News

Dustin Johnson squeezes out 21st tour title at Travelers Championship

Published

6 years ago

Jun 29, 2020

Dustin Johnson endured a fair amount of opposition on Sunday at the Travelers Championship. As obstacles to his march to a first victory of the season, he had to confront his competitors, the weather, and the caprice of golf that never fails to inject drama into an event.

Despite these barriers, the tall man from the coast was successful in holding off Kevin Streelman and others, and completed a weather-delayed, one-shot victory at TPC-River Highlands. For the quintessence of what led to the denouement, have a read of the words of the sage himself.

1. “Obviously coming off of an injury, or surgery last fall, and then only playing a couple tournaments before our shutdown, so I didn’t really get a lot of golf to get back in a rhythm, and then coming out — like I said, I probably wouldn’t have played Colonial — if it would have been a normal season I wouldn’t have played there because I just wasn’t ready.”

To set the stage, with all that has transpired in the great and small worlds that we inhabit, Dustin Johnson’s September scoping of the knee was forgotten. Did you remember? DJ served well at the Presidents Cup in December, but had not played since his operation in 2019’s ninth month. After the quarantine layoff, it’s evident that golfers felt compelled to enter events that should not have figured into their schedule, for the mere opportunity to compete, deoxidize the swing, and acclimate to the absence of gallery presence. Also, is Colonial Country Club a DJ-type of course? This pundit suggests not.

2. “Yeah, obviously hitting the provisional, the second tee ball for that hole, I knew I had to hit a good one, and I did. You know, made a nice bogey there and then came right back and made birdie on 14.”

While it’s more likely that a professional golfer will make a birdie-for-bogey on a par five, after hitting a tee ball OOB, it’s still a feat of physical and mental fortitude. Johnson’s tee ball at the par five 13th, a 300-yard hybrid, was barely outside the playing venue. Thus did decree the rules of golf that he reload, hitting three from the tee. His storied composure was on full display, as he ripped the provisional into the heart of the fairway, reached the green surrounds with his fourth, and got up and down for six.

3. “Obviously you’re in the moment, you’re playing, you’ve already played 15 holes, and then you’ve got to stop and wait to go finish. 16 was a tough pin over there, but obviously I wasn’t trying to hit anywhere near it.”

I’m not certain that Dustin Johnson employs a mental coach. His vibe, his chill, his snoreless sleep under pressure, is one of his trademarks. And yet, should he employ such an expert, for situations like this one? Someone who lays out a game play for the entry into a delay, the time spent in the delay, and the return to play? It’s worth consideration. Folks like to debate the number of major titles that this behemoth should have won. How many times were those potential major wins derailed by a mental error? Might have been on Thursday or Friday, but not everyone has a Phil-on-the-last-hole “I’m such an idiot” moment. Often, those mental implosions occur much earlier, at an equal cost, in an event. I’m not your expert, DJ, but someone might be.

4. “Supposed to hit that ball right in the middle of the green and have a 30-footer, but got a little greedy and tried to squeeze it over there to the flag and didn’t hit a great shot.”

As he returned to play, after the hour of lightning postponement, Johnson was faced with a straightforward play on a tricky par three. He bit off a bit more than necessary, and got a chunk of food stuck as a result. The ensuing bogey halved his lead over Streelman, and made the final 800 yards a bit dicier. Johnson mentioned that his return from the delay, to a par three hole, was different. Why should it be, for professionals and amateurs? What is it about a tee ball on a par three, versus playing a shot to the fairway on a longer hole, that makes us elevate our expectations and our blood pressure? Have a look at TPC-River Highlands. Would you rather have the tee shot on 16 or the one on 17, on the heels of a delay?

5. “I wasn’t driving it good, wasn’t driving it really good all day … Today I didn’t hit many fairways, and that was the big difference … I hit a 3-hybrid [on 15 tee shot] very poorly. I don’t know what was going on with my tee balls today.”

During his post-round interview, the champion mentioned his inability to drive the ball as he would have liked. Three times, he mentioned his struggles. And not with just the driver. Other options were simply not there, and this only a day after driving the ball exquisitely, on his way to a career-low round of 61. Sunday saw gritty performances from Kevin Streelman, who made nary a bogey and finished solo second, and from Will Gordon, who rebounded from a Saturday struggle with a Sunday 64, to move into a tie for 3rd, a career best. It was Johnson, though, with all the swirling tension, who was grittiest of all.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

16 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

17 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

3 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.