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Legends Tour hits new landmark with biggest schedule and record €18million prizepool

The Legends Tour has unveiled plans for a record-breaking 2024 season, headlined by its busiest schedule to date – including nine new events - and an eye-watering €18million prize pool.

Running from April to December, this year’s globetrotting schedule will feature 20 events - featuring new tournaments set to debut in Barbados, Kenya, Mexico, Spain, the UK and Zambia, with even more additions still to be announced.

They join Legends Tour staples such as the flagship Staysure PGA Seniors Championship - which will return to Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen following the success of last year’s event – and the Irish Legends at Seapoint Golf Links.

Many of the Legends Tour’s brightest stars will be eyeing up Major victory in 2024 at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores Golf Club, the US Senior Open at Newport Country Club and The Senior Open presented by Rolex at Carnoustie Golf Links.

The season will culminate with the MCB Tour Championship Mauritius at Constance Belle Mare Plage, where qualifying players will contest for the John Jacobs Trophy, which was won in 2023 by former Ryder Cup player Peter Baker.

As well as the tournament silverware, some of golf’s biggest names will also be competing for the largest prize pool in Legends Tour history. The €18million (more than €8.6million of which will be assigned outside of the Majors of senior men’s golf – the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, the US Senior Open and The Senior Open presented by Rolex) represents a 100 per cent increase since the tour returned to a full schedule in 2022 following the covid pandemic, with $2million to play for in the final two events on the Road to Mauritius and a bonus pool of $100,000 for the top five players in the final standings.

Complementing the drama of the professional events will be the unique Celebrity Pro-Am, which sees stars from the world of sport and entertainment competing to raise money and awareness for their chosen charities. Meanwhile, passionate amateurs can tee off alongside their heroes in the Legends Experience, the tour’s one-of-a-kind pro-am experience.

The announcement suggests the global growth of the Legends Tour - which hit new heights in 2023 - is set to continue. At the end of the season, the brand announced record figures for amateur participation, spectators and social media engagement, with the latter taking total reach across all channels to over 100million people for the first time.

In November, the inaugural Vinpearl DIC Legends Vietnam - the competition’s first foray into Vietnam - embodied the expansion into new markets, including Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Central America, that has characterised the Legends Tour’s first three years.

Phil Harrison, CEO of the Legends Tour, said: “We have been working hard behind the scenes, and 2024 promises to be another incredible year for the Legends Tour.

“Securing new events in some truly spectacular venues around the world is always a key objective of ours, and we are thrilled with the additions to the schedule for this season, as well as the prestigious venues we are honoured to return to.

“Everything - from the standard of competition to the number of amateurs getting involved – has been growing year on year, and this year will be no exception. We cannot wait to see it all unfold.”

For more information on the Legends Tour and to book, click HERE

Follett-Smith targeting third career Cape Town crown

Defending champion Benjamin Follett-Smith is targeting a third career victory at Royal Cape Golf Club when he tees it up in the Bain’s Whisky Cape Town Open this week.

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What Is The Legends Tour?

What Is The Legends Tour? A closer look at what used to be called the European Seniors Tour and Staysure Tour

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Formerly known as the European Seniors Tour and the Staysure Tour, the Legends Tour is the men’s professional golf tour for members aged 50 and older. Five years after the first edition of The Senior Open, won by Neil Coles in 1987, more than 60 professionals called for a formally structured Tour, which was then created in 1992.

The Legends Tour features a strong playing membership that includes former Major winners, world number ones and Ryder Cup players and captains. Players compete for the John Jacobs Trophy, which is awarded to the golfer who finishes first on the Legends Tour Order of Merit each season.

You can get up close and personal with Legends at world-class destinations across Europe, the United States and Africa by getting your Legends Tour 2022 tickets .

Past winners (full list below) include Scotland legends Colin Montgomerie and Sam Torrance, as well as former Masters champion and world number one, Ian Woosnam.

