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Morning 9: Phil the stallion | Pebble update | Shack on “5 families” Distance Insights takes

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1. At Pebble…
AP report…”Nick Taylor opened with an eagle, closed with two birdies and made a gorgeous day feel even better with an 8-under 63 at Monterey Peninsula that gave him the lead Thursday in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.”
  • “Most of the interest over three courses in the rotation was at Spyglass Hill, which featured Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, along with five NFL quarterbacks that included Peyton Manning and his recently retired brother, Eli.”

Full piece.

2 “Like a stallion”
Golf Channel’s Randall Mell…”Phil Mickelson was glowing after closing with three straight birdies Thursday to get in early contention to win the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am for a record sixth time.”
  • “The spark in his eyes was more about all those “bombs” he continued to hit in a 4-under-par 68 at Spyglass Hill, which left him four shots off the lead.”
  • “I drove it like a stallion,” Mickelson said. “Hit almost every fairway And when you’re doing that you can get aggressive and get after it.”

Full piece.

3. Vic Open Update
European Tour report…”Robin Sciot-Siegrist will take the lead into the weekend for the first time at a European Tour event after carding a brilliant bogey free 64 on day two of the 2020 ISPS Handa Vic Open…In the women’s event, Swede Madelene Sagstrom led the way at 13 under by one shot from American Ally McDonald.”
 
4. “5 families” Distance Insights Report positions
Geoff Shackelford, using one of his favorite designations, examines where the leading organizations in the golf world stand…
“The USGA, R&A, Augusta National, PGA Tour and PGA of America all have the power to sway votes and alter the course of history…The USGA and R&A can safely be registered as votes after statements made in the “Conclusions” document.”
  • “The PGA Tour and PGA of America have indicated they are opposed to change in recent years, but at least took a slightly less hostile approach in the report’s wake.”
  • “And Augusta National, home of the Masters?…When contacted, the club offered no new statement regarding the Distance Insights Study, but instead pointed to past remarks by Chairman Fred Ridley as indicative of their position.”
  • “….I believe that puts things at 3-2, with those three votes representing the three most prestigious championship titles in golf…”
5. Thomas auctioning off Kobe wedges
Our Gianni Magliocco…”Justin Thomas is auctioning off his four stamped Vokey wedges which he used as a tribute to Kobe Bryant at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, with all the proceeds going to the MambaOnThree Fund.”
  • “Bryant and his daughter Gianna were tragically killed after a helicopter crash last month along with seven others, and the MambaOnThree Fund exists to “honor and support loved ones of the seven other victims involved in the tragedy that occurred on January 26, 2020.”
  • “The four Titleist SM8 Raw TOUR Issued Custom Vokey Wedges each contain a unique homage to Bryant, including ’81 points’, ‘Black Mamba’, ‘Mamba Mentality,’ and ‘Kobe Bean Bryant.’

Full piece, and a link to the CharityBuzz auction here.

7. Spieth given Arnie Award
Via Golf Digest…”To honor the late Arnold Palmer and his commitment to charity, Golf Digest has joined forces with the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation to recognize three individuals who have followed in Arnie’s footsteps and used their love of the game to help others. In February 2020 three-time major champion Jordan Spieth was honored as one of the most charitable Golfers Who Give Back to receive the coveted Arnie Award, Golf Digest’s highest honor in recognition of the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation accomplishments.”
8. ANA Inspiration update 
Golf Channel Digital team…“Gabi Ruffels, the reigning U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, is one of five amateurs invited to compete in the LPGA’s first major of the season, the ANA Inspiration.”
  • “Ruffels, a junior at the University of Southern California, is also the North and South Amateur champion. She is joined in the field by:”
  • *Rose Zhang…Kaitlyn Papp…Olivia Meheffey,…Angela Ye”

Full piece.

9. Just a couple of QBs golfing…
Great stuff from Randall Mell on observing the both now retired Manning brothers at Pebble Beach…”Peyton and Eli Manning embodied what the real golf experience looks like for most of us.”
  • “It wasn’t in their difficulty hitting fairways or making pars during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but in the bonding around their shared struggle.”
  • “These former NFL quarterbacks, these winners of two Super Bowls each, were just “regular Joes” having a great time being with each other on a beautiful day on the Monterey Peninsula.”
  • “Norman Rockwell couldn’t have captured the spirit of the golf experience for the vast majority of us better than the images the Manning brothers gave us at Spyglass Hill. Rockwell couldn’t have painted a better picture illustrating the sport’s appeal for those of us more interested in the camaraderie of a regular Saturday game than the numbers we scratch on scorecards. He couldn’t have communicated that better than Peyton and Eli did walking side-by-side off every tee box, engrossed in conversation and laughter.”

 

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

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Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

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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.”

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Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

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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.”

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GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

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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.

 

  • GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

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