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Tour Rundown: Kirk survives 72nd-hole snafu | Vu claims inaugural tour title in Thailand

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Last spring, I was fortunate to play the PGA National Championship course that hosts this week’s Honda Classic, on the PGA Tour. It’s beautiful, challenging, interesting, and never, ever, easy. That’s no big reveal for any of this week’s competitors, but it’s always an awakening for the amateur golfer who wonders just how difficult it can be. Every other playing surface in sport is standardized; it’s the human opponents that make the game professional. In golf, it’s not just the opposition, but the extreme demands of the tour-quality, championship course. Here’s hoping that this course continues to feature on the PGA Tour, for years to come.

The Putt That Didn’t Win

It was a light week for legitimate professional events, as February eases into March. We all know what’s coming in the third month of 2023, but this final week of tournaments left us much to remember. Let’s do our weekly Tour Rundown in three, two, one, and GO!

PGA Tour: Kirk survives 72nd hole snafu to claim fifth tour title

You wouldn’t be alone if you asked Chris Kirk why he hit three-metal into the 18th hole in regulation. His answer might run along the lines of I can draw that club whenever I want or There was plenty of room left. No matter the response, the ball didn’t draw and finished its time in golf in Davy Jones locker. The ensuing bogey dropped the leader into a tie with Eric Cole, and the duo returned to the par-five’s tee for some overtime.

Eric Cole was beyond thrilled to be in this position. His 2022-2023 campaign been solid, with seven made cut in 14 events. Before Sunday, he had $363K in the FedEx Cup bank, and was looking to add to that figure in Florida. His bookend rounds of 67-66-66-67 brought him farther along than he had dreamed. Despite the missed birdie putt on playoff hole one (see above) Cole earned over $900K for his runner-up finish. Many boxes are now checked for the 34-year old journeyman, and perhaps it’s time to win.

As for Chris Kirk, the 73rd-hole birdie was the culmination of eight years of the grind. His fourth victory came at Colonial in 2015. It took him twice as many years to earn the next one. There were close calls along the way, but Honda 2023 will be remembered for his electric 62 on Friday, and his legal but inconceivable free drop on Saturday. Cheers to another win for the Knoxville native.

LPGA: Vu claims inaugural tour title in Thailand

Lilia Vu was as decorated as they come, when she emerged from the amateur ranks to test the professional waters. Unfortunately for her, she turned pro as the golf world began to navigate the worldwide pandemic. A limited number of LPGA starts in 2019 took her to the Symetra Tour for the next two years. She won three times in the minors in 2021, earning herself a promotion to the big tour for 2022.

2023 has commenced with great promise for the young Californian. Imagine being in the mix for a title with Lydia Ko, Jin Young Ko, Maja Stark, Atthaya Thitikul, and a young golfer from the host country who didn’t know that she wasn’t supposed to do these things. That’s what Vu was up against, and that’s what she overcame. Natthakritta Vongtaveelap had blitzed the Chonburi course with 67-65-64. As it turned out, another round in the 60s would have done the deed, but Sunday’s front nine was an adventure for the young Thai. NatVong made one par on her way to the turn. Four birdies, three bogies and a double added up to some shots lost to Vu, who parlayed four birdies into a five-shot swing.

On the inward half, Vu was just as resolute. Four more birdies against zero bogies gave her 64 on the day. Vongtaveelap made three birdies of her own coming home, but a bogey at the 11th, and a run of four pars to close, kept her inches away from matching Vu. With an life-changing birdie at the drivable 15th, Vu reached 22-deep and locked the door on her first LPGA victory.

DP World Tour: German pair battles to end at Delhi

Yanik Paul has played the best golf of his life over the last fortnight. The 28-year old from Frankfurt finished runner-up last week in Thailand, and held the 36-hole lead this week in India. Had Paul preserved a semblance of his two-day form, he might have earned a four-shot win as Olesen did last week. Instead, Paul went into grinder mode on the weekend, and closed with 71-70. This allowed countryman Marcel Siem to enter the picture.

Siem with 69-70, but closed with the all-important 67-68, making up a number of shots on the leader. Paul’s sole tour win came last October in a playoff, but Siem counted four titles to his credit, over a near-twenty year career. When your last win came in 2014, however, you might forget the feeling. Siem was gutsy all day. He posted four birdies through twelve holes on Sunday, then recovered a lost stroke at 13, with a critical birdie at 15.

Yannik Paul did nothing wrong on day four, but not enough right came his way. His two birdies on the day accompanied 16 pars, and left him one shot shy of his older countryman. Some years ago, Siem converted to the long putter, emulating the great German champion, Bernhard Langer. At the age of 42, Marcel Siem had his fifth DP World Tour title, and a new lease on his career.

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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