Connect with us

News

Morning 9: R&A not ruling out Saudi money | Tiger’s ex drops suit | Open storylines

Published

on

By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Thursday morning, golf fans, as day one of the Open Championship gets underway.

1. R&A CEO not ruling out Saudi investment

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach…”With the purse for The Open more than doubling over the past decade, R&A CEO Martin Slumbers on Wednesday wouldn’t rule out taking money from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment to help fund escalating costs.”

  • “Speaking to reporters at a news conference ahead of this week’s Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Slumbers said the R&A wasn’t interested in having a presenting sponsor for The Open but will continue to talk to various potential sponsors.”
  • “We have a number of large corporate partners that help us make this thing happen,” Slumbers said. “I think the world has changed in the last year. It’s not just golf. You’re seeing it in football. You’re seeing it in F1. You’re seeing it in cricket. I’m sure tennis won’t be that far behind.”
Full piece.

2. Open storylines

Golf Monthly’s Andrew Wright rounds up 8 of ‘em….among them: the 17th…”The course looks a little different than it did when McIlroy powered his way to victory in 2014. Most notably, contenders will have to deal with the new par-3 17th, which is set to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome come Sunday evening.”

  • “Little Eye” might measure just 136 yards but don’t let that fool you. It’s raised green is guarded by vicious bunkers and steep run-offs at every turn. Should even the best players in the world fail to find the putting surface in regulation, they are at risk of running up a card-wrecker.
  • “It’s already split opinion among the pros while veteran caddie Billy Foster described it as a “monstrosity” and warned that “this Open Championship could be remembered for a calamity that happened.”
Full piece.

3. McIlroy’s Hoylake hopes

Kieran Canning for Yahoo…”McIlroy, 34, seemed destined for double-digit major titles when he swept all before him at the Royal Liverpool course in 2014 and went onto win the PGA Championship less than a month later.”

  • “But the Northern Irishman has remained on four majors ever since, despite remaining one of world golf’s brightest stars.”
  • “I’ve had so many close calls since,” said the world number two.
  • “I’ve had a great nine years and won a lot of tournaments but the big four have eluded me. Hopefully this week that’s something I can change.”
  • “The past two years in particular have brought a series of  cases of what might have been for McIlroy…He has finished in the top 10 at six of the last seven majors.”
Full piece.

4. Report: Tiger’s ex drops suit

ESPN report…”Tiger Woods’ former girlfriend has dropped a $30 million lawsuit against the 15-time major champion’s estate, according to court documents obtained by the New York Post.”

  • “Erica Herman’s dismissal of the lawsuit was filed on June 29, pending her appeal of a judge’s decision that she must abide by a 2017 nondisclosure agreement she purportedly signed with Woods.”
Full piece.

5. R&A CEO worried about golf’s longterm financial sustainability

Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard…”During his annual press conference Wednesday at Royal Liverpool, R&A CEO Martin Slumbers expansively explained the association’s concerns and his desire to maintain what he called “financial sustainability.”

  • “Significant increases in prize money in the men’s professional game has resulted in the long-term reassessment of the business model for professional golf,” Slumbers said. “As custodians of the game, we have to balance the prize fund at The Open with ensuring the appropriate investment in grass-roots and new golf initiatives, ensuring pathways are in place from elite amateur golf to the professional game, and most importantly, promoting women and girls’ golf, both amateur and professional.”
  • “The R&A announced last week an 18 percent increase to the purse for this week’s Open Championship to $16.4 million with $3 million going to Sunday’s champion. While that bump is on pace with planned increases it’s well short of what is quickly becoming the norm in professional golf.”
Full piece.

6. Social media ire at LIV featured group snub

Our Matt Vincenzi…”Perhaps not unsurprisingly, there are no LIV players in any of the featured groups. That includes Cameron Smith, who’s the reigning champion at The Open. Typically, the defending champion is featured and that has held true the last several years.”

“Many fans on social media this week were not happy with the decision.”

“Perhaps due to the backlash they’ve received, The Open’s official Twitter account posted a video with Cam this morning.”

Full Piece.

7. Scheffler hits back at putting critics

Our Matt Vincenzi…”Unfortunately, the number one player in the world also ranks 115th in Strokes Gained: Putting during that timeframe.”

  • “He hasn’t finished outside of the top-5 in any tournament since April, but his poor putting has kept him out of the winner’s circle since March’s PLAYERS Championship.”
  • “Prior to his start at Hoylake this week, Scheffler spoke about his issues with the putter this year.”
  • “But I think I had back-to-back tournaments that I could have won where I putted poorly, and all of a sudden it became this thing where I’ll watch highlights of my round, and even the announcers, any time you step over the putt it’s like, ‘Well, this is the part of the game he struggles with.’”
  • “And it’s like, if you say it every time and you guys see me miss a 12-footer it’s like, ‘Oh, there it is. He’s struggling again.’ It’s one of those deals where I don’t pay attention to it,” he said.
  • “The things that I’m working on right now I feel very excited about. I’m hitting a lot of good putts. Pretty soon, a lot of those good putts will start falling in the middle of the hole instead of dodging around the side of it.”
Full Piece.

8. WITB Time Machine: Tiger’s winning WITB, 2006 Open Championship

Full Piece.

9. Photos from the Barracuda Championship

  • Check out 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.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

on

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.”

Continue Reading

News

Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

on

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.”

Continue Reading

News

GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Announcement

Our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use have been updated as of January 29th, 2026. Please review the updated policies here Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. By continuing to use our site after January 29th, 2026, you agree to the changes.

WITB

Facebook

Trending