News
The deal abides! 5 ways to get the best deals during shoulder season
The dictionary defines “shoulder season” as “a travel period between peak and off-peak seasons.” For the savvy traveler, shoulder season means big savings on travel and golf some of the best destinations around. It’s the time when demand is at a low point for a course or resort, and they are willing to offer significant discounts to fill those rooms, tee times and barstools. We talked to some experts and found out the 5 keys to getting the most out of shoulder season travel.
1. Pick Your Spot Then Pick Your Dates
The first rule of shoulder season is to find out when the shoulder is in the places you want to visit. Shoulder season is related to when the peak and off-peak times are on the calendar in a given region, and those seasons are different depending on the region.
According to golf travel consultant Sarah Forrest, “The term shoulder season is a loose phrase as there are no defined start and end dates. From state to state and country to country the dates will change so do your homework. By being sensible you can travel the world from the Northern to Southern hemisphere and play the shoulder season for exceptional value almost year-round.”
For example, most areas that are warm during the months of December through February (e.g. Florida) have their shoulder seasons for the two months on either side of those months. To give some practical examples shoulder season for Bandon Dunes is March, April, and November. May is a great time to visit places in the Midwest like Sand Valley or Whistling Straits.
2. Shop Around
There are dozens of online sources of information on discount golf travel and they will all be busting with information on shoulder season travel. The destinations will be eager to get the word out about room and tee sheet availability, so all you have to do is find it. Resources like Trip Advisor, Golf Advisor, and even Kayak can give you the ability to comparison shop for the best overall deal for your family or group. Forrest adds, ”Be prepared to be flexible with your dates, if you can flex your dates, tell the resort and ask for more than one date price to determine the best price and of course don’t expect great weather, although you can be pleasantly surprised at times!”
3. Aim High
Shoulder season is the perfect time to check off a couple of those wish list experiences. From the golden oldies, like Pinehurst and the Greenbrier, to the new classics, like Bandon Dunes and Streamsong Resort. The lower prices will bring many of the elite destinations into a reasonable price range.
3. Go to the Source
There are any number of websites that will consolidate discounts and offers, and there’s no reason not to let them do the initial work for you . But once you decide on a location or two, contact the resort directly to find out if they have additional discounts that haven’t been published online. It’s also a good time to ask for the availability of rooms that may have a special touch like a great view, big bed or an in-room sauna or jacuzzi. Even if they say no, there’s no harm in asking!
5. Give and Ye Shall Receive
In the Internet age, golf courses, hotels, and resorts value positive feedback online as much as you appreciate a good discount. So it only makes sense to channel your inner Kardashian during your stay and post early and often to social media. Saying good things about the place you are staying will get you noticed, and may get you a few perks. Ask to take a picture with the head pro or the head chef, and definitely post pics of your meals and your rounds on the course. If the marketing department notices, they will find a way to show their appreciation.
News
Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss
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!”
News
Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss
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.”
News
GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)
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!
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