Connect with us

News

The Calm Before the Storm – 2010 Ryder Cup Preview

Published

on

  For most avid golf fans the Ryder Cup represents the most exciting tournament in the world – three days of pressure packed golf excitement with pride of patriotism causing nerves to be frayed and emotions exposed bare to millions of viewers.  Those who succeed under these circumstances can reach the next level of stardom (Anthony Kim and Boo Weekley in 2008).  Those who fail will have a hard time erasing the memories (Mark Calcavechia in Kiawah Island and Curtis Strange at Oak Hill).  The Sunday singles matches are the most exciting day of golf in the sport, eclipsing even the final nine at Augusta.  Coming off the impressive win at Valhalla in 2008, one would think the American team is ready to validate that performance with a win on European soil.  After all, it was a dominant performance and many newcomers gained valuable experience on golf’s biggest stage.  They silenced the critics with a selfless approach that stressed team over individual pedigree.  It is time to begin an American string of victories that retain this cup on American soil for years to come, right?  After all, we “broke the code” didn’t we?  Unfortunately, this conventional wisdom is misguided.  We are simply enjoying the calm before the storm of a European onslaught. 

  But why, you might ask?  We have the two greatest players of the current generation in Tiger and Phil.  We have young, talented players in Hunter Mahan, Dustin Johnson, and Rickie Fowler.  We have a feisty, resilient captain in Corey Pavin.  The main reasons we will lose are familiar to those that have been frustrated by our inept record in this bi-annual competition: 1) Lack of team camaraderie and 2) Lack of mental toughness.

  The Europeans have an advantage in that they can pair players from the same country which increases their resolve and purpose.  They feel they are not only representing Europe but their country within the continent as well.  Remember the Spanish Armada of Seve and Jose Maria?  Watch out for pairings such as Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter of England, and the Molinari brothers, Francesco and Eduardo, of Italy.  In addition, many of them play on a smaller tour in which the better players form closer overall relationships.  I believe Captain Montgomerie (a.k.a. “The Sweaty Scot”) values this trait and used it as part of his criteria to choose dedicated European player Edoardo Molinari over PGA Tour converts Justin Rose and Paul Casey.

  The biggest reason for European victory is superior mental toughness.  Martin Kaymer, Padraig Harrington and Lee Westwood are as tough mentally as they come.  Ross Fisher and Rory McIlroy have emerged as major tournament contenders and Graeme McDowell showed his grit at Pebble Beach with a rock solid performance with Tiger, Phil and Ernie nipping at his heels.  On the American side, there is plenty of talent in players such as Matt Kuchar, Jeff Overton, and Bubba Watson but if I am relying on someone to pull out a tough match on foreign soil they are not at the top of my list.  Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler are rising stars but have not experienced success on a large stage yet.  To think that they will start achieving success on foreign soil is a stretch to say the least.

  All this negative banter is not to say that the Americans will get blown out.  They are shaky at the top with Tiger and Phil off their games and weak at the bottom with the likes of Overton and Watson but they have strength in the middle of the lineup with veteran grinders such as Zach Johnson, Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker that will keep the team competitive until the final day.  Their only hope for victory is if Tiger and Phil re-emerge as the games’ best players, Hunter Mahan and Dustin Johnson utilize their immense talent and dominate while the grinders do what is expected of them which is win tough matches with rabid Welshmen screaming in their ears. 

  Unfortunately, the storm is coming.  Enjoy the final days in the calm of hope and anticipation while harboring this precious hunk of silver called the Ryder Cup on American soil before it returns to the clutches of European hands.

Prediction:  Euros 15 ½  Yanks 12 ½

JB Audi

JB Audi covers Golf for GolfWRX.com and can be reached at [email protected]

 

You can see what others are saying about this article here: http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/412955-ryder-cup-preview-and-predicitons/

GolfWRX is the world's largest and best online golf community. Expert editorial reviews, breaking golf tour and industry news, what to play, how to play and where to play. GolfWRX surrounds consumers throughout the buying, learning and enrichment process from original photographic and video content, to peer to peer advice and camaraderie, to technical how-tos, and more. As the largest online golf community we continue to protect the purity of our members opinions and the platform to voice them. We want to protect the interests of golfers by providing an unbiased platform to feel proud to contribute to for years to come. You can follow GolfWRX on Twitter @GolfWRX and on Facebook.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Asleep

    Sep 28, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    I agree, Euros will take it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

on

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.”

Continue Reading

News

Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

on

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.”

Continue Reading

News

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Announcement

Our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use have been updated as of January 29th, 2026. Please review the updated policies here Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. By continuing to use our site after January 29th, 2026, you agree to the changes.

WITB

Facebook

Trending