News

Morning 9: Women’s Olympic golf: No. 1 Nelly in front | Bryson on COVID-19, vaccine

Published

5 years ago

Aug 5, 2021

Ben Alberstadt

By Ben Alberstadt

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August 5, 2021

Good Thursday morning, golf fans. Check out my latest Tour Truck Report here.

1. Women’s Olympic golf: No. 1 Nelly in front

The AP’s Doug Ferguson…”Already with her first major title and the No. 1 ranking, Nelly Korda took a big step toward a gold medal Thursday with a 9-under 62 that tied an Olympic record and gave her a four-shot lead.”

“…Her 62 still tied the Olympic women’s record set by Maria Verchenova of Russia last time in the final round at Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro.”

“Korda, who won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club six weeks ago, was thinking more about the size of her lead than having a chance to become only the second woman to shoot 59.”

Full piece.

2. Decision pending regarding shortening women’s Olympic golf tourney

ESPN’s Bob Harig…”The women’s Olympic golf tournament could be shortened to 54 holes due to an approaching tropical storm set to hit Kasumigaseki Country Club on Friday, with a golf official saying the hope is that players will be notified before the third round if a change is made.”

“The scheduled 72-hole event is in danger because play is not allowed to extend beyond Sunday’s closing ceremony and the ability to play more than 18 holes in a day is mitigated due to heat indexes above 100 degrees.”

“We have notified the players that we may have to be forced to reduce to a 54-hole competition,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, an official with the International Golf Federation, during a media briefing Wednesday. “We will not change [Thursday’s] schedule. We will play 18 holes as scheduled. We will play another 18 holes on Friday, and then we will continue to track this tropical system and see what Saturday brings.”

Full piece.

3. Bryson

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…“A week after having his Olympic dreams dashed because of a positive COVID-19 test, Bryson DeChambeau was back on the PGA Tour – looking leaner and sounding a bit nasally.”

“DeChambeau said he lost about 10 pounds in the aftermath of his COVID diagnosis, which came July 23, during the first wave of testing ahead of his departure for the Tokyo Olympics. Unable to compete, he withdrew from the competition, allowing Patrick Reed to play for the U.S. Olympic team for the second time.”

…”When asked whether he had any regrets about not getting vaccinated earlier, considering his Olympic withdrawal, DeChambeau said: “The thing is, the vaccine doesn’t necessarily prevent it from happening. That’s where for me, I’m young enough, I’d rather give it to people that need it. I don’t need it. I’m healthy. I’m a young individual that will continue to be healthy and continue to work on my health. But I don’t think that taking a vaccine away from someone that could need it is a good thing.”

Full piece.

Surprised to see a quarterly print publication advertised in a daily email newsletter? Don’t be.

The idea behind the Morning 9 is a roundup of the day’s most significant storylines presented in an easy-to-digest format. The Golfer’s Journal occupies the other end of the spectrum: long-form, photo rich essays from some of the best writers in golf discussing all elements of this beautiful, maddening game.

More a collection of essays than a magazine. More a coffee table book of first-rate photos than a glossy, ad-filled monthly — GJ is a must-have for true lovers of golf.

GolfWRX may earn a commission of “GolfWRX Recommends” products.

4. Rose Zhang upset

AP report…??”Defending champion Rose Zhang tumbled out of the U.S. Women’s Amateur in the first round of match play Wednesday, with qualifying medalist Rachel Kuehn one of seven of the top eight seeds to fall.”

“Elle Nachmann, a sophomore from Boca Raton, Florida, who carries a 4.0 GPA in the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, beat Zhang 1 up at Westchester Country Club.”

Full piece.

5. Lexi’s bagman takes a rest

Charlotte Gibson for ESPN…”Lexi Thompson had a new caddie on her bag for the second round of the women’s golf tournament at the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday: Drew Hinesley.”

“Hinesley, who was in Tokyo working with NBC, took over because Thompson’s regular caddie, Jack Fulghum, suffered from heat exhaustion and dehydration during the first round and had to exit during the back nine at the Kasumigaseki Country Club on Wednesday.”

Full piece.

6. Tour reinstates indoor mask policy

ESPN’s Bob Harig…”With recent concern over the delta variant of the coronavirus and an increase in positive cases around the country, the PGA Tour this week re-implemented an indoor mask policy for all individuals, but it stopped short of resuming its COVID-19 testing.”

“Two weeks ago, the tour stopped the practice of weekly testing at events.”

“Given the increase in cases across the country, resumption of some level of serial testing is a possibility,” said Andy Levinson, senior vice president, tournament administration for the PGA Tour, in an email. “However, at this time with our high vaccination rates across core constituents, our medical advisors have not recommended testing of asymptomatic individuals regardless of vaccination status.”

Full piece.

7. Spieth

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Even if Spieth said that he realistically could have won “three or four” times in 2021, including a major, he takes pride in his progression. No doubt, it’s been a resurgent year for the former world No. 1 who, at one point, was spiraling toward the top 100 in the world (now he’s all the way up to 11th.) Sitting No. 2 in the FedExCup standings, he has a chance to win his second season-long title and $15 million. He’s a virtual lock for a fourth Ryder Cup appearance, too.”

“I’m doing a lot of the major things really well now, which is allowing me to have more consistent start lines through the bag, which allows me to step up with confidence and have chances to win golf tournaments,” he said. “I wouldn’t say there’s anything that I sit there and say I’m doing it the best I ever have, but I think I’m doing a lot of things really well. I’ve given myself quite a bit of grace and I’ve gained a lot of confidence, but I still think that there’s a next level through the bag with each part of my game.”

Full piece.

Seriously — check out the spread above. Subscribe to the Golfer’s Journal (or give it as a gift to the golf aficionados in your life!).

8. Don’t miss 1-footers

Rory McIlroy had this to say regarding Justin Warren’s Monday qualifier playoff exit following a missed one-foot putt… “Don’t miss 1-footers, I guess, is a piece of advice,” McIlroy said. “I guess that’s a little bit tough love.”

McIlroy then continued, talking about his first chance to win a professional event, at the 2008 European Masters, where he missed an 18-incher in a playoff to lose.

“I thought about it for a long time until I got that first win,” McIlroy added. “But I guess the solace he can take is he’s played well enough to give himself a chance. Like we all do dumb things under pressure at times, I’ve certainly done them. The next time – you know, I learned from that that every putt that I had, I took a little bit more time and I wasn’t quite as careless. So there’s a lot of things you can learn from these things. I guess he can take encouragement that he gave himself a chance and he played well to be in that spot.”

Full piece.

9. WITB Time Machine: Tiger Woods 2013 WGC-Bridgestone winning gear

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour Prototype (9.5 degrees)

Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana White Board 73 X

3-wood: Nike VR_S Covert Tour (15 degrees)

Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana Blue Board 103 X

5-wood: Nike VR_S Covert (19 degrees)

Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana Blue Board 103 X

Irons: Nike VR Pro Blade (3-PW)

Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

Wedges: Nike VR Pro Forged (56, 60 degrees)

Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putter: Nike Method 001

Ball: Nike ONE Tour D

Full piece.

GolfWRX

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

9 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

9 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

2 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.