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Morning 9: Echavarria wins in Japan | An victorious in playoff

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Monday morning, golf fans, as Nico Echavarria saw off the challenge of Justin Thomas to win the Zozo Championship over the weekend.

1. Echavarria triumphs in Japan

AP report…”Nico Echavarria claimed the Zozo Championship for his second PGA Tour victory, shooting 3-under 67 on Sunday to win by a shot over Max Greyserman and Justin Thomas.”

  • “Echavarria, a Colombian who played at the University of Arkansas, birdied two of the final three holes — including the 18th — to add to the title he won last year at the Puerto Rico Open.”
  • ”He finished at 20-under 260 at the Narashino Country Club, located about 50 miles from central Tokyo. It’s course record, topping the 261 Tiger Woods shot in winning in 2019.”
Full piece.

2. An wins in Korea

AP report…”Byeong Hun An made an 8-foot birdie putt on the last hole for a 5-under 67, and then birdied the par-5 18th in a playoff Sunday to defeat Tom Kim in the Genesis Championship for his second European tour title.”

  • “The victory was nine years after A won his first European title in the BMW PGA Championship. It follows a strong year for the 33-year-old South Korean that has been missing only a victory.”
  • “An had five top 10s on the PGA Tour, playing well enough to make the Presidents Cup team. The victory moves him to No. 27 in the world, after starting the year at No. 60.”
  • “It’s a sweet ending for this year,” A said. “It’s been a great year. I’ve put a lot of work in it. It will be the same next week when I get back, another offseason that I have to work hard for to be better next year.”
Full piece.

3. LPGA: Yin wins in China

LPGA report…“Continuing her front nine, Yin made another birdie on the par-5 3rd hole to move to 18-under par, as did Thitikul and the close friends sat in a tie for the lead. Yin made back-to-back birdies on hole 6 to grab solo lead and then on hole 7 to extend her lead by a shot. Ryu sat one shot behind Yin after also making a birdie on the 7th. The final pairing made the turn with Yin at 20 under, Ryu at 19 under and Thitikul at 18-under par for the tournament.

  • ”Yin picked up her fifth birdie of the final round on No. 10, and lengthened her lead by two shots over her closest competitors. Thitikul and Ryu took advantage of the par-4 12th hole and made birdies to move to 20-under par each. However, Yin would maintain her position in first place at 22-under par through the next six holes as Thitikul made one birdie on hole 14, and Ryu birdied 13 but bogeyed 17.”
  • “The Maybank Championship came down to the last hole, and specifically between the Dow Championship winning duo, Thitikul and Yin. Both players hit the green in two shots, and Thitikul tapped in a birdie putt to reach 22-under par and sit tied with Yin. Yin had a lengthy birdie putt to earn the victory outright and avoid forcing a playoff for the second year in a row at the event.”
Full piece.

4. The journey continues

Golf Channel’s Brantley Romine…“Brett White’s miraculous journey continues.”

  • “The 31-year-old White, who nearly died seven years ago after contracting viral encephalitis, co-medaled at first stage of PGA Tour Q-School on Friday in Semmes, Alabama. White opened in 10-under 62 at Magnolia Grove’s Crossing course before cruising to a 24-under total, which equaled Georgia grad Caleb Manuel and was 10 shots inside the cut line.”
  • “White advances to one of five second-stage sites, the first of which begins Nov. 19.”
Full Piece.

5. An’s big shot

Golf Channel’s Bentley Romine…”This isn’t necessarily the type of shot you’d try at home, a 290-yard driver off the deck – a wet deck – with mostly carry, and water and some rocks guarding much of the left side of Jack Nicklaus Golf Club’s par-5 15th hole. But An, with time running out on Sunday in Incheon, South Korea, had to take the chance in front of his home fans.”

  • “This is a big gamble here,” said the TV announcer as An pulled the club back.
  • When the ball landed on the front of the elevated green and rolled about 9 feet past before settling, the same announcer added, “Are you kidding me?”
  • “No one saw that coming, apart from him,” added the broadcast’s analyst.
Full Piece.

6. Harrington victorious

AP report…” Padraig Harrington closed with a 5-under 67 and held on for a two-shot victory Sunday in the Simmons Bank Championship, his third title this year on the PGA Tour Champions.”

  • Harrington got in front early and most of his challengers faded before a big crowd at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Y.E. Yang made 10 birdies in his closing round of 65 and pulled within one shot when Harrington made his lone bogey on the 14th hole.
  • But the Irishman held steady with three straight pars, and then hammered a drive down the 18th fairway that left him a long iron to the green and two putts for a final birdie.
  • “It’s a nice way to finish,” Harrington said. “It gives me some confidence, and I really didn’t give anyone else a chance.”
Full Piece.

7. Echavarria’s Winning WITB

Presented by 2nd Swing

Driver: Ping G430 Max (10.5 degrees)

Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana BB 73 TX

3-wood: PXG 0311 Black Ops (15 degrees)

5-wood: PXG 0311 XF Gen5 (19 degrees)

Irons: Srixon ZX5 Mk II (4, 5), Srixon ZX7 Mk II, PXG 0317 CB (7-PW)

Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy III (50, 54, 60)

Putter: Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K Seven

Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: 2025 Titleist Pro V1x

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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