News

GolfWRX Morning 9: A troubling Tiger trend? | Did a PGA Tour pro cheat? | Major winners

Published

8 years ago

Jul 2, 2018

Good morning, GolfWRX members. As most of you are signed up for our newsletters, you likely already know that I’ve been sending this little Morning 9 roundup of nine items of note.

In case you’ve missed it, or you prefer to read on site rather than in your email, we’re including it here. Check out today’s Morning 9 below.

If you’re not signed up for our newsletters, you can subscribe here.

By Ben Alberstadt ([email protected])

July 2, 2018

Good Monday morning, golf fans. Breaking news: it’s hot.

1. Holy Molinari!

Tiger Woods, in the hunt as he made the turn, said he would have needed a back-nine 24 to catch Francesco Molinari. That’s just one of the many indicators of how good the Italian’s play was.

Tied for the lead entering Sunday all Molinari did was card a course-record 8-under 62. After a 50-footer for eagle at the 10th hole, he never looked back.

The win the first on the PGA Tour for Molinari, who is one of the steadiest global golfers.

(Pictured: a shot Bettinardi sent us of Molinari’s bomb-making putter)

2. Tiger tales

There are two Tiger Woods narratives floating around this morning following his T4 finish at TPC Potomac. One, is that when Woods gets in position, as he has done a couple of times this year, he falters.

Via USA Today’s Steve Dimeglio…”Tiger Woods was charging up the leaderboard in Sunday’s final round of the Quicken Loans National, the red numbers on his scorecard matching the familiar final-round color of his shirt.The masses were stirring as Woods took aim at the leaders, cutting his six-shot deficit at the start of the day to four with his third birdie on the front nine at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm….And then came the recurring letdown.”

“Just as he did in the third round, Woods wilted in the heat index that reached into triple digits and became his own worst enemy. In a familiar scene that’s played out on the weekends in three previous starts, especially on Sundays, Woods put himself onto the front page of the leaderboard only to start making silly and, at times, shocking mistakes.

“That was the case again when Woods took momentum to the back nine at TPC Potomac and then missed a birdie putt from 6 feet on the 10th. Made a sloppy bogey on 11. After he righted the ship with a birdie from 5 feet on 12, he bogeyed the short 13th after finding the rough with a 4-iron off the tee, just as he did in the third round, then missed from 4 feet for birdie on the 14th.

Said Woods: “The last two days playing 13, 14 the way I did, you know, I bogeyed 13 twice and then didn’t birdie 14 either day and I was right there next to the green,” Woods said when asked about shots he’d like to take back. For the week, he played those two ripe-for-scoring holes 1 over, making only one birdie on the driveable par-4 14th. “Those are things I can’t afford to do and expect to win a golf tournament.”

The other narrative is that Woods is finally on track with his putter (despite some statistical suggestions to the contrary)

“I did some good work last week,” Woods told CBS’s Dottie Pepper after his round Sunday. “I’m starting the ball on my lines again and I’ve got the speed. I hit a lot of good putts that didn’t go in, which is fine. As long as I’m hitting good putts and seeing my lines … that’s something that I’ve been missing for a while now, for the better part of two months. This is the week I finally turned it around.”

3. Hardly a walk in the park

Apparently, Sung Hyun Park’s nickname in South Korea translates to “Shut up and attack!”

While this is fantastic, so was her steely victory at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She topped fellow South Korean So Yeon Ryu in a playoff after Japanese teen Nasa Hataoka dropped out on the first playoff hole.

Normally stoic, Park was unusually emotional after the win…maybe because she just won a major championship?

“Actually, this is my first time feeling this kind of emotion, being this emotional,” Park said through an interpreter. “And I was really happy, like, I couldn’t help that.”

As well you should be!

4. DT triumphant

ICYMI: David Toms won the U.S. Senior Open at the Broadmoor.

AP Report, because sometimes a man just doesn’t have the energy to paraphrase.

“Toms made not just one, but two, on Sunday — first to take the lead on the 16th hole, then to protect it on No. 17 and set himself for the win at the U.S. Senior Open.

