News

Ryder Reprieve – Brilliant Conclusion Saves Week In Wales

Published

16 years ago

Oct 5, 2010

Nobody counted on a Monday finish at the 2010 Ryder Cup but if it had not been for the extra day’s play it might have been remembered for a whole set of reasons – not a lot of them good. No matter whom you were cheering for.

With the heavy investment of both time and money by the owner of the Welsh host facility, Sir Terry Matthews, all indications pointed to an epic sporting event at Celtic Manor. Ultimately that is what it turned out to be, and for the best reason of all, exemplary play by the balance of both the American and European squads with Team Europe taking the victory by the slimmest of margins – 14.5 to 13.5. Until the final matches it seemed all Wales would ever be remembered for was faulty weather, rain gear and a modified Ryder Cup format.

And much thanks for that win can go to a man that might just have to build a home in the Usk Valley (given that he also won the Celtic Manor Wales Open earlier this year), Irishman Graeme McDowell. Under pressure that the 31 year-old called the most he had ever felt in his life, the 2010 United States Open Champion rolled in a clutch 20 footer on the 16^th hole of the final match with Hunter Mahan and closed it out with the necessary point on the 17^th with a conceded four-foot par.

After Europe took a three point lead heading into the singles matches, few imagined the Ryder Cup would come down to the very last match but some very fine play by the American squad made this a true nail-biter – one that is already stirring up anticipatory thoughts of the matches in 2012 at Medinah in Chicago.

As much criticism as U.S. Captain Corey Pavin took early in the week he looked almost brilliant on Monday as his team stormed back. Rickie Fowler, with the weight of a lost hole earlier in the tournament where he never actually took a swing, summoned up the charge of the week in his match with Edoardo Molinari. His wins on the final three holes produced a half point that made the chance of an American comeback even possible. Timely American wins by Mickelson and Harrington in matches #10 and #11 had set the table for the McDowell/Mahan as the point that would decide the victory. “I was very proud of how hard they fought all week,” said Pavin. “We would win as a team and lose as a team. That’s the way it was and the way it is. I’m proud of every single one of them and their caddies and everybody that’s part of Team USA.”

Although his team ultimately got the win and revenge for the drubbing at Valhalla in 2008, Euro Captain Colin Montgomerie was very respectful in his closing press conference when asked about what I meant to lead the team to victory. “I’m so proud, very proud moment for us all here in Europe. We all played to a man magnificently, we all gave a 110 per cent, and that’s all I could ask. Obviously one game came down to a lot of, and they will want to talk about it, but every player, playing how well they did they played magnificent, all 12. I knew I had a great 12, I knew I did.
I just had to rely on certain people at certain times, and all credit to Eddie Molinari, to be up 3-up in the first place was fantastic, and the way Rickie Fowler finished, and Graeme McDowell was put there for a good reason, he’s full of confidence and that showed. That birdie on 16 was just quite unbelievable, quite unbelievable.”

Smiles were easy for Montgomerie after it was over, but like his counterpart, Pavin, Monday was a grueling one. “Well, 9 1/2 – 6 1/2 we got off to a flyer, at one stage it was eight blue names on the board but we weren’t 2-up, 3-up, they were 1-up and that was dangerous position to be in. They came back extremely well. Tiger showed why he was No. 1 in the world today and Phil Mickelson played brilliantly. All credit to the American Team…The three-point deficit was the reason why we won.”

Even on the losing end Captain Pavin was without regrets saying there was nothing he would do differently. “I liked the preparation and everything that we did. I’m quite content with everything accept maybe the result.”

That said, few could argue that the 2010 Ryder Cup was not memorable. Golf fans were left smiling and talking no matter their allegiance.

In the end it was fine play that truly defined the tournament, as it should. It added yet another distinguishing volume in an event that just seems to swell in importance as each set of matches goes by. Just as Samuel Ryder had intended when it all got started in 1927.

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

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

9 hours 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

9 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.