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Putt For Dough Through the Snow

Every golfer in a northern climate hopes and prays to be able to hit the links just once during the winter months. The opportunity may never come, but when it does…

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Living in the northern climate, there is one constant that everyone must concede. The golf season here runs from mid March to early November (for the die hard players).

Most of the courses close around the beginning of November, and don’t open again until the snow is gone for good. There have been times; however infrequent, where Northerners get to experience the greatest phenomenon in golf: Winter Golf.

In November, usually somewhere in the first or second week, many cold weather players begin the same ritual. You get to the course and just have that feeling. This is the last time I am going to play for the next six months. The round may last 20 holes because you can’t quit unless it is a par or better. You head to the car for a long silent ride home. When you get home, you head to the basement where you meticulously clean each and every inch of your equipment. It is your chance to say goodbye to your friends until next year, save the few trips to the heated range or golf dome. Your shoes get a thorough cleaning and a last polish before spending the cold winter months next to the bag in the basement.

The snow falls and the mercury starts hitting below freezing regularly. You have been relegated to watching the TOUR in Hawaii or playing Tiger Woods Golf on your video game system. GolfWRX.com seems full of people talking about how great golf is in Arizona in the winter. Every manufacturer starts putting out the new line-up. Oh well, time for another glass of Cabernet by the fire watching the snow fall.

Every couple of years though, something magical happens. There is no snow on the ground from a previous rain or maybe it hasn’t even fallen yet. The weather patterns are just right and the warm air from the South makes it way north. Sure, it might only be 50 degrees, but it may as well be 90. Wait though. Who is going to be open?

The phone begins to dial itself. Every course within 50 miles gets a call. Pick up… Pick up… VICTORY! "Yes, we are open. Come on over! Hello? Sir?" The phone has already hit the counter and the car is out of the garage.

There are no tee markers and the entire course hasn’t seen a mower in three months, but YOU ARE GOLFING IN FEBRUARY! The pins are either just where they were left in November or right in the middle of the green. The normal high is 22 degrees, but you are on the course today in a balmy 49 degrees wearing nothing but a sweatshirt and shorts.

In the entire history of winter golf, there has never been a round played over 85. A shank off the tee wasn’t your fault because it is February and the only swing you have practiced was the refrigerator door; better take a mulligan. Thinned wedges don’t count; the ground is frozen. You missed your 10 foot putt? Why, these greens are shaggier than US Open rough; you would have made it otherwise. Count it. There is still a little snow in that sand trap. Free drop.

The sun on your face has more therapeutic benefits than a trip to the spa for the full treatment. There are few things in life that are more enjoyable than having ten inches of snow on the ground one week and standing over a four footer the next while never having jumped a plane or driving 10+ hours. Every bad shot is just dismissed with "I am just happy to be here".

Yes sir, outside of the very loose rules, winter golf is true. It is pure. Every duffer on the course in February is having the best 16 holes they have ever played (two were still under water from the snow melt). You don’t worry about handicaps, scores, the bogeyman, or a $2 Nassau. Golf is golf, and you are playing. Enjoy it like you did when you were a kid and had no concept of par. You will be making real snowmen again next week anyway.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Dad and Mom

    Jan 13, 2008 at 3:40 pm

    “You nailed it!” says mom. I found myself chuckling out loud as I identified perfectly with every description; from the feeling of the sun on your face to the “best 16 holes…”

    Keep up the good work, son.

  2. Jorge

    Jan 12, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    I was able to experience this today. 1 over for 9 holes….I couldn’t be happier. This was the best read in ages…

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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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