News

Golf Gratitude: Golf is getting younger

Published

2 years ago

Sep 19, 2024

The golf landscape has seen an unprecedented shift in recent years, as evidenced by the latest National Golf Foundation (NGF) statistics. Over the past four years, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of kids picking up golf, injecting fresh enthusiasm and diversity into a game once dominated by older generations.

According to the NGF’s 2024 report, the total number of golfers in the United States has reached nearly 45 million, with a significant chunk of this growth attributed to younger players. This remarkable growth trend is not just a fleeting pandemic-induced phenomenon; it represents a sustained and growing interest among the youth, driven by several factors, including increased accessibility, innovative youth programs, and the surprising resurgence of going outside and getting some old-fashioned physical activity in each day, something surely inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. When Americans could not participate in many activities in 2020 and 2021, golf was deemed a safe outdoor activity, contributing to its rise in popularity, kids included. The total number of junior golfers in the U.S. has experienced an incredible 40-percent upswing over the past four years, reflecting a trend toward a younger and trendier golfing demographic.

Golf on social media and YouTube has also played a big part in the rise of the game among our youth. For more on that part of the equation, check out my article on RG.org from last month, “YouTube Golf: Transforming the Game, One Click and View at a Time, And Mainstream Golf Has Now Officially Taken Notice,”

This surge in youth engagement heralds a bright future for golf, ensuring that the greens will be vibrant with young talent for decades to come. The NGF’s findings clearly indicate that the game is successfully bridging generational gaps and expanding its reach, ensuring that the love for golf continues to grow.

As the founder of my Little Linksters program, academy, and nonprofit organization back in 2008, I have long contended that golf is the perfect lifetime sport and that getting a club in kids’ hands at the youngest age possible is important.

Why is it important?

It is not at all about getting kids into the game young so you can train them to be the next Scottie Scheffler or Nelly Korda. If that happens, then fantastic, but that is not why introducing kids to the game is essential. Golf teaches numerous life lessons and is an incredible conduit for creating friendships that last a lifetime. That is the spirit of this great game.

One of the many initiatives I have started through Little Linksters celebrates golf among the youngest of our global population. I am immensely proud to celebrate the 13th year of our Little Linksters Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World Video Contest this year. This contest has become a cherished tradition in the world of junior golf, providing a unique platform for young golfers, ages 2 to 12, to showcase their swings and grow their love for the game.

From its humble beginnings in 2011, the Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World Video Contest was designed with a clear vision: to highlight the prodigious talent of our youngest golfers and foster a spirit of enthusiasm and sportsmanship from an early age. Over the years, it has become a global phenomenon, drawing entries from around the world and producing some truly unforgettable moments.

One of the unique aspects of our contest is the panel of distinguished judges we’ve had the honor of including. Notable golf figures such as Annika Sörenstam, Jordan Spieth, Lydia Ko, In-Bee Park, Tommy Fleetwood, Brooke Henderson, Andrew “Beef” Johnston, Tony Jacklin, Hank Haney, Lexi Thompson, Jim McLean, Paula Creamer, Brittany Lincicome, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Keegan Bradley, David Leadbetter, Michelle Wie, Lauren Thompson, Sam Ryder, Stacy Lewis, Alexa Pano, and many others have lent their insights and expertise, providing invaluable feedback to our young stars. Their participation elevates the contest’s prestige and inspires these young golfers to dream big as they hone their skills.

The contest is straightforward yet impactful. In ages groups of Under 3, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12, Parents and guardians are invited to submit a short video of their child’s golf swing, captured in a fun and positive environment. Over the years, we’ve seen swings on pristine courses, backyards, and even living rooms—each video brimming with the unique charm and promise of our participants. Our esteemed panel of judges then evaluates the entries, selecting the best swings based on form, technique, and overall potential.

But this contest is about more than just finding the next youthful phenom. It’s about celebrating the journey of learning golf, from those first swings to the more refined techniques that come with practice and dedication. It’s about building confidence, instilling the values of discipline and perseverance, and nurturing a lifelong passion for the game.

Little Linksters has always been about more than just teaching golf; it’s about creating a supportive and engaging environment for young golfers to thrive. Our programs are rooted in developing not just physical skills but also social and emotional growth. We believe that the lessons learned on the course—patience, integrity, and respect—are invaluable in life beyond golf.

Reflecting on our 13-year journey, I am filled with gratitude for the community that has supported us. From the parents and guardians who submit those cherished video entries to the professional golfers and instructors who give their time to judge to the sponsors who help make it all possible — each has played a vital role in the contest’s success.

This Year’s Contest…

As we look to the 2024 contest, our commitment remains steadfast: to shine a spotlight on the incredible young talents in our sport, to encourage their development, and to continue spreading the joy and values of golf to the next generation.

For full details, including rules, or to enter your child, go to: https://littlelinksters.com/2023-little-linksters-best-pee-wee-golf-swing-contest/

The entry deadline is Monday, September 30th, at 11:59 p.m.

Here’s to another fantastic year of celebrating the Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World!

Golf Gratitude: Your weekly dose of good vibes from the golf world is my new weekly look at the feel-good stories happening in golf. Why? Because we all need a little dose of good vibes occasionally.

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.