News

Mickelson Wins CA Championship

Despite having spent part of Saturday night in the hospital sucking fluids through a tube in his arm rather than his mouth, Phil Mickelson won his first WGC title Sunday. Having been unable to consume food for the previous three days and suffering from feverish shakes prior to his trip to the hospital seemed to have little effect on Mr. Mickelson’s game. “I enjoy this process of competing, being in the final group, tied for the lead, against a player who is playing some terrific golf, feeling that pressure, feeling that intensity, and how important each shot is throughout the entire round,” Mickelson said. “All of that adds to helping me.” As in helping him win.

Published

17 years ago

Mar 16, 2009

Eric Schuster

This was one of the most entertaining final rounds in a while, with the lead either tied or changed on seven different occasions. On the par 3 9th hole Mr. Watney hit a laser like tee shot through not only the wind but the entire green, over the hill in back of the green almost into the water down the hill even further behind the green. Oops. As I’m thinking "now what’, he hits his second shot into the hole for an improbable birdie. Even Mr. Mickelson applauded that shot. Then on the par 5 10th hole Mr. Watney ripped two perfect shots to about 10 feet and made the putt for eagle to move him to 20 under par for the tournament. Mr. Mickelson promptly birdied the same hole to tie.

After Mr. Watney bogeyed the 11th to hand Mr. Mickelson a one shot lead they came to the par 5 12th hole where things got even more interesting. Mr. Mickelson hit a tee shot into the junk on the right, his ball coming to rest under shrub. What followed was one of the more interesting discussions between caddie and golfer in a while (at least one we’ve heard on TV). Bones MacKay stated he didn’t think it was a good idea for his boss to hit the shot right handed because who knew where the ball might go with all the obstacles in the way. Mr. Mickelson listened, stated his intent to hit the shot right handed anyway as it was the only play and asking immediately after striking the ball "where’d it go?". Amazingly the ball hit a palm tree and stayed in play, albeit behind a tree. His third shot was supposed to hook, in theory, but stayed straight, straight left of the green. “I certainly didn’t want to have to hit a right-handed shot with the lead,” Mickelson said. “I wasn’t trying to be showy. I just didn’t have a choice.” He managed to hit on the green and two putt for bogey despite taking the scenic route to the hole.

Mr. Watney hit a perfect tee shot and had a 4 iron left to the green. Up jumps his devil, the weak toey pulled hook into the bunker leaving a lie even the best bunker player would find challenging. As Mr. Watney showed all day, he’s not that good from the sand and the shot he hit for his third stayed…..in the sand. Ugh. The second attempt at extrication left him with a 6 foot putt to tie for the lead. Sadly he too ended up with a bogey, when it looked like he should do much better. “I gave away two shots there,” Watney said.

The two matched par the rest of the way.

“I’ll get over this,” Watney said. “It’s a positive week. I played really well. Beat 78 of the best players in the world. Beat Tiger, which is always good. I’m very pleased with the way I’m playing.” Work on the sand game please. He hung in against the now number 2 player in the world all day, and if the sand game was better, the outcome might have been different.

Jim Furyk shot a 31 on the back 9 to finish off a round of 67 and grab third place all alone. Jeev Milkha Singh was alone in fourth place after a very up and down 70, his best finish ever on the PGA tour.

Speaking of Singh, I didn’t get to see Vijay Singh at all during the tournament to see if he’s still carrying the Stanford Financial Group logo on his shirt. Considering that Sir Allen Stanford, that groups principle is under investigation for allegedly running an $8 billion dollar Ponzi scheme I was curious on this front. More to follow on these events and what it might mean to the Tour.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 hours ago

Jun 11, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.

They wrote:

“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”

Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. 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.

kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”

Entire Thread: “Most Birdies Without Breaking Par.”

News

Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 hours 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.