News

Angel Cabrera Wins the Masters

Raise a glass in praise and thanks to Billy Payne! Thanks for setting the course up to play like Augusta National was meant to be played, with skill and nerve, risks and rewards. Yes I know the weather cooperated for the first time in however many years. I know they still had the rough and most or those new trees Hootie Johnson planted. But yesterday the course was set up as a grand stage to allow the final round magic, missing for so long from the first Major of the year, a venue to unfold over the afternoon. The roars indeed were back!

Published

17 years ago

Apr 13, 2009

Eric Schuster

From the time the pairing of Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods began their rounds hitting tee shots all over the lot until the playoff concluded in the sunset I was reminded of why this tournament is so absolutely special. Mr. Mickelson went out in a record 30, hitting shots to kick in range from the shade and making putt after putt. Mr. Woods seemingly off by just a hair, rescuing pars from distances you expect him to be putting for birdie, until his eagle on the 8th hole which seemed forgone from the time he began lining it up.

The leaders behind that pairing seemed to be playing in air space void of energy. All the life force having been sucked into the maelstrom that was the Woods-Mickelson pairing. Kenny Perry making 11 pars in a row, Angel Cabrera making two bogeys seemingly without a sense of rhythm, his hands suddenly become stone. Chad Campbell seemed at the time an afterthought, even though he played the front nine in one under par.

Mr. Mickelson stood on the 12th tee at ten under par for the tournament and six under for the day. Unbelievably his tee shot found the water and as the ball sank to the bottom so too did the energy level he had gathered on the front nine. From that point on, it seemed, despite the continued brilliant iron play, that his putter ceased to believe the ball should go in the hole everytime. While he birdied the two par fives, 13 and 15, the eagle putts defied him, and the 18th ended the run with a dissatisfying bogey.

Mr. Woods got to 10 under par after three birdies in four holes but was again undone by bogeys on the 17th and the 18th. For the week he played the 18th hole three over par. Not exactly the way one draws it up on the chalkboard.

Once the dynamic duo was out of the picture, it came down to Messrs. Perry, Cabrera, and Campbell. The back nine at Augusta on Sunday did not disappoint. Mr. Perry birdied the 12th to break his par string. Birdied 15 to keep himself a shot in front, then hit the shot of his life on the 16th hole to gimme distance and a two shot lead. Needing two pars to become the oldest Major winner ever, his swing deserted him. With a bogey bogey finish he allowed Mr. Campbell and Mr. Cabrera into the playoff. It went downhill from there for the likable Kentuckian. “I had the tournament to win,” he said. “I lost the tournament.” Yes Mr. Perry you did, and thank you for a memorable Sunday. I think the best quote belongs to Mr. Perry as well, describing his putt to win the tournament outright on the 72nd hole: “It just seems like when I get down to those deals, I can’t seem to execute,” he said, humbly. “Great players make it happen, and your average players don’t.”

Mr. Campbell had his chances as well but just couldn’t get it done. With a five foot put to stay in the playoff he pushed the putt and watched as it rolled past the hole on the low side. See quote above.

As for Mr. Cabrera, this is his second Major championship, validating his first US Open victory in 2007, although why anyone who wins a Major needs to be validated in any way is beyond me. He plays the game quickly, a hit it and chase it kind of guy, the sort I really like to play with. He handled the pressure, hit the shots when he needed them, and showed the magnificent putting touch under pressure I first saw during the Open.

What a Sunday!

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.