News

Brian Harman is the 2023 Open Champion and Champion Golfer of the Year

Published

3 years ago

Jul 24, 2023

Runaway champions in the major game don’t happen all that often. 15 shots happened in the 2000 US Open, and 8 shots happened three times since, but none after 2014. The owners of those wins were towering figures in the game of golf, at least at the time. Woods, McIlroy, and Kaymer were formidable golfers, and each one’s reputation suggested a sense of intimidation. In 2019, Shane Lowry won by six at Royal Portrush, and he almost fit the mold of the Woods and McIlroys of the golf world.

Brian Harman does not cut a physically-towering figure, nor is his reputation for tour wins one for the record books. The golfer of average height and girth carried a pair of PGA Tour wins into this week’s Open Championship, and neither was more recent than 2017. Harman had led major events with 18 holes to play, but a) it wasn’t yet his time; or b) he didn’t know how to win; or c) both of the above.

Back-to-back birdies for Brian Harman.

Superb mental resilience. He restores a five stroke advantage.

Follow live on https://t.co/uD88irbPY5. pic.twitter.com/G0XufExpMp

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 23, 2023

How did the Savannah, Georgia native find the way home to victory at Royal Liverpool? How did he seize the lead after 36 holes, then fend off the old, the young, and the in-between, and claim stewardship of the Claret Jug for the entirety of the next year? The answer might be found in a few of his answers to post-round questions on Sunday.

“I haven’t historically done very good in the rain. It’s just always bugged me. I was really proud of the way that I struck the ball in the rain today.”

Imagine for a moment, that you arrive at the golf course, on the biggest day of your golfing life. You gritted out a minus-two round on Saturday, playing in the pressure of the last group. Your reward is another day in the final game of the sport’s grandest stage. And you find that the gentle zephyrs have increased in strength, and the sunny skies have turned gray and moist. And you’re not the game’s best rain player.

“I’ve got a lot of layers, man. I’m like an onion.”

We all know that Brian Harman is a great putter. He’s so good, his distance putts hit the hole dead center, full steam ahead. When he’s dialed in, the only requirement is: find the green in regulation. He also putts pretty well from close in, Through the first 54 holes, Harman was a perfect 44-for-44 on putts ten feet and under. Think about that for a moment. Think about giving yourself the same, ten-feet putt 44 consecutive times, and ask yourself, how many would I make? Well, Harman hits a lot of fairways, and he hits a lot of greens. He’s also pretty handy with a wedge around the green. Like Shrek, Harmans have layers.

Relentless from Brian Harman.

A 40 foot masterstroke from the long-time leader.

He is now on the verge. pic.twitter.com/NXEOg0kk0X

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 23, 2023

“My family is up at a lake house in upstate New York, so I’m going to get there tomorrow evening and I’ll spend three days with them, and we’ll do some fishing and I’ll get to spend some good family time.”

Win, lose, or draw, Harman was headed to Skaneateles to hang with the fam. What’s that? Oh, it’s pronounced skay-knee-AT-uh-luhs. It’s sort of near Syracuse, along the ring finger of the five Finger Lakes. There are absolutely zero flights from England to Syracuse, at least of the direct sort. My guess is that Harman knows a guy who knows a guy, and he’ll get there on a much smaller, fancier plane.

“It’s been hard to deal with. I think someone mentioned that I’ve had more top 10s than anyone since 2017, so that’s a lot of times where you get done, you’re like, dammit, man, I had that one; it just didn’t happen for whatever reason.”

Padraig Harrington, after his Friday round, commented that Harman had the perfect chip on his shoulder. Not too cumbersome, but hefty enough to motivate him. More people than his wife think that Harman is good looking, but he doesn’t have movie-star bones structure, and a quick hat removal reveals a balding head. And then there’s that height thing. Harrington continued that Harman doesn’t fit the mold, and so he doesn’t get the respect and recognition that he’s due. That’s about to change. He had this one, and it did happen, for a lot of reasons.

Mastery of the elements.

Brian Harman claims a supreme six stroke victory at Hoylake.

A magnificent performance. pic.twitter.com/Ic3HRsF5my

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 23, 2023

“After I made the second bogey yesterday, a guy, when I was passing him, he said, Harman, you don’t have the stones for this. That helped.”

As if Harman needed any more motivation. It’s like a scene out of Happy Gilmore, with a paid heckler working opposite the intent. Harman had slow starts on both weekend days, but his deep, internal resolve allowed him to turn the negative into a positive, and break away from the downward spiral. Golfers like Rahm, Kim, McIlroy and others gave chase on both days, but Harman never even cracked the door, much less opened it.

“Yeah, I look forward to coming back for a really long time. … the first time I came I played in 2014. I just didn’t know what to expect … But I came here and I was like, wow, man, this is unbelievable. The fans are incredible. Everyone understands golf over here. It was just a delight to play. Man, I’m stoked. Stoked to come back here.”

Like another fellow from Georgia, I suspect that they’ll welcome him back for a really long time. No matter what they knew or didn’t know, thought or didn’t think, about Brian Harman before this week, this weekend, this day, he now belongs to them. He is their Champion Golf of the Year 2023.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

9 hours ago

Jun 11, 2026

Will Schube

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.”

News

Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

9 hours ago

Jun 11, 2026

Will Schube

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.”

News

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

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

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.