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Morning 9: Poulter, Hubbard day 1 leaders | Hull wins Rose Series | TW x Pebble Beach short course marches on

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By Ben Alberstadt
Email me at [email protected]
June 19, 2020
Good Friday morning, golf fans.
1. Poulter, Hubbard ahead at Hilton Head
From showcasing the horror of the COVID-19 nasal swab to the top of the leaderboard! AP report…”Ian Poulter and Mark Hubbard set the pace for good scoring through a brief spell of rain at Hilton Head.”
  • “Jordan Spieth was pleasantly surprised to join the chase Thursday in the RBC Heritage.”
  • “Poulter holed a 30-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole and finished with a 5-iron to 4 feet for another birdie that capped a 7-under 64, a round without a bogey but not without flaws. Hubbard kept his 64 together with two par putts at the end.”
  • “They had a one-shot lead Viktor Hovland, Sebastian Munoz and Michael Thompson among the early starters.”
2. Spieth’s wild 66
Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard…“Maybe Spieth has become immune to it, but even after starting his week 3 over through three holes, there was no panic.”
  • …”Whatever gear was missing last Sunday arrived in force on the back nine just four days later. Spieth birdied the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh holes to set a career record for consecutive birdies on Tour.”
  • “And this wasn’t the standard “Jordan” round that was built on a nonstop parade of lengthy putts. During that six-hole span he rolled in a total of 38 feet of putts. Put another way, it was one of Spieth’s best ball-striking rounds in some time and he was first in the field in approach shots. More importantly, it’s another step in what has become a long journey back to competitive relevance.”
  • “Spieth closed another eventful day with a 5-under 66 and an early share of sixth place…”
3. Hull wins first Rose Ladies Series event
Golf Channel’s Randall Mell…“Hull holed a 15-foot birdie to defeat Liz Young on the first playoff hole at Brockenhurst Manor in England. It was the first of the new eight-event series founded by 10-time PGA Tour winner Justin Rose and his wife, Kate.”
  • “I haven’t held a scorecard in my hand since January,” Hull, a four-time European Solheim Cup player, told The Telegraph. “It feels so good to be back.”
4. Kraken constrained
Steve DiMeglio for Golfweek…”After bashing Colonial Country Club into submission last week in the Charles Schwab Challenge with tons of tape-measure tee balls, Bryson DeChambeau got knocked for a loop in Thursday’s first round of the RBC Heritage.”
  • “Courtesy of Harbour Town Golf Links…The tight, tree-lined seaside course with daunting overhang limbs and menacing doglegs had the muscle-bound DeChambeau feeling like he was in a straightjacket. So much so that he couldn’t fully make use of his favorite weapon – his driver, which he has taken to comparing to a mythical sea monster.”
  • “Around the golf course, I couldn’t unleash the Kraken today,” said DeChambeau, who has startled his colleagues by gaining 40 pounds and 15-20 mph ball speed by devouring five protein shakes a day and pounding the weights on a regular basis. “There’s no way I could unleash it. It was just too tight out there. The wind was swirling all day, and I couldn’t feel comfortable to give it a good whack, but I was still able to manage keeping it mostly in the fairway.”
5. TW x Pebble Beach short course 
Our Gianni Magliocco…”On Thursday, Pebble Beach Company and Tiger Woods unveiled plans for a reimagined short course facility at Pebble Beach Golf Links which will include a nine-hole par-3 short course, and a putting course.”
“In a press release on Woods’ website, Pebble Beach Company and Tiger Woods, through his TGR Design firm, revealed that in addition, the new facility would also feature a 5,000-square-foot food and beverage venue.”
“Per the release, the plans outlined are:”
  • A short course comprised of nine par-3 holes ranging in length from 47 to 106 yards and measuring 670 yards in total;
  • A 20,000-square-foot putting course that can be set up in a variety of different hole and routing combinations; and
  • A 5,000-square-foot food and beverage venue featuring a full kitchen and bar, indoor seating, and the resort’s largest outdoor patio positioned for expansive views of the short course, putting course, Carmel Bay, and Point Lobos
6. “Classic U.S. Open Courses Awarded USGA Amateurs”
That’s the press release headline… Geoff Shackelford’s perspective: “The good-things-come-to-those-who-restore movement continues as longtime USGA favorites Oak Hill and Southern Hills were awarded future championships.”
  • “Oak Hill’s two courses where Andrew Green has undertaken an East Course restoration set for a big national stage return in the 2023 PGA, with the U.S. Amateur now coming in 2027.”
  • “In 2024 Southern Hills, fresh off a Hanse Design restoration, will host the U.S. Women’s Amateur. It hosts the Senior PGA next year and the 2030 PGA.”
7. No mic for BK: boom is enough
Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard…”On Thursday at the RBC Heritage, world No. 4 Brooks Koepka was asked about the topic and landed squarely on Thomas’ side of the conversation.”
  • “I don’t understand why they want us to wear a mic when there’s a boom mic that stands 10 feet away from every shot that I hit,” said Koepka, following a first-round 67. “If the announcers would just shut up and listen, you could hear every word that we’re talking about. I don’t understand what the thing is.”
8. Hadlinks Golf Club!
Golfweek’s Todd Kelly…”Minor league baseball teams for years showed great ingenuity in an effort to draw fans to the ballpark.”
  • “The Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, is using golf to lure people through the gates at Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine.”
  • “…The Sea Dogs’ stadium will have nine holes, with golfers teeing off from nine different platforms at the skybox level.”
  • “The longest hole will measure 160 yards and golfers can only use 7, 8 and 9-irons and wedges. So no, you will not be allowed to attempt a “home run” with your driver. But you will be allowed two shots per hole.”
9. A taste of his own medicine 
Mercer Baggs at Golf Channel…“There was a time when Davis Love III was the longest hitter on the PGA Tour…In 1986, Love, then 22 years old, was in his second year as a pro. He led the Tour in driving distance, at 285.7 yards.”
  • “On Thursday, now 56 years old, Love played alongside Bryson DeChambeau and got an up-close look at what all the recent Bryson rage has been about.”
  • “Well, now I know how I made some guys feel, I guess,” Love said after a 1-over 72. “He got me really good at 16. That’s when I realized, holy moly, because I hit a good drive at 16 and he just flew it over into the corner.”
  • “For the record, DeChambeau hit it 335 yards at the par-4 16th. Love hit it 282 yards.”
  • “I’m still at my number I was back in ’86,” Love said. “You know, I hit it 285. That’s no good anymore. I progressed, and then I regressed.”

 

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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