News

In Defense of Dye

Published

18 years ago

May 8, 2008

Loathed by those who play it for being unforgiving, No. 17 is loved by those who watch it for that same attribute. Its ability to put professional golfers in a situation we are all far too familiar with, drop two hit three, has created a compelling allure among PGA tour fans. With a hint of irony, the signature hole on a course famed for its strategic layout is penal in design.

Together, Pete and Alice Dye have created the most iconic hole on the PGA Tour. The Stadium Course at Sawgrass, commended by many as one of the best examples of a risk-reward golf course is as strong a statement in strategic design as it is a test of players’ mental will. Yet the 146 yard, born by accident, par three has received its share of criticisms, especially from architects.

It is the burden of a course that hosts the flagship event of the PGA to stand the test of time, to challenge players year in, and year out, and to exemplify the best our game has to offer – including course design. Quality course design can be considered a practiced discipline of applying strategic philosophy to constraining realities all with the intention to make the game more enjoyable to its participants.

So then why is it when tournament time comes we as fans relish the dream of playing the possibly punishing tee shot on 17, instead of the more tactical conforming 16 or 18? The answer may be glaringly obvious but No. 17 is simply more fun. For those who argue that the most photogenic golf hole ever created is not fair, I question how we have come to a point where a design school of thought precedes the sheer thrill of the game.

Perhaps the idea that holes should be built to a higher level of playability is a gross misconception. Golf holes should be designed for higher enjoyability, which may not always equivocate to strategy. Isn’t that what the game is about, fun?

Our North American culture has proven that we would rather win the big payout than take the safe bet. And thus we would rather the opportunity to hit that perfect tee shot at No.17 than be faced with the option of playing safe. Dye should be commended as this hole has done something amazing – eliminated the paradox of choice and presented the ultimate reward. The risk is obligatory. While mesmerizing us in its beauty, he has so bluntly said ‘here you go, hit your best shot’. If that is not a test of a player’s ability and mental psyche I don’t know what is.

Tuesday of this week it was announced that the architect who has challenged, us, the Tour, and the profession to which he belongs to raise the level of the game. Pete Dye will be the first ever architect inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. It’s no coincidence that ‘The Man Golfers Love to Hate’ has created a hole that golfers hate to love.

News

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

Published

1 day 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.

General Albums

2026 OccuNet Classic (KFT) – Monday #1

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

Luke Potter’s custom Cameron putter – 2026 OccuNet Classic (KFT)

News

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: Scotty Cameron GOLO 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

Will Schube

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @HuskerFlyer is sharing a Scotty Cameron GOLO with a BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition shaft. While the putter is certainly enviable, the Augusta-inspired shaft is equally noteworthy.

From the listing:

Scotty Cameron Golo 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition Scotty Headcover 34″ $375

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules.