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Morning 9: Horschel shares Honda lead | Kupcho ahead in Thailand | LIV players in for PGA

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

February 24, 2023

Good Friday morning, golf fans, as day two of the Honda Classic is underway.

1. Horschel shares lead

AP report…” Billy Horschel has never won a PGA Tour event in his home state of Florida. His quest to change that is off to a fine start.”

Horschel shot a 5-under 65 on Thursday, tying him with Joseph Bramlett for the first-round lead in the Honda Classic at PGA National. Bramlett had a bogey-free round; Horschel had six birdies and one bogey.

“Just played really solid,” Horschel said. “Didn’t do anything special. Hit some quality iron shots here and there. I wouldn’t say everything was sort of automatic and it was easy. I had to just sort of work my way into making some good swings here and there. But overall, it was a really solid day of golf.”

Full piece.

2. LPGA in Thailand

AP report…”Jennifer Kupcho fired a bogey-free 7-under 65 to share the lead alongside four other players after the opening round of the Honda LPGA Thailand on Thursday.”

  • “The crowded leaderboard was no surprise on the Pattaya Old Course: The average winning score over the past 10 years is 21 under par.”
Full piece.

3. Jan Stephenson diagnosed with cancer

Via the Golf Channel digital team…”Jan Stephenson, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and LPGA Legends Hall of Fame, has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, her foundation announced Thursday. She will begin treatment, including chemo and radiation therapy, in the next two weeks.”

  • “It’s impossible to overstate what Jan has meant to golf in not only Australia, but around the world, with all the effort she has put into developing young golfers through her charitable foundations,” said Michael Vandiver, executive vice president of Jan Stephenson’s Crossroads Foundation.
Full piece.

4. LIV players in for PGA Championship

SI Golf Staff…”On Wednesday, the PGA of America released its eligibility criteria for this year’s championship—which will be held at Oak Hill in Rochester, N.Y., from May 18-21.”

  • CEO Seth Waugh acknowledged the ongoing PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf divide, but reiterated that the PGA Championship’s goal is to put on a competitive tournament with an appropriately strong field.
  • “Our decisions are always based on what’s in the best interest of the PGA of America and conducting the best Championship possible,” Waugh said.
Full Piece.

5. Funding the Walker, Curtis Cups

Golf Digest’s Ryan Herrington…”Whan’s love-at-first-sight response to the competitions was hardly fleeting. Shortly after joining the governing body, he spoke with the USGA Executive Committee about what could be done to make sure the two events—each costing between $1 million to $1.5 million to run but with little ability to generate their own revenue—would never find themselves in jeopardy should tough financial times require tough financial decisions.”

  • “In turn, the conversation inspired a first-of-its-kind program for the USGA: a capital campaign to endow both matches that, if successful, could serve as a model for how the USGA funds future amateur championships.”
  • “Since last May, with little overt publicity, the USGA has been working to find 20 donors willing to give $500,000 each to become the “Keepers of the Cups.” The USGA would match the $10 million raised from this group with money from its strategic investment fund to create a $20 million nest egg keeping the events going in perpetuity.”
Full piece.

6. Mayakoba CEO still hoping for PGA Tour return

Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig…”And while there are some serious hurdles involved for a PGA Tour return, the chief executive officer of the company that owns the Mayakoba Resort would has not given up on the idea. He would very much like to host both entities and believes he can be a bridge to peace.”

  • “We would love to have an event with the PGA Tour as well,” said Borja Escalada, the CEO of RLH Properties. “We’d love to be partners in building the outreach among this tour’s platform. The sooner that we learn how to coexist … because in the end, I would say it’s happening in most sports. There are many different leagues, any different organizations.
  • “We are trying to develop golf as best we can, and it would be an honor to host both events.”
Full piece.

7. Perez takes a shot at PGA Tour

Our Matt Vincenzi…”LIV Golf’s Pat Perez fired a pretty big shot at the PGA Tour in this week’s pre-tournament press conference for LIV Golf Mayakoba.”

  • “When asked about his feelings about starting the year in Mexico, Perez bluntly responded: “I love it because we’re here and the Tour’s not. End quote”
Full Piece.

8. Best driver 2023

  • A shameless plug for our Best driver of 2023 roundup. We interviewed a panel of expert fitters looking for the best drivers across three swing speed ranges (plus the most forgiving driver). Have a look at what real golfers are really being fit into by the best in the business.
Full Piece.

9. Honda Classic Photos

  • Check out all of our galleries this week from PGA National.
Full Piece.

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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