News

Tour Rundown: Lazy Days at Lahinch, MinnesOHta Mania and Wisconsin Women

Published

7 years ago

Jul 8, 2019

The European Tour’s 3-week run in early July might be unmatched in golf broadcasting. For a fortnight and a half, viewers are afforded the opportunity (most years) to see the finest links in golf. Played as it was created, centuries ago, golf balls carom with abandon around fairways and green sites. Putts from 70 feet (and sometimes, 70 yards) maneuver to within the leather. Sure, there’s tremendous golf in the heartland of the USA and other locales, but give credit its due assignment: golf along the ground, along the British coastlines, is spectacular. With that, to the linksland and this week’s Tour Rundown.

PGA Tour returns to Minnesota

It was an unforgettable return to the PGA Tour for the state of Minnesota. A tournament that had been contested on PGA Tour Champions, essentially received a promotion to the PGA Tour Regular. The golf course, dotted with ponds so reminiscent of the lakes of the host state, offered opportunities galore for birdies and disaster. More than one scorecard told the story of doubles, followed by eagles, pursued by birdies. The champion turned out to be the type of golfer that the event hopes to be: young, unafraid, a little brash, and worthy.

Matthew Wolff is a valley kid from California. Like Rickie Fowler, he left the west coast for America’s heartland, pursuing academics and golf at Oklahoma State. He got big for two reasons: great play in college, and regular feature on George Gankas’ Instagram feed. Wolff jumped up large on Saturday with 62. On Sunday, he stormed the castle in the end, closing with an eagle at the last to vault over Bryson DeChambeau and playing partner Collin Morikawa, securing an initial tour title by one stroke. The runners-up did nearly everything correctly: they posted 66s and tossed up a potent challenge. This was Wolff’s day, week, and moment, and he did not back away, he did not disappoint. As Wolff featured in a Tweet to Gankas, his teacher, a dream come true.

@pgatour @3mopen @George Gankas @matthew_wolff5

The hat of a champion.

A gift he'll never forget.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/xhNC7J2zNy

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 8, 2019

Korn Ferry Tour visits NY/PA border

As happens each week on the Korn Ferry Tour, stories abound. The former Demon Deacon, making a run at his first, large-tour title. The US Air Force pilot and instructor, doing the same. The Kiwi grinder from down under, recently turned 40, also in search of the breakthrough victory. They toil in fair anonymity, the near-equivalent of the minor league ballplayer. Many of their tour stops are smaller towns and rural areas, where the KF event is the biggest game of the summer. Such was the case in Clymer, NY, where the Peek’n Peak Resort hosted another LECOM Health Challenge. As in previous years, when the likes of Bubba Watson competed, and winners like Chesson Hadley, Kevin Stadler and Guy Boros, held the trophy high, multiple stories collided into one, with Ryan Brehm the biggest tale of them all.

A single stroke separated Brehm and Tim Wilkinson (the Kiwi) as Sunday awakened. By day’s end, they had traded that stroke, and went into a playoff. Truly, they should not have been there. Brehm handed Wilkinson a 2nd chance by following a 71st-hole birdie with a 72nd-hole double bogey. Making a concerted effort to catch the pair, was the trio of Blaine Barber, Will Zalatoris (the Demon Deacon) and Chase Seiffert. Seiffert gave the greatest effort, closing with 4 consecutive birdies for 63, -19, just one shot out of the playoff. Barber and Zalatoris came to the closer needing birdie to join the after-party, but each came up short.

Off, then, went the pair of Brehm and Wilkinson to the elevated tee of the 18th hole. As in regulation, Wilkinson made a solid par 5. His 4th stroke lipped maddeningly out of the hole. Unlike regulation, when the hole ensnared him, Brehm made a right-proper birdie 4, securing his 2nd victory on the under-tour. On Monday, Brehm stood in 25th spot on the points list. On Sunday, he had vaulted to 5th place. The triumph ensured a return to the PGA Tour for 2019-2020 for the Michigan State alum.

@LECOMHC @peeknpeak @kornferrytour

Game of inches.

