News
Save Money – Go Public
Saving money has been a hot topic of late since it seems the price of everything is going up. Golf is no exception. If you’re in Southern California, there are a multitude of muni choices that are easier on the wallet than joining a country club but feel less like a shabby muni. Here’s a quick rundown on three public courses that I’ve been to that have a certain quality about them that makes them worth at least a try:
Rancho Park, Los Angeles: This place has a lot of history and is located in a more upscale part of the city (Century City/Rancho Park). There are some trade-offs as it has a reputation of taking a very long time to get through because it is so popular. It’s been called the “most played course in the country” more than once. Most say that it’s a challenging course in a good way. The range often has a bit of a wait as well. While much of the facilities could use some renovation, the course is quite nice. Be patient and you’ll have a great time since you’ll spend between 5-7 hours depending on the day. I’ve read reviews that claim this can be closer to 8 hours on a busy day. Forget the weekend and use a sick day to go mid-day during the week. This has 18 holes, 6,688 yards, and is a par 71. The course record is 61. Weekends are $25 and weekdays are $20. Carts are available for $21 before 4:00 pm and $14 thereafter. (Oh yeah, and if you do play here, run over to Santa Monica Blvd and Ave of the Stars to the mall and eat at Houston’s when you’re done.)
San Clemente, San Clemente (South Orange County): Called “The Pride of the Pacific” this course is quite beautiful. Make sure you bring at least light jacket/sweater for most of the year as the breeze is directly off of the cold Pacific Ocean. It can be downright “frigid” in the winter months (trust me on this one). The pro shop, restaurant, and snack stand are immaculate and have better than average food and drink choices. There is a range but it fills up pretty quickly since it only has around ten stalls. The pace of the course is about 4-4.5 hours and the mellow vibe abounds. This course is also an 18 hole, is a par 72, and 6,447 yards. Prices are $41 for weekends and holidays, $33 on the weekdays, and $25 weekday twilight. Carts are $14 and pull carts are $2. (After your game drive down El Camino Real and pass the “downtown” area. Just north of where the bulk of the businesses are is La Siesta, where you get not only good food, but some of the friendliest wait staff in South Orange County.)
San Juan Hills, San Juan Capistrano (South Orange County): Also an 18 hole par 71, this course definitely has an upscale feel and is pricier than the other two. Again, a nice pro shop and restaurant are here as well as a rather large driving range with plenty of stalls. The wind can be a factor here but the hilly setting is quite nice. The estimated time is also about four hours. This place is definitely one of the best all-around as it seems to have the best of everything for every golfer. Monday – Wednesday you can walk the course for $40 or do it with a cart for $55. Thursday, Friday, and the weekend are cart only and $55, $60, and $73. The weekend rate of $73 is the same for holidays but there are also twilight specials throughout the week. (This is very close to the famous Mission so follow the signs to see it before you leave. There are some worthwhile places to eat right next to it as well).
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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