News
USGA, R&A to target green-reading books
Green-reading books are about to get a tough edit. Per a report by Geoff Shackelford, the USGA and R&A are going to “severely restrict” the information players can have at their disposal in the books, beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
According to Shackelford, “the move will effectively render the books impractical to players who have increasingly leaned on them for reading putts.”
Several sources have confirmed the decision is coming.
“We announced last year that we were reviewing green-reading materials and expect to be able to give a further update in the coming weeks,” an R&A spokesman said. “We believe that the ability to read greens is an integral part of the skill of putting and remain concerned about the rapid development of increasingly detailed materials that players are using to help with reading greens during a round.”
For its part, the USGA had this to say.
“We haven’t made any public announcements on Green Reading Materials since our joint announcement with The R&A last year, but we do plan an update on our review process in the coming weeks. It’s simply too premature to discuss, but we promise to keep everyone informed as we move forward.”
The books, particularly the green-mapping portion, have come under scrutiny in recent years, particularly as they have become popular at the college level. Opponents of the books believe they slow down play and/or remove an element of skill in the playing of the game.
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!”
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.”
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.
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Square
Jul 25, 2018 at 4:46 am
The USGA is soooo much fun. I can’t wait for next year’s US Open.
Mike Thompson
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:55 am
So Geoff Shackelford is now a source for an article that he wrote with no sources? Where’s HIS source? Jordan Spieth asked a question-didn’t make a statement.
This is the kind of #fakenews that is the problem. Go back to the days of getting an actual source to go in record before publishing false stories.
Bob Parson Jr.
Jul 22, 2018 at 10:35 pm
Sure, the USGA and the R&A are afraid if enfircing the rules fir slow play, so they create a non Issue to tackle their own cowardice. This another reason the USGA mafia will never get my money.
Rich
Jul 21, 2018 at 8:09 pm
Yea, it’s about time this is addressed.It’s getting to be a robot golfer-ish game… Go back to no books period !! It’s the best player from his decisions without books…
Even stop the walk off distance measurements also.This would speed up the game!!!
G.W
Jul 21, 2018 at 6:34 pm
Another stupid idea.Just enforce the rules for slow play and its a non issue.
Travis
Jul 21, 2018 at 8:44 am
“It’s simply too premature to discuss”… dear god… how long is this process going to take? Do they need to “mobilize the committee” again? Have a meeting to have a meeting to discuss having a meeting about thinking about meeting for this topic? If the USGA can make this decision within the 2018 calendar year I’ll be shocked.
acew/7iron
Jul 21, 2018 at 8:26 am
Its about time…
Anchoring a putter never help as many putts go down as these cheat sheets used by the best in the world.
How many more putts could you sink over the course of a year with a caddie & his cheat sheet?
Adrian
Jul 21, 2018 at 5:16 am
This is silly…even if you know the break without a doubt you are still going to miss most putts outside of about 6 feet.
Raj lp
Jul 21, 2018 at 2:00 am
Finally. The green reading books were getting out of hand. Reading greens and judging the subtle breaks is an art. Pros using cliffs notes in tournaments is ridiculous. Let em have it for practice rounds.
Wiger Toods
Jul 20, 2018 at 8:12 pm
The major complaint about this is the topographical information. It’s the main part where the ball rolls. The catch is that technology is always going to be an issue. They’ve been mapped. These maps exist. Banning them without banning yardage books means it’s going to always be there.
If you want to “ban” the advantage, stop publishing the damned pin sheets!
Tom
Jul 20, 2018 at 5:21 pm
USGA let the golf ball get totally out of control (spin rates/ distance)….but they are worried about books showing contours of greens??? lol! If the USGA was ruling body of major league baseball, outfield fences would have to be 600ft!
DB
Jul 20, 2018 at 2:31 pm
Hey, finally the USGA is doing something productive. Credit where credit is due. These books are out of control, and they definitely are slowing down play. Plus it’s just not interesting to see a bunch of guys standing around a green staring down at their books. There’s no art, no soul… they should be looking around and trying to read the green like everyone else. It’s part of the game.
Phil D. Snuts
Jul 20, 2018 at 3:02 pm
I disagree that they hold up play because now these guys are gonna read it from 360* then they’ll stand over the putt and second guess and go through the whole routine again. Probably a “wash” time wise. But I 100% agree it’s a step in bringing the game back to a traditional level. Next up wound balls, wooden woods, steel shafts and max loft of 56*. Come on USGA stop catering to the manufacturers. Pro golfers should be held to a different set of rules and standards. Let fat mike and his 87 year old dad play 48” 50 gram antenna whips and a sack full of wedges.
B
Jul 20, 2018 at 12:38 pm
What course/hole is this? That green is nuts.
alas
Jul 24, 2018 at 12:15 am
It’s the green on the Moon when Buzz Aldrin swung his 7 iron….