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Morning 9: Distance Insights Project report finally on the horizon? | The PGA Tour’s “nice guys” | DL3 to CBS

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By Ben Alberstadt
Email me at [email protected] and find me at @benalberstadt on Instagram and golfwrxEIC on Twitter.

October 30, 2019

Good Wednesday morning, golf fans. Get your golf-related Halloween costumes ready…
 
**Just a reminder we’re looking for advertisers for 2020. Drop me a line if you’d like to talk about getting your message in front of the M9 readership.** 

 

1. Distance Insights report slated for February? 
The vaunted release is finally on the horizon. 2017: 3-yard gain across all major tours. 2018: 1.8-yard gain. 2019: TBD + other revelations?
  • Golf Channel’s Will Gray reports…“The USGA and R&A announced Tuesday that a joint report on a multi-year distance insights project will be released by Feb. 4, 2020.”
  • “The two governing bodies first announced the creation of the project in May 2018, and the relevant data from discussions with industry leaders and golfers from all ranks was collected through the early portion of 2019. While the full report was initially expected to be released sometime this year, that deadline has now been revised.”
  • “Reinforcing our commitment to ensure that the report is the most comprehensive review of distance to date, we are taking more time to complete our due diligence,” the statement read. “We appreciate the contributions and support we have received and believe that the data and discussion will benefit the entire golf community.”

Full piece.

2. Mr. Nice Guy
Golf Digest’s ranking of the nicest guys on the PGA Tour has returned (and the feature includes some genuinely curious caricatures).
Anyway, Golf Digest’s Dave Shedloski with a look at what it takes to be a tour “nice guy.” (and yes, Matt Kuchar is on the roll at No. 25) in general, and a specific roundup of the remarks for the No. 1 guy on the list, Rickie Fowler.
  • “Sky Sports broadcaster and former PGA champion Rich Beem: “I met a young man this year from the Shriners Hospitals and brought him inside the ropes with me at Quail Hollow. After the round, Rickie went out of his way to hang out with this kid after a long day of already being on the golf course.”
  • “Sport psychologist Gio Valiante: “He’s a really likable guy, and he’s just as nice. There’s no phoniness about him.”
  • “Caddie Brandon Antus: “I’ve seen Rickie under any situation, a child, a woman, a 70-year-old man … it doesn’t matter; he treats everybody the same way, and he’s very patient with everyone.”

Full piece.

3. College golfers can now profit from their likenesses 
Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…“When California governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 206 into law last month, he called the decision the “beginning of a national movement.”
  • “…On Tuesday, as more states continue to move forward with similar legislation, the NCAA finally got on board. In an unprecedented move, the NCAA’s top governing board voted unanimously to allow student-athletes to benefit from and be compensated for the use of their name, image and likeness.”
  • “While details were unclear, the NCAA indicated that it would modernize its rules on amateurism by January 2021, and has asked each of its three divisions to immediately consider updates to its policies and bylaws.”

Full piece.

4. East Lake Cup
Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine with the update…”Aman Gupta’s 2-up victory over Wake Forest’s Eric Bae gave Oklahoma State a 3-2 win in Tuesday’s semifinals, earning the Cowboys a ticket to the final against top-seeded Texas, which downed Vanderbilt, 4-0-1.”
  • “It will be a rematch of last year’s NCAA semifinal, where the Longhorns upset the top-ranked Cowboys, led by Matthew Wolff and Viktor Hovland.”
  • “…On the women’s side, Auburn and Wake Forest will play for the title. The Tigers knocked off top seed Duke, 3-2, while the Demon Deacons defeated Arizona, 3-1-1.”
5. DL3 joins CBS
Our Gianni Magliocco…“Following the departure of long-standing announcers Peter Kostis and Gary McCord, CBS has revealed that Davis Love III has been added to the broadcasting team beginning 2020.”
  • “Following the news, Davis Love III said in a statement”
  • “I have long considered CBS Sports the gold standard in golf coverage. Whether playing or coaching, I have always loved the team aspect of golf, and I am thrilled to now be a member of the best team in television.”

Full piece.

6. Casey Martin could be facing amputation
…let’s hope not, but, here’s the story…
Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Casey Martin’s worst fear was realized earlier this month when he stepped off a curb and fractured his right tibia.”
  • “That’s the leg that has been affected since birth by a debilitating condition called Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome that makes walking difficult.”
  • “Pain has been a common theme in my life,” Martin said by phone Tuesday, “but not like this.”
  • “Three weeks ago, Martin, the head coach at Oregon, was bringing in his garbage can when he stepped awkwardly on a road that was under construction. His foot slipped and he landed awkwardly, fracturing his leg.”

Full piece.

7. Xander’s perspective
Interesting stuff, per Steve DiMeglio…
  • “…Trouble is, Schauffele is thirsting to deliver his best performances on more stages.”
  • “If I just would be in contention more, that would be awesome,” Schauffele said. “I don’t even think I’ve held a 54-hole lead. So the way I look at it and the way my team looks at it, I haven’t really done a whole lot.
  • “It’s a little bit harsh, but it’s just sort of how I’m judged at certain times by either my dad or people on my team that give me advice, and it’s true at times. I didn’t hit some of my goals last year. It was definitely a year to build off of.”

Full piece.

8. Zambia’s first PGA pro
Vincent Kabaso for Golf Digest with a helluva story...”I grew up in Luanshya, a small town in Zambia. My father worked for a copper mine, which owned a golf course. Somebody gave my dad clubs, and he tried to get me and my six siblings to try. I was the only one interested. I was 9 years old, and when I came to the club, Roan Antelope, it was like walking into a different world.”
  • “…I never had a formal lesson. I had this weird stance, and I played with a persimmon 1985 Slazenger wood all the way through my teens. There were frustrating days when I felt lost. But I kept practicing. I became a scratch handicap and won the junior national championship by 15 and represented my country on the national team at 16.”

Full piece.

9. What Haney never questioned
A man who made plenty of bones commenting on and criticizing Tiger Woods, Hank Haney said he never doubted Woods’ course management abilities.
  • Luke Kerr-Dineen for Golf.com…“On his new “Hank Haney Podcast,” Haney lavished praise on Tiger’s course management skills, saying that in all his years he had never once questioned Tiger’s decision making, because he never made a mental mistake.”
  • “The thing that Tiger can do, what he said in his interview afterwards: ‘I can think my way around the golf course.’ Rarely, did he ever, ever make a mental mistake. When I used to coach players on the tour…after every round of every tournament, I would go through every shot. This swing on No. 2; this putt on No. 4; this chip on No. 8; what were you thinking on No. 10 when you make this play? And what were you thinking on No. 18? Why didn’t you do this? Why’d you do that? Not one time, did I ever in six years of coaching Tiger, did I ever question how he played a hole. I really never did. He just never made course management mistakes.”

Full piece.

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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