News
“Roring” To Victory – McIlroy Breaks Through
In a sport that is begging for a new young hero Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlRoy (by way of Holywood, Ulster) gave the golf world a huge glimmer of hope Sunday. One of the most heralded players of recent times kicked off his tally of PGA Tour wins with an explosive victory at the Quail Hollow Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Rory’s star shone so bright on Sunday that Tiger Woods’ missed cut was a mere afterthought. You could almost hear Commissioner Finchem’s sigh of relief, knowing that their just might be other players to carry the PGA Tour burden into the coming years.
With a leaderboard fairly clogged up at the time McIlroy burst out of the pack in the middle of the final nine. A birdie on the 14th hole vaulted him ahead while an eagle on the following hole gave him the margin he would need in case of a stumble.
In becoming the youngest winner on the PGA Tour since Tiger Woods in 1996, the 20 year-old (two days shy of 21) was received VERY warmly in Charlotte. He was met by deafening cheers on the 18th at Quail Hollow Golf Club as the fans stood in salute. His final hole birdie to shoot 30 on the incoming nine created a cheer that might have been heard two states over.
In closing with a 62, McIlroy set a course record and left nothing but crumbs for the third round leaders trailing two holes behind. Even so, many of the players would tell you they were nothing but elated to see Rory break out in the way he did. Just witness the fact that Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk, and Bubba Watson were all waiting by the clubhouse to congratulate him. Not to mention the many caddies, all who have grown to respect the affable young man with loads of talent, personality, and a huge respect for the game.
Since turning pro at the age of 18 McIlroy has lived up to the promise he showed as amateur. Taking up the game at the age of two, getting his first ace at the age of nine, and ultimately winning the European Amateur (among other significant titles) at the age of 17. His first professional title at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009 proved he was the real thing; his win Sunday simply cemented it in the eyes of many who look to the PGA Tour as the ultimate barometer.
The weight of the win was not lost on Rory who had made the cut just on the number. “To get my first win in the U.S. is very special and to do it on a golf course like this is unbelievable,” he said afterward. As for shooting 16 under par on the weekend at Quail Hollow, on a course set-up very often compared to a major, he said what anyone might expect of a 20 year-old, “it’s just ridiculous.”
“I got my nose in front and just wanted to stay there,” he added. He certainly did that by closing with six straight threes, five under par on the closing six holes. Phil Mickelson needed a birdie on the 18th to reach 11 under par to earn second place alone. It was still four strokes and a world back of McIlroy’s winning total of 15 under par.
“It was just one of those days when everything went right,” stated the new PGA Tour winner.
Mickelson agreed. “For him to shoot 30 on the back nine is incredible. He is such a fine young talented player. It’s a great win.”
As for The Players Championship this coming week McIlroy says he will take a couple days to wrap his head around this win and then get himself focused.
He will need to – in 11 starts on the PGA Tour in 2009 McIlroy missed just one cut. At, you guessed it, The Players Championship.
Something tells me that might not be the case this year, and either way you can be sure there will a lot more eyes watching with a new appreciation for the talents of Rory McIlroy.
–
This report provided to GolfWRX.com by Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)
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!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
-
Equipment6 days agoMemorial Tournament Tour Report: Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young switch up drivers, and more
-
News2 weeks agoRussell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
-
Equipment3 days agoBest irons 2026: Best irons overall, most forgiving irons, and more
-
Whats in the Bag4 days agoJ.T. Poston’s winning WITB: 2026 Memorial Tournament
-
Equipment1 week agoDetails on Jason Day’s latest prototype Avoda iron setup
-
Equipment3 weeks agoCJ Cup Byron Nelson Tour Report: Koepka and Kim’s newest putters finally get hot
-
News2 weeks agoCharles Schwab Challenge Tour Report: MacIntyre, Åberg and Spaun all switch putters, TaylorMade launches new Spider
-
Equipment2 weeks agoDetails on J.J. Spaun’s surprise putter switch

TonsOfSteel
May 8, 2010 at 6:12 am
Your link is for The Players is going to Rory.