A host of other big names and former DP World Tour champions compete on the Legends Tour, including Thomas Bjørn, Paul McGinley, Paul Lawrie, Michael Campbell, and America’s Tom Lehman.

Former Europe Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley, in Legends Tour action

Who Owns The Legends Tour?

In 2020, the Staysure Tour was rebranded the Legends Tour under a new ownership structure. This was part of a ground-breaking agreement between the European Tour and Staysure founder and group CEO Ryan Howsam.

Under the agreement, Howsam, who founded insurance firm Staysure in 2004, took a majority equity share in the Legends Tour. Howsam, a golf fanatic, also owns and invests in companies in sport, insurance, tech, food and media.

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Ryan Howsam, CEO Staysure and Legends Tour 

What Is The Alliance Series?

A number of Legends Tour events (see below) will take place in ‘Alliance’ format, which offers amateur golfers (max handicap 18 for men and 24 for women) the opportunity to compete alongside the Legends of the game and live the life of a pro – on and off the golf course.

There are six confirmed Alliance Series events in 2022. At these tournaments, amateur golfers get to play a minimum of two competitive rounds during the Championship, alongside different pros in front of crowds and the television cameras.

It costs between £8,000 and £12,000 to enter a tournament. As well as the playing experience, the package offers inside-the-ropes access at the tournament, hospitality, and use of the players lounge.

What Is The Celebrity Series?

The Celebrity Series provides another unique playing experience, where amateur golfers get to play with personalities from sport, business and media the day before the tournament gets underway. A Celebrity Series team consists of two amateurs, one Legend and one celebrity. The cost is £2,500 per person or £5,000 per team of two amateurs.

It’s a package that comes with all the trimmings, including inside-the-ropes access at the tournament, use of the players lounge and locker room, and post-round hospitality with the Legends.

The Celebrity Series attracts a number of familiar faces from the world of sport and media 

What Is The Championship Pro-Am?

There’s a third opportunity for amateur golfers to experience the life of a pro golfer within the Legends Tour set-up  – the Championship Pro-Am. This takes place ahead of the competitive tournament days, and costs £3,500 per team (three amateurs and one professional). Individual places can be purchased for £1,000.

Legends Tour Schedule 2022

The Legends Tour has returned stronger and boasts an international schedule with tournaments taking place across a variety of different countries and continents. The Tour will come to a conclusion in the exotic climes of the Indian Ocean, with the ‘Indian Ocean Swing’. Firstly, The MCB Tour Championship Seychelles will be played at Constance Lemuria, Praslin, Seychelles, on December 2-4, 2022, while the MCB Tour Championship Mauritius will return to the Legends Course at Constance Belle Mare Plage, Poste de Flacq, Mauritius, the following week where players will compete for a minimum prize fund of €500,000.

A number of other events and venues complement a growing roster of top top-class tournaments on the Legends Tour in 2022, and there’s a lot of golf to be played before the Order of Merit winner gets crowned in Mauritius. And along the way, the players will be competing for record prize funds totalling over €15 million.

6-8 May 2022, Riegler & Partner Legends, Golf Club Murhof, Frohnleiten, Austria

26-29 May 2022, Kitchenaid Senior PGA Championship, Benton Harbor, Michigan, United States

9-12 June 2022, Jersey Legends, La Moye Golf Club, Jersey

17-19 June 2022, Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship hosted by Ian Woosnam, Trevose Golf & Country Club, England

23-26 June 2022, US Senior Open, Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, United States

8-10 July 2022, Swiss Seniors Open, Golf Club Bad Ragaz, Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

15-17 July 2022, WINSTONopen, WINSTONgolf, Vorbeck, Germany

21-24 July 2022, The Senior Open Presented By Rolex, The King's Course, Gleneagles, Scotland

28-31 July 2022, The JCB Championship, JCB Golf & Country Club, Uttoxeter, England

The glorious JCB Golf & Country Club will host the 2022 JCB Championship on the Legends Tour in July 

16-20 August 2022, Irish Legends presented by McGinley Foundation, RosapenHotel & Golf Resort, Ireland

