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Morning 9: Monahan discusses medical leave | LPGA ratings spike | FedEx St. Jude photos

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Thursday morning, golf fans, as the FedEx Cup playoffs and Women’s Open get underway.

1. Players meeting: Light attendance, unknowns abound

Rex Hoggard for Golf Channel…”Tuesday’s player meeting at the FedEx St. Jude Championship featured a predictable slate of questions and an equally predictable response from PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.”

  • “A lot of unknowns,” Tom Hoge said of the meeting that lasted about an hour and half and was lightly attended, even by Tour standards. “It was good just to have Jay there in front of us, see him again and see that he’s doing well. Who knows what the path is going forward. I’ll guess we’ll just wait and see.”
  • “The meeting was Monahan’s first with players since he took a leave because of a medical situation in June. According to various sources, the conversation focused on the framework agreement the Tour reached with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and the DP World Tour. The agreement allowed the three sides to negotiate a possible definitive agreement that would create a for-profit partnership.”
Full piece.

2. Monahan discusses medical leave

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach…”Monahan, speaking to a small group of reporters ahead of this week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind, said the pressure of negotiating the PGA Tour’s surprising alliance with the DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and players’ reaction to it contributed to his anxiety.”

  • “The framework agreement was negotiated secretly, and most PGA Tour players and members of the circuit’s policy board weren’t told of the deal until it was announced June 6.”
  • “I think the reality for me was that I was dealing with anxiety, which created physical and mental health issues and challenges for me,” Monahan said. “And I realized that I needed to step away and to deal with that and understand how to develop the skills to deal with that going forward.
  • “To step away at that point in time was very difficult for me, but I needed to take care of myself and my family, and ultimately come back here stronger than I’ve ever been to lead the PGA Tour forward. And my family and my doctors supported me coming back.”
Full piece.

3. PGA Tour exec Pazder resigns

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach…”Longtime PGA Tour executive Andy Pazder resigned Tuesday, two days before the start of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs, according to a memo sent to tour members.”

  • “Pazder, who spent more than 30 years with the tour, was its chief tournaments and competitions officer. He was previously executive vice president and chief of operations and senior vice president of tournament administration for the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions and Korn Ferry Tour. He joined the tour in 1989.”
  • “In the memo to players, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN, the tour said executive vice president and president Tyler Dennis would assume Pazder’s responsibilities.”
Full piece.

4. AIG boosts Women’s Open purse

James Nursey for Golf Monthly…”Organisers of this week’s AIG Women’s Open have received a major boost after the title sponsor extended its partnership with The R&A to 2030.”

  • “The total prize fund for the AIG Women’s Open has increased significantly since AIG became title sponsor in 2019. At this year’s championship, which will be played from Thursday to Sunday at Walton Heath, the prize fund is US$9 million – a 23% increase on 2022.”
  • “Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “We have found an ally of women’s golf which has formed the basis of our strong partnership and I am delighted to see that continue. We have a clear vision for the AIG Women’s Open; we want to see the best women golfers compete on the best golf courses in front of large crowds and show us how good they are.”
Full piece.

5. “I see a lot of greed” – Hal Sutton on today’s tour

Mike Hall of Golf Monthly…”Hal Sutton has questioned the direction of the PGA Tour, suggesting it is becoming too money oriented.”

  • “The 14-time PGA Tour winner expressed his concerns on The Golf Channel’s Golf Today show, where he told Damon Hack and Eamon Lynch: “I see a lot of greed to be honest with you. You know, I wore out two hips and a left knee walking to the model of charity is the biggest winner every week, and I pray that the PGA Tour does not lose that.“
  • …”However, the 2004 Team USA Ryder Cup captain insisted he had motivations for playing the game beyond financial rewards. He continued: “I was proud to be part of that. I was proud that we weren’t trying to get every dollar we could possibly get, but it feels that way now.”
  • “I could never imagine saying that I don’t love golf, I only play because I’m good at it. I could never imagine saying that.”
Full piece.

6. Phil can’t help himself

Our Matt Vincenzi…”This week, Jon Rahm said that his hope for the PGA Tour is for them to have a porta potty on every hole.”

  • “I can tell you right now, my priorities are a lot lower than what a lot of people would think. I know this is going to sound very stupid, but as simple as having a freakin’ porta potty on every hole. I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t choose when I have to go to the bathroom. I’ve told the tour this many times.”
  • In typical Phil Mickelson fashion, the six-time major champion responded to a tweet from “NUCLR GOLF” that shared Rahm’s quote.
  • “It’ll never happen.
  • UNLESS,
  • LIV starts doing it. Then it’ll happen immediately ??”
Full piece.

7. LPGA TV ratings spike

Todd Kelly for Golfweek…”The LPGA is enjoying record television ratings, with July being the most-watched in the tour’s history, according to a report by Sports Business Journal.”

  • “The 2023 U.S. Women’s Open, held for the first time at historic Pebble Beach Golf Links, certainly provided golf fans a reason to tune in. And they stuck around. Despite a leaderboard devoid of most of the tour’s big names, the third and final rounds on NBC each surpassed 1 million viewers. Sunday’s action peaked at 1.59 million, the best number of the season. The prime-time NBC window also helped the cause.”
Full piece.

8. Royal Lytham to make major return

Ben Parsons for Bunkered…”The R&A has announced that the AIG Women’s Open will return to Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2026.

  • “The famous Lancashire links will host the women’s major for the sixth time, eight years after Englishwoman Georgia Hall lifted the title back in 2018.”
  • “Royal Lytham has not held The Open since 2012 and was snubbed in favour of Royal Birkdale for the men’s championship in 2026.”
Full Piece.

9. FedEx St. Jude photos

Check out all of our galleries here!

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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