Opinion & Analysis

What the average golfer can learn from Tiger Woods right now

Published

4 years ago

Apr 28, 2022

From the standpoint of playing the game, there is much Tiger Woods has shown us over the years…much of which was seemingly otherworldly. His recent induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame showcases his on-course accomplishments…love him or hate him, you can’t deny his place in the annals of the game’s history.

What we can take from his last 14 months, which culminated in his return at the Masters is this…we all, no matter wealth, fame, ability, or lack thereof, are capable of making it through some of the darkest times we face individually.

What Tiger accomplished, and continues to do so, through his rehab, is a playbook for overcoming obstacles.
Granted, he has access to things many of us don’t, which allows him to heal and progress faster than many, in order for him to get back into the arena, at its highest level. Regardless of that, all the things which allow him to progress faster, it still comes down to one thing: having a strong spirit and will to climb the mountain once again. Tiger doesn’t need to do this. He could have just as easily called it a career and been proud. That route would have been much, much easier.

Let’s put this into perspective: Tiger is a world class golfer, one of, if not the best ever. To get back to even a shadow of his former self, he must train and work a recovery plan built to maintain a pathway of getting back to that level. Because of what he has achieved in his career, he is afforded opportunities to make that happen at a higher level.
For many of us, that face similar physical challenges, like Tiger has, and are fighting through our own journey of recovery, we do so on our own level. Our fight is no less, and with or without the advantages that a Tiger may have, it boils down to our spirit and our will, to reach the goals we have for ourselves.

Tiger, at his level, shows us a lot, and through that, can and does provide hope to many battling back from injury. The goals, the pathway, the means of trying to accomplish what is desired, personally and individually, may be worlds apart, but the necessary will, determination, and spirit needed to make it happen is no different for you, me, or Tiger Woods.

Opinion & Analysis

AVL: My U.S. Amateur local qualifying experience

Published

6 days ago

Jun 5, 2026

Andrew Von Lossow

This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.

I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.

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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.

With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.

Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!

Club Junkie

Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast

Published

7 days ago

Jun 4, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.

Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.

If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.

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Club Junkie

Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie

Published

2 weeks ago

May 28, 2026

Brian Knudson

On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.

I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.