Opinion & Analysis
Golf 2019: 10 Quick Things
The Presidents Cup reminded how great team golf can be, and what an exceptional course brings to the dynamic. It also illuminated that Patrick Reed is his own worst problem. Some people prefer to live amidst controversy. He seems to be one. Instead of laying low during the Cup, he instigated the crowd. Why? He should have taken his medicine after his transgression during the Hero Challenge. Speaking of that mistake, it’d be great if Augusta National would rescind Reed’s invitation for the 2020 Masters. He needs a lesson that’ll hit home. Perhaps suspend him from The Masters. That’ll teach him to own his competitive conduct. Tough love for sure, but good for the young man, and a page from former Orioles’ Manager Earl Weaver’s playbook. He would send Baltimore players down to the minors for transgressions like not running out ground balls. “I’m doing the kid a favor – he needs to learn how to play the game the right way,” he’d rightfully say.
The Rules of Golf changes make playing the game easier, faster, more fun. That wasn’t needed. (Insert sarcasm GIF here.)
Toptracer technology from Topgolf is the best thing for TV golf viewing ever.
Toptracer technology from Topgolf transformed watching the game on TV , adding clarity and insight about how shots fly and are played.
Phil is phinished as a premier PGA Tour contender. No shame there. Phabulous run, old boy. Better than most all-time.
Others who should join Phil’s phoursome on the “Mount Rushmore of Sports/Father Time is Undefeated” Memorial include Tom Brady, Clayton Kershaw, and Carmelo Anthony.
Like the NBA, professional golf needs a shot clock. Two minutes when it’s your turn to play. No exceptions. Including looking for balls. Go.
Golfers need to play the game more quickly.
“Iron Byron” was a mind blower when first introduced as a performance measurement tool. Now, with AI seemingly omnipresent in golf – can you spell Arccos? – it seems laughably antiquated.
The LPGA (and its Symetra “Road to the LPGA” feeder tour) grows more compelling with each year. The next decade for women’s golf will be looked back on as the era when it “crossed over.” If you don’t know who Jin Young Ko, Sei Young Kim, or Brooke Henderson are, you will.
An event co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and LPGA would be a great move. Make it a team event that players qualify for like they do for the Ryder Cup. The competition would be outstanding, and the uniqueness would make for a hugely compelling competition.
Dan Hicks proved again this year that he is an all-time great. His seemingly effortless calls make watching TV golf with the sound on not only tolerable but enjoyable. He’s fluent, astute, and avoids hyperbole. His commentary is laced with humor, insight, and, most importantly, is never pretentious. That last trait is incredibly hard to avoid. Right, Joe Buck?
This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
Justin Rose WITB 2026 (April): Full WITB breakdown with new McLaren irons
What’s the story behind Webb Simpson’s custom-stamped irons?
Memorial Tournament Tour Report: Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young switch up drivers, and more
Cadillac Championship Tour Report: Spieth’s sizable changes, McLaren Golf launches, and more
Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
J.T. Poston’s winning WITB: 2026 Memorial Tournament
Best irons 2026: Best irons overall, most forgiving irons, and more
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
Bud Cauley WITB 2026 (June)
Bud Cauley had >14 clubs in his bag when photographed prior to the Memorial Tournament. Driver: Titleist GTS2 (8 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura...
Hannah Green WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: Titleist GTS3 (10 degrees, D4 SureFit setting) Shaft: Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana RB 53 S 3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees,...
Asterisk Talley WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 S 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (16.5 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue...
Brianna Do WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond (9 degrees) Shaft: KBS PGW 3-wood: Callaway Elyte Titanium (15 degrees) Shaft: KBS PGW 5-wood:...
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Golf Stud
Dec 27, 2019 at 5:18 am
The PGA Tour has no authority when it comes to the Masters Tournament. They would be in no position to suspend him from that event.
Dan Shepherd
Dec 27, 2019 at 8:47 am
Good point, of course, and my point was conceptual, to show how important it is I believe to penalize in a way that sends a message that makes a difference.
D D
Dec 26, 2019 at 5:51 pm
Good going Dan I Am.
Jim
Dec 20, 2019 at 1:34 pm
This isn’t an article.
Dan Shepherd
Dec 26, 2019 at 1:19 pm
It’s an opinion piece, Jim. Like Popeye, I calls ’em like I sees ’em, and GolfWRX is a platform for publishing all types of content, from news articles and features, to opinion columns.
Devin
Dec 19, 2019 at 5:46 pm
Huh?
Dan Shepherd
Dec 26, 2019 at 1:20 pm
Yes.
cdnasian
Dec 19, 2019 at 4:57 pm
What did I just read?
Dan Shepherd
Dec 26, 2019 at 1:22 pm
An opinion column by me. I have played the game for decades and worked in the industry for the past 20 years, including as editor of Golf Inc. Magazine.