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NoneThe Stand-Up Paddleboard Market: Trends, Size, Share, Growth, and Demand by 2030 12-10-2024 09:13 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Data Bridge Market Research (DBMR) Stand-Up Paddleboard Market The stand-up paddleboard (SUP) market has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, emerging as a dynamic segment in the water sports and outdoor recreation industry. Driven by increasing consumer interest in fitness activities, eco-tourism, and adventure sports, the market is poised for significant expansion. This article explores the key aspects of the SUP market, including its trends, size, share, growth drivers, and future demand projections up to 2030. Access Full 350 Pages PDF Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-stand-up-paddleboard-market Stand-up paddleboarding combines the thrills of surfing with the simplicity of paddling, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Originating as a niche activity, it has transformed into a mainstream recreational pursuit, supported by advancements in paddleboard design and manufacturing. Its versatility, allowing usage on oceans, lakes, rivers, and even urban waterways, has broadened its appeal among enthusiasts worldwide. The SUP market encompasses a wide range of products, from inflatable boards to rigid designs, catering to varying preferences and activities. Whether used for yoga, fishing, racing, or casual paddling, the demand for paddleboards reflects a growing consumer inclination toward active and sustainable lifestyles. Key Market Trends Popularity of Inflatable Paddleboards Inflatable SUPs have gained immense traction due to their portability, lightweight nature, and ease of storage. These boards are ideal for urban dwellers and travelers, as they can be deflated and packed into compact carry bags. Additionally, technological advancements have improved their durability and performance, making them competitive with traditional rigid boards. Integration of Eco-Friendly Materials Sustainability is a major focus across industries, and the SUP market is no exception. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastics and bamboo to reduce environmental impact. This shift aligns with the values of eco-conscious consumers, further boosting product appeal. Rise of Paddleboard Yoga and Fitness The incorporation of yoga and fitness exercises on paddleboards has added a new dimension to the sport. SUP yoga classes have become a popular offering at resorts and fitness centers, appealing to health-conscious individuals seeking innovative workout options. Technological Innovations Advanced manufacturing techniques and material innovations have enhanced the performance, durability, and design of paddleboards. Features like enhanced stability, improved tracking, and added accessories such as GPS mounts and storage compartments are attracting a broader consumer base. Increased Participation in Water Sports Rising awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor activities is encouraging more individuals to participate in water sports, including paddleboarding. The sport's accessibility and versatility make it a favorite among beginners and seasoned athletes alike. Market Size and Share Increase in the number of soft adventure sports participation has propositional impact on the growth and adoption of stand-up paddleboards, as in recent stand-up paddleboards are widely used in water sports and yoga. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that global stand-up paddleboard market will grow at a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030. In terms of product segments, inflatable paddleboards account for a substantial share, reflecting their widespread adoption among recreational users. Meanwhile, the racing and touring categories are gaining momentum among professional athletes and adventure seekers. Growth Drivers Health and Wellness Trends The global focus on health and wellness has been a major driver for the SUP market. Paddleboarding offers a full-body workout, improving core strength, balance, and cardiovascular health, making it an attractive option for fitness enthusiasts. Tourism and Outdoor Recreation The rise of adventure tourism and outdoor recreational activities has expanded the market's consumer base. Coastal regions, lakeside resorts, and national parks are capitalizing on this trend by offering SUP rentals and guided tours. Affordability and Accessibility Advances in manufacturing have made paddleboards more affordable, lowering entry barriers for new participants. Additionally, the availability of rentals and second-hand boards further broadens access to the sport. Social Media Influence The visual appeal of paddleboarding, often showcased on social media platforms, has contributed to its popularity. Influencers and enthusiasts share breathtaking imagery and videos, inspiring others to try the sport. Supportive Infrastructure and Events An increasing number of SUP events, races, and festivals are being organized worldwide, fostering community engagement and awareness. The growth of paddleboarding schools and training centers also supports market development. Demand Projections for 2030 Looking ahead, the SUP market is expected to maintain a robust growth trajectory, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8% from 2023 to 2030. Key factors contributing to this outlook include: Expansion in Emerging Markets As urbanization and disposable incomes rise in countries like China, India, and Brazil, these regions are likely to become significant contributors to the global market. Sustainability and Innovation The adoption of sustainable practices and innovative designs will continue to attract eco-conscious consumers. Manufacturers that prioritize green initiatives and technological advancements are