News

Ernie Els Wins CA World Golf Championship

I watched the clocks move ahead an hour at 2 AM Sunday morning. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, it was 3 AM. No one told Ernie Els apparently, as he turned back the clock at least six years Sunday afternoon. That’s how long it has been since Mr. Els stood in front of the cameras holding a very large trophy. A final round 66 completed a journey that feels like it’s gone on forever. Perhaps it’s something about turning 40? Who knows. I watched the final pairing on Sunday mostly to see Charl Schwartzel, the 25 year old South African who has won twice this year on the European tour. I learned that Mr. Schwartzel has some very serious game, and that somehow Mr. Els turned back time. I think it was the 25 ft par save on the 14th hole that restored Mr. El’s shaky confidence, not restored so much as firmed it up, while slapping the youngster upside the head and awaking him to the reality that he was trying to win for the first time in the USA and beat a legend in the process. Just a tad too much reality. From that point on Mr. Schwartzel began having issues and wound up with a final round 70, four shots behind and alone in second place, for his second top 10 finish in a World event this year.

Published

16 years ago

Mar 15, 2010

Eric Schuster

A final round 66 completed a journey that feels like it's gone on forever. Perhaps it's something about turning 40? Who knows. I watched the final pairing on Sunday mostly to see Charl Schwartzel, the 25 year old South African who has won twice this year on the European tour. I learned that Mr. Schwartzel has some very serious game, and that somehow Mr. Els turned back time. I think it was the 25 ft par save on the 14th hole that restored Mr. El's shaky confidence, not restored so much as firmed it up, while slapping the youngster upside the head and awaking him to the reality that he was trying to win for the first time in the USA and beat a legend in the process. Just a tad too much reality. From that point on Mr. Schwartzel began having issues and wound up with a final round 70, four shots behind and alone in second place, for his second top 10 finish in a World event this year.

Mr. Els played with a confidence I haven't seem him display in a long long time. The victim of too many real life intrusions on a personal level, his professional life suffered in mediocrity. I know my thoughts were usually centered on, gee whiz remember how good Ernie Els used to be? I wonder where he left his game? Thoughts I'd bet he entertained more than a couple of times over the years. When nice guys lose their greatness and become just very good they become the recipients of many sighs and shakes of the head coupled with a lot of remember whens. That stuff starts quietly in the background but eventually folks are doing that when the ex-great enters the room rather than when they leave the room. It's got to claim rent some large space inside one's psyche. I certainly hope this is the beginning of a resurgence for Mr. Els. I really enjoy when he plays well, mostly because of how easy he makes the game appear. Hopefully whatever demons owned the inside of his head can be more easily crowded into a corner and silenced while he returns to playing golf the way he's played in the past.

Take a good look at the leaderboard now that the tournament is complete. Count off the top 10 names. How many do you recognize? Seriously, toss out the two Americans ( I bet some might not even know them very well), and Mr. Els along with Padraig Harrington. What's left are names we'll all be knowing soon enough. In addition to Mr. Schwartzel is a young German player who may be the best player you know nothing about, Martin Kaymer the European Tour rookie of the year in 2008 when he won twice. In 2009 Mr. Kaymer also won twice, in back to back events, and finished third on the Order of Merit, all before turning 25 years old. Mr. Kaymer may be kicking everyone around sooner rather than later. I highly suggest you remember the name. Alvaro Quiros, the oldest of these three at 26, can hit the ball off the planet. That might be an exaggeration, but not by a lot. He has three top 10's around the world this year alone. Paul Casey is another name in that short list, despite the Ryder Cup flap his mouth created, this is another man who has a whole lot of game.

As for the two Americans on the list, Matt Kuchar is the name most fans will remember from his promising amateur career. After joining the professional ranks Mr. Kuchar kind of lost his way, but this year has been markedly different. He has three top three finishes including this event thus far in the season. Bill Haas finished T6 and won earlier this year at the Hope Classic. Has been lacking consistency to this point in the season, which is not surprising given his youth. Put the games of Mr. Kuchar and Mr. Haas up against the three young Euros and the Euros win in a knockout. Golf is the winner, when there are so many talented young 'uns in the game the entertainment value goes way up for golf fans everywhere. We shall be fortunate to live in interesting times.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

1 hour 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.