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A Day Of Redemption

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On a single Sunday three golfers in various parts of the globe made up for past failures.

There is no better story-line in golf then the grand comeback and the theme was alive today on the PGA Tour, European Tour, and Nationwide Tour.

Nowhere was that more apparent than in Pacific Palisades, California where the PGA Tour’s Northern Trust Open played out.  Steve Stricker (67-65-66-70-268) was reduced to tears as he left the 18th green after securing the victory that had been in his grasp in 2009, but slipped away to the arms of defender Phil Mickelson.  Stricker had shot 67 in the final round of 2009 but his two stroke lead on the 71st hole eventually became a one stroke victory for Mickelson after Stricker made a bogey on the final green.

That loss was on Stricker’s mind as he tackled this year’s final stanza at Riviera with a large but sometimes tenuous lead. “I thought about it at times today,” he admitted after the victory.  “I think not winning it last year helped me last year, and even this year, I guess, looking back at it I learned from those mistakes I made coming down the stretch last year. You know, you put them in your memory bank, I guess, and you look back at them and make sure that try and not do the same things.”

For stretches during the day Stricker, the new World #2 ranked player, struggled with his swing but he fought through it.  Birdies on holes 8,9, and 11 helped him to re-establish a lead that had dwindled with early charges by competitors.  Luke Donald (68-70-66-66-270) threw six birdies at Stricker but in the end fell two strokes short to earn second place.  Bombers Dustin Johnson and J.B. Holmes shared third place at 271.

Despite he ascension to new heights in the World Rankings Stricker says he will not change his approach to his game.  He tried that before…”we all know who the best player in the world is, and I’ll just continue to do what I do, and that’s practice hard and work at it and try to improve. I’m not saying that I’m going to just not try to work at it anymore, but just continue to do the things that I do when I’m trying to — and that’s to try to get better. That’s all I can ask.”

The win today was Stricker’s 8th on TOUR and vaulted him to #1 in the 2010 FedEX Cup Points List.  The Wisconsin native and University of Illinois product also cashed a check for $1,152,000.  He will not be in the field for the upcoming AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

Nationwide Tour

Earlier this morning Jim Herman had a massive triumph of his own as he won the Nationwide Tour’s Moonah Classic in Australia.  Heading into the event Herman had missed seven straight cuts dating back to last season and was an unlikely candidate for a win.  He shocked the field by opening with a 62 and hung around the top of the leaderboard all week.  Ultimately he required a playoff to beat out fellow American Chris Kirk to earn his first Nationwide Tour victory.

European Tour

Forty-six year old Miguel Angel Jimenez also needed a playoff of his own Sunday to win the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.  Jimenez had finished second twice before in the tournament and was clearly relieved to finally get the win, the 16th of his European Tour career.  “You know, many years coming here, and a few times with chances to win, and then, we have it here. I’m feel very pleased, very happy,” said the champion.  Half of his European Tour victories have come after the age of 40.

Jimenez needed just a par on the third hole of a playoff with Lee Westwood to prevail.  Both players had finished regulation play at eleven under par.

Alvaro Quiros looked to have the tournament in hand when he simply required a two-putt on the 13th hole to move to twelve under par.  Shockingly he made a par after a three-putt.  He required six more putts on the next two holes to fall out of contention.


This report provided to GolfWRX.com by Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)

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Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

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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.”

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Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

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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.”

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

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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.

 

  • GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

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