News

Monty at the US Open

Published

18 years ago

Jun 9, 2008

With the US Open coming up, Bag Chatter casts its eye over one of the most successful European golfers yet to win a major, Colin Montgomerie.

Since turning professional in 1988, ‘Monty’ became one of the most dominating forces on the European Tour winning the Order of Merit 7 times in succession from 1993-1999. Personal problems saw his form dip over the following years until 2005 when a rejuvenated Montgomerie surprised many critics and won the Order of Merit for a record 8th time.

Compared to these successes, the lack of a major victory is a noticeable absence. During the mid to late Nineties, Montgomerie was a regular figure near the top of the leader-board at majors where his trademark booming fade would split the tightest of fairways with pinpoint accuracy and allowed him to attack pins that others could not dare to.

With the emphasis on precision off the tee and minimising mistakes on what is traditionally the toughest course professional golfers play, The US Open is the major most suited to his game and has finished in the top 3 there 4 times in his career but his inability to convert high finishes into a victory have meant that he has been labelled one of the most talented players never to have won a major.

Following on from a third in 1992, he lost a play-off to Ernie Els in 1994 and then lost out to Els again in 1997, this time in regulation play. Montgomerie shot back to prominence in 2006 when he was back amongst it, fighting with Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk and Geoff Ogilvy for the lead. Apparently forgotten in the blaze of attention that followed Mickelson’s collapse at the last and Ogilvy’s gutsy chipping, few seem to remember how close he was to lifting the US Open Trophy. Only needing a par on 18 and having split the fairway with a perfect drive, he was left with an approach shot straight onto the green. Caught between a 6 iron and a 7 iron, he choose the latter relying on adrenalin to make up the extra yards. Hitting pretty much his only imperfect shot of the day, he ended up short-sided in the thick ball-eating rough that the US Open is known for and a double bogey was the result and a victory for Ogilvy.

While some took this as evidence that the Scot can’t close the deal when the pressure is on, often it has been a combination of bad luck and inspired play from his opponents as much as it has been bad play just at the worst time

Often unfairly the target of barracking from the crowds, Montgomerie has always been perceived as being more sensitive than most pros to heckling. In fact, with his awareness of outside movement and noise some wit once claimed that when he turned professional, golf marshalling lost one of their most talented members.

The fact is that the roll call of his victories and his extraordinary Ryder Cup record shows that he is a talented and determined golfer who knows what it takes to win and win in difficult circumstances. That he has slipped to 102 in the world shows that all is not right with his game but there is too much fight in him to go down without trying.

Standing in his way this year are a whole host of golf’s goliaths – the resurgent Adam Scott – newly moved to number 3 in the world, a refocused Sergio Garcia – back to his best with victory at the Players Championships, a re-energised Phil Mickelson – with multiple wins already this year, and a rehabilitating Tiger Woods – who’s playing record indicates that he owns Torrey Pines. None of these men are going to meekly step aside to allow Montgomerie his day in the sun.

With the years creeping up on him and seemingly still searching for the right equipment, time looks to have run out for him but his supporters will be wishing him the best and hoping that this will be the time that wins the major that he so richly deserves

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

13 mins 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

43 mins 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.