News

The golf of my dreams in Afghanistan

Published

14 years ago

Feb 20, 2012

GolfWRX Staff

By Josh Knight

GolfWRX Contributor

I am lucky enough to live in a state, South Carolina, where golf can usually be played year round. Although February, the temperature has been surprisingly warm and perfect for a few rounds of golf. Unfortunately, while my buddies are out playing golf weekly, I am sitting in Afghanistan counting the days until my next round can be played.

For the past couple months I have been in Afghanistan deployed as a member of the United States Air Force. At first I didn’t really miss all the golf I had played leading up to my departure, but the clock has since seemed to stop moving. A few months of flying in and out of the same places and the mind starts to roam. Of course, I have the internet to check scores and get on GolfWRX, but it doesn’t completely fill the void. My wife is nice enough to send me my golf subscriptions when they show up in our mailbox, but they are usually read cover to cover in a day or so. Multiple golf books have arrived, been conquered and stashed away (I finished “Paper Tiger” in less than 2 days). I’ve got Tiger Woods video game, but you can only drive the ball 400+ yards so many times before it gets old.One thing I do have an abundance of over here is time to think. So, to pass the time I resort to the only golf I remember and play rounds in my head. I am one of those golfers that thinks he can hit all the shots, I just can’t put it together on the golf course. I always end up confused on how that “should-of-been-an-80” turned into a 100. Sometimes I replay the good rounds I’ve shot or maybe just a few holes. I have a few of the local courses memorized enough that I can play a round or two while trying to fall asleep. The game seems so easy at this point, hitting fairways and greens, how difficult could it be and why I am not always playing this good? I even card a bogey from time to time just to keep it realistic. Perhaps an incoming mortar attack disturbs my swing on a par 5, or my roommate starts snoring right as I am about to putt, not the normal golf course distractions but they do get my attention. I’m not going for the course record, just trying to shoot even par for the millionth time in my head.

While I’m playing imaginary golf or reading equipment reviews thinking about all the new clubs I want to buy, I wonder how does everyone else pass the time between the golf seasons? Come next winter I will not have this problem again, but what does everyone else do? How do you not go crazy?

I really hope that all this mental visualization will pay off when I get home next month. I’ve hit that first tee shot so many times, how can I not find that fairway next month? Usually I am asleep way before No. 18, but with all birdies I card on the front nine who needs to practice the last few. Honestly, I’ll probably write down triple digits on that first scorecard, but at least I will be on a golf course.

Click here for more discussion in the “General Golf Talk” forum

News

Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

22 mins ago

Jun 11, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.

@DTorres asked:

The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?

Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.

We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.

Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”

Entire Thread: “Best current stock shaft 2026.”

News

GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.

As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.

Let’s get to the gifts.

Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.

Buy here.

STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.

Buy here.

Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.

Buy here.

OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!

Buy here.

Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.

Buy here.

World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.

Buy here.

FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.

Buy here.

Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.

Buy here.

Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!

Buy here.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 OccuNet Classic

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

With the PGA Tour across the border in Canada this week, GolfWRX Tour Photographer Greg Moore stayed stateside and headed to the OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National Bank in Amarillo, Texas.

It’s always interesting to see what the guys are playing on the KFT, and this week certainly hasn’t disappointed so far, with some incredible wedge stamping on display.

Check out links to all our albums below.