News

Bjorn Cruises To Win At Commercialbank Qatar Masters

Published

15 years ago

Feb 7, 2011

Via Flagstick Golf Magazine – www.flagstick.com

Doha (QATAR): Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn lifted the 11th European Tour title of his career yesterday (Sunday) after easing to a four-shot victory in the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy at Doha Golf Club.

The Dane saw off a spirited challenge from 2009 champion Alvaro Quiros to finish with a three under par 69 for a total of 274 (-14). Spanish big-hitter Quiros finished runner-up for the second year in a row on ten under with Austria’s Markus Brier and Spain’s Rafael Cabrera Bello tied for third on nine under par.

“It was a question of hanging in there as I didn’t play well for the first six holes,” said Bjorn after receiving the Mother of Pearl trophy from Hassan Al Nuaimi, President of the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), and Commercialbank Group CEO Andrew Stevens.

“I stood on the tenth tee with a four?shot lead and knew it was going to be difficult for them to catch me if I made par all the way in. But Alvaro put in a stint where he threw a few birdies in and it became a little bit tense.”

Despite a surge that saw Quiros get to within a shot of the Dane, the Spaniard’s swashbuckling charge was derailed in a matter of minutes on the 15th when Quiros three-putted for bogey to drop back to nine under.

Bjorn, watching from 180 metres back down the fairway, fired a sublime seven iron to four feet and claimed his first birdie of the day for a two shot swing that effectively killed the contest. Two more birdies over the next three holes sealed an impressive win for Bjorn who moves back into the world’s top 60 and third in the Race to Dubai.

“In the end it became a bit of a cruise,” added Bjorn, “but I’m delighted with the week. I played solid golf – just one bogey in the last 54 holes – and on this golf course and in these conditions, that's good going.”

For Quiros it was another case of what might have been. Last year, he missed out on a successful title defence by three shots to Robert Karlsson and the Spaniard again has to settle for second place despite a final round 68 (-4). It was a position he was more than happy to take.

“Yesterday I was thinking I was going to finish top five but I finished second on my own,” he said. “Unfortunately I made three putts on fifteen and I a stupid bogey on seventeen so that made it tough to reach him (Bjorn). But I'm very pleased to be where I am.”

Going into the final round with a one-shot advantage, Bjorn was never really troubled until the late Quiros charge. Playing partner Brier did manage to get level on eleven under par after the first hole but the Austrian’s challenge faded with four bogeys on the front nine putting paid to his chances of a third European Tour title.

Organised by the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and title sponsors Commercialbank, the 14th Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy saw Bjorn pick up 50 world ranking points after a wind-battered tournament that featured many of the world’s biggest name players.

“To win a golf tournament like this by four shots is something to be proud of,” added Bjorn. “It means I can look back at and say, well, yeah, I didn't only do it in a golf tournament; I did it when the best were playing and you've got to be happy with that.”

While World Number One Lee Westwood was the highest profile casualty after failing to make the cut, World Number Two Martin Kaymer made up some ground in his efforts to become the man at the summit of golf’s world rankings with a final round one under par 71 that saw him finish in a share of 28th place. Visiting Americans John Daly and Steve Stricker both closed their Doha debuts with rounds of 74 and 69 respectively.

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

News

Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

20 mins 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.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 OccuNet Classic

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

With the PGA Tour across the border in Canada this week, GolfWRX Tour Photographer Greg Moore stayed stateside and headed to the OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National Bank in Amarillo, Texas.

It’s always interesting to see what the guys are playing on the KFT, and this week certainly hasn’t disappointed so far, with some incredible wedge stamping on display.

Check out links to all our albums below.