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Late entry Brandon Hagy opens with 64 at American Express
Read full article: Late entry Brandon Hagy opens with 64 at American ExpressHagy took the first-round lead Thursday with an 8-under 64 on the Nicklaus course, staying one shot ahead of South Korea's Byeong Hun An in the opening tournament of the PGA Tour's West Coast swing. Hagy racked up 10 birdies, including three streaks of three in a row. But the tournament kept its tradition of providing every opportunity for low scores: the once-feared Stadium Course and the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West are among the most generous in the sport, with birdie opportunities abounding. Hagy started with a bogey on the first hole of the Nicklaus course, but then the birdies came in bunches. After making eight cuts last year, Hagy is back at full health after a solid offseason of preparation.
Country music reckons with racial stereotypes and its future
Read full article: Country music reckons with racial stereotypes and its futureThis combination of photos shows country singer Rissi Palmer, from left, Chuck Harmony, left, and Claude Kelly of Louis York and country rapper Breland. Black artists say the country music industry still needs to do the hard work of addressing the systematic racial barriers that have been entrenched in country music for decades. The genre has historically been marketed to white audiences and reinforced white male artist stereotypes. (Chris Charles via AP, left, Jeremy Ryan via AP, center and Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP)
Country music reckons with racial stereotypes and its future
Read full article: Country music reckons with racial stereotypes and its futureBlack artists say the country music industry still needs to do the hard work of addressing the systematic racial barriers that have been entrenched in country music for decades. I was called colored, like, ‘I didn’t know colored people like country music,’” said Palmer, who had three singles reach the Hot Country Songs Chart. Both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association started diversity task forces more than a year ago when country music was being criticized for a lack of female voices and women were being left out of major categories like entertainer of the year. But just as country artists outwardly reflect a predominantly white image, there are few Black country music executives working behind the scenes. “There’s a dismantling of culture that needs to happen.”Palmer, who is recording a podcast that focuses on the experiences of women of color in country music, said she feels optimistic that the current discussions about race and country music can lead to progress, if real changes are implemented.
Nick Taylor takes lead on glorious day at Pebble Beach
Read full article: Nick Taylor takes lead on glorious day at Pebble BeachActor Bill Murray hits a tee shot on the third hole of the Spyglass Hill Golf Course during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, in Pebble Beach, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Nick Taylor opened with an eagle, closed with two birdies and made a gorgeous day feel even better with an 8-under 63 at Monterey Peninsula that gave him the lead Thursday in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The iconic scenery is at Pebble Beach, especially when the surf turns a turquoise hue under so much sunshine. “A nice start,” Taylor said, referring to his 4-iron that set up eagle and the 63 that matched his low round on the tour. But we were very relaxed today, joked all day, and I felt like the mood was great.”He led by two shots to par over Patrick Cantlay (Spyglass) and Chase Seiffert (Pebble Beach), who each had a 6-under 66. “But I shot a 4-under par round and it's not going to hurt me.”The hurt belonged to David Duval, whose scorecard contained a 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Country star Jake Owen claps back at anti-LGBTQ commenter
Read full article: Country star Jake Owen claps back at anti-LGBTQ commenter(CNN) - Please "Believe" that Jake Owen will not allow people to diss the LGBTQ community. The country singer took on an Instagram commenter who had words to say regarding Owen's latest song. "Some of my closest friends and coworkers, are part of the #lgbt community and I couldn't be more happy for the progress they have made," Owen wrote in the caption. Owen went on to say, "I BELIEVE the world needs more love. The singer asked the commenter to come find him for a hug at the concert if he or she attended.