News
Why The Asterisk?

Before you decide to flame me or call me names, just hear me out. I think the fact that some believe the winner of the British Open should have an asterisk is absolutely absurd. Seriously. I’m totally open for suggestions here. Give me one good reason that someone’s hard-earned win should have a footnote that Mr. Tiger Woods was not playing?
These golfers have spent their lives preparing for professional golf. They train hard and practice. If they play their game right and work the course, they come out on top. It is truly a shame that when they are interviewed they are consistently asked about Tiger Woods. They deserve their own press without mentioning another player.
Incidentally, I’m definitely a Tiger Woods fan. I’ve watched his entire career and truly admire him as an athlete, a golfer, and a human being. He is one of the elite and has elevated the sport. Even so, there should not be a special note next to those who win tournaments he is not in. In addition, there should be no special accommodations for those who beat him. In 2007, Tiger finished 12th in the British Open. Does the winner of that event, Padraig Harrington, have an asterisk next to his win? If this year’s winner must have a footnote that Tiger wasn’t playing then Harrington should have one saying he finished in first in spite of Tiger’s presence.
If there is a sidebar to this year’s British Open winner then there are several more that need to be added. For example, there needs to be an asterisk next to the New York Giants Super Bowl winning season. They deserve a bit extra since they beat the previously undefeated New England Patriots. In addition, any team that beat the Chicago Bulls after Michael Jordan left should have an asterisk next to their win.
It all sounds very silly, doesn’t it? The British Open winner this year deserves to be called just that, the winner.
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!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Joe
Aug 10, 2008 at 8:07 pm
well said. i cant believe somebody even suggested an asterisk??? thats like saying EVERY tourney that someone wins that Tiger wasnt playing in should have an asterisk next to their name. thats just absurd and ridiculous.
rio
Jul 26, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Agreed.
There’s no asterisk next to major winners the year after Hogan was mauled and crushed in that car wreck. While on that subject, had Tiger Woods been in a similar auto accident and subsequently performed like Hogan did afterwards, today’s media would talk about Woods in the same breath as God himself.
Oh, and there’s no asterisk next to all the major winners after Jack turned 50, either. You must show up at the first tee and hit it. It’s that simple.
bullard
Jul 26, 2008 at 2:09 am
“The British Open winner this year deserves to be called just that, the winner*.”
interossiter
Jul 23, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Agreed the asterisk is silly. All you can do in a tournament is play whoever shows up. Should there be additional asterisks because Nicklaus, Hogan and Bobby Jones weren’t there?
8thehardway
Jul 23, 2008 at 11:24 am
The asterisk would be a nasty little reminder that for purposes of comparison ‘conditions were significantly changed’ by Tiger’s absence and would unfairly single out the few winners lucky enough to play while Tiger was recourerating. There’s a better approach — all golf records should be recategorized into Before Tiger (BT) During Tiger (DT) and After the reign of Tiger (AT). The Gregorian calendar enjoyed wide acceptance casting Christ as their central figure (BC, AD) and golf should do the same. This format has the benefit of lumping together all those lucky golfers who won without having to compete against Tiger – Old Tom Morris, Bobby Jones, etc. – and might even sell some calendars.
juliogolf
Jul 22, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I meant “breaks” not “breaks”
juliogolf
Jul 22, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I agree everything but one point: Tiger Woods WAS playing.
Well, he actually wasn’t in the championship but let me use an example to explain my point:
In a F1 race when someone brakes hi car and needs to go to the boxes to repair, it use to be because he’s been too aggressive and has taken his machine to the limit to win the race. But it’s still in the race.
Tiger is now in his boxes fixing his machine and getting ready to go back to the race and become the greatest golfer in history.
Congratulations to the Champion Golfer of the year (no asterisk)
bobsuruncle
Jul 22, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Here, here…you’ve hit the nail on the head…good call
Don
Jul 22, 2008 at 12:18 am
Who won The Open Championship last year when Woods was in the field?
Paddy, that’s who! He’s already proven he can beat the toughest competitors in the toughest conditions.
Chris
Jul 21, 2008 at 10:21 am
Amen brother!