News
New details in the case of the golfer who allegedly bit off another golfer’s finger
The man charged with biting off the finger of a fellow golfer during an altercation at Southers Marsh golf course in Massachusetts, appeared in court on Monday. Derek Harkins, 46, arrived in Plymouth District Court this morning, facing charges of assault and battery, mayhem and disturbing the peace.
The incident occurred on Friday evening at the Plymouth golf course, where two foursomes were playing the 18th hole. Police revealed that the altercation erupted over a dispute concerning the pace of play.
The victim was 57-year old Daniel Menton, from Marshfield. Menton had one of his fingers bitten off to a knuckle, and although his son attempted to save the finger by placing it in a jar of ice and rushing to the hospital with his father, doctors were unable to re-attach the finger surgically.
According to court documents, Harkins claimed that he had been defending his father when the dispute broke out and that he had found the victim’s finger in his mouth which caused him to bite down. While Menton stated that the sound of his finger being bitten off was akin “to the sound made when someone chews on a Dorito.”
Harkins was released on a $10.000 bail and ordered to stay away from both alcohol and the victim. On leaving the court, Harkins ignored questions from reporters waiting outside, making a quick exit. His lawyer did, however, make a statement, saying that “things aren’t always as they seem.”
Harkins will re-appear in court on Wednesday.
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!”
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.”
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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ogrodzenie drewniane z desek poziomych
Oct 22, 2018 at 10:09 am
System przegrodzenia, ?amie si? z tzw.
Harry
Aug 22, 2018 at 11:49 pm
“Things aren’t always as they seem.” Sometimes they are worse!
Tee-Bone
Aug 22, 2018 at 2:14 pm
Word is that the snack shack is offering a new item…finger sandwiches.
Bite
Aug 22, 2018 at 12:56 am
Bite his tongue next time
jc
Aug 21, 2018 at 3:35 pm
we were a twosome ahead of a 3some….big fat guys…one guy bounced a ball off the roof of our cart. my fellow player who is about 5’8 and 130 pounds goes roaring back and gets in their face and starts yelling at them…. I am thinking, ‘he is going to get killed’. and thinking what am I supposed to do..go back and get killed also? thankfully, the big guys said they were sorry…guess they didn’t want to get into a scuffle with a mad little dog.
KeithP
Aug 22, 2018 at 1:51 pm
We little guys cannot beat anyone up, so we just have to kill them. Big guys know that.
Speedy
Aug 21, 2018 at 1:33 pm
These sorts of things will likely continue until the mid-terms.
Swirly
Aug 21, 2018 at 8:13 am
How many fingers does that guy have now???
FORE!!!!!
jo
Aug 21, 2018 at 5:15 pm
badum tss
Tom
Aug 21, 2018 at 1:44 am
Harkins claimed he heard someone on a nearby hole yell, “Bite, Bite!” in reaction to a skulled wedge shot, so he did….
Ted Bishop
Aug 20, 2018 at 11:02 pm
I cannot believe Gianni is a freelance writer. This article is pure journalism gold. How he has not been scooped up by the New Yorker is beyond me.
Tommy
Aug 20, 2018 at 8:24 pm
$10.00 bail…a regular John Dillinger he was
Herb
Aug 20, 2018 at 4:10 pm
This is why I act like a p***y when I’m on the course and a potential dispute situation arises (e.g. group in back hits up on me). I have no issue getting into a physical altercation if I absolutely have to, but I prefer to pick my battles. These particular kinds of fights very rarely turn out well, nor are they ever worth it.
Dreg
Aug 20, 2018 at 9:17 pm
Or, next time, that some idiot pulls out a gun and starts shooting everybody, and we’ve all heard about those too, haven’t we
4right
Aug 20, 2018 at 10:02 pm
Agree 1000%!!! Zero benefit and you always lose. Golf course management should be on trial…
Rascal
Aug 21, 2018 at 12:01 am
Right you are sir, it can be hard at times during the heat of the moment though.
Fingers
Aug 21, 2018 at 12:56 am
Luckily ive never been in a fight on/around the course but the couple golf course fights i have seen were much uglier than the bar fights ive ever been in/seen. Not sure what it is other than guys already have their ego stroked up to the max and or still livid about doubling the last par 5. I remember one course fight guy was about 6’6″ 300lbs deliver 3 solid hail marries on another guy that was about 5’6″ 130lbs. The first one lifted the little guy OFF THE GOURND a good foot maybe 2 before spinning 270* then hitting the pavement.
BAR
Aug 21, 2018 at 7:59 am
Sounds like you did the right thing and just watched this happen.
Draw down
Aug 22, 2018 at 12:07 pm
If a guy twice my weight and a foot taller tried to do to me what you describe, his ability to ever do so again to anyone would be terminated. I would take out my legal gun and blow a hole in his brain. Not his leg or his arm or his finger that the other guy didn’t bite off, but right in the middle of his head. The Sheriff’s Deputy would most likely look at my concealed carry permit, take my story down in his and and then congratulate me on a job well done and ask if I was okay to drive home.
There are some good parts to Florida besides a never ending supply of better than average golf courses.
spottieottiedopaliscious
Aug 22, 2018 at 2:03 pm
You sound like a really chill, down to earth guy. Be careful not to snag your Tru Religion jean buttons hopping out of your lifted 4X4.
Jamie
Aug 20, 2018 at 4:03 pm
Golf’s in a recovery!