Opinion & Analysis

Introducing the GolfWRX Handshake Award: The golf award you didn’t know you wanted until reading this article and almost certainly still don’t now that you’ve read it

Published

3 years ago

Feb 16, 2023

Introducing the GolfWRX Handshake Award: You do something in the golf industry worth recognizing, we recognize it, you get a handshake…and also a trophy.

This trophy.

But not really this trophy, physically, because that would be expensive. And with a budget of $0 and only the most lukewarm of buy-ins from management, it’s the best we can do…for you in recognition of your achievement. Congratulations. Well done.

We were inspired to start handing out Handshakes at this year’s PGA Show. Sure, it’s nice to say hello and browse booth wares, pressing palms and exchanging smiles, but that’s nothing compared to a handshake that lasts forever; one which can be proudly displayed on mantle, shelf, desk, or dumpster.

Without further ado, we are proud (well, some of us are…OK, a few of us) to present the 2023 PGA Show Edition of the GolfWRX Handshake Awards — and yes, we know the PGA Show was three weeks ago. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Best ‘Back from the Dead’ Irons Award

Awarded to MacGregor for the MT-86 irons

More photos here.

Putter Grip that will Shiver your Timbers Award

Awarded to Sweet Rollz for the Swashbuckler Skinny putter grip

More photos here.

Wedges you Thought had Shed their Mortal Coil but Really Just Shed their Skin and Now have Returned, like a Snake with New Skin Award

Awarded to Snake Eyes for the 685T wedges

More photos here.

Most Unbearably Excellent Seasoning-Opening Major that Rhymes with ‘Fasters’ Caddie Accessories Award

Awarded to Attaboy

More photos here.

Needlepoint that will put your Grandmother to Shame Award

Awarded to Smathers & Branson

More photos here.

Best Training Device for Biblically Awful Putters Award

Awarded to Me and My Golf for the Breaking Ball Putting Mat

More photos here.

Best Living Room in a Golf Cart Award

Awarded to Club Car for the CRU electric golf cart

More photos here.

Training Device for Golfers whose Detail Obsession would put Accounts to Shame Award

Awarded to the Maste for the Golf Swing Stick

More photos here.

The Golf Simulator that may Compel you to play Substantially Less Actual Golf on an Actual Golf Course Award

Awarded to TruGolf for the Vista simulator

More photos here.

NKOTB/”Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind)” Award

Presented to Rapsodo’s new MLM2PRO launch monitor and simulator

More photos here.

Best Golf Shoes without Spikes or Laces, Made of Rubber and to be Worn without Socks Award

Awarded to Biion for the Oxford golf shoe

More photos here.

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx)

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

1 week 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.

Follow Club Junkie:
Instagram: @clubjunkiepod
TikTok: @clubjunkiepod
Threads: @clubjunkiepod
X: @ClubJunkiePod

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.