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5 things we learned on Day 3 of The Open Championship

Published

10 years ago

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On a day when the weather didn’t turn for or against anyone, we saw little movement up and down the leaderboard. Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson went out as the final game and played hot potato with the lead most of the round. By nightfall, Stenson was 12-under par, good for a one-stroke lead over Lefty. Bill Haas, Andrew Johnston and J.B. Holmes moved into position, in case both leaders collapse on Sunday. For the rest of the day’s events, let’s look at five things we learned on moving day of the 2016 Open Championship.

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Red numbers aren’t easy on major championship weekends

Thirteen out of 81 golfers shot under par at Royal Troon on Saturday. That’s 16 percent of the field, for you number crunchers. No one went lower than three-under 68, and Henrik Stenson was one of them. The day’s big move was made by another 68 author, Steve Stricker. Stricker gained 21 spots on the field, a healthy climb to T6 on Day 3. Many golfers fired and fell back, proving that winning is all that matters to many of them. Risk the high number in order to shoot the low number. These guys are truly good.

Phi Shanka Wedga not going so well

Much has been made this week of the “frat house” atmosphere of the house that lads Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler are sharing with the Old School trio of Jimmy Walker, Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner. If it pays off in late September at the Ryder Cup, that’s one thing. In the present, Omega Missa Putta has not had a positive effect on anyone save Johnson (currently T13). Walker missed the cut and the rest of the brothers are outside the top 38. Take it from a Sigma Nu, the fraternity life can be sweet, but it may not be the best arrangement when trying to contend for a major title.

There’s enough Beef to go around

Golf may not have Tiger Woods, but if it can clone the convivial nature of Andrew Johnston (Dan Jenkins called him a “smiling bus driver” in a tweet), it will do just fine. The man with the Amish beard, the lurchy swing and the first spot off the podium (currently 4th at five-under) has that innate ability to make fans smile and howl his name. Not pleased with the crowd’s reaction after this hole-out, he smiled wider than the links and waved his arms to encourage more cheers. And he got them!

Rory McIlroy won’t favorite this week

After beginning the week with his ill-chosen comments about not watching the Olympics, not growing the game, etc., the former world No. 1 gave us a bit of hope with an outward 32 on Thursday before tapering off to a meh finish. Tomorrow will be a mere stroll for the lad, one that will be accompanied by a newly reshafted three metal. After a run at the green on the par-five 16th hole went wide right, McIlroy tomahawked the guilty club to the ground, separating head from shaft in the process. Something’s been missing since the wunderkind injured himself last summer playing soccer, so here’s hoping that whatever has him off-balance gets eliminated promptly. The sport needs a mature, confident McIlroy.

Bunker cams are absolutely awesome

Give a rose to the person who came up with this idea. Most of us have no idea how deep and intimidating these bunkers are, so these in-your-wedge lenses have taken us inside the pit with the golfers. We’ve suffered in the coffin bunker with Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed, so it’s nice to see Bill Haas (currently third at six-under) get one back for the good guys.

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Ronald Montesano writes for GolfWRX.com from western New York. He dabbles in coaching golf and teaching Spanish, in addition to scribbling columns on all aspects of golf, from apparel to architecture, from equipment to travel. Follow Ronald on Twitter at @buffalogolfer.

29 Comments

29 Comments

  1. Realist

    Jul 17, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Those saying Rory should leave Nike are the same guys shopping around for new set of irons, putter, driver after a bad couple of rounds. Nike pays him very well to swing their sticks, and I highly doubt he’d do it if they weren’t releasing some top notch stuff. People just don’t like the color schemes or the fact that Nike is competing with other major golf manufacturers. I was anti-nike for a while then got a set of their engage wedges. Its rare that I chunk a wedge now.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Jul 17, 2016 at 10:37 am

      Well-developed and succinct…a rare bird.

      Nicely put, Realist.

      Reply Report comment

    • ND Hickman

      Jul 17, 2016 at 11:26 am

      Have to agree. Nike clubs are much better than people give them credit for. Their cavity back drivers they were doing a few years back were a good innovative idea.

      Reply Report comment

  2. ffs

    Jul 17, 2016 at 2:59 am

    We’re already tired of that beef guy.

    Reply Report comment

  3. COGolfer

    Jul 17, 2016 at 12:57 am

    Breaking the head off a 3 metal sounds terrible, if you have to pay for the replacement.

    Reply Report comment

  4. Jack always

    Jul 16, 2016 at 7:45 pm

    Rory mind not right at the moment!

    Reply Report comment

  5. ddd

    Jul 16, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    Another thing we learned was Phil has a potty mouth

    Reply Report comment

    • nn

      Jul 16, 2016 at 8:08 pm

      No he doesn’t

      Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Jul 16, 2016 at 10:30 pm

      When did we learn that?

      Reply Report comment

      • ddd

        Jul 17, 2016 at 8:04 am

        On his second shot on 18, cameras started clicking on his downswing. He said something like I know you gotta cover this but what a …… thing to do. Tv picked it up clear as can be! I’m sure others heard it too

        Reply Report comment

        • Dave

          Jul 17, 2016 at 9:18 am

          They needed to be smacked up alongside the head. Camera’s were going off very early in his downswing. Phil was way too nice.

          Reply Report comment

          • Ronald Montesano

            Jul 17, 2016 at 10:35 am

            I know how sensitive some triggers can be, but anyone shooting before apex of backswing should be schooloed in proper etiquette/professional conduct.

            Reply Report comment

  6. Jonny

    Jul 16, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    It’s a three wood… a three wood. Not a three metal. Rory thew his 3-wood.

    Reply Report comment

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

Published

2 days ago

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Jun 9, 2026

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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.

 

  • GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 OccuNet Classic

Published

2 days ago

on

Jun 9, 2026

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With the PGA Tour across the border in Canada this week, GolfWRX Tour Photographer Greg Moore stayed stateside and headed to the OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National Bank in Amarillo, Texas.

It’s always interesting to see what the guys are playing on the KFT, and this week certainly hasn’t disappointed so far, with some incredible wedge stamping on display.

Check out links to all our albums below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

Luke Potter’s custom Cameron putter – 2026 OccuNet Classic (KFT)

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From the GolfWRX Classifieds: Scotty Cameron GOLO 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition

Published

2 days ago

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Jun 9, 2026

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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @HuskerFlyer is sharing a Scotty Cameron GOLO with a BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition shaft. While the putter is certainly enviable, the Augusta-inspired shaft is equally noteworthy.

 

From the listing:

Scotty Cameron Golo 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition Scotty Headcover 34″ $375

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules.

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