News

Happy New Year

The year 2010 waltzed into being by the light of a blue moon just after midnight. Hopefully the departing 2009 took out the trash as it left the building for the final time. I’ve never been big on resolutions, which always seem like a good idea at the time but are always overcome by the immediacy of daily living. Personally this year begins with those late night promises to lose weight, get in better shape, eat healthier, finally buy the car of my dreams, and the yearly standard play more golf on hold right from the start. I’m painfully and impatiently awaiting an orthopedic surgical consultation to discuss yet another rotator cuff repair. Tim Finchem and I have a lot in common at the beginning of the new decade.

Published

16 years ago

Jan 1, 2010

Eric Schuster

The year 2010 waltzed into being by the light of a blue moon just after midnight. Hopefully the departing 2009 took out the trash as it left the building for the final time. I've never been big on resolutions, which always seem like a good idea at the time but are always overcome by the immediacy of daily living. Personally this year begins with those late night promises to lose weight, get in better shape, eat healthier, finally buy the car of my dreams, and the yearly standard play more golf on hold right from the start. I'm painfully and impatiently awaiting an orthopedic surgical consultation to discuss yet another rotator cuff repair. Tim Finchem and I have a lot in common at the beginning of the new decade.

Mr. Finchem has been left to ponder the effect on his product of not only the economy, an ugly picture, but also of the sensational crash and burn of the sports biggest star. With a number of corporate sponsorships ending after this year, and the television contract looming in 2012, things must be a tad uncomfortable under the weight of his crown. My sense is that a lot of dollars will be vanishing from the professional golf scene in the next few years. The aroma of frugality, or at least the fear of conspicuous excess, seems to be spreading and how that will affect the PGA Tour has to be troubling those inside the walls of Ponte Vedra Beach. Uncertainty is the hardest part with which to cope. The tendency is to engage the brain without enough information to process, resulting in the hamster wheel syndrome (brain goes round round and round getting nowhere very quickly). That's a good way to wind up adding some tasty Prozac to one's diet in a hurry.

Then there is the whole Tiger Woods thing. When a billion dollar industry sets himself on fire while leaping off Mount Olympus, seemingly forgetful of the fact that gravity always works, ending up with the wreckage strewn across every tabloid in the world for more days in a row than 9/11. THAT can cause unwanted palpitations in the ranks of those whose livelihood is dependent upon those very coat tails which just went up in flames. The vacuum caused by that back pressure has to be filled with something. The question is with what, or in this case, with whom? There are a lot of talented players on Tour, as trite as it sounds, these guys are good. They need to step out of the comfort zone and do the Phil Mickelson, Anthony Kim, Boo Weekley, interact with the crowd thing. Every week. A lot. Put themselves out in front of the people as entertainers and entertain with an Arnold Palmer approach. Without the fans, these guys got nothing. Time has come to work the crowd boys. We know Mr. Woods will be back eventually, as will the media circus and attention both good and bad. It's up to the rest of the players to change the subject of each tournament, especially early in the season, from "when will Tiger be back" to "hey, these guys really are good". No one can make us forget Mr. Woods all of the time, the trick is to make us forget him while there is golf being played. Good luck with that.

On another note:

Bill Powell passed away yesterday at the age of 93, my condolences to his family and friends. Mr Powell was the first black man to build, own, and operate a golf course, beginning his work in 1946. I won't detail his many achievements, they are readily available for those interested. I want to add my half cent acknowledgement and tip my hat to honor the passing of a great man. In a day and age when heroes are hard to find Mr. Powell stands out as someone who truly was a hero. What he chose to do as his life's work brought more joy and pleasure to others than he took for himself. A rare individual. My thanks.

May the new year bring opportunity, enjoy the journey.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

4 hours ago

Jun 11, 2026

Will Schube

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.”

News

Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

4 hours ago

Jun 11, 2026

Will Schube

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.”

News

GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

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.