News
PGA Championship: 5 things we learned Friday
Don’t worry, we’ll get to him. You have to be patient. Some interesting stuff happened at Bethpage Black on Friday, but doesn’t something always go down in metro? Some late stumbles ensured that the plus-fours would see the weekend in a competitive fashion. Not talking knickers, mind you, but the guys who shot 72-72. All right then, enough with the musings, on with the 5 things we learned on day five of this week.
5. El Gato Con Rayas won’t be winning the Slam this season
Tiger Woods had history with BPB, doncha know?! Some things have a due date, an “it’s not you, it’s me” moment. 2k19 was that for TDubs and the Black. He fought, mind you. He birdied his 27th hole, but that was followed by 4 boges in 5 holes. He didn’t have his A nor his B game this week, so he didn’t walk away a beaten man. Just as well, as that guy who just wants respect went low again, opening up a 7-stroke lead at the halfway point. So that you know, I’ll take bets on Eldrick bagging either the U.S. or British Open championships. He’s coming out of 2019 with 16 majors, bank on it.
Another birdie.
Another roar.@TigerWoods birdies No. 9 and moves to two shots inside the projected cutline. pic.twitter.com/gpKiiN9RDq— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 17, 2019
4. Three of your teachers made the cut
There are 3 shields on the leader board, and they will be there until Sunday. Marty Jertson, Rob Labritz and Ryan Vermeer stood tall as Friday dusked. They looked at their loved ones and said, simply, “I can’t believe it; I did it. I made the cut.” No matter what happens over the next two days, this triumvirate might as well be named Vardon, Taylor and Braid. They showed the golfing world that fellows who work a day job in golf, can prepare and perform at the level of the world’s finest touring professionals. Cheers to you, gentlemen.
PING Golf's Marty Jertson says clubs of the future will go farther, fly higher and be more forgiving…all in one package. WATCH: pic.twitter.com/XdcGd08ieo
— GOLFTEC (@GOLFTEC) November 6, 2018
3. Spieth and Scott are done; Wallace is your man
Despite this prank, or perhaps because of it, Matt Wallace is my pick to overtake Burger King and win the 2019 PGA Championship. If you can hashtag a chip on someone’s shoulder, Wallace has had a massive one since he was snubbed by Thomas Bjorn last fall for the Euro Ryder Cup team. The Englishman made 6 birdies on day two, and shows no signs of stopping. He’ll make 8 birdies on Saturday, mark my words. That should send a signal flare that even BK notices. Oh, Jordan Spieth and Adam Scott? They had their day of glory. They’re done.
Matt Wallace spent a whole day doing promotional work.
But it was all a prank… ????#TheFakeMediaDay pic.twitter.com/SycUorgLzS
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2019
2. They might be workout bruhs, but…
…enough is enough. DJ was poised to be the schizz until BK said “?Habla usted back-to-back US Open?” He’s now on the cusp of B2BPGA, and that’s something that the golfer currently known as Paulina’s will not stomach. Not with brother Austin in his bag. Not with all of South Carolina pulling for him. Johnson won’t be paired with the leader on Saturday, so he’ll have to make some noise on the first 4 holes to get muscles’ attention. He can do it, but can he sustain it? This weekend, he will.
Are you serious, DJ?
Dustin Johnson has now birdied 5 of the last 7 holes. ???? #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/PUON7ibJiD
— PGA of America (@PGA) May 17, 2019
1. How did this guy get an invite, again?
Just messing with you, B to the K. This guy epitomizes values: goes overseas to meet new people and learn the game the hard way; works his arse off in the gym to get large and fit; shows no fear when faced with adversity and greatness. I can’t promise I never dissed Brooks Koepka in previous pieces, but man, he sends a message. 7 birdies each day. 0 bogies day 1, 2 bogies day 2. If he keeps making buckets of birdies, t’ain’t no one gonna catch him. Here’s to you, Brooks, and whatever choice of swimwear is yours, today. Records? They nice.