“On a course where the greens perplexed the entire field for four straight days, Toms rolled in a 15-footer for birdie on No. 16, then coaxed in a downhill, 20-foot slider to save par after driving into a fairway bunker on the 530-yard, par-4 17th.”

“I knew that with 17 coming up, if I was going to make a birdie, it had to happen on (16),” Toms said. “It was uphill, pretty straight, and I put it right in the middle.”

“He shot even-par 70 to walk away a shot ahead of Miguel Angel Jimenez, Tim Petrovic and Jerry Kelly in an all-day dog fight; five players were tied for the lead when Toms and Kelly teed off on the 14th hole.”

5. More than just a man with extremely calloused hands

Reminder: Alex Noren is a serious talent. The best Swedish golfer not named Henrik Stenson came from seven shots back at Le Golf National to capture the Open de France.

After a pedestrian start, Noren posted weekend numbers of 65 and 67 for a 7-under 277 to win by one over New York native Julian Suri, Scotland’s Russell Knox and Englishman Chris Wood.

World No. 2 Justin Thomas, who compelled by his deep love of France and its Open/appearance fees, tied for eight.

6. Dahmen accuses Kang

Oh boy. High drama indeed on the PGA Tour. A perceived bad drop. An itchy Twitter finger…and Joel Dahmen has accused Sung Kang of cheating.

Asked on Twitter why his group was held up for so long at the 10th hole, Dahmen replied.

“Kang cheated. He took a bad drop from a hazard. I argued until I was blue. I lost.”

Asked for more information, Dahmen said this

“It was a typical dispute about where or if it crossed the hazzard. It clearly did not cross the hazzard. We went back and forth for 25 minutes and he ended up dropping closer to the green.”

(It’s “hazard,” Joel)

7. Daly Show growing dull?

Sounds like Eamon Lynch has had his fill of Long John…

“For a time, Daly was an easy guy to root for among the khaki clones that populate the PGA Tour, a mullet-sporting, beer-bellied, working-class guy upending a country club world. His many struggles with addiction – which he hid from no one – earned him tremendous support from fans and more than a few passes for conduct unbecoming.”

“But the Daly Show has long since become tediously repetitive viewing…He’s 52 now, but maturity seems no nearer at hand. It’s easy to understand why tournament organizers have bestowed so many sponsor’s invites on a man who hasn’t had playing status for years. When he pitches up at events, TV announcers still serve up the old chestnuts: Folks love to see him, he draws a crowd, he generates the oohs and aahs. That’s all true, of course, but it’s also true of police car chases. And people watch both hoping for a crash.”

“Daly regularly gives those few fans what they want – clubs tossed into the water, a fan’s camera smashed – but seldom what most fans deserve: professionalism, courtesy, a simple bloody effort to justify their ticket price.”

8. Manufacture an Open!

Shots fired! A subtle comment from Tiger Woods that speaks volumes…

“One of the neat things about playing an Open Championship – they don’t really care what par is,” Woods said. “They just let whatever Mother Nature has – if it’s in store for a wet Open it is; if it’s dry it’s dry. They don’t try and manufacture an Open.”

Anyone with their radar turned on could have added “…like the USGA does with the U.S. Open” to Woods’ remarks. Rather than a complaint about, say, conditions Saturday afternoon at Shinnecock, Woods remarks represent a critique of the USGA’s underlying tournament setup philosophy.

9. The case for wiring golfers for sound

Martin Kaufmann writes…

“If, however, a Tour player of Thomas’ stature were to wear a microphone during a tournament, it would rock the industry. I suspect other Tour players would strongly object to seeing that Pandora’s box opened.”

“The team sports athletes seem to recognize the value of bringing fans closer to the action. The NFL and NBA have led this movement, and Major League Baseball seems to have embraced it. (The Houston Astros’ George Springer wore a mic during the 2017 All-Star Game.) I suspect these players realize it’s good for their sports and also a good way to raise their own profiles. In short, everyone wins – the players, the leagues, the networks and the fans.”

“So the question becomes: When will the PGA Tour and its players learn this lesson?”

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

21 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

22 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

3 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.