expected to capture larger market shares. Growing Interest in Multi-Functional Boards The development of multi-functional boards that cater to various activities, such as fishing and yoga, will appeal to diverse consumer preferences. These products offer greater value and utility, driving demand. Strengthening Distribution Channels The proliferation of e-commerce platforms and specialty retail stores ensures greater accessibility and convenience for consumers. Online sales channels, in particular, are likely to see accelerated growth due to their extensive reach and promotional opportunities. Rising Awareness and Education Efforts to promote water safety and paddling techniques through workshops and online tutorials are expected to encourage participation. The emphasis on beginner-friendly products and training programs will also support market growth. Browse Trending Reports: https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/swir-market-size-share-trends-growth.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/lunch-bags-market-size-share-trends.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/portable-e-tanks-market-size-share.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/12/sexually-transmitted-infections-market.html Conclusion The stand-up paddleboard market is on an upward trajectory, fueled by diverse consumer interests and evolving industry trends. From eco-friendly materials to innovative designs, the market is adapting to meet the needs of modern consumers. As outdoor recreation continues to gain prominence, the SUP market is set to thrive, offering exciting opportunities for businesses and enthusiasts alike. By 2030, stand-up paddleboarding is poised to solidify its position as a staple activity in the global water sports arena, reflecting the broader shift toward active, sustainable, and adventurous lifestyles. About Data Bridge Market Research: Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Contact Us: Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 614 591 3140 UK: +44 845 154 9652 APAC : +653 1251 975 Email: corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com" This release was published on openPR.

Bucknell 51, Youngstown State 36The Chicago Cubs are going to be aggressive this offseason after missing the postseason in 2024. They may have to dump an expensive contract to do so. FanSided's Zach Pressnell predicted that the Cubs would trade Cody Bellinger by the end of Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings because his contract could prevent them from signing star free agents. "For Chicago, it's the contract that kills them," wrote Pressnell. "Having to pay Bellinger right around $30 million for the next year or two is quite crippling to the pursuit of any big-name free agent like Corbin Burnes or Pete Alonso." Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs before last season. The deal included player options for 2025 and 2026. He accepted his option for 2025, meaning the Cubs are set to pay him $27.5 million. The belief around the league is that the Cubs are actively trying to trade Bellinger, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal . "While rival executives say the Chicago Cubs want to trade first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger, they also note the difficulty the team likely will face pulling off such a move," wrote Rosenthal. "They should be able to pull off a trade, but it may look more like a salary dump than trading somebody who was an MVP candidate in 2023," wrote Pressnell. "A team like the New York Yankees or New York Mets makes sense as a landing destination, depending on where Juan Soto lands." Bellinger is a good player, but the Cubs need an upgrade at first base. With Pete Alonso available, they need as much room to spend as possible. The Cubs could also target a guy like Blake Snell or Max Fried. Regardless of who they target, Bellinger's contract on the payroll is not going to help them out. More MLB: Cubs trade proposal ships 2-time All-Star to Yankees to replace Anthony RizzoOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Fresh off one of its best showings of the season, the Baltimore defense now has another problem to worry about. Roquan Smith missed practice again Friday because of a hamstring injury. Although the Ravens didn't officially rule him or anyone else out — they don't play until Monday night — the All-Pro linebacker's status seems dicey. “Definitely it will be a challenge if Roquan can’t go,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “We’re holding out hope and everything like that. I think it’ll just be by committee. Not one person is going to replace Roquan. Roquan’s an every-down linebacker.” Although the Ravens lost 18-16 last weekend, Baltimore didn't allow a touchdown. That was an encouraging sign for a team that ranks 26th in the league in total defense. Baltimore is on the road Monday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ravens appear to have dodged one potential nightmare. Star safety Kyle Hamilton injured an ankle against Cincinnati on Nov. 7, but he was able to play almost every defensive snap the following week against Pittsburgh. But Smith was injured in that game and didn't practice Thursday or Friday. Linebacker Malik Harrison had a season high in tackles last weekend and figures to have a significant role if Smith can't go. “We tell these guys, ‘You’re one play away to going in there — you never know, so you got to stay ready.’ Malik — he was ready,” Orr said. “I thought he went in there and did a good job, especially after the first series, he settled down. That’s what we expect from him.” It's hard to tell whether last week can be a significant turning point for Baltimore's defense. The Ravens allowed only 10 points in a dominant win over Buffalo in Week 4, then yielded 38 against Cincinnati the following game. After allowing 10 against Denver, the Ravens were picked apart by the Bengals again a few days later. So they still haven't shown they can play a good game defensively and then build on it. “I think it’s easier said than done. It’s something that we kind of got caught up saying against Buffalo and then coming up the next week and not doing," Hamilton said. "We’re aware of it now and know that we played a good game, but I think we can get a lot better, and I think that’s kind of the mindset everybody on defense has right now.” Hamilton's ability to make a difference all over the field is part of what makes him valuable, but positioning him deep is one way the Ravens can try to guard against big passing plays. Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson threw for only 205 yards against Baltimore. That's after Joe Burrow passed for 428 and four touchdowns in the Ravens' previous game. “I’ve always seen myself as a safety. A versatile one, but at the end of the day, I think I play safety,” Hamilton said. “If I’m asked to go play safety, I feel like that’s not an issue for me to play safety if I’m a safety.” NOTES: In addition to Smith, WR Rashod Bateman (knee), DT Travis Jones (ankle), S Sanoussi Kane (ankle) C Tyler Linderbaum (back) and CB Arthur Maulet (calf) missed practice Friday. WR Nelson Agholor (illness) returned to full participation after missing Thursday's practice. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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A range of independent TDs are contemplating the prospect of entering Ireland’s next coalition government as Fianna Fail and Fine Gael consider ways to secure a solid majority. Three long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament’s 174 seats. Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael 38. Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; People Before Profit-Solidarity took three; Aontu secured two; and the Green Party retained only one of its 12 seats. Independents and others accounted for 21 seats. The return of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael-led coalition is now highly likely. However, their combined seat total of 86 leaves them just short of the 88 needed for a majority in the Dail. While the two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century could look to strike a deal with one of the Dail’s smaller centre-left parties, such as the Social Democrats or Labour, a more straightforward route to a majority could be achieved by securing the support of several independent TDs. For Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and current taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, wooing like-minded independents would be likely to involve fewer policy concessions, and financial commitments, than would be required to convince another party to join the government benches. Longford-Westmeath independent TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran, who served in a Fine Gael-led minority government between 2017 and 2020, expressed his willingness to listen to offers to join the new coalition in Dublin. “Look, my door’s open,” he told RTE. “Someone knocks, I’m always there to open it.” Marian Harkin, an independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, expressed her desire to participate in government as she noted that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were within “shouting distance” of an overall majority. “That means they will be looking for support, and I certainly will be one of those people who will be speaking to them and talking to them and negotiating with them, and I’m looking forward to doing that, because that was the reason that I ran in the first place,” she said. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party both appear cautious about the prospect of an alliance with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They will no doubt be mindful of the experience of the Green Party, the junior partner in the last mandate. The Greens experienced near wipeout in the election, retaining only one of their 12 seats. Sinn Fein appears to currently have no realistic route to government, given Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s ongoing refusal to share power with the party. Despite the odds being stacked against her party, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald contacted the leaders of the Social Democrats and Labour on Monday to discuss options. Earlier, Fianna Fail deputy leader and outgoing Finance Minister Jack Chambers predicted that a new coalition government would not be in place before Christmas. Mr Chambers said planned talks about forming an administration required “time and space” to ensure that any new government will be “coherent and stable”. After an inconclusive outcome to the 2020 election, it took five months for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens to strike the last coalition deal. Mr Chambers said he did not believe it would take that long this time, as he noted the Covid-19 pandemic was a factor in 2020, but he also made clear it would not be a swift process. He said he agreed with analysis that there was no prospect of a deal before Christmas. “I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and there’ll have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government,” he told RTE. “I don’t think it should take five months like it did the last time – Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see what’s possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people.” Fine Gael minister of state Peter Burke said members of his parliamentary party would have to meet to consider their options before giving Mr Harris a mandate to negotiate a new programme for government with Fianna Fail. “It’s important that we have a strong, stable, viable government, whatever form that may be, to ensure that we can meet the challenges of our society, meet the challenges in terms of the economic changes that are potentially going to happen,” he told RTE. Despite being set to emerge with the most seats, it has not been all good news for Fianna Fail. The party’s outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly became one of the biggest casualties of the election when he lost his seat in Wicklow in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Donnelly was always predicted to face a fight in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Mr Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail has significantly increased its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when there were only three seats between the parties. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a “difficult proposition” for his party. Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as taoiseach. On Monday, Mr Chambers said while his party would expect to lead the government it would approach the issue of rotating the taoiseach’s role on the basis of “mutual respect” with Fine Gael. “I think the context of discussions and negotiations will be driven by mutual respect, and that’s the glue that will drive a programme for government and that’s the context in which we’ll engage,” he said. On Monday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik reiterated her party’s determination to forge an alliance with fellow centre-left parties with the intention of having a unified approach to the prospect of entering government. Asked if Labour was prepared to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on its own, she told RTE: “No, not at this stage. We are absolutely not willing to do that. “We want to ensure there’s the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do.” The Social Democrats have been non-committal about any potential arrangement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and have restated a series of red lines they would need to achieve before considering taking a place in government. Leader Holly Cairns, who gave birth to a daughter on polling day on Friday, said in a statement: “The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen.” Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in Friday’s proportional representation election, taking 21.9% to Fine Gael’s 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Fein’s vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in June’s local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flipped the result of Friday night’s exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%.

NoneAfter hitting bottom post-pandemic, Bangkok's condo market is set to rebound next year, with projects in outer areas continuing to perform well as existing stock is depleted because of price reductions by developers. Sumitra Wongpakdee, managing director of property researcher Terra Media and Consulting, said the market across all price segments showed signs of recovery, though it is unlikely to reach pre-pandemic levels. "Absorption rates are bottoming out after hitting the low point in 2021–22," she said. "The primary factor driving this trend is the depletion of existing stock, as new supply in all segments has sharply declined." However, growth is expected to be gradual rather than steep as purchasing power remains weak, dampened by high mortgage rejection rates, said Ms Sumitra. The best-performing segment will be the mass market, with prices ranging between 80,000 and 150,000 baht per square metre, she said. This segment had the highest growth in average absorption rates from 2021 to the third quarter of 2024, increasing 7% per year. The absorption rate in the first nine months of 2024 for the mass segment rose to 11.6 units per project per month, up from 10.6 in 2023 and a low of 8.8 in 2022. The luxury segment, with prices of 200,000 baht per sq m and higher, had the second-largest growth rate, rising 6% annually. The absorption rate increased to 3.9 units per project per month in the first three quarters, up from 3.6 in 2023 and 3.0 in 2022, which was the lowest year for this segment. The economy segment, priced at 80,000 baht per sq m and lower, had a 5% annual increase in absorption rates. However, in the first nine months of 2024, the absorption rate dropped to 11.3 units per project per month from 12.8 in 2023, which rose from 10.4 in 2022. The premium segment, ranging between 150,000 and 200,000 baht per sq m, had the slowest growth, with an average absorption rate increase of only 1% per year. The absorption rate rebounded to 4.6 units per project per month in the first nine months of 2024, up from a low of 3.9 last year. This segment declined to 4.6 in 2021 from 6.4 in 2020 after peaking at 9.9 in 2019. "This trend, where the mass market outperforms other segments, will likely continue in 2025," Ms Sumitra said. "The majority of this segment will be in locations far from mass transit, but outer areas have affordable prices amid weak purchasing power." In the first nine months of 2024, new condo supply in the economy segment tallied 13,000 units, compared with 26,000 units in 2023 and 34,000 units in 2022. The lowest level in recent years was 16,000 units in 2021. The mass segment had 14,000 new units launched for the period, compared with 18,000 in 2023 and 20,000 in 2022. This segment expanded from only 8,000 units in 2021. The premium segment had the lowest new supply, with only 600 units launched in the first nine months of 2024, compared with 3,100 units in 2023. However, its low point was in 2020, with only 400 units introduced. "The decline in condo stock this year was driven by limited new supply and steady sales in certain segments," she said. "A key driver was developers' willingness to lower prices to meet revenue targets and maintain cash flow, at the expense of reduced profits."

