News

Morning 9: Norman: Rahm move validates LIV | Åberg’s caddie on split | Cabrera’s first round back since jail

Published

2 years ago

Dec 14, 2023

Ben Alberstadt

By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Thursday morning, golf fans, as we turn our attention to the PNC Championship.

1. Q-School in session

Golf Channel Staff…”For the first time since 2012, PGA Tour cards will be handed out this week via the final stage of Q-School.”

“The top five finishers and ties in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, will collect Tour cards for the 2024 season. The event will feature 168 players and will be contested over two courses, the Dye Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass (par 70, 6,850 yards on the scorecard) and the East-West course at Sawgrass Country Club (par 70, 7,054 yards).”

“There is no cut in the 72-hole tournament, and players will compete on each course over the first two days.”

Full piece.

2. Netflix details Full Swing’s strong performance

PGATour.com staff report…”On Tuesday, Netflix released widespread 2023 viewership data for the first time in the company’s history, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the success of its offerings.”

“The report showed “Full Swing” was watched for 53.1 million hours from the documentary series’ release through the end of June. The eight-episode series was the 267th most-watched title in the first six months of 2023, despite its release in mid-February. More than 18,000 titles were included in the report.”

“Full Swing” outperformed the first season of Netflix’s tennis docuseries “Break Point,” which had 30.5 million hours watched. Season 5 of “Drive to Survive,” the popular Formula 1 docuseries that sparked interest in a potential series covering the PGA TOUR, was watched for 90.5 million hours. All three shows were renewed for another season.

Full piece.

3. What would Arnie say?

Golfweek’s Adam Schupak spoke with Sam Saunders…”So, when asked to comment on how he thinks his grandfather, who died in 2016, would have felt about the friction in the game since the launch of LIV Golf, Saunders is quick to say he can’t speak for “The King,” but that doesn’t mean he can’t offer an educated guess.”

“It’s not fair to ever assume what anyone would think, period,” he said. “I can’t tell you I think he would think this, but based on my relationship with him and how I feel about the game of golf and how important it is to keep it accessible and fun, I can’t imagine he wouldn’t be disappointed because I know I am.”

Full piece.

4. Norman: Rahm signing validates LIV

Mark Schlabach for ESPN…”LIV Golf League CEO and commissioner Greg Norman said last week’s addition of Spain’s Jon Rahm, the third-ranked golfer in the world, is validation of the circuit’s 54-hole format that incorporates individual and team golf.”

“Norman, speaking to ESPN from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday morning, said several players have contacted LIV Golf League officials to inquire about the remaining spots on a team that Rahm will captain.”

“I think word is getting out there amongst all the players around the world, even the top players, the best players in the world,” Norman said. “They love our format, they love our platform, they love the team spirit, the team atmosphere. And to be honest with you, I’ve seen it resonate very, very loudly this year. And obviously, Jon is an incredible addition to us.”

Full piece.

5. Storytime with Daly

Our Matthew Vincenzi…While sitting down for an interview with Tucker Carlson, John Daly told a story about the time he beat Tiger Woods while he was “still drunk” from the night before.

Carlson was speaking about Woods, and said to Daly, “You beat him hungover once?”

Daly replied, “I was still drunk, actually, but yeah, that was a funny story”.

“That was at Sherwood, early 2000’s (he later specified that it was 1994), there was only about 12 or 14 pros, but we didn’t play too good.”

“…So [the next morning] we tee off, my caddie was drunk with us. There’s only two times I’ve ever drank on a golf course. One, I had a few Coors Lights, we had a long wait to play the back nine at Riviera. I downed four or five Coors Lights; I was playing like shit. There’s like four groups waiting to tee off on the front, I downed those, shot -4 or -5 on that side and make the cut, think I ended up finishing 3rd”.

“But the funny thing about Tiger is, when I got on the tee, I had my caddie bring me a crown or a jack and coke, if you’ve never played Sherwood, the first hole, he’s walking and walking through all the cactuses on this hill trying not to spill my drink.”

“I grab my 3-iron and go on the tee. To make a long story short, I shoot like 65 he shoots like 71, he was shaking his head all day.”

Full Piece.

6. Åberg’s caddie on split

Our Matt Vincenzi…”This week, it was revealed that rising Swedish star Ludvig Aberg, has split with his caddie, Jack Clarke.”

Aberg’s new caddie will be Joe Skovron, who was previously on the bag of Rickie Fowler and Tom Kim, having a great deal of success with both.

While speaking with Bunkered, Clarke said he “didn’t see it coming.”

“He just turned around to me the week before last and said he was going to let me go, purely based on wanting more experience on the bag,” he said.

“Before the conversation I didn’t see it coming because of the results we had together but I totally respect his decision.

“I was shocked and disappointed by the decision, but at the end of the day it’s his decision to hopefully become what he wants to become.”

“When he said the experience in majors, I can’t say too much about it because I don’t have that.”

Full Piece.

7. Cabrera shoots level par in first comeback round

Ben Parsons for Bunkered…”First reported by Golfweek, Cabrera competed at the Abierto del Litoral (Coast Open) on the PGA Tour’s Latinoamerica Developmental Series in his native Argentina.”

“He shot an even par 71 in his opening round of the 72-hole tournament, which is his first competitive event since playing on the Champions Tour back in September 2020.”

Full Piece.

8. Tiger’s debut ball sold for huge fee

9. Photos from PGA Tour Q-School

Check out all of our galleries here!

Full Piece.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

19 mins 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

49 mins 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.