24-28 August 2022, Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, Formby Golf Club, England

15-17 September 2022, Legends Open de France hosted by Jean Van de Velde, Golf de Saint-Cloud, Paris, France

14-16 October 2022, Farmfoods European Senior Masters hosted by Peter Baker, La Manga Club, Murcia, Spain

20-23 October 2022, Italian Senior Open, Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, Italy

1-4 December 2022, MCB Tour Championship Seychelles, Constance Lemuria, Seychelles

9-11 December 2022, MCB Tour Championship – Mauritius, Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius

Legends Tour Past Winners

2021, Stephen Dodd, Wales (main picture) 2019, Phillip Price, Wales 2018, Paul Broadhurst, England 2017, Clark Dennis, USA 2016, Paul Broadhurst, England 2015, Colin Montgomerie, Scotland 2014, Colin Montgomerie, Scotland 2013, Paul Wesselingh, England 2012, Roger Chapman, England 2011, Peter Fowler, Australia 2010, Boonchu Ruangkit, Thailand 2009, Sam Torrance, Scotland 2008, Ian Woosnam, Wales 2007, Carl Mason, England 2006, Sam Torrance, Scotland 2005, Sam Torrance, Scotland 2004, Carl Mason, England 2003, Carl Mason, England

Colin Montgomerie won the Order of Merit title in 2014 and 2015

2002, Seiji Ebihara, Japan 2001, Ian Stanley, Australia 2000, Noel Ratcliffe, Australia 1999, Tommy Horton, England 1998, Tommy Horton, England 1997, Tommy Horton, England 1996, Tommy Horton, England 1995, Brian Barnes, Scotland 1994, John Morgan, England 1993, Tommy Horton, England 1992, John Fourie, South Africa

To find out more about the Legends Tour, visit legendstour.com

Michael has been with Golf Monthly since 2008. As a multimedia journalist, he has also worked for The Football Association, where he created content to support the men's European Championships, The FA Cup, London 2012, and FA Women's Super League. As content editor at Foremost Golf, Michael worked closely with golf's biggest equipment manufacturers, and has developed an in-depth knowledge of this side of the industry. He's now a regular contributor, covering instruction, equipment and feature content. Michael has interviewed many of the game's biggest stars, including six world number ones, and has attended and reported on many Major Championships and Ryder Cups. He's a member of Formby Golf Club. 

Billy Horschel suggested that LIV Golf supporters are partially to blame for the current state of men's professional golf

By Ben Fleming Published 27 April 24

The deal with LIV Golf is expected to go towards funding Golf Australia’s junior program

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Jinichiro kozuma leads the way after round one of liv golf adelaide 2024, share this article.

The LIV Golf League is Down Under this week at The Grange Golf Club in Australia, and Jinichiro Kozuma holds a one-shot lead at 9 under. 

Kozuma made seven birdies and an eagle during his bogey-free effort and will tee off Saturday one shot ahead of Carlos Ortiz (8 under) and Danny Lee (8 under). Lee and Kozuma are both team members of Iron Heads GC.

“Today my putting was really good,” Kozuma told the media after signing his card. “It was really hot. I had some troubles here and there, but my putting was there to help me get through pars, and it was all about the putting today.”

Mito Pereira, Peter Uihlein, Andy Ogletree and Anirban Lahiri are tied for seventh at 7 under, while Matt Jones and Brendan Steele share eighth place at 6 under.

More: It’s a wild scene again at LIV Golf Adelaide. Here are the photos to prove it

As for the big names, Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann are 5 under and Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith are 4 under.

On the team side, Torque GC is 20 under and one shot ahead of the Iron Heads.

