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Morning 9: PGA TV ratings | Queen Rose | Block on Full Swing?

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Wednesday morning, golf fans, as we head to Colonial for the Charles Schwab Challenge.

1. Garcia qualifies for U.S. Open

Golfweek’s Todd Kelly…”Sergio Garcia, who didn’t qualify for last week’s PGA Championship, assured himself of a spot in the next major on the 2023 calendar after advancing through a final qualifying stage Monday in Dallas.”

  • “There were 120 golfers vying for eight spots at Northwood Club and Bent Tree Country Club. Garcia finished the 36-hole qualifier at 9 under, tie for fourth, capping his day with a birdie on his final hole.”
  • “Garcia was among close to 20 LIV golfers entered in qualifiers aiming to make the 156-man field at Los Angeles Country Club.”

CURRENT 84-player field

Full piece.

2. Queen Rose

AP report…”With a flawless performance at the NCAA Championships, the Stanford sophomore now has done something no one else has, not even Lorena Ochoa: win back-to-back national titles.”

  • “Zhang shot a bogey-free, 4-under 68 on Monday to become the first woman to win multiple national titles and tie the NCAA record for wins in a season.”
Full piece.

3. As expected, no Tiger at U.S. Open

ESPN Report…”Woods had April surgery to address post-traumatic arthritis in his right ankle that was caused by injuries suffered in a February 2021 car wreck.”

  • He played in the Masters before the surgery, making the cut before withdrawing due to injury, but missed the PGA Championship this past week. He remains without a timetable to return.
  • The USGA said Monday that 33 additional golfers have earned full exemptions into the season’s third major, set to be played June 15-18. Among those now exempt based on being in the top 60 in the Official World Golf Ranking as of Monday are Jason Day (No. 22), Patrick Reed (No. 44) and Tyrrell Hatton (No. 18).
Full piece.

4. Block on Full Swing?

Matt Cradock for Golf Monthly…”It was a truly memorable and inspiring tournament, with it being reported by Daniel Rapaport that Netflix cameras were, indeed, on site for the tournament, with a large part of the coverage focused on Block’s incredible round.”

  • “Prior to his tee time, Block was seen on the broadcast being mic’d up by one individual, with Rapaport, who featured heavily in the first series of Netflix’s docuseries, ‘Full Swing’, tweeting: “Netflix was all over the Michael Block story. I’m sure that Full Swing episode might elicit a tear or two.”
Full piece.

5. Block gets big offer for hole-in-one 7-iron

Our Andrew Tursky…”I caught up with Block on Tuesday in Texas following his dream PGA Championship week to find out more about his equipment setup, and he revealed he currently has a $50,000 offer for the 7-iron that he hit the hole-in-one with. He has many money offers, actually, but $50,000 is the highest so far. He also said the PGA of America wants the iron to display, but he said he’s not yet sure what he’ll do with it.”

  • “For now, it’s still in the bag at this week’s 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge, and it has a dimed-out face from 10 years of use.”
  • “Here’s what else he had to say on Tuesday when speaking with GolfWRX”
  • “I know what they’re gonna do. Period. It’s not because they go further. It has nothing to do with anything. I’ve played a whole bunch of other TaylorMade irons. The new MC’s. They feel great and everything else, but these, as you can see with most of my irons and my wedges – my putter’s over 20 years old – once I have something that I know what it’s gonna do, especially under these circumstances under pressure. When there’s pressure, you need to know exactly what’s gonna happen, and every time I’ve ever tried to put new things in under pressure, it’s failed.”
  • “I did (put the lead tape on my irons myself). It was about maybe 4 or 5 years ago. They were just starting to feel a little light, and maybe all the grooves were worn off, I don’t know. But they started to feel light in my hands. And I do it so randomly. If you look at my putter, if you look inside my putter, I mean it is random how I put lead tape on my clubs. But I’m a feel guy. You can see my swing. I’m super feel. They’ve been good. (I’ve had them in the bag) since about 2013. No (I haven’t changed irons since).”
Full piece.

6. Koepka’s coach sounds off on Brandel

Golfweek’s Adam Schupak…”Harmon saved some of his spiciest takes for the media — of which he also is a member having worked over the years for Sky Sports and as well as hosting his own podcast, “Son of a Butch,” including this on Brandel Chamblee and Golfweek’s own Eamon Lynch.”

  • “Brandel is a paid actor by NBC and Golf Channel. All he’s trying to do is get his lines and shows for the Golf Channel. He’s just trying to get lines for Brandel … And I mean, I love him, I think Eamon is a fantastic writer, but for  Eamon Lynch and Brandel Chamblee, who worked for NBC Golf Channel to utter the words ‘sports washing’ when the company they work for televised the last two Winter Olympics in Russia and China with the same leaders that they’ve had. It’s not like they were good leaders back then. It’s not like Putin was a good guy, right?”
Full piece.

7. Ogilvy-Nantz design?

Golfweek’s Adam Schupak…”Jim Nantz and his former college teammate have united to make their dreams come true.”

  • “Mark Haugejorde is the chairman of Tepetonka, a 228-acre, private golf destination two hours west of the Twin Cities, which is set to break ground this year. Having signed the design firm of OCM Golf – consisting of PGA Tour pro Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking and Ashley Meade – to its first original U.S. design, Haugejorde announced Tuesday that esteemed CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz will serve as a design consultant on the creation of The Prox, the club’s short course.”
  • “I’ve always had this dream if I wasn’t a broadcaster, I think the most fun thing to be a part of is to shape the Earth and be in golf course architecture,” Nantz said during “The Five Clubs” podcast with host Gary Williams, course architect Gil Hanse and ESPN college basketball analyst and avid golfer Jay Bilas on March 1.”
Full piece.

8. PGA ratings hit 15-year low

Christopher Powers for Golf Digest…”Television ratings for the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship probably don’t rank very high among the things that Brooks Koepka cares about. That’s different for the network that broadcasted that round, CBS, and the viewership numbers being reported from Sunday’s action at Oak Hill Country Club.”

  • “According to Sports Business Journal and Sports Media Watch, CBS drew an average of 4.517 million viewers for Koepka’s win on Sunday, the lowest number for a final round of a PGA Championship on CBS since 2008, when Padraig Harrington outlasted Sergio Garcia and Ben Curtis at Oakland Hills for his third major title.”
Full piece.

9. Photos from Colonial

  • Check out all of our galleries from this week’s event!
Full Piece.

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

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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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