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Morning 9: Woods talks back 9 at Augusta | First pro night golf event | Slow play is about the fans

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By Ben Alberstadt ([email protected])

April 30, 2019

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans.
1. History!
Golfweek’s Todd Kelly on a bit of golf history made over the weekend at the Women’s Amateur Four-Ball…
  • …”Kay and Abbey Daniel made history on Sunday, becoming the first mother-daughter duo to reach the match-play portion of the United States Golf Association’s Women’s Amateur Four-Ball event.”
  • “The Daniels earned the No. 24 seed in the Round of 32 at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Fla., shooting 70-71 in the two rounds of stroke play.”
  • “I played awful, she played phenomenal,” said Kay, crediting her daughter. “She carried the team, and made a lot of pressure putts. I’m really proud of her.”
2. Woods talks back nine at Augusta
Our Gianni Magliocco…”What was going through Tiger’s head down the stretch as he chased down major no. 15?”
  • “Tiger Woods conducted his first extended interview last week since winning the Masters, speaking to Henni Zuel of GolfTV.”
  • “Within the  30-minute interview with the online streaming service (which the 15-time major champion has a content partnership with) Woods discussed what life has been like since claiming his fifth green jacket.”
  • “Woods gave a fascinating insight into what went through his head from hole to hole on the back nine at Augusta on that Sunday afternoon. The 43-year-old spoke candidly concerning his thinking from hole to hole, how he judged the roars reverberating around the grounds, his competitors coming undone on the 12th hole, and his decision-making process after that.”
  • “Woods also discussed how the win has yet to sink in, and how he hasn’t done much but relax since the victory.”
  • “I haven’t gone all out with any sort of situation. I really haven’t done much, I know that sounds boring. I’ve just been home and letting everything thaw out and just trying to understand what I accomplished. But I haven’t, I don’t think, come to grips yet.”
3. The “occasional golfer”
John Feinstein approves of Tiger Woods’ decision to rest between the Masters and PGA Championship…
  • “Some people may be surprised by Woods’ decision not to tee it up at Quail Hollow this week for the Wells Fargo Championship. It is the logical place for him to play before competing at Bethpage Black for a number of reasons.”
  • “To begin with, he’s had two weeks off since the Masters, and in the rhythm of a golf season, most players don’t like to take more than two or three weeks off at any one time. Plus, Woods has only occasionally played the week leading into a major in the past…
  • “But Woods is 43-an old 43 at that, given all the various surgeries he’s been through. He’s proven in the past that he doesn’t have to play leading into a major. In fact, his final major title prior to the recent Masters came at the 2008 U.S. Open…”
4. Night golf!
Golf Digest’s Joel Beall…”There’s never been an official, professional golf tournament held at night. At least until this week.”
  • “The Ladies European Tour is set to host the first ever day-night event-dubbed the Omega Moonlight Classic-on the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. Formerly known as the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, the new-look 54-hole tournament has been switched from December to May so it can be played in both the sunshine and floodlights.”
  • “We think playing under lights is going to be absolutely awesome,” said tournament director David Spencer. “Playing the tournament in May and under lights further showcases what an incredible golfing destination Dubai has become and how long our golfing season lasts each year.”
5. Will Rory be like Sir Nick or Seve?

Derek Lawrenson at the Daily Mail offers an interesting lens through which to look at Rory turning 30…

  • It’s interesting in this context to look closely at the records of the illustrious pair. Faldo achieved his first major the day after turning 30 and won five more.
  • In his twenties, he won 12 times in Europe and once in America – thereafter, he won 16 times and on eight occasions, respectively.
  • Seve was the complete opposite. Of his 50 victories in Europe, 33 were achieved before the age of 30. Nine wins in America, but only two in his thirties. The majors were the same – four in his twenties, one thereafter.
  • At 30, therefore, McIlroy is perhaps a stride behind Seve but at least a couple of laps ahead of Faldo. Now he’s grappling with the sort of mental issues that affected Seve at the same age. At 29, Ballesteros put the ball into the water at the 15th hole at Augusta to end his chances of winning the 1986 Masters and admitted to me a decade later that he was never the same again.

Full piece.

6. Kupcho, Fassi lead USWO qualifiers…
Golf Channel’s Samantha Marks…
  • “The two college superstars who wowed the golf world when coming down the stretch at the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur will make their professional debuts at the U.S. Women’s Open this summer after winning their qualifiers on Monday.”
  • “Both Jennifer Kupcho, ANWA champion and reigning NCAA champion, and Maria Fassi deferred their LPGA status after earning their tour cards through qualifying school in order to finish out their college golf careers. “
7. Can anything spur on the snails?
Golf Channel’s Randall Mell…
  • “Hey, this may be Howard Beale crazy, but wouldn’t it be great if a player with a math/science gift took the next step in policing and hijacked Shotlink’s “time par average” and developed an Official World Pace Ranking, to rate the worst players in pace of play. And then tweeted that out every week? This might be the perfect job for Bryson DeChambeau, if he weren’t a tortoise himself.”
  • “The frustration is that some of the wisest players on Tour are throwing up their hands in surrender.”
  • “…but this is more about the viewing experience, about the frustration fans feel watching a professional take three minutes to make a two-second swing with his group a hole behind. That’s what this is all about.”
8. Florida Tech women’s golf, dropped in February, makes NCAA postseason
Golfweek’s Todd Kelly…
  • “The Florida Tech women’s golf team was one of three sports cut by the university in February, along with men’s and women’s tennis.”
  • “On Monday, the women’s golf team was one of 48 to make the NCAA Div. II postseason.”
  • “The Panthers enter the postseason as the No. 6 seed in the South Regional, May 6-8 at the Cleveland Country Club in Cleveland, Tennessee.”
Full piece.
9. Another Mickelsonian calf-muscle building tutorial arriveth
The Golf Channel digital team spotted a new addition to Phil Mickelson’s workout series on the left-hander’s Twitter…for what it may or may not be worth to your efforts to be the envy of the shorts-wearing world.
  • “…While parts 1 and 2 of “Phil Kwon Do Calves” were simple pointing and pulling exercises – either while sitting in a comfy chair or even in your sleep – the final three parts he posted to social media on Monday take it up a notch.”
  • “Parts 3, 4 and 5 of this series sees Mickelson bring his patented “point and pull” methods to the gym, where he works out his calves using his body weight first, then adding a modest “couple hundred pounds or so” before finally doing the exercises one leg at a time.”

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.

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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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