News
Q&A with Wesley Bryan, 18Birdies new ambassador
18Birdies, mobile technology startup, just signed Wesley Bryan to a multi-year partnership.
Bryan will be featured as an 18Birdies ambassador by wearing the brand logo on his apparel, using the app to post “Live Rounds,” as well as other exclusive content in the app’s golf-focused social feed and making special personal appearances.
Since launching in 2016, 18Birdies has seen rapid growth and now claims more than 750,000 users. The app seeks to gamify the game of golf, as it were, and foster a social community. From GPS, to shot tracking, to stats, to custom recommendations in its Premium mode, 18Birdies is an impressive app.
Bryan certainly makes sense as an endorser, and he was kind enough to answer a few questions for us.
Ben Alberstadt: Taco Bell, Skechers, now 18Birdies. You’re amassing a unique stable of sponsors. Is there a tie that binds? What do you look for in a sponsor relationship?
Wesley Bryan: I’m fortunate enough to partner with companies that share the same vision that I do. I’m all about making golf fun, enjoyable and approachable. It’s important to me that brands I represent on Tour have that same approach.
BA: Considering YouTube, which is among other things an app, raised your profile and helped you earn a living before making it on the Web.com Tour, you have a unique perspective on apps among pro golfers, no?
WB: Technology is really an amazing thing – being able to connect with fans all over the world is something that I love doing. I recently played my first Tour event in Asia last week in Malaysia – it was incredible to hear so many fans referencing the content I’ve done with Dude Perfect!, amongst other things.
BA: Do you think apps like 18Birdies have a role to play in the growth of the game?
WB: Absolutely. We need to find a way to keep younger audiences interested in the game and one way to do that is integrating more technology and social media into it, which 18Birdies does a great job of. Kids these days are tech savvy and are used to being able to do everything on their smartphones, so an app like 18Birdies fits well into their lifestyle.
BA: Social media was/is obviously important to the Bryan Bros, but what motivates you to stay active and connected to fans now that you’re a PGA Tour winner and have no need for self promotion?
WB: Having the ability to impact even just a single fan of the game is huge. If nothing else, I hope that I can help grow the game’s appeal as I continue my pursuit of wins on TOUR.
BA: How important is shot and stat tracking to you as tour pro?
WB: Very. It’s what helps us improve as Tour players. We’re lucky that the Tour provides detailed analytics for us so that we really know what areas of our game need a little bit more attention than others. With 18Birdies, weekend warriors can devote that same level of detail to their games, too. I really think that taking detailed stats on the app will help players understand what they need to work on, rather than just practice without purpose.
BA: Do you think the average golfer can plan for upcoming rounds aided by 18Birdies?
WB: I’ve been impressed with the accuracy of their GPS rangefinder. It’s a pretty cool way to “walk” the course before you arrive to get a sense of how you should play it and what you can expect.
BA: Why should golfers download 18Birdies?
WB: They have a lot of useful features that golfers can take advantage of on the course from an awesome GPS rangefinder to score/stat/round tracking to distance and shot tracking and a virtual caddy that provides custom club recommendations.
Not only that, they do a good job of promoting a golf community by incorporating social into the app. I’ll be posting Live Rounds in the app throughout the season, so fans can follow my rounds in real-time and interact with me.
I really like what they are doing with their DreamGames campaign as well. Rewarding people for just going out and playing golf is a great incentive to go out there and play.
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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jack
Oct 28, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Need to do what they do in Europe. All golfers pass training tests, qualify on a short course and build real handicaps through tournament play. No fake handicaps, no playing without having learned the rules…
097
Oct 27, 2017 at 2:51 am
Good. Lets inundate bad players and newbies with more of this stuff and keep them occupied and confused, their egos crushed because the Stats on these screens tell them they suck at the game. But we good players can’t have them tinkering with more of this stuff while they play and slow the rest of us down! Enough chumps out there blasting their music and chugging beers and not paying attention. Yeah. Thumbs up! Not.
ReggieW
Oct 25, 2017 at 8:00 pm
If you’re a bogey golfer you don’t need this gizmo and probable you shouldn’t be carrying a driver or more than 10 clubs either. It’s only for pros and rec golfers who have more money than brains or talent.
“Golfers are gullible.” — Harvey Penick, Little Red Book, page 74…. believe it.
SteveK
Oct 26, 2017 at 5:39 pm
Ouch ~~~~~!!!