(Birdie putts on first playoff hole @LECOMHC.) pic.twitter.com/1LpsfcTr89

— Korn Ferry Tour (@kornferrytour) July 8, 2019

Irish Open at Lahinch

Great golf courses need a champion. Not the type that says “OK, completely change this layout for the professionals” (cough, Merion 2013, cough). The type like Paul McGinley, who lobbied to bring the Irish Open to lovely Lahinch. Yes, the USA won those two wars, back in the day, but it has a ways to go in learning how to cherish its classic golf courses, especially when these host the professionals.

Jon Rahm blistered Lahinch in the final round. Despite stumbling with 2 bogeys over the course of the day, the Spaniard made up for them on the 12th hole, with an eagle. He posted 8 birdies to reach 62 on the day, 126 for the weekend. The trophy gives Rahm bookends, as he first won the tournament by 6 strokes, in 2017. On this occasion, his margin of victory was 2 shots over Andy Sullivan and Bernd Wiesberger. On a day when the Spanish flag seemed destined to fly over Lahinch, Rahm worked his way through the course with precision. In contrast, countryman Rafael Cabrera-Bello jumped out to a 3-stroke lead, then lost his game. The Canary Islander birdied 3 of his first 5 holes, then succumbed to some ailment and bogeyed 4 of 6 holes as the back nine commenced. He finished in a tie for 4th with Eddie Pepperell and Robert Rock.

@ddfirishopen @europeantour @mcginleygolf

EAGLE for Jon Rahm! One back. #DDFIrishOpen #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/z5Xq1PoeKV

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 7, 2019

The tournament within the tournament

Qualifying for The Open championship is so cool! Each week of the Rolex Series (including the upcoming Scottish Open) three golfers not otherwise exempt, will earn a spot at Royal Portrush. Despite having 2 major titles, Martin Kaymer is still on the outside, looking in. Why? Well, Paul Waring birdied 4 of his final 6 holes to squeek past the German great and earn a spot in 2 weeks in Northern Ireland. In addition, to Waring, Bernd Wiesberger (2nd at Lahinch) and Robert Rock () also claimed a place in the run for champion golfer of the year. This week, not only will a Scottish Open champion be crowned at the Renaissance Club, but a triumvirate of grateful golfers will punch a ticket for Portrush.

@renaissancegc @TheOpen @ScottishOpen

Blind par 3.

No problem for @BWiesberger. pic.twitter.com/Je3HzkK7rS

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 7, 2019

Loaded ladies field makes Wisconsin #Awesummer

There’s a reason we left the exciting, Thornberry Creek news for last. In the awesummest awesummer of them all, four golfers went into the final round tied for the lead at -20. Tiffany Joh, she of the piano playing and the standup comedy, shot a laudable 67. It earned her a tie for 3rd with Amy Yang. Sung Hyun Park, whom everyone expected to win for a 2nd consecutive week, had 69 for a tie for 6th spot. Ariya Jutanugarn, the 2018 US Open champion, went 2-eagle low with 64. She made a deuce at the par 4 sixth hole, and a 3 at the par 5 9th hole. Out in 30 strokes, she looked like the world-beater on Sunday. Alas, her ridiculous bogey at the par 5 15th hole did her in. She needed perfection on this day, and it went a-wandering.

So who, then? Shanshan Feng, she of the cow-print pants and the permanent smile, turned in a remarkable 63 to reach -29, one beyond the grasp of Jutanugarn. Feng had no eagles, but otherwise, she was perfect. 9 birdies, 9 pars, with a 7-feet putt for a 3 at the last. The 2016 bronze medal winner in Rio claimed her 10th tour title after her duel with Ariya. The golf on all fronts was blindingly good; as with all tournaments, only one golfer hoists the trophy. Feng probably won’t win the Race to CME Globe (symbolic of LPGA supremacy) this year, but she did leap 15 spots in the standings with her victory.

@lpga @shanshanfengCHN @thornberrylpga

Sunday saw a barrage of low scores as a number of players made a run towards the top of the leaderboard.@shanshanfengCHN emerged from that crowd victorious to claim her tenth @LPGA Tour victory.

HIGHLIGHTS ?? pic.twitter.com/SA5XkOQbG3

— LPGA (@LPGA) July 8, 2019

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

10 hours ago

Jun 11, 2026

Will Schube

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.”

News

Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

10 hours ago

Jun 11, 2026

Will Schube

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.”

News

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

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

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.