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Morning 9: Bradley claims emotional win | Lexi back to winning ways | Sergio on Ryder Cup

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October 17, 2022

Good Monday morning, golf fans, as Keegan Bradley ended his long wait to get back into the winner’s circle by capturing the Zozo Championship in Japan.

*Keegan’s Odyssey Versa Jailbird pictured above*

1. Bradley ends victory drought

AP report…”Bradley raised both arms to the sky and had to choke back tears after clinching the victory with a tap-in on 18.”

  • “Bradley finished with a 15-under total of 265.”
  • “Bradley bogeyed two of the last five holes, but came through with a key birdie putt on the 17th to give him a two-shot lead going in the 18th ahead of playing partners Fowler and Putnam.”
  • “It’s not going to be easy, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Bradley said. “Things aren’t easy for me normally.”
Full piece.

2. Fowler comes up short

Cameron Morfit PGATour.com…”As for getting back in the winner’s circle at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, with its unique circular trophy, it wasn’t to be.”

  • “Yeah, kind of bittersweet,” Fowler said after signing for an even-par 70 to finish 14 under par, one back of winner Keegan Bradley (68), at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club. “Obviously wanted to get the job done and I felt very good going into today.”
  • “Fowler, 33, was hoping to win for the first time since the 2019 WM Phoenix Open. He had dropped to 176th in the world to start this season, and to shake things up made difficult personnel changes with a new caddie and going back to his old coach, Butch Harmon.”
  • “It seemed to pay immediate dividends when Fowler finished T6 at the season-opening Fortinet Championship last month. He missed the cut at the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas, but that gave him more time to work with Las Vegas-based Harmon.”
Full piece.

3. Lexi wins Aramco

Golfweek’s Beth Ann NIchols…”Lexi Thompson hoisted a trophy for the first time in three years at the Aramco Team Series in New York. The 27-year-old American star, who last won at the 2019 ShopRite LPGA Classic, closed with a 69 at Trump Golf Links Ferry Point to win by three over Brooke Henderson and Madelene Sagstrom.”

  • “I came into today just the way I played yesterday, just playing aggressive golf, and being kind of fiery,” said Thompson.
Full piece.

4. Koepka with a LIV win

Tyler Conway for Bleacher Report…”Fifty-four holes wasn’t enough to complete the final individual competition of the LIV Golf season.

Neither was 55.”

  • “On the 56th hole, Brooks Kopepka finally broke through to capture the 2022 LIV Golf Jeddah Invitational in a playoff against Peter Uihlein.”
  • “The win is Koepka’s first on any tour since the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open and just his second since the end of 2019.”
  • “Koepka and Uihlein finished the event tied at 12 under and played through a pair of tense playoff holes as the sun was setting in Saudi Arabia. Each facing a bunker shot on the third playoff hole, unfortunate interference from a rock sent Uihlein’s approach sailing into the water and handed the event to Koepka.”
Full piece.

5. Tell us how you really feel, Emiliano

Colby Powell for Golf Channel…”Grillo’s 4th-place finish at the Zozo Championship would lead one to believe that the Argentinean would have a certain affinity for Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club, but that’s not the case.”

  • “Here’s what the 30-year-old had to say after the final round when asked whether the golf course suits his game.”
  • “Not really. I don’t like it, to be honest,” Grillo said. “But yeah, it’s a tournament you have to play. It’s a lot of points and not so many players, so obviously I feel like I want to keep playing it here. I don’t know if that’s going to be the case, but it’s been a great week.”
Full piece.

6. Strong field ahead

Golfweek’s Riley Hamel…”The field for the 2022 CJ Cup is official and we’re in for a treat.”

  • “Defending champion Rory McIlroy is among six of the world’s top-10 players and 15 of the top 20 headed to Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina.”
  • “McIlroy hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since winning the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup but has made three starts on the DP World Tour, finishing inside the top five in all three (T-2, 4, T-4).”
  • “In fact, since his silver medal at the Masters, McIlroy’s only finish outside the top 20 is a missed cut at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in August.”
  • “World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who made his pickleball debut with Jordan Spieth Thursday night, tied for 38th at The Summit Club last season.”
Full piece.

7. Sergio on Ryder Cup

James Corrigan for the Telegraph… “Sergio Garcia claims that he has allowed his DP World Tour membership to lapse and made himself ineligible for the Ryder Cup to ensure that his presence at next year’s match in Rome does not hamper the chances of his “beloved” Europe team.”

  • …“I obviously would love to keep being a part of it, but when I see that so many people are against [me playing]… well, if the team is better without me, I’d rather be out of it,” Garcia told Sports Illustrated. “Unfortunately it doesn’t feel like I’m very welcome on that Tour, so I don’t want to be a bother to anyone.
  • “There’s obviously several guys who feel strongly that way. Tour is of the same thought. So I don’t want to be something that might hurt the team. I love the Ryder Cup too much. Obviously it’s sad for me but that’s the way they want it. I’m just helping out.”
Full Piece.

8. Fred Couples beats age to win title

Elliot Heath for Golf Monthly… “Fred Couples beat his age to shoot a 12-under-par 60 and win for the first time in five years at the SAS Championship on the PGA Tour Champions.”

  • “The 63-year-old, former World No.1 and 1992 Masters champion, closed his front nine with five consecutive birdies before ending his round with seven consecutive gains to post a card containing 12 birdies and six pars. He described it as “the best round I’ve ever played” after sealing his 14th title on the PGA Tour Champions.”
  • “He won the title at Prestonwood Country Club just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina by six strokes with a score of 20-under-par after three rounds.”
Full Piece.

9. Winning WITB: Keegan Bradley at the ‘22 Zozo Championship

Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees)

Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X

3-wood: TaylorMade SIM2 Max High Launch (16.5 degrees)

Shaft: Aldila Rogue White 130 M.S.I. 70 TX

Hybrid: Callaway Apex UW (19 degrees)

Shaft: Project X Smoke Black RDX 60 TX

Irons: Srixon ZX5 (3-5), Srixon ZX7 (6-PW)

Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore (52-10M, 58-6)

Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putter: Odyssey Versa Jailbird

Grip: Super Stroke Traxion Wristlock

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Plus4

Full WITB.

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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