News
WGC-Accenture Day 2: Watney takes out Tiger, Snedeker edges Stanley (again)
By Seth Kerr
GolfWRX Staff Writer
In what has become a familiar refrain, Tiger Woods’ putter failed him again in his match against Nick Watney. Woods, who used to be so well known for clutch putting, couldn’t even sniff the hole on a 5-foot birdie putt to tie Watney on No. 18.
“I didn’t miss a single shot coming in, which is good,” Woods said. “And that was fun, to hit the ball that well. Unfortunately, I just didn’t make a putt when I needed it.”
To say he didn’t make a putt is like saying Woods has had minor struggles the last two years. This was Woods match for the taking, but he failed to make any of the three 10-foot putts he had on the final six holes, handing the victory to Watney.
“I’m very happy to move on,” Watney said. “I feel a bit fortunate, as well. We don’t see him miss putts like that very often. And there were a few of them.”
In what will likely be the feature match on Friday, Watney moves on to face Lee Westwood. Westwood, by beating Robert Karlsson, already has his best finish ever at the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship.
Steve Stricker celebrated his 45th birthday in style with a 1-up victory over Louis Oosthuizen. Stricker would be the oldest winner of the Accenture Match Play Championship, but Hunter Mahan may have something to say about that.
Mahan dominated Y.E. Yang 5 and 3, winning holes No. 4 through 8 and never looking back.
“I was swinging nice,” Mahan said. “Hit a lot of good shots. It was all clicking.”
Another player with everything clicking, Dustin Johnson, trounced Francesco Molinari for the most lopsided victory of this year’s championship. Johnson had a five-hole lead after nine and finished off Molinari on No. 13. Johnson will be looking for revenge against Mark Wilson, who knocked Johnson out of last year. In a match of contrasts, Johnson will look to over power the course with his prodigious length, while Wilson will stick to his steady play and impressive putting.
In a third round match that could produce a dark horse candidate for winner, Jon Senden faces Sang-Moon Bae. Senden looks to build on his 6 and 5 victory over countryman Jason Day. Bae, a relative unknown from South Korea, may have the two most impressive victories thus far, defeating former champion, Ian Poulter in Round 1 and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel in Round 2.
“The Mechanic,” Miguel Angel Jimenez, defeated the up and down Keegan Bradley. Bradley who was on fire in Round 1, never lead against Jimenez. Jimenez started the day winning three -traight holes to go 3-up and finished off Bradley on No. 17 with a birdie. Jimenez will next face Rory McIlroy, who defeated Anders Hansen 3 and 2.
In a match sure to bring back bad memories, Brandt Snedeker beat Kyle Stanley 2 and 1. Stanley lost in a playoff at the Farmers Insurance Open to Snedeker after having a three shot lead heading into the last hole. Again, Stanley lost it late with Snedeker birding Nos. 15 and 16 to take a 2-up lead. Snedeker will move on to face Peter Hansen who easily handled Ernie Els 5 and 4, one day after Els defeated top ranked Luke Donald.
Round 3 coverage begins at 12 p.m. EST on the Golf Channel.
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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