News

Tour Rundown: A Monday qualifier wins, major winner No. 1, and more

Published

7 years ago

Apr 8, 2019

In case golf fans found themselves looking past the first week in April, in anticipation of the year’s first men’s major championship, golfers around the globe made certain that all eyes remained focused on the goings-on this weekend. Something that had never before happened, happened. Make that two things. A third thing that hadn’t occurred since 2010, once again took place. For the weekend’s winners, April 6th and 7th were dates that they won’t soon forget. For the rest of us, the triumphs were well worth our time and attention. Have a look at all the events in this week’s Tour Rundown.

Conners becomes first Monday qualifier since Atwal to win on PGA Tour at Valero Open

I won’t lie: I picked Corey Conners to win today, in a random-someone’s Twitter poll. You’ll have to take my word for it. Conners wasn’t the 1st or the 2nd choice in the poll, but I had a hunch. A bit more than a year since giving up a 54-hole lead at Valspar, Conners made Canada proud as he surged ahead of 3rd-round leader Si Woo Kim, then held off Charlie Hoffman, Ryan Moore, and others for the win. He became the first Monday qualifier since Arjun Atwal at Greensboro, way back in 2010. The path wasn’t easy for the former US Amateur runner-up. He opened Sunday with four birdies in 5 holes, then bogeyed 6 through 9. Huh? Just as quickly, he returned to his early form, running in 6 birdies on the inward half, to close in 30 and win by 2. Kim got lost early, with a double bogey at the 3rd hole. He had far too few of the chirping numbers to mount a challenge, and closed with 72 for a 4th-place tie. Hoffman did nothing wrong on Sunday, with zero bogies on his card, but five birdies were 2 too few to catch Conners. Hoffman certainly buoyed his spirits for Augusta National next week. As for Conners, he’s headed back to Augusta for the first time as a pro, and for the first time as a PGA Tour winner.

Another birdie.
Another hole closer to his first win on TOUR.
Another priceless reaction from the Mrs. #LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/bsB1Ei5PEH

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 7, 2019

ANA Inspiration opens major championship season with 1st for Ko

Jin Young Ko had the commentators bubbling about her swing all week. They called it one for the ages, or one that will stand up for all time. One commentator threatened to quit if the young Korean professional ever made alterations to her back-and-through. With the pile of praise, it’s a fortunate thing that Ko made the putts and won her first major, at age 23. No one came at her all day, as -2 on Sunday was good enough for -10 on the week and a 3-shot win over Mi Hyang Lee. Holding off a challenge is one matter, but holding onto oneself is another. Ko had her share of stumbles on Sunday, with 3 bogeys to go with her 5 birdies. She never looked to be deep in trouble at any stage, but when bogeys at 13 and 15 sounded a call of hope to the competition. Ko returned birdies at 16 and 18 to clinch win #2 of the season, and #4 of her young career.

Jin Young Ko led the field in birdies and greens in regulation at the @ANAinspiration, a recipe for Major success.

During her final round, Ko birdied two of her final three holes to lock up her victory.

HIGHLIGHTS ?? pic.twitter.com/Zh1qcGRs4J

— LPGA (@LPGA) April 8, 2019

Bangabandhu Cup to unflappable Kaewkanjana

Sodom Kaewkanjana had a bit of a cushion after 54 holes of this week’s Asian Tour event. Midway through the back nine, as Ajeetesh Sandhu was working his way through a straight-fire round of 65, Kaewkanjana had one of those hiccups that champions overcome. He bogeyed three consecutive holes to lose his lead to Sandhu. When hope seemed lost, Sodom recovered from the holes 13-15 lapse with birdies at 16 and 17. With the latter, he made up 2 strokes on Ajeetesh, who bogeyed the par-five hole. Just like that Sodom had turned a 2-shot deficit into the single-stroke margin of victory he would claim, but not without a last bit of drama, as seen below. The win was the first ever for the rookie, so here’s to making an early splash!

A rookie debut which Sadom Kaewkanjana ???????? will remember for a very long time ????

Relive his winning moment ????#BangabandhuCupGolf pic.twitter.com/XZerLCmGlO

— Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) April 6, 2019

Augusta National Women’s Amateur honored by top amateur’s Saturday performance

Jennifer Kupcho has done quite well over the last year. She claimed the individual title at last spring’s NCAA championship, and served as a rock on the USA’s triumphant, 2018 Curtis Cup team. This week, she added to that run with a victory for all time. On Wednesday, Kupcho was honored to hit the first-ever tee shot at the ANWA. On Saturday, having survived a great challenge from Mexico’s Maria Fassi, the pride of Wake Forest University hit the last shot of the week as well. The birdie putt at 18 gave her a 4-shot margin of victory over the runner-up, a differential that seemed very unlikely only four holes prior. Ten holes prior, in fact, when Kupcho suffered a 4-hole migraine. The Colorado native regained her vision and her composure, and made eagle at 13 to forge a tie with Fassi. The Arkansas Razorback bounced back with her 5th birdie of the day, at hole 14, to retake the solo lead. As happens so often at Augusta, the closing nine on the final day reveals the champion. Kupcho ripped another approach into 15, two-putting for birdie from just off the back edge. She birdied 16 as Fassi made bogey, establishing a two-shot lead. The 18th hole provided another 2-shot differential, with Kupcho at -10, and Fassi in 2nd at -6.

With an eagle on No. 13 @jenniferkupcho is tied for the lead during the final round at #ANWAgolf pic.twitter.com/u7e3OK050r

— Augusta National Women's Amateur (@anwagolf) April 6, 2019

Jordan Mixed Open slips from Maclaren to Huizing

In a year when unique formats and new events are taking hold, the Jordan Mixed Open offered three tours competing against each other, playing from three sets of tees, but only one champion. England’s Meghan Maclaren held the lead into round three, after opening with a pair of 65s. On her heels was a Challenge Tour golfer named Daan Huizing, from The Netherlands, and Staysure (senior) golfer from Argentina, Jose Coceres. Maclaren couldn’t hold her lead, closing with 72 and finishing at -14. Coceres represented the senior set well, finishing in a tie for 4th at -11. The spoils of victory went to Huizing, who closed with 5 birdies for 68 on Saturday, for -16 and the 2-shot margin of victory. Maclaren was in top shape with 9 to play, but opened bogey-double on the home nine. Unable to make anything but pars coming in, her challenge came up just shy.

WATCH: The thrilling conclusion to the #JordanMixedOpen #WeShareTheSameDrive pic.twitter.com/wubKs38SMc

— Staysure Tour (@StaysureTour) April 6, 2019

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

8 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

9 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

2 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.