News
Rory McIlroy: “Take that GolfWRX,” and why he said it
Rory McIlroy recently appeared on the No Laying Up podcast to discuss all manner of things. Around 20 minutes into the interview, the conversation turned to the Ulsterman’s equipment, leading ultimately to a mention of our fair website.
Now, to understand why Rory McIlroy would jokingly say, “Take that GolfWRX,” you need a bit (OK, a lot) of context.
In early February, GolfWRX member lovedoctor started a thread titled “Rory McIlroy to sign with Callaway in 2017.” Not difficult to guess what the good doctor’s central claim was, which he attributed to information from “a reliable source.”
McIlroy had been without an equipment deal since Nike’s departure from that space in August of last year. Speculation was rampant about where Rory would land, especially after the golfer tested equipment in Dubai at the end of last year.
On the second page of the thread, Chris Solomon of No Laying Up joined the discussion by replying to lovedoctor’s initial post with: “This is simply not true. Rory will not be signing a deal in 2017.”
Soly’s source for that particular information was almost certainly McIlroy himself. And, as McIlroy lays out in the NLU podcast, he had planned to remain a free agent for 2017. However, that effort turned out to be more trouble than it was worth, and he was rumored to be unhappy with his golf ball at the Masters.
One thing led to another, McIlroy publicly swooned over TaylorMade’s TP5x ball, and he signed a full bag deal with TMag in May.
So, Soly was ultimately wrong, in a sense, (so was lovedoctor) but he told the truth as he’d heard it straight from the horse’s mouth at the time.
Thus, you have the convoluted context for why Rory McIlroy mentioned GolfWRX. You can hear the exchange around 24 minutes into the podcast.
And thanks for the shout-out, Rors!
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.
-
Equipment6 days agoMemorial Tournament Tour Report: Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young switch up drivers, and more
-
News2 weeks agoRussell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
-
Equipment3 days agoBest irons 2026: Best irons overall, most forgiving irons, and more
-
Whats in the Bag4 days agoJ.T. Poston’s winning WITB: 2026 Memorial Tournament
-
Equipment1 week agoDetails on Jason Day’s latest prototype Avoda iron setup
-
Equipment3 weeks agoCJ Cup Byron Nelson Tour Report: Koepka and Kim’s newest putters finally get hot
-
News2 weeks agoCharles Schwab Challenge Tour Report: MacIntyre, Åberg and Spaun all switch putters, TaylorMade launches new Spider
-
Equipment2 weeks agoDetails on J.J. Spaun’s surprise putter switch

Bosa
Sep 24, 2017 at 2:44 pm
Rory mcilroy is the ugliest human being on the planet.
Jacked_Loft
Sep 23, 2017 at 4:19 am
I don’t believe it. Something written in golfwrx was incorrect.
Speedy
Sep 21, 2017 at 8:55 pm
Rors, least-liked pro golfer?
TheCityGame
Sep 21, 2017 at 12:14 pm
The best was in Part 2 when Rory said that if he could be anyone in the world for a week, he’d pick this stud horse that rides mares 4 times a day and gets $500,000 per nut.
lovedoctor predicted he was going to say Tiger Woods.
He was half right.
Barry
Sep 21, 2017 at 7:39 pm
That about sums it up for Rory, lol
Irma
Sep 21, 2017 at 2:21 am
Still wearing girly Nike clothes tough, Rors. How about introducing some other cool men’s athletic clothing company about now?
moses
Sep 20, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Thanks for the shout out Rory. Just gives the sight more exposure and legitimacy. 😀
Andrew
Sep 20, 2017 at 1:15 pm
Hey Rory! Since we now know you read WRX, know this: We can smell little man syndrome half a world away. And it’s always about the money.
GolfCodeWeekly
Sep 20, 2017 at 6:31 pm
We?
Unless you are referring to yourself?
Your post just makes you look like a hater, jealous of his success
Rory has a great attitude
Andrew
Sep 21, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Autofail for using the cliches hater and jealous. I’ve never seen your name before. We, is not you. Success? Attitude? These words are too big for you. Please step away from the grown-up table.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1zNbKfUwTE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSi1C9yTwJE
Speedy
Sep 21, 2017 at 8:57 pm
Right on, Andrew.
Old Gaffer
Sep 20, 2017 at 1:05 pm
I love those rusty TM wedges. Why don’t they also make their irons rusty too?
Chrome plating is a horrid environmentally with the heavy metals and electricity.
Make them all naturally raw forgings!
Brian
Sep 21, 2017 at 10:15 am
Most consumers don’t want their iron sets to rust. Wedges are replaced regularly compared to the typical golfer’s iron sets.
Big J
Jan 17, 2018 at 12:12 am
Really? I’ve had four sets of irons since I last changed my wedges. Must just be me.
Chris B
Sep 20, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Well you can’t really swoon over a 10 million a year deal in public, so the ball will have to do.
RobertMuellerIII
Sep 20, 2017 at 11:59 am
….and subsequently “lovedoctor” banished himself from the site, complaining of unfair targeting by the mods. The PXG challenge was withdrawn, too…