News

Matt Fitzpatrick is toast of Brookline with Am-Open double

Published

4 years ago

Jun 19, 2022

The US Open sat quietly in a corner of the restaurant. The server brought the appetizer card and the normally-jovial crowd showed a sense of restraint in keeping the chatter to a tolerable volume. After a time, the Open selected a bit of Hadwin, some Morikawa, and two small plates of Dahmen and Rahm. The server nodded with a smile, turned gracefully, and repaired to the kitchen, to begin the meal preparations.

Satisfied, she took a sip of her vintage Matsuyama, and suddenly had an urge to add some McIlroy to the list. It had once caught her fancy, but this was a different decade and, perhaps, the craving was no longer as fierce. She sat back once again, and contemplated her options for the plato fuerte, or main course.

On the one hand, the Zalatoris was the talk of Boston town, and nearly everywhere else across the United States. It had caught the country’s attention and was on the verge of achieving something rare across the culinary world: a Michelin Dish Star. The alternative was another unique opportunity. The Fitzpatrick had began its life at this hideaway as a small plate, nearly a decade ago. It had established itself as a reliable starter, but was on the cusp of something notorious.

Matthew Fitzpatrick won the Amateur, but Matt Fitzpatrick wins the Open

Folks at publishing houses would reject the manuscript as impossible. Denizens of film studios would sneer at the script, and send the hopeful writer away with little more than a wave. How in the world could anyone support the plausability of an English golfer who wins the US Amateur in the days leading to his 19th birthday. He attends American University for one term, then departs to pursue a professional career. Over the next nine years (seven, if we don’t count Covid) he wins seven times on the European Tour, but never reprises the magic of his week at the Am. Fast forward to his 28th year. The US Open returns to the scene of his Amateur glory, and the now-27 year old finds himself in the final pairing on Sunday with an American phenom, on the edge of his own breakthrough. One of them hoists the champion’s trophy, while the other ties for second, one shot behind.

That implausible story came true on Sunday, June 19th, for Matthew Thomas “Matt” Fitzpatrick. The pride of Sheffield played his way into the final pairing with Will Zalatoris. If you haven’t read of Zalatoris, he has a way of making the scene at major championships, and finishing inside the top four with regularity. Like Fitzpatrick, Zalatoris left university early to pursue his professional dreams. Like Zalatoris, he had yet to win professionally at the highest American level.

Over the first nine holes on Sunday, neither one was the story. The 2022 Master champion, Scottie Scheffler, had posted four birdies over the round’s first half, and sat in the leader’s chair, at six-under par. The Country Club had other plans for Scheffler. Consecutive bogeys at 10 and 11 dropped him to minus-four, but a final birdie at the famous 17th returned him to five-deep. His 67 should have won him the Open.

Hideki Matsuyama won a Masters in 2021. That’s where Zalatoris finished second by a skim. Matsuyama was present at Brookline, but before Sunday, was an afterthought. On Sunday, he was perfect. The Japanese star posted birdies at holes six and seven on his way to the turn, then added three more coming home, for a round of 65. It was the low tally of the week, and could have won him a second major title. He was perfect, but just not perfect enough.

Collin Morikawa is halfway to the career grand slam. After 36 holes, he looked for all the world like a man on the way to an Open title and a third career major. After 54 holes, he looked for all the world like a man who was fortunate to make the cut. Morikawa had followed rounds of 69 and 66 with an inexplicable 77. On Sunday, Morikawa added another 66 and finished 5th with McIlroy, one back of Matsuyama.

Will Zalatoris began his final round at Brookline with bogeys at holes two and three. He countered with three birdies at six, seven, and nine, and added a fourth at 11. With victory in site, he slipped at 12 and 15, but rebounded at 16. He would need one more over the closing holes to reach minus-six, but it was just out of reach.

Matt Fitzpatrick had three birdies against one bogey on the outward nine. He opened a gap against his partner, but allowed it to close with bogeys of his own at 10 and 11. With the calm of a veteran, the 2013 US Amateur champion posted birdies at 13 and 15, and reached six-under par. He would need the calm of a warrior over the final three holes, and he was able to summon it.

At this juncture, the US Open summoned the server and made her decision. She opted, at the last moment, for the Fitzpatrick over the Zalatoris. Neither was the incorrect choice. Perhaps on another occasion, she would reverse her decision. When the chef asked the server why their guest had gone one way instead of the other, shoulders simply shrugged and came the answer “I do not know why the Open chooses you. It just does.”

The first player from outside the United States to win the #USOpen and #USAmateur = @MattFitz94 ??#LexusGolf | @Lexus pic.twitter.com/liwg0q51p8

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 19, 2022

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 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

2 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.