News

Morning 9: Bird-flipper won’t appeal | Strong starts for Scott, Mickelson | The (golf) beard returns

Published

7 years ago

Oct 4, 2019

Ben Alberstadt

By Ben Alberstadt

Email me at [email protected] and find me at @benalberstadt on Instagram

October 4, 2019

Good Friday morning, golf fans.

1. Kim won’t appeal

Golfweek staff report on the middle-finger-giving Kim…”South Korean golfer Bio Kim will not appeal the three-year ban or fine he received from the Korean Tour, according to a report by ESPN.”

“…On Monday, Kim apologized for his actions, telling ESPN’s Michael Collins he was “sincerely sorry” and “takes full responsibility.” Kim said he raised his middle finger toward a spectator after the fan’s cellphone camera went off during his backswing on the 16th tee.”

“Kim will not appeal the suspension because he believes a fine and punishment are warranted, according to ESPN. He also said he chose not to appeal either disciplinary action because it might give the appearance that his apology was not genuine.”

Full piece.

2. Shriners round one leader: Nick Taylor

AP…”Nick Taylor had to scramble for par on his opening two holes Thursday, and then he couldn’t miss in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.”

“Taylor ran off a six-hole stretch at 6-under par, including a drive on the 314-yard 14th hole at the TPC Summerlin that stopped 5 feet away for eagle. He birdied all the par 5s, kept bogeys off his card and opened with an 8-under 63 for a one-shot lead over Brian Harman.”

Full piece.

3. Not knowing where the ball is going is working out well

Steve Dimeglio for Golfweek…”The 2013 Masters champion, former world No. 1 and one of the game’s best players for more than 15 years isn’t exactly sure where the ball is going these days.”

“Somewhat baffled as he stands over the ball, he said he just has to trust what he’s doing and hope that gets the job done.”

“Well, it did on Thursday in the first round of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at TPC Summerlin. The winner of 29 titles worldwide shot a bogey-free, 5-under-par 66 to stand three shots behind pace-setting Nick Taylor.”

“My score,” Scott laughed when asked what he was most pleased with about his play in the opening round.

Full piece.

4. Vegas, babies!

Golf Channel’s Nick Menta…”Matt Wolff, Collin Morikawa and Joaquin Niemann are a combined 64 years old.”

“…For reference, Niemann is 20, Wolff is 20, and Morikawa is 22.”

“…This trio of newly minted PGA Tour winners was in the spotlight and in front of the cameras on Thursday at TPC Summerlin, strolling around as a late-afternoon featured group at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.”

“Wolff and Morikawa both opened with 67, Niemann with a 69.”

Full piece.

5. Spanish Open

With round 2 underway, here’s a quick round one update from Spain…(AP report) “Kristian Krogh Johannessen of Norway shot a career-best 8-under 63 to match the course record and take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Spanish Open on Thursday.”

“Johannessen birdied four of his last six holes at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid for the lowest opening round in the event’s history. The only bogey for the Norwegian came on the par-4 16th hole, right after he made an eagle on the par-4 15th.”

”It was a good round,” Johannessen said. ”I didn’t hit it perfectly but hit it in the right spots, even when I missed, and I holed some good putts. I’m out there having fun and playing smart. It’s a tricky course … I just need to keep cool and play my own game.”

Full piece.

6. Meadow in front

AP report…”Stephanie Meadow had five straight birdies on the front nine and shot an 8-under 63 in hot and humid conditions Thursday to take the first-round lead in the LPGA Tour’s Volunteers of America Classic.”

“Sticky. I’m pretty hot, but it was a great day,” Meadow said. “I hit the ball really well, putted really nicely, so it’s a good start. “

“Seeking her first tour victory, the 27-year-old former University of Alabama player from Northern Ireland began the birdie run on the par-5 second and capped it on the par-5 sixth in mid-90-degree heat at Old American Golf Club.”

Full piece.

7. DeLaet’s back

Good to see one the coolest PGA Tour pros inside the ropes again

Golf Channel’s Nick Menta...”Making his first PGA Tour start in nearly two years, Graham DeLaet admitted he was uncomfortable.”

“During a front-nine 40, one that included a triple bogey just three holes into his return, he was gripping his putter too tightly and trying to guide his ball around TPC Summerlin.”

“And yet, DeLaet realized he was enjoying himself.”

“I was 5 over through four [holes] ... but it didn’t even matter,” he said after a Thursday 75 at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. “I was out there having fun. I’m back on the PGA Tour again.”

Full piece.

8. Cardi B’s next album…

Golf Digest’s Alex Myers...”During an Instagram Live chat on Wednesday, the rapper announced she’s going to name her upcoming album “Tiger Woods.” No, not in honor of the 15-time major champ, but literally after Tiger Woods. As in, at some point in the near future, kids will be able to walk into a Tower Records and buy Cardi B’s new CD, “Tiger Woods.” Wait, kids don’t buy CDs these days? And Tower Records doesn’t exist anymore?! Sigh.”

“…Anyway, here was Cardi B’s reasoning for the title…”I think I’m going to name my album Tiger Woods,” she said. “I’m going to name my album, I think, Tiger Woods, because, remember when everybody was talking sht on Tiger Woods […] and then he fcking came and won that green jacket? That’s what I’m going to name my album.”

Full piece.

9. Back, backing it up

Golf Digest’s Brian Wacker on Phil Mickelson’s strong start to the Shriners…”Last week, he played in the Safeway Open, a tournament he’s competed in the previous three seasons. This week it’s the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, an event he hasn’t teed it up in since 2005. That’s only the beginning.”

“Before shooting of his opening-round 65 at TPC Summerlin on Thursday, Mickelson said he also will be competing at the CJ Cup in South Korea in two weeks. He added that there’s a “good chance” he will be at the WGC-HSBC Champions in China two weeks after that. The last time Mickelson played the WGC-HSBC was two years ago. Before that, you’d have to go back to 2013 when he also played in the CIMB Classic in Malaysia the week before.”

Full piece.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

8 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

8 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.