News

Tour Rundown: Hot potato Houston Open | Four-lady playoff | Phil

Published

5 years ago

Nov 14, 2021

The middle of November saw the first snows descend onto the lawns of our neighborhood. The flakes did not linger and were gone with the afternoon’s sun. The unraked leaves again showed their colors, and the grey skies foretold the difficulty of the coming months.

Against this backdrop, four golf tournaments drew to a close, and none resembled a foregone conclusion. Each offered its own sense of drama, and this made their viewing quite compelling. Imagine what the playing must have been! Join us as we run these events down, from the Middle East to Houston, and from Florida to ~~Foenix~~ Phoenix.

The leader keeping his nerve on the 17th ?@JoachimBHansen1 takes a one shot lead heading to the last. #AVIVDubaiChampionship pic.twitter.com/21QDT45WOB

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 14, 2021

PGA Tour: Houston Open ends up in Kokrak’s hands after hot-potato finish

Jason Kokrak won a PGA Tour event for the first time last fall. His name was on no one’s lips this week in Houston. The probable winner ranged from Martin Trainer, who led for a round or two, to Scottie Schefler, who seemed poised to break through for a win in his home state, to Kevin Tway, who appeared poised to complete a comeback into the winner’s circle. One by one, the probables slipped away, and Kokrak was the last man standing at Memorial Park.

The magnificent muni was without its usual, fast-and-firm teeth, but it sure challenged many of the world’s best in mid-November. The low round of the week was Scheffler’s Friday 62, but that was the only day when Mem Park gave up low scores with regularity. The weekend was a survival test, and Kokrak’s 131 total eclipsed the remainder of the field. The pride of North Bay, Ontario, posted consecutive birdies from the 13th to the 16th holes, jumping ahead of the chasing pack by two shots.

Scheffler, fresh off a debut on the US Ryder Cup side earlier this fall, looked for all the world like the day’s winner until he made bogey at three of the first five holes on the back nine. Two closing birdies brought him into a tie for second with Tway, and he left town still in search of his first tour title.

Four straight birdies. ?

Two-shot lead for @JayKokrak. ?? pic.twitter.com/aPkGRzhtEg

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 14, 2021

LPGA: Pelican Championship decided after four-lady playoff

Her complex armamentarium finally let her down. Nelly Korda had just returned to number one in the world, had played magnificent golf for 63 holes, then came apart on Sunday’s final nine. Bogey at the 12th and triple at the 17th dropped her from the lead for the first time. And then, as if she recalled the last of her five birdies, Korda summoned something at the last, posted a sixth birdie, and joined Lexi Thompson, Lydia Ko, and Sei Young Kim for an improbable, four-way overtime.

How did it all happen? Thompson seized control late but, in an all-too-familiar denouement, gave shots backs even later and dropped from -19 to -17. Ko made four birdies and zero bogeys on the day, and certainly didn’t expect to have a shot at the title. Kim, like Korda, made birdie at the last to jump from a top finish into a chance at victory. Off the foursome trudged to the 18th tee, where Korda ended things quickly.

Nelly ripped an approach into 10 feet at the watery finisher and, for the second time in forty minutes, made birdie. None of her challengers could match her, and the young Floridian had secured her fourth win of the campaign.

The playoff birdie that clinched win No. 4 of the season, No. 7 of @NellyKorda's career! ? pic.twitter.com/08mHoruUL1

— LPGA (@LPGA) November 14, 2021

European Tour: Dubai Championship boosts Hansen to new heights

Joachim Hansen and Padraig Harrington have a common thing: each made a putt at the 72nd hole to qualify into this week’s World Championship. For Harrington, the birdie meant a tie for eighth position. For Hansen, the putt was much bigger. It meant a second career win on the European Tour, and a tee time on Thursday in the circuit’s biggest event. That, plus the elevation to a new echelon where multiple winners reside.

I’ve used a bit of license in that first paragraph. The putt that won the event for Hansen (see above) came about twenty minutes earlier, at the 71st hole. Faced with a climb up a tier, from the front of the green to the back, with a bit of rightward tilt, the golfer from Denmark did well to negotiate the distance, ending about seven beyond for par. His left-curving effort found the hole’s center, and preserved his one-shot advantage. With par now all that was needed at the five-shot closer, Hansen complied, edged Bernd Wiesberger and Francesco Laporta by one, and breathed. Hansen was so relieved, he left his putter and hat on the 18th green 😉

The winning moment ?#AVIVDubaiChampionship pic.twitter.com/A5jBmqgz8U

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 14, 2021

PGA Tour Champions: CSC Championship ends up in unanticipated hands

Around five o’clock, six golfers were tied for the lead at 16-under par. It was that kind of week in the Arizona desert. Darren Clarke took an early clubhouse lead at 17-under par, but he suspected it wouldn’t last. Jim Furyk, attempting to chase down Bernhard Langer for the season-long title, faltered on the inward half with bogies, when birdies were needed to overcome Clarke. Steven Alker, the New Zealander on the most unprecedented tear in the history of the senior circuit, made a run at a second victory with birdies on his final two holes, but ultimately came up one stroke shy of first position. David Toms closed with matching 65s over the weekend to catch Clarke for third spot at -17.

So who captured the last tournament of the season on Tour Champions? Was it Brandt Jobe, who shot 66 on day four? Nope. How about Paul Goydos, who tossed a nine-birdie 63 onto the scoreboard on day four? Uh-uh. It was Lefty, Phil Mickelson himself, who reminded us how many more wins he would have had in a Tiger-less world. Philly Mick signed for 65 after six birdies and 12 pars. He reached 19-under and had to be relieved that Alker ran out of holes.

As for the season-long Cup chase, Furyk had the opportunity to be the first to win the Cup on both tours, but his T5 finish bailed Bernhard Langer out. One day after beating his age (64) with a Saturday 63, Langer posted three-under, yet dropped to 17th. That number was good enough to secure his sixth CS Cup, and first in three seasons.

Phil Mickelson finishes with a bang!

In position for his fourth win. pic.twitter.com/Me4Dq4v8oI

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) November 14, 2021

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

5 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

5 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.