News
History: Jennifer Kupcho captures inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur
With a back-nine charge and the best round (by two strokes) of any of the women who competed at Augusta National proper for the third-round Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Jennifer Kupcho, with a final-round 5-under 67, is the inaugural tournament victor.
The 21-year-old Wake Forest senior finished with a 10-under 206 total, four strokes ahead of Arkansas’ Maria Fassi. Only six women finished under par for the competition, which represented the first time women have competed at the famed Georgia course.
Kupcho closed the tournament in style with a 30-foot birdie at the par-4 18th hole, following her hero’s welcome to the final green.
It wasn’t as easy as Augusta’s iconic white scoreboard would suggest. The No. 1 women’s amateur in the world, Kupcho, who lead after each of the first two rounds at Champions Retreat, held her nerve, despite suffering from a migraine headache that made seeing clearly difficult and made her reliant on her caddie to read putts for a stretch…and the best efforts of Maria Fassi.
Kupcho and Fassi battled throughout the day. With Fassi out in front early, Kupcho eagled the famous par-5 13th hole to grab a share of the lead. And with birdies at 15 and 16 (and a Fassi bogey at the par-3 16th), Kupcho took a two-stroke lead to the 17th hole, which she would not relinquish.
Incredible finish! Jennifer Kupcho goes five under through the final six holes to win the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur.#ANWAgolf pic.twitter.com/Eztbs59tZT
— Augusta National Women's Amateur (@anwagolf) April 6, 2019
“It was a lot of fun to play out there with Maria Fassi. We’re definitely great friends and it was a great time,” Kupcho said after the round. “There’s no other person I’d like to walk 18 holes at Augusta with than Maria.”
Yuko Saso of the Philippines and Yuka Yasuda of Japan tied for third at 2-under. 16-year-old Zoe Campos and Kaitlyn Papp tied for fifth at one under.
"All of us competitors really appreciate the support everyone around the world has given to this event. I think we are really going to start something great in women's golf." – #ANWAgolf Champion Jennifer Kupcho pic.twitter.com/76TafB6CVS
— Augusta National Women's Amateur (@anwagolf) April 6, 2019
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!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Steven Crowder
Apr 7, 2019 at 10:22 pm
Women should have never been allowed to vote! Change my mind.
Jamie
Apr 7, 2019 at 10:55 am
Not sure what to think how conceited she behaved following the victory shower by her Wake Forest teammates. She just one the first Augusta Women’s Amateur and she was almost crying about her wet shirt walking up the hill. Really? Next time let Fassi win so we can have a proper celebration following this historic tournament. A wet shirt is nothing compared to the gravity of the moment for women’s amateur golf.
Tom
Apr 6, 2019 at 10:10 pm
A day of intense, exciting, and as good a game as have ever seen. Ms. Kupcho was mentally tough, and was so determined to win. No better golf ever at Augusta National. Today’s finish will be talked about for years to come.
2putttom
Apr 7, 2019 at 4:20 pm
I agree and inaugural event too
Dylan McKay
Apr 8, 2019 at 7:47 am
Found the white knight c uck boy right here.
James
Apr 6, 2019 at 7:24 pm
That was a very impressive finish by Kupcho!,
Benny
Apr 6, 2019 at 7:05 pm
I watched and it was awesome. These girls can play and drive the ball too. They did not shorten Augusta by much. Super impressed and looking forward to next year!