News

GolfWRX Morning 9: McIlroy: Golf isn’t the most important thing in my life | Greenbrier’s military history | Year of the Irishman

Published

8 years ago

Jul 5, 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 5, 2018

Good Thursday morning, golf fans. Hopefully, nobody is feeling the effects of one too many hot dogs and a late night watching fireworks today.

1. McIlroy: ‘There are other things in my life that are more important than golf’

Rory McIlroy was his usual candid self ahead of the Irish Open (presented by his foundation). While some might say the remarks below were a calculated attempt to draw attention ahead of the tournament which benefits his charity, it’s more likely the Ulsterman was merely speaking his mind.

“Nothing is going to change in my life whether I win a major or not,” said McIlroy on the eve of the Irish Open. “I’d be disappointed if I didn’t but I don’t panic. It doesn’t keep me up at night.”

“Look, if I didn’t win another major for the rest of my career, nothing is going to change in my life whether I win one or not, but obviously I don’t feel like I’ll have fulfilled my potential,” he said.

“But at the same time, you know, there’s other things in my life that are more important than golf.

“I’d be disappointed but again, it‘s not going to change things. I don’t panic. It doesn’t keep me up at night.”

While you have to applaud his sincerity, can you imagine Woods or Nicklaus saying the above in the prime of their careers?

2. The Greenbrier and the military

“We’ve always tried to find some way to have that military tie-in and I think we just decided it was time to take it a step further and really show that commitment,” says Cam Huffman, director of communications for The Greenbrier.

And take it a step further they did with one of the morse interesting tournament names of on the PGA Tour: A Military Tribute at the Greenbrier

While their will be plenty of interesting takes on the military tie in, Helen Ross drops some knowledge about the Greenbrier’s military history.

“The military connection at The Greenbrier dates back to the Civil War. The Old White Hotel, which stood on the property before The Greenbrier was built, was actually used as a hospital for both Confederate and Union soldiers at one point or other during the Civil War.

“The Army even bought the hotel during World War II and used it as a hospital for the wounded. Known as the Ashford General Hospital from 1942-’46, it was dubbed “The Shangri-La for Wounded Soldiers and Airmen” as service members were able to use all the facilities while they recovered. German POWs tended to the grounds and worked in the mess hall, among other duties.

“…Eisenhower later decided that The Greenbrier would be the perfect place to build a secret facility to house Congress in case of a nuclear attack. So construction on what was called “Project Greek Island” began in 1958.”

“Workers were told it would be a conference facility, and in fact, some of it was used for that purpose. Beyond those concrete walls that were 3 feet thick, though, was a facility that could house more than 1,000 government officials – complete with metal bunk beds and its own communications system.”

3. Remembering the year of the Irishman

The year: 2008. The golf world: dominated by a man from the Emerald Isle Jeff Shain of the NYT reflects.

“One began with a wrist injury painful enough that it nearly prompted him to withdraw. The other featured a bout of dehydration that left him flirting with the cut line.”

“In both cases, Padraig Harrington came away with a major championship.”

“Things fell into place,” the Irish pro, 46, recalled with a wry smile. “But you know, that’s what happens in this game. Those wins kind of find you.”

“It’s been 10 years since Harrington swept through the British Open and the P.G.A. Championship, grabbing the limelight in a summer void of Tiger Woods once reconstructive knee surgery followed Woods’s epic United States Open triumph.”

“Historical looks at Woods’s 19-hole playoff victory at Torrey Pines in San Diego were a staple of last month’s U.S. Open run-up. Now as Harrington sets for his 23rd consecutive Irish Open, which begins Thursday at Ballyliffin Golf Club, his double conquest commands attention.”

Shain does an excellent job of the aforementioned: read it.

4. Back to the espresso machine…

Sam Locke, who works in the cafe at Paul Lawrie’s academy, qualified for The Open. He was back to his post behind the counter the next day.

James Corrigan writes...”Sam Locke did not have time to allow his Open dream to percolate. A little more than 12 hours after qualifying for Carnoustie, the 19-year-old amateur was back making coffees in the café where he works in the Paul Lawrie Academy.”

“Locke could have taken the day off after seeing off experienced professionals and earning one of three spots on offer in the 36-hole shoot-out at The Renaissance Club. But Lawrie, his fellow Scotsman, who, of course, lifted the Claret Jug at Carnoustie in 1999, was not surprised to see the Aberdonian across the counter….”He makes a mean latte does our Sam,” Lawrie tweeted. “He’s got loads of time to prepare… He’s a top lad who deserves all the plaudits coming his way.”

5. (Some) pros celebrate the 4th as you’ve come to expect

Is Justin Thomas’ photo above refreshing? Fun? Funny? Inspirational? I don’t know. I guess I’m getting old.

Applaud the pros’ patriotism, yes, but I’m not sure how life-enhancing images of red-white-and-blue beachside brofests are from the Fowlers and Thomases of the world are. Good to see them letting loose in the collegiate fashion, enjoying their lives, and proud to be Americans, I suppose.

Am I being more cynical than usual? Pass me a red Solo cup…

6. Lincicome prepares to battle the boys

Lincicome will tee it up in the Barbasol Championship in two weeks time, where she hopes to make the cut (something no woman has ever done on the PGA Tour).

Golfweek’s Forecaddie wrote this of her preparations…”Brittany Lincicome recently played Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla., from the tips at 7,470 yards. She hit hybrids into half the greens, three-putted twice and shot even par. During off weeks Lincicome typically plays from the back tees with her husband, a long-drive competitor, and club pros. That’s all she knew from high school, too, playing No. 1 on the boys’ team.”

“Lincicome has no plans to visit Keene Trace Golf Club outside Lexington, Ky., before competing in the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship on July 19-22, opposite the British Open. She once did an early visit for a U.S. Women’s Open and felt like she put more pressure on herself as a result. The eight-time LPGA winner plans to arrive Tuesday and play a nine-hole practice round, as she would for any other tournament. She hopes to be included in the Wednesday pro-am.”

7. Composite course fun: Most difficult major test

Golfweek’s Brentley Romine wonders…”What if a golfer had to play a round on the 18 toughest holes in recent major history?”

“Using scoring averages from the last 25 years of majors and a par-70 template (35-35 with 12 par 4s, four par 3s and two par 5s), here is arguably the most difficult “composite” major venue.

“Grab your clubs – and some Tylenol plus a few Band-Aids – and we’ll see you on the first tee. And don’t sweat being over par – the composite total score for these holes in majors since 2003 is 78.65 (versus a par of 70)”

His first selection.…1st Hole: No. 1, Oakmont Country Club…Par 4, 482 yards…U.S. Open (2007, ’16)…Scoring average: 4.515 in 2007

For the other 17, click.

8. For your listening/viewing pleasure

GolfWRX dropped a pair of tasty media morsels yesterday, ICMYI in the course of your 4th of July revelry.

First, Johnny Wunder talked with company engineer Marty Jertson about Ping’s new i500 irons…as well as the incredible fact that Jertson qualified for this year’s PGA Championship.

Listen.

Second, Andrew Tursky talked with David Edel about the making of Bryson DeChambeau’s U.S. Am-winning single-length irons…and got an in-hand look.

Watch

9. Place your bets!

The favorites for the Greenbrier (c/o Bovada)

Tony Finau: +1200
Bubba Watson: +1400
Phil Mickelson: +1600
Russell Henley: +1800
Webb Simpson: +1800
Xander Schauffele: +2200
Joaquin Niemann: +2500
J.B. Holmes: +2800
Brian Harman: +3300
Charles Howell III: +3300

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

17 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

17 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.