Sports News Roundup: NFL declines to punish Chiefs WR Hill; Caddie chemistry helping Westwood mount a charge

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Emotional Lehman bids farewell to British Open

More than two decades after lifting the Claret Jug, former champion Tom Lehman fought back the tears as he walked down the 18th fairway at Royal Portrush on Friday for what is almost certain to be his last British Open. American Lehman battled way to a second-round five-over-par 76 that left him at 12-over for the tournament, well outside the cut, and he took few moments to soak up the atmosphere.

Woods to miss cut despite improved round

A battling Tiger Woods rediscovered some of the old magic at the British Open on Friday but the American will be packing for home after failing to make the cut at Royal Portrush. The 15-times major champion carded a one-under 70 but failed to repair the damage of Thursday when he struggled with back pain and shot an ugly 78.

Australia banking on quick fix at fullback

Australia believe Tom Banks is the player to fill the gaping hole left in the number 15 jersey by the sacking of Israel Folau, and the Brumbies fullback is set for a baptism of fire in the cauldron of Ellis Park on Saturday. Australia begin the post-Folau era with a Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks on the South African Highveld, where the ball moves quicker, and flies further, through the air.

Holmes consolidates lead, Lowry on the charge

Overnight leader J.B Holmes maintained his challenge at the British Open with a second-round 68 on Friday as a mass of players positioned themselves for a for a weekend charge. Former world number one Tiger Woods will not be joining them, however, despite an improvement on his opening day 78.

Reports: Smyly set to sign with Phillies

Free agent lefthander Drew Smyly will sign with the Philadelphia Phillies and likely join the starting rotation, according to multiple reports. Smyly opted out of his minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.

MLB roundup: Strasburg knocks in 5, earns 12th win

Stephen Strasburg did it all for the visiting Washington Nationals on Thursday, earning his National League-leading 12th win, hitting a three-run homer and driving in five runs in a 13-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Strasburg (12-4) pitched 5 1/3 innings and allowed three runs on eight hits, two walks and seven strikeouts.

Owens to referee World Cup opening match

Nigel Owens, who refereed the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, will get the 2019 tournament underway when he takes charge of the opening game between Japan and Russia in Tokyo on Sept. 20. World Rugby unveiled the officials for the pool stage of the 44-day tournament on Friday, with all 12 referees allocated at least three pool matches.

NFL notebook: Amputated Norton out of hospital after losing arm

Two weeks after a car accident led to him losing his left arm, Dolphins defensive tackle Kendrick Norton walked out of a Miami hospital Thursday afternoon after being discharged, offering his gratitude after his life-changing amputation. The 22-year-old Norton, who underwent six surgeries since his July 4 wreck, spoke on camera briefly from the parking lot at Jackson Memorial Hospital and thanked his numerous supporters through the ordeal.

NFL declines to punish Chiefs WR Hill

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill will not be punished under the personal conduct policy as the NFL closed its formal investigation into multiple alleged physical altercations. Hill pleaded guilty to an assault and battery charge in 2015 but a full version of an audio recording aired recently revealed Hill denying assaulting his fiancée.

Caddie chemistry helping Westwood mount a charge

Lee Westwood admits his caddie knows little about golf but that's alright because the person carrying his bag around the Royal Portrush links is his girlfriend Helen Storey. The chemistry appears to be working wonders too, with former world number one Westwood right in the British Open mix as he tries to win a long-overdue first major at the age 46.