News
Honoring A Gentleman – The HP Byron Nelson Classic
By Scott MacLeod, via Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)
A week after delving into the mystique of Ben Hogan at Colonial, the PGA Tour caravan makes it’s a short way down the road from Ft. Worth to Dallas (Irving) to pay homage to one of the most likeable and respected men the game of golf ever saw, Mr. Byron Nelson.
To those who met the man in person, and I count myself among the fortunate, Mr. Nelson could not have been sweeter. I can recall approaching him in Florida one year and asked, with some trepidation, if I might have a sliver of his time for an autograph. To my delight what I received was a fifteen minute chat about a number of topics, mostly to do with Mr. Nelson’s enjoyment of his time in Canada, once he discovered I was from there. In just a few moments he left me with as warm of a feeling for a person as I can ever recall having, akin to having spoken with my own grandfather.
Nelson has that kind of touch, and the ability to play some excellent golf as well, so when players check the calendar each season, the HP Byron Nelson Classic gets a heavy circling by many.
Mr. Nelson is gone now, but his legacy remains. The tournament was named after him in 1968 and as the first winner, in 1944, he has always had a strong tie with the event that raises money for a group near and dear to his heart, the Salesmanship Club of Dallas. Funds raised at the HP Byron Nelson Championship enable Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers to serve more than 7,500 children and family members each year.
In 2004 the Byron Nelson was moved to the TPC Four Seasons Resort over both of their golf course and since 2008 has exclusively been conducted on their TPC Course.
In 2010 Australian Jason Day made the HP Byron Nelson Classic his first PGA Tour victory at the age of 22 years, 6 months, and 11 days. Day shot 10-under 270 (66-65-67-72) in a two-stroke victory over Brian Gay, Jeff Overton and Blake Adams. He became the youngest winner of the tournament since Tiger Woods turned the feat in 1997 at the age of 21.
Day came to the 72nd hole with a one-stroke lead over playing partner Adams and hit his second shot in the water near the green. Adams, playing from the right trees, then hit his second shot in the same hazard. Adams made double bogey and Day got up and down for bogey.
Although Day won the tournament though, he was not exactly the big story of the week as Dallas resident Jordan Speith became the 6th youngest player to make a cut in PGA Tour history at the age of 16 years, 9 months, and 24 days. Not only did he make the cut but he stayed near the upper half of the leaderboard all week, eventually finishing in a share of 16th place. The youngster is back again this year to see if he can replicate or improve on last year’s success.
Just four players in the top 10 of the FedEx Cup standings are in the field this week but they are a significant foursome. They include Nick Watney (6), K.J. Choi (7), Rory Sabbatini (9) and Gary Woodland (10).
Choi, of course, is coming off a big win at THE PLAYERS but it has been four years since he has played the Byron Nelson despite the fact that he now calls Dallas home. He just arrived back in the States from Korea yesterday so it is hard to say whether he will be in peak from come round one.
Of the top four FedEx players you might want to have an eye on Sabbatini. There is no denying that he has been on a hot streak of late, even amidst rumors of a PGA Tour conduct investigation. He set the tournament record of 261 back in 2009 on his way to a win. He is my lock for a win or at worst, a top five finish this week. He has played a stretch of four weeks in a row but he’s proven that he likes the course in Irving and plays well there.
International players have accounted for seven wins at the Byron Nelson since 2000 so don’t be surprised if that is the case again this year.
2011 HP Byron Nelson Championship
Dates: May 23-29, 2011
Where: TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas; Irving, TX
Par/Yards: 35-35—70/7,166
Field: 156; Format: 72-hole stroke play
Defending Champion: Jason Day
FedExCup: 500 points to winner; Purse: $6,500,000; Winner’s Share: $1,170,000
This report provided to GolfWRX.com by Canada’s 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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