JOE BIDEN’S PARDON of his son Hunter has antagonised both sides of the US political divide, with Republicans crying hypocrisy and Democrats warning it undermines efforts to rein in Donald Trump. , after he entered the White House in 2021 vowing to restore the “integrity” of a justice system that Democrats said had been corrupted by Trump – and because he had specifically vowed not to reprieve his son. The president instead issued a “full and unconditional” pardon yesterday, absolving 54-year-old Hunter Biden of any wrongdoing over the last decade, charged or otherwise, just ahead of his looming sentencing over gun and tax convictions. Biden argued that his son had been targeted in a politicised prosecution launched under the Trump administration and that “there’s no reason to believe it will stop here.” But the backlash from his own side was swift. “I know that there was a real strong sentiment and wanting to protect Hunter Biden from unfair prosecution,” Glenn Ivey, a Democratic congressman in Maryland and an attorney, told CNN. “But this is going to be used against us when we’re fighting the misuses that are coming from the Trump administration.” Democrats and Republicans offer different justifications for suspicion of the Justice Department and presidents of both stripes have protected allies. Trump wielded the pardon power liberally in favour of convicts with whom he had personal relationships, including his daughter’s father-in-law Charles Kushner, his friend Roger Stone and his 2016 campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Biden announced Hunter’s pardon in a statement arguing that the charges against his son were brought in a process infected with “raw politics.” Hunter Biden was convicted by a jury in June of lying about his drug use when he bought a gun and pleaded guilty in a separate tax evasion trial in September. The president and his team had been adamant that he would not pardon his son, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre making the claim as recently as 7 November. Charges for the gun offense are rare, and the president – in language that CNN likened to Trump’s rhetoric on law and order – argued that his own Justice Department had been wielded unfairly for political purposes. Seeking to justify his about-face, Biden said that “Hunter was singled out only because he is my son.” But Republicans argued that the pardon demonstrated that the sitting president, and not his incoming replacement, was politicising the system. “He’s leaving office in complete and total disgrace. He is a liar and there’s no other way to spin this today,” conservative political strategist Scott Jennings, a White House staffer under George W. Bush, told CNN. Meanwhile Democrats worried that Trump would use Biden’s action to justify pardoning rioters jailed after the 6 January, 2021 assault on the US Capitol. “Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years?” Trump wrote in a post on his platform, Truth Social, yesterday. “Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” Democratic Colorado Governor Jared Polis said Biden’s son had brought his legal woes on himself and accused the president of having “put his family ahead of the country.” “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Polis posted on X. Political scientist Nicholas Creel, of Georgia College and State University argues however that nothing Biden does before leaving office will affect the actions of a successor who “simply does not care about precedent.” “Trump was never going to need an excuse to do whatever he wants once he takes office,” he told AFP. “So while I’m sure we’ll get plenty of pundits claiming that Biden pardoning his son opens the door for Trump to use his pardon power in overtly personal and political ways, I find it laughable that this wasn’t always going to be the case.”

