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Tour Rundown: Crowe over Bo | Butterfield Bermuda to Power

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Halloween and Día de los muertos have arrived in the United States, and golf aficionados around the country have posted meme after meme about “scariest hole” and “scariest shot.” Let’s make one thing clear: the only scary element of golf is in the competition. Island greens are fun, until something is on the line. Great golf is marvelous, until the concern for its end becomes apparent. This week, the world’s tours went on pause, except for the PGA and DP World Tours. Fortunately, the Asia-Pacific Amateur also held its annual rite of recognition, this year in Thailand. Why is it important? For many reasons, although two stand out (read on!) It’s time to run down a triumvirate of tournaments in this week’s Tour Rundown…Boo!

Asia-Pacific Amateur: Crowe emerges after Bo sinks

Harrison Crowe carried a two-shot advantage into the final round of the APA. The Asia-Pacific is one of the amateur tournaments that earn the winner a spot in the next year’s Masters and Open events. It’s understandable, then, that Crowe went out in 39 strokes, courtesy of three bogies and zero birdies. His closest pursuer, Bo Jin of China, took advantage of Crowe’s struggles and made up five shots over the outward half. Jin posted three birdies against one bogey, and looked to be the deserving recipient of the trophy and the invitations.

As is often written about the Masters, the tournament doesn’t really begin until the final nine holes on Sunday. So too, did the denouement of the 2022 Asia-Pacific Amateur. Jin pulled off an incredible eagle at the par-four 14th to reach 15-under par. One would think that his deuce would have sealed the deal, but Crowe didn’t go away. The Australian made three consecutive birdies from 11 through 13, then followed with a fourth at the par-five 15th. Tired yet? Well, Jin posted a bogey at 13, but then Crowe made one at 16. The island green 17th, reminiscent of Pete Dye’s 17th at Sawgrass, caught Jin and he made a double bogey to Crowe’s par. After more back-and-forth than a tennis match, Crowe had a one-shot advantage on the 72nd tee. We’ve run out of words and energy, so suffice it to say that Crowe had to get up and down for the win, and left himself a five-feet putt for the title. What happened next was …

PGA Tour: Butterfield Bermuda belongs to Power

Ben Griffin and Seamus Power began the final round in Bermuda in a two-way tie for the top spot. Each had found a way to 18-under par, albeit with different numbers. Power posted three consecutive 65s, while Power went 65-64-66. With neither golfer having a massive track record for victories on tour, the door was open for either to claim the title, but also for the large pack giving chase.

Griffin lit the Port Royal course over the first eleven holes, playing the stretch in five-under par figures. Precisely when it looked like he would take a choke hold on the trophy, his grip collapsed. Four consecutive bogeys were followed by a crushing double at the 16th, and Griffin tumbled from 23-under par to minus 17. His week’s work brought him a tie for third spot, even with Kevin Yu and Patrick Rodgeres.

Power stood three-under par on the day through 12 holes, then suffered his first bogey of the day at the 13th. He would not make another par, yet unbelievable, would find a way to the winner’s podium. Three more bogies (15, 16, 18) were nearly balanced by birdies at 14 and 17. Thomas Detry quietly moved up the leader board, posting 67 on the day to reach 18 under par. Needing five at the last to secure a second tour title, Power breathed on his downhill, five-feet putt for par, then tapped in from three inches for the win.

DP World Tour: World’s trendiest country crowns its Masters champion

Portugal is popping and hopping, banging and slaying among the world’s gastronomic elite. Some of its neighborhoods have been recognized as smoking by the party people of the younger set. Its golf is pretty solid as well, and the south-coast town of Vilamoura welcomed the DP World Tour’s finest to its greens this week. This week, the Dom Pedro Victoria golf course played host to the year’s most inconceivable exhibition of golfing skill.

To begin, Gavin Green signed for three rounds of 64, and one of 65, to reach 27-under par. That demonstration was good for second place on the week. Tapio Pulkkanen (-22) and Eddie Pepperell (-21) represented the double-consonant brigade well, but their tallies only brought a third and fourth place finish, respectively.

The glory of the week was reserved for England’s Jordan Smith. The 31-year old golfer opened the week with a 62, then stumbled to 67 in round two. The game was afoot, until it wasn’t. Smith posted another 62 on Saturday, and suggested that he could not remember another time when he was playing as well. With Green maintaining the pressure, Smith etched a 63 into the scorecard on Sunday, and finished the week at 30 strokes under par.

Green’s 257 tied the previous low total for strokes on the DP World Tour. Nice consolation prize, right? Smith didn’t just win his second career title on the DP World Tour, and first in five years. He eclipsed the total-strokes record by three shots, and the below-par record (previously -29) by one. Indeed, he was playing some pretty good golf!

Ronald Montesano writes for GolfWRX.com from western New York. He dabbles in coaching golf and teaching Spanish, in addition to scribbling columns on all aspects of golf, from apparel to architecture, from equipment to travel. Follow Ronald on Twitter at @buffalogolfer.

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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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