News

Morning 9: Detry leads at Pebble | Norman: LIV full steam ahead | Pebble Beach photos

Published

2 years ago

Feb 2, 2024

Ben Alberstadt

By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Friday morning, golf fans, as day two of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am gets underway.

1. Detry leads, Cantlay lurks at Pebble Beach

AP Report…” Patrick Cantlay has spent about as much time on the phone as the golf course this week as a PGA Tour board member trying to nail down a deal for a $3 billion investment. It didn’t seem to affect his day job at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

“On a surprising day of weather when umbrellas gave way to sunglasses, Cantlay saved par five times and had eight birdies at Spyglass Hill for an 8-under 64 that left him one shot behind Thomas Detry of Belgium.”

“Detry worked his own short-game magic at the end, chipping in from thick, damp rough for birdie on the 18th at Spyglass to finish with three straight birdies and a 63. Torrey Pines winner Matthieu Pavon had the best round at Pebble Beach, closing with four birdies over the last five holes for a 65.”

Full piece.

2. Player reactions to SSG deal

Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard…“Reactions from players to the PGA Tour’s announcement on Wednesday that it had reached an agreement to make Strategic Sports Group an investor into the circuit’s new for-profit arm were predictably mixed.”

“For those who have been involved in the negotiations with SSG, which is led by Fenway Sports, the news of a $1.5 billion investment was historic and a reason to celebrate.”

…”There were also those who were concerned with the lack of details as well as lingering distrust towards the Tour’s leadership following last June’s framework agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which was negotiated in private…”

“Most players, however, were willing to take a wait-and-see approach to the deal with SSG as well as a potential deal with the PIF and the likelihood of intensified scrutiny from federal regulators.”

Full piece.

3. Norman: LIV full steam ahead

Ryan Lavner for Golf Channel…“In a letter to LIV employees, obtained by Golf Channel, Norman boasted the strength of the rival league and suggested that the Tour’s additional funding wouldn’t have happened without LIV’s arrival…”

“Let me make one thing very clear: nothing announced by other tours or investment groups changes LIV Golf’s positive trajectory or future plans,” Norman wrote in the memo.

“Golf is now viewed as an asset class. We proved this was possible and are now in a unique position to mold and drive this incredible growth opportunity. This broader interest and commitment to the game, and investment in its future, would not have happened without the emergence of LIV Golf as an innovative force in the golf ecosystem.”

Full piece.

4. FAQs on SSG deal

Golf Digest rounded up some FAQ’s, such as…

What is PGA Tour Enterprises?…”Officially, it’s an entity that houses the PGA Tour’s commercial businesses and rights, as well as those of the DP World Tour. Which is a fancy way of saying, it’s a division that’s meant to maximize revenue for the tours and their players.”

“The $3 billion will be funneled here while allowing the tour to keep its non-profit 501(c)(6) classification that carries tax exemptions for “business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, boards of trade, and professional football leagues.” Initially, PIF was expected to infuse, at minimum, another $1 billion into PGA Tour Enterprises, and LIV Golf would be folded under the Enterprises umbrella as well. The tour says PGA Tour Enterprises has a valuation of $12 billion.”

Full piece.

5. Cash infusion, new sponsor for USWO

Madeline MacClurg for Golf Digest…”The USGA announced that Ally Financial will become the presenting partner for the U.S. Women’s Open and the purse for this year will be the largest in women’s golf at $12 million. Ally also will be a founding partner of the U.S. National Development program. The partnership comes almost a year after the USGA parted ways with ProMedica, the former U.S. Women’s Open presenting sponsor.”

“Ally also announced that it reached an endorsement deal with Lilia Vu, the California native who is the current World No. 1 and captured two LPGA major championships in 2023.”

Full Piece.

6. Spieth doesn’t think a PIF deal is necessary

Golf Digest’s Dave Shedloski…”Jordan Spieth, a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board that approved the agreement with SSG, flatly said on Wednesday at Pebble Beach Golf Links, “I don’t think that it’s needed,” referring to a deal with PIF.”

“I think the positive [of a deal with PIF] would be a unification [of PGA Tour and LIV players], but I just think it’s something that is almost not even worth talking about right this second,” said Spieth, who assumed a seat on the board vacated late last year by Rory McIlroy. “The idea is that we have a strategic partner that allows the PGA Tour to go forward the way that it’s operating right now without anything else.”

Full Piece.

7. “Any shot, anytime”

Golfweek’s Adam Woodard…”A new multi-year agreement with Google Cloud and PMY will allow LIV Golf fans to watch any player live during a tournament broadcast.”

“The partnership deal was announced on Thursday morning just one day before the league begins its 2024 season at Mayakoba’s El Camaleón Golf Course in Mexico.”

“LIV’s new “Any Shot, Any Time” feature will launch later this summer on its LIV Golf Plus app, where “fans will be able to select exactly which golfers, teams, or groups they want to watch at any given time, as well as searchable and customizable on-demand highlight reels from any round of any LIV tournament.” Fans will be able to watch as many as four windows at once within the app.”

Full Piece.

8. Bryson: “I hope at some point we’ll come back together”

BBC report…”Former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau says a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf “needs to happen” to bring the sport “back together”…”

“We’re just going to continue down our own roads and how it all integrates and comes together is something to be seen,” said American DeChambeau, 30, who joined LIV last summer.

“I hope at some point we’ll come back together. It needs to happen. I hope people can just put down their weapons and come to the table and figure it out.

“As time goes on, I think things will settle down in a positive way for both.”

Full Piece.

9. AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am photos

Check out all of our galleries from this week’s event!

Full Piece.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

8 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

8 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.