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Tour Rundown: Kuchar, Westwood snap victory droughts; Langer wins Schwab Cup

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Playoffs are winding down on three of the world’s major tours. Both the European and LPGA played their penultimate events for the 2019 playoff runs, while the Champions Tour crowned regular- and playoff-season champions in Arizona. The PGA Tour, meanwhile, kept its wraparound season chugging along, as golfers gathered in Mexico for the 2nd-last individual event before the winter break. Despite the long grind, the only thing rundown about professional golf is this week’s Tour Rundown. Let’s have a look at all the winners and what led to their trophy lifts.

Kuchar wins first since April 20, 2014; So does Westwood

Matt Kuchar and Lee Westwood have much in common: both represented their sides in multiple Ryder Cup competitions; neither has won a major title, although such was predicted and nearly accomplished, again on multiple occasions. Now we can add the most unlikely commonality: the ending of 4+ year winless streaks, started and completed on the same days. Let’s begin with Kuchar at Mayakoba.

The Georgia native was left off this year’s USA squad that lost to Europe in France. Kuchar arrived in Mayakoba as one of many, but through 7 of 8 nines this week, he looked unbeatable. Over the final 9 holes, the reality of an 8th tour title set in, and his putting stroke quickened. Despite missing a handful of shortish putts on the way in, Kuchar was able to withstand a Danny-Lee challenge and claim PGA Tour Title the ocho on the Yucatan peninsula. In the land of Maya and cenotes, Kuchar sidestepped the big abyss of pressure and hoisted the unique winner’s shell. As for Lee, a 2nd PGA Tour title will have to wait. His final-round 65 was splendid, marred only by a 15th-hole bogey and a massive misread on his tying birdie putt at the last. For Kuchar, his local caddie El Tucan and the fortuitous bounce at the last, were the stuff that forms unlikely wins.

Lee Westwood has had his share of missed opportunities over the years, certainly more than Kuchar. In South Africa this week, the English champion dumped the bagel that had followed him since mid-April, four years ago. Over the course of the final round, Westwood did battle with Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen, golfers with the major-championship cred that has escaped the Englishman his entire career. As Westwood piled on the birdies, Garcia and Oosthuizen played slower and slower, eventually reaching the attention of tour officials. Garcia looks poised to repeat his 20+ regrips of year past, but victory was not to be his this week. Hoping to enchant the home-country crowd, Oosthuizen got wayward, way too often, and finished 3rd alone at -11, one behind Garcia. Westwood’s closing 64 featured an early eagle and 6 birdies, superior stuff to anything his challengers had on offer.

Gaby Lopez claims 1st LPGA win at Blue Bay

Gaby Lopez, in the midst of her third season on the LPGA Tour, played sublime golf this week on China’s Hainan Island. Staring down a challenge from the great Ariya Jutanugarn, Lopez nearly balanced her bogeys (5) and birdies (4) and escaped with a 1-shot victory, her first on tour. Jutanugarn showed the erratic play that plagues her, making four bogies in five holes to fall well off the pace. Similar dismay befell Sung Hyun Park, ranked 2nd in the world behind Jutanugarn. The Korean had three bogeys and a double in her closing round, falling from contention to also-ran status. As for Lopez, even a missed, four-feet putt at the last could not steal the win away. Finishing at -8, one ahead of Jutanugarn, Lopez moved inside the top 50 in the season-long CME Globe race.

Singh, Langer elevate trophies as Champions Tour season concludes

They say that the first human to reach 150 years of age might already live among us. I propose Bernhard Langer as a candidate. The German giant won but twice in 2018, but his consistently-high level of play brought him a 5th, season-long Schwab Cup title. Langer held off Scott McCarron by 250 points. Winning this week was Vijay Singh, whose 10 birdies on Sunday gave him 61 on the day, -22 on the week, and a 4-shot margin over runner-up Tim Petrovic. The aforementioned McCarron, in the catbird’s seat on Sunday morning, failed to come through in the season’s final round. With victory in clear sight after opening rounds of 65-64-66, the California native made two double and two bogies in round four, tumbling to 72, a tie for 3rd, and no Schwab Cup. Singh’s victory moved him to 4th on the season-long list, just ahead of Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez and behind Langer, McCarron and Scott Parel.

Ronald Montesano writes for GolfWRX.com from western New York. He dabbles in coaching golf and teaching Spanish, in addition to scribbling columns on all aspects of golf, from apparel to architecture, from equipment to travel. Follow Ronald on Twitter at @buffalogolfer.

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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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