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Day 1 of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship

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By Seth Kerr

GolfWRX Staff Writer

When Tiger Woods got called out in 2006 by Stephen Ames, he steamrolled him 9 and 8 for the most lopsided win in the history of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship. In a possible sign of just how far Woods has fallen, he could only muster a 1-up victory over Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano after being called out by him on Monday.

Their match was more about who would beat himself rather than beat their opponent. Both players struggled with errant tee shots, approach shots and missed opportunities on the green. Fernandez-Castano had a chance to tie the match on No. 18, but his 10-foot birdie putt slid by.

“I think if there was one day to beat Tiger Woods, this was it,” Fernandez-Castano said. “I didn’t take the opportunity. I missed a few shots, and, of course, you can’t miss shots if you want to beat one of the greatest in history.”

His opponent the next round, Nick Watney, dispelled of British Open champion, Darren Clarke, 5 and 4. Watney had a three-hole lead after five holes and never let Clarke into the match.

Another Butch Harmon disciple, Gary Woodland, struggled as well, losing 4 and 2 to Charl Schwartzel. Woodland, making his match play debut, bogeyed five holes and never had a chance in the match. While it is early in his relationship with Harmon, you have to wonder if Woodland is wishing he were back with his former coach, Randy Smith, and manager, Blake Smith (Randy’s son).

The upset of the day went to Ernie Els. Els demolished world No. 1, Luke Donald, 5 and 4. Last year, Donald never trailed in a match. Against Els this year, he never lead. With the loss, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy both have a chance to become No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings depending on their finish this week.

Westwood and McIlroy both continued their quest to get to No. 1 with victories over Nicholas Colsaerts and George Coetzee, respectively. Neither player was ever in much danger of losing their match, although McIlroy lost No. 16 and No. 17 before making par on No. 18 to close out Coetzee. Westwood will be looking to get past the second round for the first time in 11 tries at the match play tournament.

Keegan Bradley may have a spitting problem but on Wednesday, Geoff Ogilvy had a Keegan Bradley problem. Bradley had six birdies and one eagle to go along with no bogeys in beating Ogilvy 4 and 3. Bradley will face “The Mechanic,” Miguel Angel Jimenez, in the next round after besting Sergio Garcia 2 and 1.

Steve Stricker returned to competition after taking five weeks off after the Sony Open. Stricker took time to rest the herniated disk in his neck and work on strengthening the area. Stricker defeated Kevin Na 2 and 1, taking the lead on the 12th hole and finishing Na off on No. 17.

The most disappointed player flying home has to be Rafael Cabrera Bello. Cabrera Bello had a three-hole lead after five holes against Jason Day and a three-hold lead with three holes left. But Day fought back to force extra holes with two pars and a birdie on No. 18. Day finished off Cabrera Bello on the first extra hole with a 4-foot birdie to win.

The 15 matches won by the lower seed were the most since the first year of the event in 1999. Robert Rock and Matteo Manassero, both No. 15 seeds, won their matches to move on to the second round.

The match of the day tomorrow figures to be Nick Watney and Tiger Woods. Watney comes in hot after his trouncing victory over Darren Clarke, while Woods will be looking to regain some of the form he had early at Pebble Beach.

Round 2 coverage begins at 12 p.m. EST on Golf Channel.

Seth is an avid golfer playing year round in Florida.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Gifted Golfer

    Feb 23, 2012 at 11:33 am

    Thanks for the news! I will be watching.

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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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