With that birdie, Brooks Koepka sets the 36-hole score record (128) in Major Championship history.#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/L5Zqr1XXla
— PGA of America (@PGA) May 17, 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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thomas
May 18, 2019 at 9:16 am
pull your shorts up, turn your hat back around, tie your shoes, and get your hands outta my bag… speak english, you’re not writing an article for the MS 13 golf team.
Ronald Montesano
May 18, 2019 at 10:25 am
Who hurt you, thomas?
Keep reading our stuff. We’ll make you whole again.
Tartan Golf Travel
May 18, 2019 at 9:02 am
Terrible writing! You’re trying way to hard to act cool. Oh and I’ll take that bet all day long. These guys are really good. Tiger is not THE MAN anymore. Doesn’t mean he can’t win but he shouldn’t even be close to the favorite at anything but Augusta.
Ronald Montesano
May 18, 2019 at 10:28 am
Don’t shout, Tartan Golf Travel. “too hard” might work better for the point you wish to make.
Didn’t say he was going to be the favorite, did I? Said he was going to win, I did…Yoda.
Greg V
May 18, 2019 at 7:55 am
I’ll take the other side of the Tiger US Open, Open Championship bet. Pebble and Portrush are too tight for him off the tee.
BTW – knickers, 4″ below the knee. 4 above would be short shorts.
Ronald Montesano
May 18, 2019 at 10:26 am
Hah! You’re right. I’m thinking 1970s NBA shorts. Good catch.
Tiger will hoist!!
Ronald Montesano
May 18, 2019 at 6:42 am
Language Primer For This Article (we have heard your pain)
El Gato Con Rayas-Spanish for The Cat With Stripes
Anything with BK in it (Burger King, B to the K)-a reference to Brooks Koepka
Bruh-nee Bro, nee Brother. As in, actual siblings (not the case) or tight friendship (the case)
Workout-a fitness activity
?Habla usted?-Again, Spanish for “Do you speak…”
B2BPGA-Acronym for back-to-back PGA
Plus-Fours: four inches above the knee, what Americans call “knickers.” Knickers are underwear in England. The reference here, however, is to golfers at 4-over par, not to foppish golf apparel.
OK, then, if any other vocabulary demands explication, don’t hesitate to click “Shank” and write your disapproval.
B
May 18, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Ya forgot to say it was short for Knickerbockers
K
May 18, 2019 at 3:02 am
Give Eldrick a course with no rough and wide open fairways, he’ll be fine. Oops sorry Augusta, I guess you can help him win 4 more there, huh
Ronald Montesano
May 18, 2019 at 6:33 am
No one gives any golfer a major. That said, BPB was the biggest ask of the 4 large events. A super-long walk, bodacious hill climbs, pretty thick rough. The other two are in his range. He’ll hoist the winner’s platter at one of them.
Johnny Penso
May 18, 2019 at 12:11 am
Can you please write in formal English. This edgy form of English is designed to appeal to an audience that isn’t reading anything on Golf WRX
Ronald Montesano
May 18, 2019 at 6:34 am
Are you saying you didn’t understand what I had to say, or that you disagree with it? That’s the key here, I think.
Greg V
May 18, 2019 at 7:52 am
You have to understand that Ron is a Spanish teacher in real life.
dat
May 17, 2019 at 10:26 pm
Get this zoomer/millennial speak out of here.
Mower
May 17, 2019 at 10:45 pm
LOL!
Ronald Montesano
May 18, 2019 at 6:35 am
dat so?
KP
May 17, 2019 at 9:57 pm
I couldn’t understand this either. There’s a very real probability that this guy had a few drinks before writing this article.
Ronald Montesano
May 18, 2019 at 6:44 am
I’ll put this one to bed: negative on the “few drinks.” Sometimes you feel a different rhythm when you write. Different rhythms/cadences/styles don’t please everyone. Hope that doesn’t drive you away from reading “5 Things We Learned On Saturday” this evening.
W
May 17, 2019 at 9:48 pm
What language was this written in? I didn’t understand any of it
Ben
May 17, 2019 at 9:18 pm
I could not understand half of this. I’m old.
Garrick
May 17, 2019 at 9:15 pm
i have seen the future of golf and its name is brooks koepka