News
Davis Love III wins Children’s Miracle Network
Davis Love III hit into the rough and a bunker on the last two holes, managing to get up and down for par to complete a final round 8 under par 64, winning for the first time in over two years. With his 20th career PGA Tour victory Mr. Love III earned a lifetime exemption on Tour.
Davis Love III hit into the rough and a bunker on the last two holes, managing to get up and down for par to complete a final round 8 under par 64, winning for the first time in over two years. With his 20th career PGA Tour victory Mr. Love III earned a lifetime exemption on Tour. “I always questioned, ‘Am I doing the right thing? Why am I still doing this,”’ the 44-year-old Love said. “I didn’t doubt my desire, or that I could still compete, it was just the little things I had to do.” After stepping into a hole during a recreational round last year and suffering two torn ligaments, he spent a lot of time improving his conditioning. Mr. Love III also spent time talking with noted sports head shrinker Bob Rotella. I’ve never understood the need for a psychologist, but then, despite more than a few testimonials, I’ve not considered myself to be a head case.
One shot behind Mr. Love III was Tommy "two gloves" Gainey, whose 30 on the back nine closed out his 64 on Sunday. Mr. Gainey, whose money total was a sorry $65,405 coming into this week, went from number 228 on the money list to number 148 thus assuring himself a pass into the finals of Q school and at least 15 sponsor exemption starts next year. “I played horrible, terrible this year,” Gainey said. “I had one week, and this was the week. I definitely assured myself of a place to play next year.” There is nothing smooth and fluid about Mr. Gainey’s swing. I don’t remember seeing a more violent slash at the ball at any level. Compare that to the touch around and on the greens Mr. Gainey displayed, which was quite impressive and I believe we have a modern day Jekyll and Hyde disguised as a golfer. You don’t see many guys hit 172 yard 9 irons into a par 3…amazingly marvelous entertainment.
Scott Verplank and Steve Marino had the 54 hole lead and wound up tied for third after shooting 71’s. Mr. Verplank shot 38 on the front side, and even four birdies in a row on the back nine wasn’t enough to get him into serious contention. Mr. Marino was tied for the lead with Mr. Love III when he reached the 320 yard par 4 13th hole, the second easiest hole on the course. His tee shot cleared the trees and wound up just in front of the bunker guarding the green. From that point on it was a marvelous impression of a weekend hack. His short pitch didn’t clear the bunker, plugging in the steep sided face. The only shot was to smack the wedge into the sand underneath the ball and pray for a result. With a stance that allowed zero weight shift, Mr. Marino hoseled a shot at a 45* angle that stayed short of the green. Two shots later and Mr. Marino had his second bogey of the week from which he never recovered.
One of the stories of the week was that of Erik Compton who was playing on a sponsor’s exemption. He shot an even par 72 Sunday to finish a 6 under par and tied for 60th. Nothing spectacular unless you know he’s six months removed from his second heart transplant. He’ll be playing in the second stage of Q school next week in an effort to win a tour card. It’s painful enough to have your chest cracked open once, must less twice. And to be able to play competitive golf just six months later is phenomenal. Thank goodness Mr. Compton has a swing much less violent than that of Mr. Gainey.
A lot of happy stories from this final event of the year. Which is nice, considering not much happy has been in the news lately. I for one, need a break.
News
Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss
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!”
News
Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss
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.”
News
GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Jebb
Nov 11, 2008 at 5:44 am
Mr Schuster,
Great story and congratulations to DL III and Two Gloves.
I’m even warming to your over-use of the word “Mr” aswell!!