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Ponderings and Musings on 2008

I sit here looking out the window at the snow falling thinking winter hasn’t officially begun and already I’m tired of it. Twelve inches have fallen since 11PM last evening. HO HO HO. This is the way March ended, then came April and the flooding rains came. I played one round of golf in April and one in May due to the rains. The last round I played was September 24th, after which the cold arrived on a huge gust of wind. Global warming indeed. I didn’t get even 20 rounds in this year. But enough of my whining, the year itself was quite entertaining.

Published

17 years ago

Dec 21, 2008

Eric Schuster

From Rocco Mediate and Paul Goydos to Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas players both old and new popped onto the radar creating lasting memories and the promise of bright futures. The worlds best player puts himself on the shelf and an Irishman wins two majors, never blinking on the back nine. I should have known it would be a whacky kind of year when the first tournament goes to sudden death and two of the tours best putters, Daniel Chopra and Steve Stricker miss putt after putt.

If you had told me in December of 2007 that Rocco Mediate would take Tiger Woods 91 holes at the US Open my initial reaction would have been: "Right, and I’ll be the next schmoe selected to play the US Open challenge for the TV cameras." Well, one out of two isn’t bad. As amazing as that was Padraig Harrington, he of the splay footed walk and glacial pace of play, winning two majors. Were it up to me I’d award all three gentlemen Player of the Year award.

Paul Goydos and Sergio Garcia at the Players Championship convinced me that Mr. Garcia learned how to putt (or rather relearned how to putt). Mr. Goydos reminded all of us how to be graceful in defeat, and that class plays well not just in Peoria, but everywhere. He would be my choice for Sportsman of the Year.

The Ryder Cup was as entertaining as it was compelling. I won’t soon forget Anthony Kim headed off the 14th green in his match with Mr. Garcia not knowing that he’d won the match 5 and 4. Hunter Mahan described it best, "He wanted to win 6 and 3". Paul Azinger would be crowned King of the World, well at least the American golf world, in what will eventually be remembered as the most over rated captaincy ever. Nick Faldo took another shot to his reputation, but at least Brenna Cepalek didn’t pound his car with a 9 iron again. Boo Weekly wins the award for Entertainer of the Year mostly for riding his driver off the tee like a horse. I can’t remember laughing that much watching a golf match.

How sad watching the Masters. No back nine charges, no roars, everything seemed a touch "off" somehow. Hootie Johnson may be remembered as the guy who brought the US Open to Augusta and took all the fun out of the carnival. Mr. Johnson rigged all the games so that no one will ever go home with the huge stuffed animal when he made all those changes to the golf course. Intent, I believe that was the word which precipitated the changes to the course. What was the architects intent? Since the architect is a dead guy, that opens the door to interpretation and eventually all the clarity of muddy water. It’s pronounced tomaTOE; no it’s toMAto. I felt like I was in mourning all week.

Anthony Kim grew up, and won twice. Very cool. I like Mr. Kim for his style and his talent. And that voice! I hear his voice and I think I’m listening to a guy who is 6’4", 325lbs. Somewhere he got hooked up with the wrong voice. I think he got into the golf talent line about three times and got stuck with a leftover for a voice. Not a bad thing, just amusing.

The Playoffs. Vijay Singh and Camilo Villegas put on a show, but to call this a playoff? Sorry. It’s golf. Playoffs don’t have 144 participants, even Hockey eliminates some teams during the regular season. And to have the winner determined after two of the four events is beyond bizarre. To win the Super Bowl a team has to win the Super Bowl. The World Series is decided during the World Series not the League Championship Series. Go ahead and call it the FedEx Cup but don’t call this a playoff. It’s contrived. Call it something else or nothing at all, anything but playoff. What Tim Finchem has done is remove the luster from Mr. Singh’s and Mr. Villegas’ victories by shining a very bright light on "playoffs" instead of golf tournaments. Dear Mr. Finchem, back away from that word. Thank you.

And finally, my Christmas wish for Seve Ballesteros is continued recovery from illness, may he find the fairway again soon.

May the Holidays bring joy to you all. Thanks for helping make this year entertaining and memorable. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

News

Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

6 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

7 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.