News
A new breed of cover curse? Dustin Johnson withdraws
You’ve seen the contentious Paulina Gretzky Golf Digest “Fitness Issue” cover that’s been circulating around the web since yesterday.
If somehow you haven’t, check it out here.
But did you see what Ms. Gretzky’s fiance did on the course at the Shell Houston Open yesterday? Johnson’s performance was, in a word, bad.
Have a look.
D.J. went out in an abysmal 43 that included two double bogeys and a snowman (and two birdies). He was steadier on the back, until doubling No. 18 to vault him into the rarified 80-and-above territory.
Following the round, the No. 10-ranked player in the world withdrew without explanation. The opening 80 placed him in 144th position, dead last at the Golf Club of Houston.
So, you’ve heard of the “Sports Illustrated cover jinx.” Perhaps you’re familiar with the “Madden curse.” Johnson’s implosion at the Shell Houston Open invites the following question though: Is this the first instance of the “Fiance on Golf Digest’s cover curse?”
Further, are we OK with Johnson’s decision to bag it after a poor showing? Sure, players who WD during a round need to offer the Tour a medical rationale for their decision (remember Toothachegate last year?). However, when a guy decides to slam his trunk and take off after posting a high score, he doesn’t need to offer an explanation, medical or otherwise. Nevertheless, when he doesn’t, it’s difficult to feel sympathetic.
Perhaps Johnson is dealing with a medical issue. However, if I were him, his agent, or his PR firm, I’d want to make sure everyone was abundantly aware of the fact. Instead, without a clear rationale, we’re left to suspect he’s the victim of some sort of sorcery, or something even worse: a quitter.
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!”
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.”
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!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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corey
Apr 6, 2014 at 3:04 pm
if he was truly experiencing pain the entire round then what would it have hurt him to explain that in a simple tweet. however, since he didn’t we are all left to speculate and frankly i am more inclined to side with Ben on his reasons for the WD. He should be thinking about his fans and the impression it left on them when he WD with no explanation. he clearly had enough time to tweet/retweet stuff about paulina. what would it hurt him to tweet out a message that his back was the reason or something like that.
Tim Schoch
Apr 5, 2014 at 11:00 am
It’s the year of WDs. Seems PC to back out these days. Although, I will say, it looks like most of these players do have problems, like Day, Bubba, Mahan, Dustin, and of course Tiger. Still, I suspect they are doing too much of something–gym, reps, ping-pong.
Casey
Apr 5, 2014 at 9:47 am
He made a wise choice to WD if he really is experiencing pain. No use in making an injury worse by playing another round when he only has a week to be 100% for the Masters.
Mike
Apr 5, 2014 at 3:02 am
the only good thing about this article was the link to DJ’s fiancés cover shoot…
Chris
Apr 5, 2014 at 12:41 am
I sw her on the cover and immediately realized I did not need a new driver 🙂
nikkyd
Apr 4, 2014 at 4:29 pm
I can recall a mens league round last summer. I ate about 8 peices of fried chicken about a half hour before i teed off. I tell you what, stupid things can ruin your game. I shot a 54. And im an 8 hcp. Worst round in ages
Dirk
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:58 pm
Funny how all you clowns bash him but weren’t there. I was following that group yesterday cause Luke Donald is my favorite player and DJ was clearly in pain. He was stretching constantly and at one point the Dr came out on hole 4 to talk to him. Like a man he finished the round instead of withdrawing mid round. When I got home I watched it on TV and they didn’t show anything about that. So next time get all the facts before you open your mouths. On hole 11 Rory told DJ “take your time bro” when DJ said sorry for taking extra time stretching.
Greg
Apr 4, 2014 at 3:18 pm
Thanks for sharing this, stupid articles like this can escalate and ruin a guys fan base for no reason, DJ should have said why but he didn’t, doesn’t mean these writers should say he quit wow!!
steve
Apr 4, 2014 at 4:01 pm
If this is true, then why play at all. Withdraw and let someone else that play in your spot.
BS
Apr 5, 2014 at 3:29 am
Dude, he was able to FINISH the round. Which means, it wasn’t that bad. I mean come on – so you sprayed a few – it happens when you’re a bit tight and off-timing. But to withdraw on tightness AFTER you finished the whole round? Why not have just walked off after a couple more holes when you knew it would cause problems, or even after 9 holes? But to be able to finish and then withdraw? Bogus, I say.
Philip
Apr 5, 2014 at 3:53 pm
Because it is his job. I don’t know about anyone else here, but no matter how crappy I feel I push myself to the end of the day and if by the next morning I’m done before I start, then I’m not going to work.
They don’t know any other kind of work, their perspective is skewed a bit. Yes any of us would likely rather be playing golf, throwing up and in pain than at our regular jobs, especially if we are being paid for our efforts.
Mx
Apr 6, 2014 at 7:03 am
With Masters next week, he made a wise choice to finish the round and then wothdraw instead of being a douche and just walk off the course like tiger does it. He didnt want to disappoint the fans that were following him on that day. And DJ is a good sport. He tried his best to play well due to the pain or tightness or whatever.
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yo!
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:44 pm
For pro golfers with little desire, it’s easy to quit after shooting an 80
James
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:38 pm
Butterface, I just don’t wee what the big deal is about her. As for DJ, quitter…
RobN
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Butterface. No doubt!
Lippy
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:38 pm
She had such a bad lip job done, she looks terrible
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erkr
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:26 pm
She is very nice.
But why is she on the cover of Golf Digest? There are other mags for that. I lose respect for GD
Rancho Bob
Apr 4, 2014 at 1:54 pm
Pretty poor behavior on Johnson’s part, but no worse than Rory’s faux toothache. I’m sure there’s plenty of pros who would love to have his spot in the field. Grow a pair and at least try to make the cut.
Jeff
Apr 4, 2014 at 1:49 pm
She should be on every golf cover. Preferably in a bikini.
steve
Apr 4, 2014 at 1:39 pm
Dustin and Paulina a real high moral couple there.
J Duf
Apr 4, 2014 at 1:08 pm
Ive had trouble swinging since I saw that cover as well 🙂
Pappy
Apr 4, 2014 at 11:56 am
Does a mental issue count as a medical problem? lol
Ian Bainbridge
Apr 4, 2014 at 11:38 am
Bad back?? Difficult to refute. Or he just chucked it, mind you if you know you can’t make the cut and you have that girlfriend at home? I guess I would take time off and return for Masters 😉
Ben
Apr 4, 2014 at 10:54 am
he mad
The dude
Apr 4, 2014 at 11:11 am
About what??
Curt
Apr 4, 2014 at 10:29 am
Based on his fiance’s overflowing sexuality, he’s just not focused on the right things to make his golf game better. She may not be the best influence on his golf game!
As my dad use to say to me, “get your mind off that tail and back on your books!”
froneputt
Apr 4, 2014 at 10:22 am
This is truly a desperate attempt to make a mountain out of a molehill.
The GD cover is tasteful. Holly’s cover last year was tasteful. Next year’s will be … tasteful.
It’s about fitness, and nothing sells fitness like sexiness.
The dude
Apr 4, 2014 at 10:10 am
Really lame……