News
Hunter Mahan Claims Phoenix Open Win
Back to back bogey free 65's by Hunter Mahan got him his second tour win, a $1.06 million payday, and that trophy which may have been modeled after headgear worn by Natalie Portman in Star Wars. Who in the world designs these things? Mr. Mahan has always struck me as the kind of guy who can go lower than anyone on any course on any given day. Prediction: he'll be the guy who shots the first 58 on Tour. He may not win with a 58, but he is perfectly capable of going that low when he gets one of those rounds going. Getting into the "zone" required to pound par to a pulp seems to be easier, and occur more often, for him than anyone else playing today. Holing a 15 foot birdie put on the raucous 16th hole put him back into the lead at 16 under par. When you can do that, and admit to enjoying the crazies who make the 16th one of the most identifiable holes in all of golf you are one cool customer. Ask Ian Poulter. He missed a seven foot birdie there, and was pelted with boos and chants of U-S-A, after which he appeared to flip off the gallery. I have to admit, the subtlety of his reaction was something to behold. A very casual move, unmistakable yet constrained. Not the projected response from missing a birdie of that length in front of a bunch of drunken crazies, something much more demonstrative seemed in order.
Rickie Fowler finished a stroke behind Mr. Mahan, alone in second place. It was the second time the 21 year old phenom from Oklahoma State has finished second in his short professional career. His bio very clearly states he 21 years old, so why can't I look and him and think anything but how did the 12 year old get on the course? Except for the eyebrows, Mr. Fowler could very conceivably pass for someone too young to drive. He sure can play golf. Given the limited experience in the world of professional golf, it's hard not to envision Mr. Fowler hoisting one of these odd looking trophies and cashing a million dollar check very soon. He's got some flair, which is nice to see at a time when golf could use a little, ok a lot, of flair.
Ryan Moore, part owner of Scratch Golf Co., probably would like to replay the 11th hole for the final three rounds. Mr. Moore played the 11th five over par for the week, with a par, a bogey and two double bogeys. Three bogeys and a par would have put him in a playoff, and four pars, well, you do the math. I know one has to get over stuff like that or it makes sanity an issue, but in order to do that there has to be some time to contemplate what could have been had one not played that hole wearing Bozo the Clown shoes. I wonder if he suffers from nightmares in which the 11th hole repeated stomps him like a bug? I think it would be interesting to find out what it is about that hole that ties him up and leaves him on the train tracks waiting to get run over? I know I have certain holes on all the courses I usually play which just whack me mercilessly time after time. Even knowing it's a head trip doesn't mean it's not a real issue.
Phil Mickelson had another disappointing week leaving him oh for the west coast. Not what I expected from Mr. Mickelson coming into the year.
So now it's on to the east coast and the rain that seems to have fallen all winter. Heck they even had freezing temps not so long ago. Should continue to be an interesting unpredictable year.
News
Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss
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!”
News
Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss
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.”
News
GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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