The Watering Hole was so lit on Day 1… 🔥 #LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/ACI34wOcEw — LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) April 26, 2024

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Here are five notable teams that missed the cut at the 2024 zurich classic of new orleans, photos: lpga's amy olson announces retirement, is jon rahm having an existential crisis he's certainly going off his liv golf script a bunch, best golf vests for 2024, it's a wild scene again at liv golf adelaide. here are the photos to prove it, zac blair and patrick fishburn lead, but rory mcilroy and shane lowry are lurking, plus more from saturday at zurich classic 2024, lynch: rory mcilroy thinks he can help the pga tour’s board. bless the lad’s optimism.

Brendan Steele wins LIV Golf Adelaide by one stroke as Australians fall short

Sport Brendan Steele wins LIV Golf Adelaide by one stroke as Australians fall short

American Brendan Steele has held off a fast-finishing Louis Oosthuizen for a one-shot win at LIV Golf's Adelaide tournament.

Steele finished 18-under-par at the Grange Golf Club after firing a 4-under 68 in Sunday's final round.

South Africa's Oosthuizen (17-under) had made a charge with a 7-under 65.

Former world number one Jon Rahm also threatened with an eagle and six birdies in a superb 64 but fell short.

Australia's Matt Jones (14-under) topped the standings for the local contingent, with Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert all 13-under.

Smith started Sunday as the best-placed Australian at 11-under, three shots shy of overnight leader Steele.

But the Queenslander bogeyed the third hole, a 222-metre par-3, and watched a series of putts shave the hole in his 2-under 70.

Compatriot Jones started the tournament with a 6-under 66 and then a 4-under 68.

Leishman carded a 7-under 65, while Herbert made a stunning comeback after a 1-over 73 on the opening day.

Herbert produced a 7-under 65 on consecutive days to finish with a flourish.

Some notable big names were off the pace, including Brooks Koepka (9-under), Bryson DeChambeau (10-under), Dustin Johnson (9-under), Phil Mickelson (7-under) and Sergio Garcia (6-under).

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Japan's Kozuma takes a 1st-round lead in LIV Golf's return to The Grange in Adelaide

ADELAIDE, Australia — Jinichiro Kozuma birdied his first three holes in a bogey-free round of 9-under 63 to take a one-stroke lead Friday after the first round of the LIV Series golf tournament.

Starting on the 15th hole in the shotgun-style start, the Japanese player had seven birdies and an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole at The Grange, where last year’s inaugural event featured one of the largest galleries of the year on the LIV series.

Local media reported 40,000 spectators attended Friday.

“Today my putting was really good, it was really hot,” Kozuma said. “I had some troubles here and there, but my putting was there to help me get through pars.”

Carlos Ortiz and Danny Lee were tied for second with 64s, while four others were tied for fourth with 65s. The group included Jon Rahm, who has yet to win since joining LIV in December.

“Obviously on any kind of golf course, if you start the tournament with an 8-under round, it’s very good,” Lee said. “There’s a lot of birdie holes out there. Whatever I was doing today and whatever Jinny (Kozuma) was doing today worked out pretty good.”

Ortiz said if the wind stays the way it is, coming after the rain leading into the tournament, “I think it definitely sets up the golf course pretty gettable, especially if you put it in the fairway.”

Series points leader Joaquin Niemann, who has two LIV titles this season, opened with a 67. Talor Gooch, who won the first of his three LIV titles last season at Adelaide, shot 68.

The LIV tour remains in the Asia region next week for the May 3-5 Singapore event at the Sentosa Golf Club. Then there’s a month-long break before resuming in Houston from June 7-9.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

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Australia's Grace Kim opens 4-stroke lead in JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro

Bunched leaderboard means a hollywood ending in store at wilshire.

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LOS ANGLES (AP) — Grace Kim opened a four-stroke lead Friday in the LPGA Tour's JM Eagle LA Championship, shooting a 5-under 66 in tricky afternoon conditions at Wilshire Country Club.

A stroke ahead after an opening 64, Kim had an eagle, four birdies and a bogey to get to 12-under 130. The 23-year-old Australian patiently worked her way around the tree-lined layup, trying not to get frustrated with the bumpy greens.

