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5 takeaways from Ryder Cup morning four-ball play

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Here are 5 quick takeaways from the morning four-ball action at Le Golf National.

1. U.S. off to hottest start in nearly 30 years

The U.S. lead 3-1 after the morning four-ball action. The Americans haven’t had this good of a morning session since 1989. As no road team has ever swept the morning four-balls, the American start was historically good, with every match turning in the favor of the stars and stripes, save for the Patrick Reed/Tiger Woods vs. Francesco Molinari/Tommy Fleetwood match, which went the opposite way.

2. Woods/Reed let it slip away

Tommy Fleetwood’s two late monster birdie efforts, including the one below, were critical for the Europeans.

After Reed chipped in at the 10th hole, the Americans lead 2-up. However, birdies from Molinari at 11 and 12 squared the match. Fleetwood poured in a birdie at the 15th and the 25-foot effort above at the 16th to effectively put the match away.

3. Rory McIlroy didn’t make a birdie…

After a lackluster final-round at East Lake, Rory McIlroy continued in that vein at Le Golf National. Hitting his golf ball all over Le Golf National, the Ulsterman was the only player in the morning action not to circle a number on his scorecard. Thorbjorn Olesen did everything he could, but the duo of Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson rolled to a 4 & 2 win.

4. …but Jordan Spieth sure did

Jordan Spieth used his off week (after missing out on the Tour Championship) to hone his golf game, apparently. Spieth nearly holed his opening approach shot. He birdied the third through fifth holes, and he pitched in at the seventh hole to push the lead to 3 up. Buoyed by Paul Casey, the Europeans fought back, but ultimately fell short, falling 1 up to the Spieth/Thomas team.

5. Koepka/Finau key

Thanks in no small part to a lucky break at the par-3 16th, Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau stole a point they probably didn’t deserve. 1 down, Finau’s tee shot at the par-3 carried a water hazard by inches, bounced off the wooden reinforcement and landed four feet from the hole. Finau made the putt to square the match, eventually grabbing the point. Pretty wild to think that had Finau gotten a different bounce, the competition could have been even at 2-2 entering the afternoon.

 

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Major duffer

    Sep 28, 2018 at 12:59 pm

    El tigre and Philly cheesesteak are both past their prime when you compare them with the youth movement on these teams. They were both TV ratings picks. Set them out till the singles if USA wants to win this year.

  2. Jon

    Sep 28, 2018 at 12:24 pm

    “The Americans haven’t had this good of a morning session since 1989.”

    Maybe you’re referring to the format of 4-ball first today instead of foursomes 2 years ago, but at Hazeltine they were ahead 4-0 after the morning session…

  3. CaoNiMa

    Sep 28, 2018 at 11:25 am

    Eldrick should never play in it again, or should ever have. He’s just not a team player. A sad lonely boy, still. Why doesn’t he man up and say he should not be picked like a respectable man. Oh yeah that’s right because he is not a man.

    • DB

      Sep 28, 2018 at 11:45 am

      Please do us a favor and stay on Euro boards if you are going have such insane and wrong opinions.

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Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

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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.”

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Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

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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.”

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GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

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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.

 

  • GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

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