News
Showdown In Charlotte
Just how hard will it be for Tiger Woods to fight for a consolation prize? No disrespect to the Quail Hollow Championship but following the great build up to The Masters can there possibly be as much anticipation for a Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods showdown this week?
Likely not but hardcore golf fans know that with a warm-up tournament under his belt Tiger Woods could possibly be a force to be reckoned this week in Charlotte. That’s not to say that 2010 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson can be dismissed as contender but would you blame him for not being quite as pumped up to take on Quail Hollow?
An elite field, including Woods and Mickelson, are in the Queen City this week to seek the title at one of the tour’s most prestigious “regular” events. The players love both the treatment they receive, the quality of the golf course, and the knowledgeable fans that come out to see this event, making it a popular annual stop.
Eight of the top ten players on the FedEx Cup Points list will tackle the 7442-yard layout at the Quail Hollow Club, a grouping that does not currently include the World’s #1 player. But all those on that elite list certainly hear his footsteps.
Tiger has made four appearances at Quail Hollow (2004, 2005, 2007, and 2009) and won in 2007. In sixteen rounds played only two were over par and seven have been in the 60’s. His finished fourth last year after an opening round 65. He was just two back of the winner Sean O’Hair who came from three back to start the final round to catch and pass the overnight leader, Zach Johnson, for the win.
Speaking of the defending champion, O’Hair has played solid golf this season but certainly nothing of a spectacular nature that would indicate a good chance to repeat this week. In nine starts on the Tour in 2010 he has made eight cuts but has just one top ten to his resume. He has had a week off following The Masters where he tied for 30th.
Whoever wants to take the title and the $1.17 million winner’s cut of the $6.5 million purse up for grabs this week will not only face a tough field but a golf course that will push games to the limits.
Although the tournament record is 16 under par (Anthony Kim, 2008) that is hardly a true indication of the U.S. Open like setup at Quail Hollow.
Even if players manage to get past the first fifteen holes each day certain body parts may start to tighten up a bit as they head for the 16th tee. In 2009 no final three holes on Tour played tougher than the closing trio in Charlotte. In fact, in 2009 alone the 18th hole was the 2nd toughest closer on tour. Players averaged 4.374 on the par four, effectively making it a par four and a half.
And don’t forget the water laden par three that is #17. In 2008 it was the toughest par three on tour with an average score of 3.418. Almost 250 balls have been rinsed in its lake since the tournament started in 2003.
A few things are certain at Quail Hollow: the last three holes will shape the tournament outcome, and chances are the winner will be a quality player that has already proven his ability to perform at the top levels of the tour. Look to past winners David Toms, Joey Sindelar, Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, Tiger Woods, Anthony Kim, and Sean O’Hair as proof of that.
As per usual Golf Channel will have early coverage while the CBS Team pick it up on the weekend. Be sure to check out the fabulous bag and tournament photos on GolfWRX.com.
This report provided to GolfWRX.com by Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)
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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