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5 things we learned on day one of professional golf’s return

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We expected, months ago, that the conversation upon golf’s return would center on Covid-19 and the remaining concerns that surround its potency. We did not anticipate the protests, the awareness, the focus on identity and rights. No, we cannot claim golf, nor sports, as a safe space, away from all that other stuff. Life is life, and our lives are our lives, whether at the daily grind or in moments of repose.

Illness and injustice do not go away, while respect and equity need to always be present. It is wonderful that the top of the day-one leader board at the Charles Schwab Challenge includes two men of color, two men of Hispanic ethnicity, one Asian-American, and a host of others. Being mindful of who we all are, at all times, will make this return to athletics worthy of a true celebration.

There are at least 5 things that we learned today, so let’s get to them.

5. The PGA Tour is filled with strange things

Gallery ropes with no galleries? I don’t think you can explain that one. If anything, there will be some sort of rules issue that emanates from hitting a needless gallery stake or rope this week. The sound of silence? Social distancing? Whoever thought that an ace from Sung Kang would generate…quiet? Whoever expected golfers to march together yet separate, at least six feet apart?

4. The role of the caddie is underrated

We saw the uncertainty of Fowler, Wolff, Johnson, and McIlroy at Seminole last month. To be fair, their message was different from this one. They promoted safe, proper golf on the edge of a pandemic. Today, we saw Justin Rose and Harold Varner III reach seven-under par. Want to take bets on anyone in the field going seven deep while flying solo? The caddie-as-confidant offers both audience and second opinion. Reading putts, calculating wind and yardage, are bonuses. So many things that they do, leaving the golfer free to go about his business. No more snark aimed at the loopers!

3. Did we time travel back to the 1990s?

How else to explain that Scott McCarron, David Frost and Keith Clearwater are in the field? There must be a logical reason, but it begs the question, wasn’t there a struggling pro more deserving of an invitation? You know, the type of outcry that got Vijay Singh drummed out of the Korn Ferry Challenge at Sawgrass? Come to think of it, why wasn’t Vijay invited to Colonial, instead of McCarron, Frost or Clearwater? Someone needs to read my introduction.

2. Justin Rose is playing us

Remember when he switched to Honma, and won immediately at the Farmers Championship? We thought he was brilliant. Then, well, he wasn’t. Now he’s back with Taylor Made, and whooops, he’s in the lead again. If he wins this week (he might-he won at Colonial 2 years ago) he’ll set us all adrift and we’ll race to replicate his set, something that will make Taylor Made very happy.

1. Predictions are in

Most likely young gun to win: Collin Morikawa

Most likely established star to drift away: Justin Rose

Most likely Presidents Cup star to claim victory: Abraham Ancer

Most likely leftie to emerge as champ: Brian Harman

Most likely escapee from Muscle Beach to contend: Bryson DeChambeau

Most likely winner from South America: Jhonattan Vegas

There are many more categories to reveal, so check back tomorrow for 5 things we learned on Friday at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

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.

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Brian LaFevre

    Jun 12, 2020 at 9:31 am

    The caddy comment is not valid. These guys play rounds outside of tournaments and shoot deep, the caddy simply lets them focus on the shots and not the numbers, while also not wearing their bodies out over the course of a week. The caddy is essential, yes, but not for the reason that they couldn’t go, “seven deep while flying solo”. That’s just ridiculous. I, for one, like caddies, as it is good for the game and for the players, but let’s be honest, if they gave the players a rangefinder and a cart the public wouldn’t notice much of a difference and play would speed up.

  2. AOC

    Jun 12, 2020 at 9:17 am

    I am offended that they are playing golf with everything going on! DEFUND THE PGA TOUR!

  3. jgpl001

    Jun 12, 2020 at 4:56 am

    I would like to see Rose’s WITB now
    Interesting to see PX back in his irons after many years with the C-Tapers

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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.

 

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 OccuNet Classic

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With the PGA Tour across the border in Canada this week, GolfWRX Tour Photographer Greg Moore stayed stateside and headed to the OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National Bank in Amarillo, Texas.

It’s always interesting to see what the guys are playing on the KFT, and this week certainly hasn’t disappointed so far, with some incredible wedge stamping on display.

Check out links to all our albums below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

Luke Potter’s custom Cameron putter – 2026 OccuNet Classic (KFT)

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From the GolfWRX Classifieds: Scotty Cameron GOLO 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition

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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @HuskerFlyer is sharing a Scotty Cameron GOLO with a BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition shaft. While the putter is certainly enviable, the Augusta-inspired shaft is equally noteworthy.

 

From the listing:

Scotty Cameron Golo 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition Scotty Headcover 34″ $375

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules.

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