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Morning 9: LPGA, Euro Tour restart dates set | Ryder Cup 2020 decision looming | How fast is too fast for Bryson?

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By Ben Alberstadt
Email me at [email protected]

June 17, 2020

Good Wednesday morning, golf fans. We’ve got an exciting partnership to announce golf GolfWRXers in general and ClubWRX members in particular! Check out the details of GolfWRX x Golf Avenue. 
1. LPGA to resume in Toledo
Golf Channel’s Randall Mell with the details of a newly minted tournament (at Inverness!) and a schedule shuffle…”The LPGA will do a new Ohio two-step in its return to action this summer…Much like the PGA Tour is doing next month, the women’s tour is adding a new Ohio event to give its players back-to-back starts in the state.”
“The LPGA announced Tuesday that it is moving the Marathon Classic in suburban Toledo back two weeks, to Aug. 6-9. This will accommodate a new event, the LPGA Drive On Championship, a 54-hole tournament scheduled for July 31-Aug. 2 at Inverness Club in Toledo.”
…”The Drive On Championship will now host the LPGA’s restart. It will be played without spectators and without pro-ams. There’s no title sponsor with a $1 million purse being funded in part by some of the title sponsors whose events were canceled. The new event will feature a 144-player field.”
2. Euro Tour to restart in Austria
Brentley Romine for Golf Channel…”Instead of resuming action in England in late July, the tour will return two weeks earlier with back-to-back events in Austria. The Austrian Open will be held July 9-12 at Diamond Coutry Club near Vienna, followed by the Euram Bank Open on July 15-18 at Golf Club Adamstal in Ramsau.”
“The tournaments will be dual-ranking events for both European and Challenge tour members, each with E500,000 purses.”
3. Clock is ticking for Ryder Cup
The AP’s Doug Ferguson…”…what do to about the Ryder Cup. A decision could come as early as the end of the month.”
…”This is a complicated decision for the PGA of America, and it’s not as simple as postponing it until next year, as was the case in 2001 after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.”
“Among the many moving parts is the Presidents Cup, the event that looks like the Ryder Cup but isn’t.”
“Never mind that the Presidents Cup doesn’t have the history, tradition or interest level of the Ryder Cup. It’s not even close. But it’s a financial boon to the PGA Tour, just like the Ryder Cup is to the PGA of America, even if not to the same degree…”
“Moving the Ryder Cup back one year would allow for the full experience – for players and fans, even those watching on television…”
“But not having the Presidents Cup next year would be costly to the PGA Tour, which already is out millions of dollars by supporting some of its tournaments that were canceled to help keep them from going under…It’s important to the tour to play the Presidents Cup next year. That’s why the tour went to some of the top players last week at Colonial for a survey.”
4. Foley/Rose part ways
James Corrigan for The Telegraph…”Justin Rose is going it on his own after parting ways with Sean Foley, his coach of 11 years under whom he made his major breakthrough, won Olympic gold and became world No 1.”
“The news will come as a shock to the game because of their successful time together, in which Rose went from outside the top 50 to become one of golf’s biggest stars and Europe’s most important Ryder Cup players.”
“But it understood that when the pair met up again before last week’s PGA Tour return in Texas, Rose signalled his intention to oversee his own swing. The 39-year-old’s third place on Sunday at the Charles Schwab Challenge provided instant vindication after an indifferent spell.”
5. How much speed will be too much? 
Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard…DeChambeau said his ball speed was reaching 195 mph, but some players cautioned that he might be approaching the limits of what’s controllable.”
  • “It’s been really impressive to see what he’s done over, say, the last year or so with his transformation and obviously some serious gain in speed and power,” Rickie Fowler said. “Where does it become almost counterproductive as far as too much speed, where dispersion becomes too great? There has to be some sort of peak in there. It seems like it may be around the 190 [mph] area. It gets tough to control the ball going straight once you get to the 200 [mph]-plus area.”
  • “The long drive guys, obviously, have a lot of speed, but they can get away with 1 in 8 [drives] in the grid; 1 in 8 won’t do very well out here on Tour,” Fowler said. “But it is impressive. We’ll see kind of how it works.”
6. Fanless tournament total at 7
Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard…”First it was four. Then five. Now the number of PGA Tour events that will be played without fans is seven and likely growing following news on Monday that the PGA Championship in August will not allow spectators.”
“The PGA Tour’s original plan to return to competition called for the first four events, including this week’s RBC Heritage, to be played without fans. Added to that list is a replacement event scheduled for July 9-12 at Muirfield Village, the PGA Championship (Aug. 6-9) and 3M Open (July 23-26).”
7. 50th birthday gifts for Phil
Steve DiMeglio polled a few of Lefty’s peers to see what they’d consider getting him for the big 5-0.
  • Harris English…”We all need to pool some money together to get him a seat on that Elon Musk flight to the moon. The footage and commentary of Phil on the moon would be incredible.”
  • Zach Johnson…”Some Lulu Lemon yoga pants to accentuate his massive calves.”
  • Colt Knost…”A blank encyclopedia so he can write his own version since he knows everything.”
8. Fowler: I’d wear a mic again
Rex Hoggard for Golf Channel…”After wearing a microphone during last Thursday’s opening round at Colonial, Rickie Fowler said he’d do it again.”
  • “I’m sure there’s going to be more situations or times that guys may wear them coming up. I’m open to it,” said Fowler, who ended up missing the cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge, the first PGA Tour event back. “We’ll have to see where it goes. I think for the first time everything was good, especially for it being live, no delay. Next time we’ll just have to play a little bit better.”
  • “Fowler said he practiced with a microphone attached to his belt last Wednesday to prepare for the round, and that physically it wasn’t an issue.”
9. The DeChambeau distance gap 
Justin Ray of the 15th Club for PGATour.com with some interesting data…”But just how much bigger are Bryson’s drives than his peers on the TOUR? Historically, the difference isn’t as wide as some of the past kings of length.”
  • “In 2003, the average driving distance on the PGA TOUR was 285.9 yards. Kuehne’s average of 321.4 was a colossal 35.5 yards further than the average that season. That’s the largest single-season difference since the TOUR started tracking the statistic in 1980.”
  • “The average driving distance this season on the TOUR is 296.4 yards, meaning DeChambeau is beating the average by 27.4 yards. That’s the 20th-largest single-season difference, just behind Tiger Woods’ 1997 differential of 27.5 yards.”

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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