"I think the less thoughts, the better," Kim said. "Obviously, during the afternoon round today, we've got poa annua greens so just have to stay patient with them. You can kind of see how it can get bumpy, so working with the course and not getting too wrapped up around putts not going in."

Maja Stark was second after a 69, also in the afternoon.

"I feel like maybe not taking everything so personal because they are a little bit wobbly." Stark said. "Especially late. Like the whole day pretty much the ball has been wobbling because there has been so many people walking on it."

The Swede finished second last week in Texas in The Chevron Championship, two strokes behind top-ranked Nelly Korda in the first major of the year. Korda withdrew Monday, a day after her fifth straight victory.

Defending champion Hannah Green of Australia shot a 69 to join Germany's Esther Henseleit (68) at 6 under. Denmark's Kristine Pedersen (67) and American Auston Kim (71) were 5 under, and Rose Zhang (69) topped the group at 4 under.

Grace Kim won the LOTTE Championship last year in a playoff in Hawaii for her first LPGA Tour title. She missed the cut in The Chevron , shooting 76-72.

She started play Friday on the back nine, rebounding from a bogey on the par-3 12th with the eagle on the par-5 13th and a birdie on the par-4 14th. On 13, she hit a 5-wood to 10 feet. She added birdies on Nos. 3, 6 and 7 on the second nine.

"I think I've got to breathe a little bit," she said. "I did get a little bit nervous on my back nine, so making sure I don't rush too much and just staying in the present.

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2024 NFL Draft tracker: Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. pick may have required some explaining, other viral moments

A look at some of the viral moments from day 1 of the draft.

The 2024 NFL Draft is finally here, kicking off on Thursday in Detroit. Round 1 hopefuls and NFL fans waited patiently on Day 1 as the teams selected players to add to their squad.

The Chicago Bears had the No. 1 overall pick and, as expected, took USC quarterback Caleb Williams  in hopes that he will be their next franchise starter. The Washington Commanders followed, selecting LSU QB  Jayden Daniels and the New England Patriots rounded out the top three with North Carolina QB Drake Maye .

While there is a lot of excitement in the selections, the action outside of the picks is entertaining as well. Here are some of the best moments from Round 1, from Detroit legends to confusing picks and everything in-between:

Eminem and other Detroit legends

The draft kicked off in a very fitting and very Detroit way, with legends from the city and from the Lions . Commissioner Roger Goodell teased a rap battle with Eminem, but after introducing him on the draft stage, changed his mind. The crowd quickly went from booing the commissioner to cheering for one of the cities most iconic artists. 

Current Lions Jared Goff , Amon-Ra St. Brown , Aidan Hutchinson and Pro Football Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson  and Barry Sanders all took the stage alongside Slim Shady.

Whaddup doe? 🙌 @eminem and @nflcommish take the Draft stage in the 313. pic.twitter.com/rhwbe0KxyI — NFL (@NFL) April 26, 2024

Great job, guys! 🗣 @BarrySanders pic.twitter.com/geBasjWTpd — Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 26, 2024

History made

This drafts marks the earliest four quarterbacks have been selected in the common draft era (since 1967). USC's Caleb Williams was the first QB and first player off the board, going to the Chicago Bears. Two more quarterbacks followed, with the Washington Commanders selecting LSU's Jayden Daniels and the New England Patriots picking Drake Maye out of North Carolina. 

After quarterbacks went with the first three picks, players in the position took a pause from being selected, but not for long. At No. 8 the Atlanta Falcons , who signed quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, surprised most by adding to their QB room with Michael Penix Jr . out of Washington.

Not only was it the fastest that four quarterbacks were taken, it was also the first time in draft history that six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 picks. The last time six quarterbacks were taken was in 1983, which included John Elway, Jim Kelly, Ken O'Brien and Dan Marino. This group has a lot to live up to.

