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Looking for a change: What Tiger Woods said about his new TaylorMade putter

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The golf equipment world was in a tizzy today when Tiger Woods showed up to the practice green at TPC Potomac with a TaylorMade TP Black Copper Ardmore 3. He put the club in the bag during his Tuesday practice round with Harold Varner III, Billy Hurley, and Rod Pampling, leading many to speculate he could, perhaps, make the switch from his vaunted Excalibur.

Woods told reporters he began practicing with the putter recently.

“I’ve been down in the Bahamas the last week, so I’m really gonna give it a good test today and tomorrow because it’s not Bermuda (greens)… I just want to see how it rolls out here. Put it through its paces.”

Could this really happen? Could he shelve his legendary Scotty Cameron Newport 2?

“I’m trying something out. The way I’ve been putting, I wanted to look for a change. That’s all it is. It rolls good. You never know.”

The way he’s been putting, of course, is not very well. The 14-time major champion is No. 89 in strokes gained: putting this season, and he had a particularly poor performance at the U.S. Open in his most recent action, needing 58 putts across 36 holes.

The Ardmore 3 has 12 degrees of toe hang, so it’s anything but the face balanced putter it might appear to be at first glance.

“It has a little more swing than my (Cameron) putter does. It feels good. I wanted something with more swing than mine…I feel like the toe is moving and swinging. It has a fraction more swing than mine does.”

Woods, who won 13 of his 14 majors with the Cameron, has used a mallet a few times in competition, most notably gaming a Nike mallet at the 2011 Masters.

Woods said he doesn’t feel pressure to put the club in the bag merely because he’s a TaylorMade staffer.

“It’s at my discretion,” Woods said. “If I find something that helps me play better, so be it. If it doesn’t, then it’s not going in the bag.”

Whether he plays the Ardmore 3 in his opening round will be a game-time decision, it sounds like. Woods is paired with Marc Leishman and Bill Haas for the first two rounds. They tee off at 1:20 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

12 Comments

12 Comments

  1. TONEY P

    Jul 30, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    Even Jack changed putters.

  2. gif

    Jun 28, 2018 at 12:22 am

    Tiger: — “It puttsputtsputts the ball really really gooder… 😛

  3. ogo

    Jun 27, 2018 at 4:24 pm

    Putting skill is solely contained within the design and style of the putter… because they are made of exotic metals machined to very high tolerances and designed scientifically. It’s the putter, stupid … 😛

  4. Ben Jones

    Jun 27, 2018 at 10:44 am

    Looks a little beat up. After using a blade style putter, these are like cheating. I switched from a Scotty to one and immediately started holing putts again.

  5. Lee

    Jun 26, 2018 at 11:13 pm

    That putter has 40* of toe hang since it has the flow neck not the plumber neck.

  6. Phil

    Jun 26, 2018 at 9:12 pm

    That putter looks so much better than the red one.

  7. Jeff

    Jun 26, 2018 at 8:26 pm

    “More swing”
    Does the Ardmore 3 really have more toe hang than the Newport 2?

    • The Dude

      Jun 27, 2018 at 8:05 pm

      sometimes I wonder if Tiger even knows what he is saying….

      • Bobby

        Aug 16, 2018 at 4:39 pm

        Yeah it has more toe hang and swing than his Newport 2 because it’s a slant neck ( I play a #9 it’s similar) vs Newport 2 is plumbers neck and just 1/4 toe hang. He can feel the toe more on this as its heavier, hence the “more swing” he is feeling.

  8. John

    Jun 26, 2018 at 7:53 pm

    His putting has been atrocious, so changing it up a bit may be a good idea. Bench the scotty if necessary and bring it back out once its been in timeout…….Big Tiger fan and if he can get his putting to catch up to his ball striking, I think he will win again (not a major). If he switches to this taylormade putter, wonder how long before he starts playing the taylormade tp ball? The Tour B XS is a good ball, so maybe not, but who knows.

  9. gif

    Jun 26, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    Ima gonna get one a those TM Ardmores to feeel wat Tiger feeeeels… oooºººh

  10. Lee

    Jun 26, 2018 at 7:29 pm

    Welcome to Team Headcase TDub. You are this week’s honorary President.

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Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

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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!”

Entire Thread: “Most Birdies Without Breaking Par.”

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Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

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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.”

Entire Thread: “Best current stock shaft 2026.”

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

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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.

 

  • GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

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