence, Russian-Chinese relations stand the test of rapid changes in the world, demonstrating strength and stability, and are experiencing the best period in their history," according to the statement.

Putin and Xi said they would "deepen trust" and military "cooperation" by expanding dual exercises and combat training, regularly holding joint sea and air patrols and improving the "level of joint response to challenges and threats."

The two countries also expressed "very deep concern" over what they described as "extremely destabilizing" US military activity with allies "that have a clear anti-Russian and anti-Chinese orientation."

Referencing Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Russia said it welcomes the readiness of China "to play a constructive role" in the political and diplomatic settlement of the war.

"It is necessary to eliminate its root causes and adhere to the principle of the indivisibility of security," the statement said. "There can be no winners in a nuclear war and it should never be fought."

Zelensky visits beleaguered Kharkiv, amid sweeping Russian border assault

From CNN's Radina Gigova and Maria Kostenko 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with senior military officials in the city of Kharkiv on Thursday, as Russian forces push deeper into the northeastern region. 

The Ukrainian leader described an "extremely difficult" outlook for Kyiv's troops on the ground, where "we are strengthening our units." He also met with the senior officials from other border and frontline regions.

Efforts to bolster Ukrainian forces were concentrated in Lyptsi and Vovchansk; a town located about 60 km (37 miles) northeast of Kharkiv city and the site of some of the most intense battles near the border. 

At the same time, Lt. Col. Nazar Voloshyn warned combat in the Kharkiv direction "remains complicated and is changing dynamically." 

"Our forces are preventing the occupiers from gaining a foothold in certain areas in the northern Kharkiv region," Voloshyn said in a television interview. 

"The enemy's advance in certain settlements has been stopped. However, the enemy is trying to ensure conditions for further advancement in order to take advantageous positions," Voloshyn added. 

Russian forces have taken control of more than nine villages close to the border since they launched a surprise attack on May 10 . 

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