News

Morning 9: No Par 3 Contest this year | Masters behind-the-scenes doc to air | TW texted JT

Published

5 years ago

Mar 16, 2021

Ben Alberstadt

By Ben Alberstadt

For comments—or if you’re looking for a fourth—email me at [email protected].

You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram.

March 16, 2021

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans.

1. No Par 3 Contest this year

From the Golf Channel Digital Team…“Augusta National confirmed the Masters Par 3 Contest will once again not be played this year because of social distancing protocols related to the coronavirus pandemic.”

“The annual Wednesday contest was also canceled last November when the rescheduled Masters was held.”

“The club said in a release that it hoped the event will resume in 2022.”

“As part of its health and safety guidelines for the tournament, Augusta National reiterated that everyone in attendance at this year’s Masters must wear a face covering at all times and maintain a physical distancing of at least six feet”

Full piece.

2. Body and mind

The BBC’s Iain Carter…”There was a huge turning point with Saturday’s eight-under-par 64, the lowest round of the week at TPC Sawgrass. And then he backed it up with his superb 68 as he equalled the record for the lowest aggregate score for the final 36 holes at the Players by a champion.”

“The head space that I was in this week was a huge step for me,” Thomas added.

“I was in a lot better place than I have been the last couple months, so I think that was huge, and I don’t think it’s any coincidence that my golf was better.”

“Thomas is rightly proud of an achievement that means he matches only Woods in having won The Players along with 10 tour titles and a major by the age of 28.”

Full piece.

3. McGinley: Rory should be more Dustin

Keith Jackson for SkySports…”But McGinley feels McIlroy should go “back to basics” and insisted McIlroy’s main weakness is his approach play from 150 yards in, something that Johnson – the current world No 1 – works hardest to maintain and improve during practice sessions with coach Claude Harmon.”

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard Rory say that, but I’m not surprised,” McGinley said on Sky Sports The Players. “Professional golfers are like sheep, we are going to follow somebody who is having some success. What’s incredible is that one of the best drivers of the ball that we’ve ever seen in the game thinks that he might need to find another 10 or 15 yards.”

“That was not necessary. We all know where Rory’s weaknesses are, his approach play particularly, over the last 12-14 months, has really fallen off the planet, especially with his short-irons. If you look at his statistics from 50 to 150 yards in, he’s ranked around 200th on the PGA Tour, which is not far from last.”

Full piece.

4. Masters behind-the-scenes doc to air

Via ESPN PR dude Andy Hall…”Augusta National Golf Club will offer a first-ever look behind the scenes of its operations in a half-hour documentary, The One in November, debuting exclusively on ESPN.”

“The film premieres on Tuesday, March 16, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and will re-air multiple times in advance of ESPN’s live coverage of the 85th Masters Tournament, which commences April 8. ABC also will air the documentary on Saturday, April 3, at 4 p.m., and it will be available on ESPN+ and Masters.com beginning April 4.”

“The 2020 edition of the Masters was unprecedented. Postponed to November from its traditional April dates and staged with no patrons for the first time in its history, the Masters overcame numerous new challenges in making the annual, world-class event a reality during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Full piece.

5. Wie-turning?

Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols…”It looks like Michelle Wie West might be making her return to the LPGA at next week’s Kia Classic. The 31-year-old mom last competed on tour at the 2019 KMPG Women’s PGA at Hazeltine, where she battled severe wrist pain.”

“So much life has happened since then for Wie West, who married Jonnie West, son of NBA legend Jerry West and an executive with the Golden State Warriors, in August of 2019. The couple welcomed daughter Makenna on June 19, 2020.”

Full piece.

6. Multiple PGA Tour players positive for COVID-19

Adam Woodard for Golfweek…”The COVID-19 pandemic has once again struck the PGA Tour.”

“On Monday afternoon the Tour announced that a pair of four-time winners had tested positive for COVID-19 and have withdrawn from this week’s Honda Classic at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida: 2019 U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland and Scott Piercy.”

Doc Redman has also tested positive.

Full piece.

7. Like Bryson, JT received TW pump-up texts

Via Keith Jackson at Sky Sports…”I was replaying what Tiger told me a lot in my head,” said Thomas. “He likes to give me a lot of grief, especially when he’s not here, and, like Bryson said, we’re all pulling for him, and I’m so glad to hear everything has been going well with him.

“…Part of me wishes he was here so I could rub it in his face a little bit more! But no, I’m happy and I hope he’s happy, and I always appreciate his help. He told me just to stay patient. There’s been a lot of other stuff, but it’s between us, and it’s great.

Full piece.

8. “Tim Rosaforte Media Center”

Golf Digest staff report…”Tim Rosaforte is as close to a legend as it gets in the golf world. No surprise then that the Honda Classic bestowed him an honor befitting his four-decade career in the game.”

“On Monday tournament officials announced they are recognizing Rosaforte, a former senior writer for Golf Digest, by renaming the Honda Classic media center the “Tim Rosaforte Media Center.” Additionally, the tournament is creating a perpetual award in his name, with Rosaforte serving as the first recipient of the title.”

Full piece.

9. GolfWRX best driver

Our Ryan Barath…“Your driver is one of the most important clubs in your bag. At GolfWRX, to determine the 2021 best driver, we have compiled an expert panel of fitters to help you find out which of the 2021 drivers is best for your game.”

“In 2021, OEMs have continued to impress us with their ability to utilize new technology and manufacturing methods to create drivers that offer forgiveness and faster more consistent club faces, along with better adjustability and fitting options. These fitting options are key elements because with more drivers being offered, it’s now easier than ever to find the right one for you.”

“That being said, ultimately the best way to find your personal best golf driver is to work with a professional fitter using a launch monitor. The difficult part is a lot of people don’t have easy access to fitters, launch monitors, and club builders—so at GolfWRX, we have done a lot of the work for you.”

“We are in the era of not just maximizing distance but also minimizing the penalty of common misses for each player. This is why, now more than ever, custom fitting is essential to help you see results on every swing you make.”

“The methodology is simple: We want to give you the tools and information to go out and find what works best for you—offering recommendations for your swing speed with feedback from the people who work every single day to help golfers get peak performance out of their equipment.”

Full piece.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

10 hours ago

Jun 11, 2026

Will Schube

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.”

News

Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

11 hours ago

Jun 11, 2026

Will Schube

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.”

News

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

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

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.