News

2023 PGA Championship preview: The “other” WNY club that hosted the PGA

Published

3 years ago

Apr 20, 2023

In 1980 at Rochester’s Oak Hill Country Club, Jack Nicklaus claimed his fifth PGA Championship. 23 years after, Shaun Micheel laced a brilliant 7-iron into the 18th hole to fend off a Chad Campbell challenge to Oak Hill’s second PGA hosting. 10 years further on, Jason Dufner confirmed for the world what it had long suspected and anticipated: that he had what it took to hoist a major event trophy. The third Wannamaker trophy to be awarded at the upstate New York club, was lifted by Dufner.

Would you be surprised if I told you that another PGA Championship had taken place in western New York? That it was held 73 miles to the west, 46 years prior to #JackIsBack. And, most important, it was decided on the club’s second green, which turned out to be the 38th hole of the day. If so, pick up your jaw and settle in, because I have a story for you.

1934 PGA Championship Promotional Poster

The Park Country Club of Buffalo was founded in 1903, in what is now Delaware Park, a Buffalo Olmsted Park. The club decided to move east as the city continued to grow, settling in at a bucolic tract along Sheridan Dr. in Williamsville. Clifford Wendehack designed one of his most notable clubhouses there, and Charles Alison was entrusted with the laying out of the golf course. Seven years after it opened, the Park Club’s Williamsville Course was entrusted to host one of the game’s great championships.

In 1934, the PGA Championship was decided at match play. The tournament began on Tuesday, July 24th, and the field was reduced to the top 31 qualifiers, plus the defending champion, Gene Sarazen. Sarazen had won the year before at the Seth Raynor-designed Blue Mound Country Club in Wisconsin. 114 golfers attempted to qualify via 36 holes of single-day, onsite qualifying. Bob Crowley of Massachusetts was the medalist, and Paul Runyan set the course record in the afternoon, with a 6-under 66. 10 players tied for the final eight spots in match play, and they met at 8 p.m., as the sun was setting, to determine who would advance.

1934 PGA Championship Program Cover

Beginning on Wednesday, all matches would reach 36 holes, unless the fates decided that a player was unable to overcome his opponent’s advantage. That first day saw one match exceed the mandated 36 holes, and one other match reach the 35th hole. The largest margin of victory was by 12 & 10, with Ky Laffoon of Arkansas coming out on top.

Day two of match play saw the defending champion exit at the hands of Al Watrous. The second day of match play saw a decidedly more-balanced set of competitions, with all matches reaching at least the 33rd green. Moving into the quarterfinals were Watrous, Craig Wood, “Lighthorse” Harry Cooper, Densmore Shute, Al Houghton, Dick Metz, Gene Kunes, and Bob Crowley. Of the remaining golfers, Paul Runyan figured into two interesting storylines. He was one of the hottest golfers on tour, with five titles to his name thus far that year. In addition, he had been Craig Wood’s student when he served as his assistant pro at Forest Hills Country Club.

Competitors on the practice putting green

Day three saw four golfers win their way into the semifinals. Al Watrous lost to Craig Wood by 2 & 1. Watrous would come close over the years, but would never win a major championship. Wood was a year away from being victimized by the shot heard ’round the world, Gene Sarazen’s electrifying 4-wood for double eagle at the Masters. The Lake Placid pro, Wood, received Densmore Shute as his semifinal-round opponent. Shute had won The Open in 1933 and would win a pair of PGA Championships in 1936 and 1937. At Park, he would lose to Wood by a 2 & 1 margin. The other semifinal pitted “Little Poison,” Paul Runyan, against Gene Kunes. Runyan would close Kunes out on the 16th green, by 4 & 2. Thus was the final match set, with the teacher and the student paired in combat.

The final match was a see-saw affair, with Wood taking a lead after the morning 18, only to see Runyan rally in the afternoon to square the match. Wood went back in front at the 11th hole of the afternoon 18, but Runyan won two of the next four holes to seize an advantage. At the uphill 17th, Wood nearly holed for two, but his three was enough to square the match. Nervy par putts from a dozen feet from both golfers sent the match to extra holes.

1934 PGA Championship winner Paul Runyan (left) receives Wannamaker trophy

Bob Morber, a long-time member of the Park Club, recalls a 1998 visit at the club with Paul Runyan, in which the eventual champion recounted how the bridge over Ellicott Creek was reserved for the competitors, and the gallery had to splash through the waters to follow the playoff. Both golfers made birdie at the par-5 1st hole, with Wood missing an eight-foot putt for eagle and the win. At the 38th hole of the day, Wood made a mess of things, eventually missing from 12 feet for par. Runyan made a birdie and became the 17th winner of the PGA Championship.

During his visit to the Park Club, Runyan also recalled how open the course was. As he reached the 14th tee, he asked when the trees went up along the left edge of the fairway. What had once been an open tee shot, was now compelled to go right, then back left. During the 2010s, Park Club undertook a restorative project with Ian Andrew as lead architect. Unnecessary trees were removed, sightlines were restored, and the course was returned to the strategic layout that Charles Alison had envisioned.

1934 PGA Championship final-match gallery around 18th green

Today, the Park Club continues to offer one of the finest challenges in western New York. The clubhouse underwent an expansion, and the new grill room was named in honor of the 1934 PGA Champion. The Runyan Room is bedecked with artifacts from that tournament, including photos, programs, and tickets. One of the photographs features Runyan and Morber in 1998, on the 18th green. It was taken moments after Runyan holed a massive putt from the back fringe to a front hole location, something that no one but a champion can muster.

Next month, the PGA of America will return to Oak Hill’s East course for its fourth PGA Championship at the storied Rochester layout. This writer will spend more than a moment recalling an event played nearly 90 years ago, at a club with Oak Hill reciprocity, in the suburbs of neighboring Buffalo.

1934 PGA Championship champion’s medal

Credit and gratitude to Heritage Auctions for the championship medal image.

Credit and gratitude to Park Country Club for all other images.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

16 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

17 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

3 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.