The number of offensive players taken to kick off the event was unprecedented. It was the first time the that all of the top 14 selections were offensive players and was the longest streak of offensive players taken at any point. The longest a draft had previously gone before a defensive player was off the board was seven picks in 2021, when the Carolina Panthers took Jaycee Horn at No. 8

Walter Payton Man of the Year announces pick

The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is known as the most prestigious award in the NFL . Goodell noted that while the draftees will make a difference on the field, their difference off the field will be felt as well. He then introduced the 2023 winner of the award Cam Heyward. The Steeler has made many positive contributions to the community, including creating Cam's Kindness Week, where he reaches out to various areas of the community daily, and working with The Caring Place, which offers programs to support children and families who are grieving after a devastating loss.

In his speech, Heyward had a challenge for NFL players and the players being added to the league this weekend.

"Use your platform to brighten someone's day. The opportunity before you is a gift and by coming here and being in this league, seize that moment. Be better in our communities, be better for our league and our world," he said.

He then announced that with the No. 20 overall pick, the Steelers  seelct Troy Fautanu , who was emotional while receiving the call. 

Our Captain & 2023 Walter Payton @NFL Man of the Year announced the pick of @tFautanu 🙌 @CamHeyward | 📺: #NFLDraft on NFLN/ABC/ESPN pic.twitter.com/QjJ7wAQpqi — Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 26, 2024

Jordan joins from Australia

The NFL has been making an effort to expand to other countries, with multiple games in various places around the world. What started as a program with games in London has expanded to Germany and Brazil. 

Philadelphia's Jordan Mailata announced the Eagles ' first-round selection from Australia and the best part is, he did it in an Australian accent. Defensive back Quinyon Mitchell  was the Eagles pick, off the board at No. 22. 

Fly, @QuinyonMitchell , fly! 🦅 @jordan_mailata announces his new teammate, all the way from Australia! @NFLAUNZ | @Eagles 📺: #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC 📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/U1dKA4NZ0h — NFL (@NFL) April 26, 2024

Checking in with the man of the moment @jordan_mailata after announcing the first ever @NFLDraft pick from Australia 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/TNHF4Uk45M — NFL Australia & NZ (@NFLAUNZ) April 26, 2024

Kevin O'Connell's trade reaction

The Minnesota Vikings traded up from No. 23 to No. 17 to get Alabama edge Dallas Turner . When head coach Kevin O'Connell heard the trade was happening and the team would be able to get its guy, he had quite the reaction. Clearly Turner was a player O'Connell wanted, and for good reason. 

Here is a look at the reaction and the phone call that followed:

Yes, really. 📞: @UnoErra pic.twitter.com/CQ5ISVQ28F — Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 26, 2024

The Vikings took McCarthy with their first selection of the night and were able to get two key players without giving up a first-rounder next year. 

Falcons' pick need explaining?

The Falcons had the biggest surprise pick of the night, taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8, despite signing Kirk Cousins for $180 million this offseason. The selection left fans with puzzled faces. If the pick works out, the Falcons will have the last laugh, but right now it leaves for a lot of second-guessing.

After the selection, it looked as if general manager Terry Fontenot was explaining himself to owner Arthur Blank. What was really being said, we may never know. Perhaps they were discussing what food they would get when the draft concludes, but it was perfectly timed for the internet to run wild with it. 

This very much looks like Terry Fontenot trying to explain himself #Falcons #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/1vl7CgIrfV — Cody Chaffins (@CodyChaffins) April 26, 2024

Penn State coach congratulates first-rounders

A pair of Nittany Lions got selected in the first round: The New York Jets took offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the No. 11 overall pick and the Miami Dolphins took pass rusher  Chop Robinson  at No. 21. With two of his former players getting selected in the first round, Penn State coach James Franklin wanted to make sure he was there to congratulate them both in person. The two players live close, which made the surprise possible.

Check out their priceless reactions to seeing their former coach show up at their house on draft day:

When you have two first-rounders that live an hour apart… you make it happen. Made it just in time. 😂 @CoachJFranklin pic.twitter.com/ALHKJSuwip — Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) April 26, 2024

This scene definitely makes the cut of best Round 1 moments.

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