In Tempe, Arizona, a community comes together to honor the memory of Braxton Ackerman, a young boy who tragically drowned in 2022. This Sunday morning, participants gathered at Kwanis Park for the third annual Super B-Dog Memorial Run, an event organized by Braxton's mother, Ashley Ackerman. The initiative is part of her non-profit "Swim 4 Braxton," which aims to raise awareness about preventable drowning incidents and provide resources for swim lessons. Through partnerships with local organizations, Ackerman has made significant strides in promoting water safety education across Arizona.
Ashley Ackerman initiated this memorial run as both a tribute to her son and a call to action against drowning incidents. Braxton, known affectionately as "Super B-Dog," was passionate about superheroes like Captain America and Spiderman. His untimely death after turning four inspired his mother to create a movement emphasizing that drownings are entirely preventable. Each year, the run attracts supporters eager to contribute to the cause. Funds raised go toward assisting families in affording swim lessons for their children.
Collaborating with Goldfish Swim School in Ahwatukee, Ackerman ensures that more children receive vital swimming instruction. Currently, 15 kids have been fully sponsored, while another 25 have received scholarships. Instructors emphasize the importance of early training, noting that even infants as young as six months can benefit from lessons. Amry Soriano, a Goldfish Swim instructor, highlights the significance of teaching toddlers how to float on their backs, a skill that could save lives if mastered early.
The efforts extend beyond mere fundraising; they aim to instill confidence in young swimmers and educate parents about preventive measures. By mentioning "Swim 4 Braxton" at Goldfish Swim School, families can access two free lessons, encouraging them to take advantage of these opportunities. The nonprofit continues to grow, reflecting the dedication of a mother committed to preventing future tragedies through education and community involvement.
This initiative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of water safety. As the annual run progresses, it not only honors Braxton but also empowers countless families with the tools necessary to protect their loved ones. Through collective action and support, the vision of a safer environment for all becomes increasingly attainable.
In an exhilarating finish, Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin claimed their maiden PGA Tour victory at the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Their triumph was sealed with a birdie putt by Griffin on the par-3 17th hole, leaving them one stroke ahead of Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, last year's champions, finished significantly behind. The tournament featured a $9.2 million purse, with payouts distributed across all teams based on their final standings.
Team Triumph and Financial Rewards
The victorious pair of Novak and Griffin not only etched their names into golf history but also walked away with significant financial rewards. Each player earned over $1.3 million from the event, highlighting the lucrative nature of professional golf tournaments. Their performance stood out against fierce competition, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork.
This achievement marked a pivotal moment for both players as they secured their first-ever PGA Tour titles. The pressure was immense, especially given the high stakes involved. Griffin's decisive putt on the 17th hole demonstrated his composure under stress, while Novak provided consistent support throughout the match. Their synergy was evident, setting them apart from other contenders who faltered in critical moments. The monetary gain reflects the value placed on such accomplishments, reinforcing the importance of strategic play and precision in golf.
Competitive Landscape and Prize Distribution
Beyond the top performers, the tournament showcased a diverse field of competitors vying for substantial prize money. Teams finishing second through twelfth received varying amounts, with each position reflecting different levels of success and effort. This distribution underscores the competitive spirit inherent in professional sports, where every point counts towards financial and reputational gains.
Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard took home nearly $819,000 for their runner-up performance, while third-place finishers Jake Knapp and Frank Capan III earned approximately $542,800. Further down the leaderboard, ties resulted in shared earnings, illustrating the complexities of team-based competitions. For instance, four teams tied for fourth place, each receiving around $347,588 per duo. Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry shared in the twelfth-place payout alongside several others, earning just over $170,967 apiece. These figures emphasize how even modest placements can yield considerable returns, motivating athletes to push their limits continuously.
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Joaquin Niemann emerged victorious at the LIV Golf Mexico City tournament held at Chapultepec. This marked his third win in six starts this season, securing him a substantial prize of $4 million from the $20 million purse. Niemann overtook competitors Lucas Herbert and Bryson DeChambeau by three strokes with a final score of 16 under par. Additionally, Jon Rahm's Legion XIII claimed the team title, surpassing Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC by two shots.
The golfing world witnessed an extraordinary performance by Chilean golfer Joaquin Niemann at the prestigious LIV Golf Mexico City event. Held at the scenic Chapultepec course, Niemann dominated the leaderboard throughout the competition, culminating in a triumphant victory on Sunday. His final tally of 16 under par placed him three strokes ahead of co-runners-up Lucas Herbert and Bryson DeChambeau, who had led after the initial rounds.
This championship not only solidified Niemann's reputation as a formidable competitor but also underscored the competitive spirit within the LIV Golf league. The financial rewards for participants were significant, reflecting the growing stature of these tournaments. Niemann walked away with a handsome sum of $4 million, while other top performers like Herbert and DeChambeau earned $1.875 million each.
Beyond individual accolades, the team dynamics added another layer of excitement to the event. Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII edged out Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC by two points to claim the team crown. The monetary stakes were equally impressive, with Legion XIII taking home $3 million and Ripper GC earning $1.5 million. These figures highlight the increasing importance and value placed on both personal and collective achievements in modern golf competitions.
The LIV Golf Mexico City 2025 tournament showcased the exceptional talents of its participants and further established the platform as a premier destination for elite golfers worldwide. With substantial prize money and fierce competition, it continues to attract some of the best players globally. Joaquin Niemann's success story serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere, demonstrating that dedication and perseverance can lead to greatness even amidst tough challenges.