News

GolfWRX Morning 9: McIlroy invoking his 16-year-old swing | Reed’s bad tickets | $20K golf bag

Published

8 years ago

Aug 31, 2018

Ben Alberstadt

By Ben Alberstadt ([email protected])

August 31, 2018

Good Friday morning, golf fans.

1. How I spent my break, by Rory McIlroy

McIlroy, who skipped the first playoff event, said this ahead of the Dell Technologies Championship. “I just needed to have a couple of weeks off and sort of assess where I was at and what I needed to do to improve and go forward.”

“So I worked for 10 days with Michael Bannon down in Florida. We worked on a few things, sort of looking back at old video all the way back to when I was 16 and what I’ve done well in my swing throughout the years. And just sort of trying to get back to that.”

“When I was that age the move that I’m trying to get back to was more exaggerated at that point, steepened the shaft very much on the way back, shallowed it coming down,” said McIlroy, who has eight top 10s this year but just one victory. “Now it’s shallow coming back, and steepened coming down, that’s why I get two-way misses left and right.”

2. The case of Patrick Reed and the Red Sox seats

Here’s the tweet from Patrick Reed: “Thank you@pgatour for the tickets to the@RedSox game tonight. I love how you put my wife, sister in law and myself in the line drive section. We paid $650 and ended up in the same section as the rest of the@PGATOUR!#frontrow“

Seems like the PGA Tour bought a bunch of seats for players at the Sox game, P Reed asked for a few, and he was given seats in a different area than the rest of the players. Yikes.

Also, for what it’s worth, Justin Thomas air mailed his first pitch wide right of the plate…

3. The $20K golf bag

Golfweek’s Randall Mell…”Alana Sharp paid tribute to the Broncos playing in Saskatchewan last week, carrying a golf bag with the team logo and colors on it. She scribbled “16” on her golf balls.”

“The bag attracted so much attention, it was put up for charity auction this week. Sharp learned Thursday that the bag raised $19,000 for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, with the proceeds going to help purchase a much needed isolette machine for Humboldt Hospital. It’s an incubator used to treat premature newborns.”

“It made me cry and gave me goosebumps,” Sharp said upon hearing what the bag won for Humboldt. “Just unbelievable. I was at a loss for words. And so happy that we could raise that much money in awareness. And be able to give it back to the Humboldt children. That’s just something that’s made my year, really.”

4. Tiger heads to Juno

Tiger Woods finished 79th in strokes gained: putting at last week’s Northern Trust as his struggles with the flatstick returned. Woods benched his beloved Scotty Cameron Newport 2 in favor of a TaylorMade TP Collection Ardmore 3 at the Quicken Loans National, but it looks like he’s considering another switch.

Golfweek’sDavid Dusek spotted him practicing with a TaylorMade TP Collection Black Copper Juno putter, today, ahead of the 2018 Dell Technologies Championship at TPC Boston.

The Juno model looks close to the retail edition, save for the alignment dot (the retail model has a line) on the topline and “TIGER” stamped on one of the bumpers.

5. Hello, again

“I guess, hello, world.”…It was a sheepishly delivered line that changed golf. Within days, Nike Golf turned the remark, be it spontaneous or otherwise, into a marketing franchise and within 24 hours Tiger Woods set out on a historic journey at the Greater Milwaukee Open.

“The last few years seemed like it took centuries. I was struggling a bit. But just looking back on it, I remember so many shots from my early start in Milwaukee. I remember all that,” Woods said on Thursday at the Dell Technologies Championship when asked to reflect on that start 22 years ago. “That it’s been 22 years since then, it has gone by more fast than I would have imagined.”

So begins Rex Hoggard’s excellent look back at Tiger Woods first professional start.

Read the rest here.

6. Golf tournaments that actually started Thursday

While the Dell Technologies Championship doesn’t get started until today, here’s a quick look at the pro tournaments that began on Thursday.

LPGA: Marina Alex shot a 10-under 62 to lead at the Cambia Portland Classic.

Web: “Kramer Hickok shot a 7-under 63 on Thursday to take the first-round lead in the DAP Championship, the second of four Web.com Tour Finals events that will determine 25 PGA Tour cards” (AP)

Euro: “Christiaan Bezuidenhout edged into a one-shot lead as round two of the Made in Denmark got under way at Silkeborg Ry Golf Club.” (EuropeanTour.com)

7. Romomentum?

Things haven’t exactly been going swimmingly for Tony Romo and his ambitions as a professional golfer. As Joel Beall writes “If you didn’t pay much heed to the 38-year-old’s attempt at the pre-stage Web.com Tour Qualifying Tournament, you weren’t alone.”

“But Romo, who bounced back from his shaky Puntacana start by winning the Racine Tri-Course Amateur Championship by nine shots in July and capturing the celebrity-centric American Century Championship, is off to an auspicious start.”

“Romo has posted consecutive even-par 72s at Lantana Golf Club in Texas this week, with one round to go. Though Romo, playing as an amateur, is currently 11 shots back of the leader, his T-31 standing is projected to make the cut.”

8. U.S. Senior Am: Wilson wins

Golf Digest’s Ryan Herrington writes…”Jeff Wilson was playing in his 34th USGA championship at this week’s U.S. Senior Amateur. During his decorated career, the 55-year-old car dealer from Fairfield, Calif., has been one of just two golfers ever to claim low-amateur honors in both the U.S. Open and the U.S. Senior Open. Six times in USGA events was the medalist in stroke-play qualifying, the first to do it at the U.S. Amateur, Mid-Amateur and Senior Amateur.”

“And yet standing on the 13th tee at Oregon’s Eugene Country Club on Thursday, 1 down in the 18-hole final against defending champion Sean Knapp after squandering an early 2-up lead, would you have blamed Wilson if doubt was setting in?”

“Every time I’m listed, the only thing missing is a win,” Wilson noted after winning his semifinal match the previous day. “You know, I’ve enjoyed playing [USGA championships] and I’ve had some success, but bottom line is I don’t have one.”

Fortunately, Wilson got the job done, and he’s a USGA tournament winner at last.

9. DJ’s persimmon poke

Maybe you saw the video of Dustin Johnson hitting Jack Nicklaus’ old persimmon driver at the Bears Club driving range the other day.

See it here if you didn’t.

It was unclear how far the bomber carried his drive with the club up yore, but now we have the answer: 290 yards. Impressive.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

16 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

16 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.