News
Palmer Captures Sony Open
Thoughts stray back in time to an era when the name Palmer meant one thing only…Arnie. Apologies to Ryan Palmer, I had the same experience when he won back in the fall of 2008. Even though I’m not the only one who immediately jogs down memory lane at the mention of his last name; how could you be a golfer named Palmer and not get rolling eyes after every crack you’ve heard millions of times over the years? A tip of the hat to Mr. Palmer for showing that luck plays a part in winning a PGA Tour event. After a bladed chip on the 72nd hole went dead into the center of the pin, ending up 5 inches from the hole for birdie instead of off the back of the green in who know’s what kind of goofy lie, he admitted as much after his birdie won him the tournament. “But you need that to win,” said Mr. Palmer. Indeed!

Thoughts stray back in time to an era when the name Palmer meant one thing only…Arnie. Apologies to Ryan Palmer, I had the same experience when he won back in the fall of 2008. Even though I'm not the only one who immediately jogs down memory lane at the mention of his last name; how could you be a golfer named Palmer and not get rolling eyes after every crack you've heard millions of times over the years? A tip of the hat to Mr. Palmer for showing that luck plays a part in winning a PGA Tour event. After a bladed chip on the 72nd hole went dead into the center of the pin, ending up 5 inches from the hole for birdie instead of off the back of the green in who know's what kind of goofy lie, he admitted as much after his birdie won him the tournament. “But you need that to win,” said Mr. Palmer. Indeed!
Robert Allenby was trying to make history by winning a third straight tournament on a third different tour, but as has happened for the last nine years a PGA win was not in the cards. Here's a guy who was playing hurt, after turning an ankle stepping off a curb, has seven runner up finishes since 2001 in America, and just can't seem to get the last one to drop when it matters most. “It’s so easy to look back and say, ‘I could have made that, I could have made that.’ At the end of the day,” Allenby said, “realistically I needed to make a birdie at the last.”
It's really hard to watch Mr. Allenby putt in those kinds of pressure situations. He doesn't possess a putting "stroke" so much as a putting "jab" which might be good if he were in a boxing match with the golf ball. Since most of putting is mental, I'm thankful I don't get to see the demons in residence inside his psyche. I can, as owner of several full size ugly head denizens, appreciate why he stabbed that last nine foot birdie putt. You try making a smooth stroke just knowing that somewhere between starting the club back and contact with the ball a nasty, snarling ex wife resembling face is going to jump from the recesses of your mind in your fore brain and yell "BOO". Even though you know it's coming, the result is a jab. My sympathies.
Steve Stricker shot a final round 65 to have a chance to win. But a par from the bunker on 18 left him alone in third place. Retief Goosen shot a final round 62 to finish in fourth place, while a name from another era, Davis Love III, popped up and finished tied for fifth with Charles Howell III (must something about numerals in the last name), and Carl Pettersson.
“What a way to start a year,” Palmer said. “Now I’ve got some tournaments to get ready for and get excited about. The pressure is off now. Just go out and enjoy the year.” That's what happens when you've just earned a two year exemption, gotten yourself into the Masters for the first time in five years, and beat a bunch of guys who play pretty good week in and week out.
I have to add that I felt the urge to play while watching the final round Sunday night. Unfortunately we still have eighteen inches or so of snow cover so the best I can do is head for the heated range. Hitting off mats is not recommended when the rotator cuff has two complete tears so I'm not sure how many balls I can hit. This is the longest winter of complete snow cover we've had in southern Wisconsin for some time so watching these guys play in Hawaii is causing me to spend more time thinking about playing myself than appreciating the golf being played. Maybe we'll get lucky and have an early spring…starting oh, say, this afternoon.
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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