Connect with us

News

Morning 9: Eckroat wins in Monday finish | Niemann in for PGA | Woodland receives Ben Hogan award

Published

on

By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as the PGA Tour heads to Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

1. Monday finish and Eckroat a winner

AP report…”Austin Eckroat waited a long time to become a winner on the PGA Tour. Another day didn’t hurt.”

  • “Eckroat got the first victory of his Tour career Monday, topping Erik van Rooyen and Min Woo Lee by three shots to win the weather-delayed Cognizant Classic. Among his prizes: $1.62 million — by far his biggest golf payday — along with Tour status for two years and a trip to the Masters for the first time.”
  • “Eckroat shot a final round of 4-under 67, finishing at 17-under 267.”
Full piece.

2. Niemann to play PGA Championship

Our Matt Vincenzi…”While speaking to GolfWRX, Niemann revealed that the Masters wasn’t the only major he’s received an invitation to.”

  • “Vincenzi: “So, you’re now in the Masters. You’re in the Open via your win at the Australian Open. PGA Championship, you’ll probably be in?”
  • “Niemann: “Yeah, I got an invite for the PGA Championship as well. So I’m in that one.”
  • “Niemann also added that he intends to qualify for the U.S. Open.”
  • “I’m going to try and qualify for the U.S. Open. Hopefully I have a good finish at the Masters and I won’t need to.”
  • “The top 60-point leaders and ties as of May 22, 2023, in the Official World Golf Ranking will receive an invite. Joaco currently sits at 72nd in the OWGR. Therefore, a strong finish at the Masters could certainly get him in.”
Full piece.

3. Tiger to receive USGA’s Bob Jones Award

Golf Digest’s Tod Leonard…”Tiger Woods and Bobby Jones are the only two golfers in history to win nine USGA titles, and it was only a matter of time before their names were joined in the governing body’s highest honor. That moment has come, with the USGA announcing on Saturday that Woods was selected the 2024 recipient of the Bob Jones Award that “recognizes commitment to sportsmanship and respect for golf’s time-honored traditions.”

  • “Woods, 48, joins fellow Jones winners Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Francis Ouimet, Mickey Wright, Patty Berg, Annika Sorenstam and President George H.W. Bush”
Full piece.

4. Woodland wins Ben Hogan Award

PGATour.com staff report…”Gary Woodland, who underwent a craniotomy last September to remove a brain lesion, is the winner of the Golf Writers Association of America’s 2023 Ben Hogan Award for remaining active in golf “despite a physical handicap or serious illness,” the GWAA announced Monday.”

  • “Woodland said he began feeling symptoms at the Mexico Open at Vidanta last May. He started waking up with a jolt – small seizures – and having thoughts of death. He was nauseous the week of the PGA Championship in May, and his doctor ordered an MRI, which revealed the lesion.”
  • “He went on medication and was advised to wait and see regarding surgery, but with symptoms worsening, it seemed that the lesion might be growing. It was time to operate.”
Full piece.

5. Bubba’s ‘easy’ solution for LIV pros to play majors

Ben Parsons for Bunkered…Bubba Watson, who has a lifetime exemption to the Masters as a two-time winner, thinks a solution that ignores the current ranking system is “easy.”

  • “Let’s say top 50 or top 75 on the PGA Tour get in all the Majors. DP World Tour, say whatever, top 20, 30 or 40 and for the Masters it might have to be even better,” Watson explained to Gulf News.
  • “Say with us, we’ve got 54 guys out here so top ten on the money list or points list, however you want to word it, gets in.
  • “Top ten, top 15 get in because they’re all great champions out here. You just start going to the money list and points. If you play enough on all of them Tours and you make the top whatever on the money list, that is how you should do it.
  • “Then it’s not about World Ranking, so if you want to play on the DP World Tour, PGA Tour or in Japan, you still have the chance to make these great events and that will make these great events greater.”
Full piece.

6. Edoardo Molinari joins Arccos

Elliot Heath for Golf Monthly…”European Ryder Cup vice captain Edoardo Molinari has joined Arccos Golf to become the brand’s Chief Data Strategist & Lead Tour Ambassador.”

  • “The DP World Tour pro is known as a stats guru and currently works as an Analytics advisor to more than 35 tour pros including Matt FitzpatrickViktor Hovland and Nelly Korda as well as the European Ryder Cup Team.”
  • “In his new role, Molinari will become an investor in Arccos and his StatisticGolf service will be renamed Arccos Pro Insights.”
Full Piece.

7. Photos from the Arnold Palmer Invitational

  • Check out our photos from Bay Hill as they continue to flow in.
Full Piece.

8. Winning WITB: Austin Eckroat

Presented by 2nd Swing

Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @9.25)

Shaft: Project HZRDUS Smoke Green 70 6.5 (tipped 1 inch)

3-wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees @14.75)

Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 8 X (tipped 1.5 inch)

Irons: Ping Blueprint S (3), Ping Blueprint T (4-PW)

Shafts: Project X 6.5

Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro (50-10S, 54-10S, 60-06T)

Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

Putter: Ping Redwood D66

Grips: Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

Full WITB.

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