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Scottie Scheffler birdied every hole but the par 3s on the front nine at Albany Golf Club on Friday and finished his bogey-free round with an 8-under 64 that gave him a two-shot lead in the Hero World Challenge. Two months off did nothing to slow the world's No. 1 player. Scheffler already has eight victories this year and is in position to get another before the end of the year. Scheffler was at 13-under 131, two ahead of Akshay Bhatia (66) and Justin Thomas (67), both of whom had to save par on the 18th hole to stay in range going into the weekend. Scheffler started with a lob wedge to 2 feet for birdie and never slowed until after he went out in 29 to seize control of the holiday tournament against a 20-man field. Scheffler cooled slightly on the back nine, except it didn't feel that way to him. “Front nine, just things were going my way. Back nine, maybe not as much,” Scheffler said. “A couple shots could end up closer to the hole, a couple putts go in, just little things.” Asked if he felt any frustration he didn't take it lower — he once shot 59 at the TPC Boston during the FedEx Cup playoffs — Scheffler sounded bemused. “I think in this game I think a lot of all y’all are looking for perfection out of us,” he said. “Today I shot 8 under on the golf course, not something I hang my head about. A lot of good things out there — clean card, bogey-free, eight birdies. Overall, I think I'm pretty pleased.” Thomas felt his 67 was stress-free, particularly the way he was driving the ball. The wind laid down again, rare for the Bahamas, though it is expected to pick up on the weekend. Thomas wasn't concerned to see Scheffler get off to a hot start, especially with three par 5s on the front nine and a short par 4 that at worst leaves a flip wedge to the green. “You literally can birdie every hole as soft as the greens are,” Thomas said. “He's a great player, a great wedge player, and you have a lot of birdie holes to start. I'm honestly surprised he only shot 8 under. It's a sneaky course because if you fall asleep on some shots, you can get out of position. But if you're on and focused and really in control of everything — like these last two days with no wind — you can just make so many birdies.” Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley had a 67 and was four shots behind. No matter how benign the conditions, it wasn't always easy. Cameron Young, who opened with a 64 for a two-shot lead, followed with a 75 despite making five birdies. That included a double bogey on the final hole when his approach tumbled down the bank into the rocks framing the lake that goes all the way down the 18th hole. Patrick Cantlay was trying to keep pace playing alongside Scheffler, but he had three bogeys over the final seven holes and fell seven shots behind with a 71. The tournament, hosted by Tiger Woods, is unofficial but offers world ranking points to all but the bottom three players because of the small field. It's the weakest field in 25 years, but Scheffler at No. 1 gives it enough cachet. He is the first player since Woods in 2009 to start and finish a year at No. 1 in the world. And even after a layoff — giving him time to tinker with a new putting stroke — it looks like it might be a while before anyone changes that. AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golfEvergreen Stock Soars to All-Time High of $11.82 Amidst Steady Growth

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OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Fresh off one of its best showings of the season, the Baltimore defense now has another problem to worry about. Roquan Smith missed practice again Friday because of a hamstring injury. Although the Ravens didn't officially rule him or anyone else out — they don't play until Monday night — the All-Pro linebacker's status seems dicey. “Definitely it will be a challenge if Roquan can’t go,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “We’re holding out hope and everything like that. I think it’ll just be by committee. Not one person is going to replace Roquan. Roquan’s an every-down linebacker.” Although the Ravens lost 18-16 last weekend, Baltimore didn't allow a touchdown. That was an encouraging sign for a team that ranks 26th in the league in total defense. Baltimore is on the road Monday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ravens appear to have dodged one potential nightmare. Star safety Kyle Hamilton injured an ankle against Cincinnati on Nov. 7, but he was able to play almost every defensive snap the following week against Pittsburgh. But Smith was injured in that game and didn't practice Thursday or Friday. Linebacker Malik Harrison had a season high in tackles last weekend and figures to have a significant role if Smith can't go. “We tell these guys, ‘You’re one play away to going in there — you never know, so you got to stay ready.’ Malik — he was ready,” Orr said. “I thought he went in there and did a good job, especially after the first series, he settled down. That’s what we expect from him.” It's hard to tell whether last week can be a significant turning point for Baltimore's defense. The Ravens allowed only 10 points in a dominant win over Buffalo in Week 4, then yielded 38 against Cincinnati the following game. After allowing 10 against Denver, the Ravens were picked apart by the Bengals again a few days later. So they still haven't shown they can play a good game defensively and then build on it. “I think it’s easier said than done. It’s something that we kind of got caught up saying against Buffalo and then coming up the next week and not doing," Hamilton said. "We’re aware of it now and know that we played a good game, but I think we can get a lot better, and I think that’s kind of the mindset everybody on defense has right now.” Hamilton's ability to make a difference all over the field is part of what makes him valuable, but positioning him deep is one way the Ravens can try to guard against big passing plays. Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson threw for only 205 yards against Baltimore. That's after Joe Burrow passed for 428 and four touchdowns in the Ravens' previous game. “I’ve always seen myself as a safety. A versatile one, but at the end of the day, I think I play safety,” Hamilton said. “If I’m asked to go play safety, I feel like that’s not an issue for me to play safety if I’m a safety.” NOTES: In addition to Smith, WR Rashod Bateman (knee), DT Travis Jones (ankle), S Sanoussi Kane (ankle) C Tyler Linderbaum (back) and CB Arthur Maulet (calf) missed practice Friday. WR Nelson Agholor (illness) returned to full participation after missing Thursday's practice. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLBears general manager Ryan Poles was granted a reprieve complete with a second swing at hiring a head coach in Chicago. Poles will interview candidates and select a replacement for Matt Eberflus, who was fired Friday after the Bears' sixth consecutive loss and fourth of the season decided on a final play. "Ryan Poles is the general manager of the Chicago Bears, and he will remain the general manager of the Chicago Bears," president and CEO Kevin Warren said Monday. "Ryan will serve as the point person of our upcoming search for a head football coach. We will closely, we will work together on a daily basis to make sure we have the right person as our head football coach." Warren said the McCaskey family provided "all the resources" to build a championship environment. He confirmed that Thomas Brown, who a month ago was passing game coordinator before replacing Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, will serve as interim head coach and shift from the press box to the sideline starting this week. Warren did not say whether Brown would automatically receive an interview for the full-time coaching position, which he said "will be the most coveted head coaching job in the National Football League." Poles said consideration will be given to candidates with the plan to develop rookie No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, but there are no set plans to involve the quarterback in the interview process. He said the Bears showed great progress through two seasons but couldn't sustain growth. "At the end of the day, we just came up short too many times," Poles said of firing Eberflus, his pick to be the Bears' head coach in January 2022. Brown promoted wide receivers coach Chris Beatty to interim offensive coordinator on Monday and announced that defensive coordinator Eric Washington will be the defensive play caller, a role Eberflus previously held. Trailing 23-20 on Thanksgiving Day, the Bears were within field-goal range when quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked. With 32 seconds remaining, Eberflus elected not to use his final timeout as Williams heaved an incompletion down the right sideline as time expired. "When you look at the end-of-the-game situations, detailing to finish in some of those moments. We all know a lot of games come down to those critical moments where we weren't able to get over the hump," Poles said. Eberflus said after the game that everything was handled properly and held a press conference via Zoom on Friday voicing confidence he'd have the team ready to play the 49ers this week. But three hours later, he was fired. Warren admitted the franchise could've handled the timing better, but clarified there was no decision on Eberflus' status at the time of his media session. "The decision was made to terminate the employment of head coach Matt Eberflus," Warren said 72 hours later. "We try to do everything in a professional manner. That decision was made on Friday." "Coach Eberflus had his press conference, we had not made a final decision. I think you know me, you know Ryan you know George McCaskey. One thing we stand for is family, integrity, doing it the right way. In retrospect, could we have done it better? Absolutely." Eberflus, 54, went 14-32 in two-plus seasons. The Bears (4-8) travel to San Francisco (5-7) in Week 1. --Field Level Media Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.