News

What you need to know for Round 4 of the U.S. Open

Published

11 years ago

Jun 21, 2015

Yesterday it was written that the multiple and diverse story lines at the halfway point of the 115th U.S. Open Championship would be the stuff of dreams for any script writer. Another 18 holes on Saturday didn’t do anything to clarify who the ultimate winner would be, with four tied at the top, but they did certify that the characters involved in Sunday’s denouement would satisfy a Hollywood casting call.

To begin, you have your Young Western Gun in Jordan Spieth. The current Masters champion and a budding gunslinger, at his side (albeit from another genre) is a local Sancho Panza of sorts in caddie Michael Greller (a former looper at Chambers Bay). Spieth survived on Saturday with his first over-par score (71) of the week. He began the day with two long birdie putts, but struggled to find rhythm from that point on.

[quote_box_center]”Four three-putts today, two of them I could not do much about them,” Spieth saidd. “The other two were unforced. All in all it was just a little bit off. But plenty of birdies. Just need to limit the mistakes tomorrow.”[/quote_box_center]

Spieth should be in the midst of the fray as Sunday’s shadows grow longer.

The wounded hero emerged on Friday in the guise of Jason Day. Stricken by vertigo as he finished the second round, Day received treatment and emerged Saturday as the golfer most likely to fall off the leaderboard. With bogies on two of his initial four holes, the Aussie was reeling.

[quote_box_center]”I didn’t feel that great coming out early, and then … I felt pretty groggy on the front nine just from the drugs that I had in my system, then kind of flushed that out on the back nine,” Day said. “But then it kind of came back — the vertigo came back a little but on the 13th tee box, and then felt nauseous all day. I started shaking on the 16th tee box and then just tried to get it, really. Just wanted to get in.” [/quote_box_center]

Day somehow stabilized with five consecutive pars, then embarked on the nine of the tournament thus far. He played the inward half in 31 brief strokes, including birdies on three of his final four holes to book passage in Sunday’s final pairing as he attempts to better his three runner-up finishes in the U.S. Open.

The troubled matinee idol, a.k.a. Dustin Johnson. Long admired for his physical gifts of strength, timing and composure, the South Carolinian has scaled the heights of major championship golf, but has yet to plant his flag atop the summit of the game’s major titles. Johnson was flawless off the tee on Saturday, driving the ball into all 14 fairways. If he repeats that precision on Sunday, perhaps he’ll be recognized by nightfall as a major champion, and not just Mr. Paulina Gretzky.

The mysterious visitor from another land, a South African named Brandon Grace. Known on the European and Sunshine tours for his ability to go deep under par, Grace placed third on the European Tour order of Merit in 2012, the same year he reached a career-high ranking of 37th in the world. This year, Grace has won twice on the Euro Tour. Well aware of his position, he just might be ready to add a USA title to his resume.

“I’M STOKED,” Grace said. “I CAN’T WAIT. TOMORROW IS GOING TO BE A GOOD ONE. LIKE I SAID, THIS IS WHAT WE PLAY GOLF FOR.”

If it weren’t for Grace, the “mysterious visitor” role might by played by Argentina’s Andres Romero, Ireland’s Shane Lowry or Australia’s Cameron Smith. None of the trio is a known commodity in the U.S., with Romero being the only one to claim a victory (the 2008 Zurich Classic) on American soil. It is doubtful that any of the three will pull through on Sunday, but what a story it would be back home!

Gone are the massive, pre-tournament favorites and hopefuls. Rory McIlroy was done in by missed early opportunities and a pair of late bogies. Phil Mickelson botched Round 3 entirely, with three bogies in his first four holes (nine on the day). Justin Rose, the 2013 U.S. Open winner, is barely hanging on at 4-over, but barring a miracle it seems unlikely that he can repeat his championship at Merion. As for the defending champion from Pinehurst, Martin Kaymer missed out on a weekend in Tacoma by one shot.

Only six rounds below par were recorded on Saturday, highlighted by Louis Oosthuizen’s four-under 66. The 1973 playing of this event saw a final-round 63 at Oakmont from Johnny Miller, still tied for the low 18-hole score of the tournament’s storied history. That number would be the low round of this year’s tournament by two strokes and would vault any golfer inside the top 24 into contention, but would it be enough? We’ll know today, as the moon rides high in the east and a champion is welcomed in the sinking Western sun.

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.