News
Stricker Wins Deuschte Bank Championship
Forget about Mr. October, that is if you even remember him since he retired in 1987, Mr. September is on grounds. Steve Stricker took over the lead in the FedEx cup race, and the number two spot in the World Golf Rankings with a birdie birdie finish to win the Deuschte Bank Championship. Since the inception of the year end playoff format in 2007 no one, not even Tiger Woods, has played better in September than Mr. Stricker. Ten events, no worse than 25th place, including six top tens and two wins. Last week he missed a 10 foot put on the 72nd green to get into a playoff, finishing instead tied for second. This week, a different story and his third win of the year. “We’re taking up space in his world,” Stricker said on Monday after shooting a 4-under 67 to win at TPC of Boston. “We all know who the guy is out here. I’m just happy to be in the position I’m at and with the opportunity to do something special for myself. He’s done enough other special things, maybe let somebody else do something special.” Special indeed.
Forget about Mr. October, that is if you even remember him since he retired in 1987, Mr. September is on grounds. Steve Stricker took over the lead in the FedEx cup race, and the number two spot in the World Golf Rankings with a birdie birdie finish to win the Deuschte Bank Championship. Since the inception of the year end playoff format in 2007 no one, not even Tiger Woods, has played better in September than Mr. Stricker. Ten events, no worse than 25th place, including six top tens and two wins.
Last week he missed a 10 foot put on the 72nd green to get into a playoff, finishing instead tied for second. This week, a different story and his third win of the year. “We’re taking up space in his world,” Stricker said on Monday after shooting a 4-under 67 to win at TPC of Boston. “We all know who the guy is out here. I’m just happy to be in the position I’m at and with the opportunity to do something special for myself. He’s done enough other special things, maybe let somebody else do something special.” Special indeed.
The Tiger Woods imitation of Sergio Garcia continued this week on the greens in Boston. Mr. Woods continued to hit quality shot after quality shot leaving himself what seemed like birdie putts inside of 15 feet on 90% of the holes only to make nothing. I suppose the comparison to Mr. Garcia is unfair, as Mr. Woods does not appear any where near as tentative as the Spaniard. It’s the results that match, mostly misses. On Monday Mr. Woods went out and finished before any of the leaders got started and fired as quiet a 63 as he’s ever scored. Could have be a 60 or even 59 had he made a couple of putts, but that’s the kind of year it’s been, a more humanized version of the Terminator.
As for the final round, there were a lot of challengers along the way; Padraig Harrington was in the hunt again, until his tee shots began resembling a NASCAR race, left turn, straight, left turn left turn, straight, left turn. Hard to score when you keep hitting them where you can’t play them, and yet Mr. Harrington still shot a 3 under par 68 and finished tied for fourth. Ah Paddy, if only ye hadn’t turned left so often. Jason Dufner (there is just something not right about a golfer whose last name contains a word no golfer ever wants to hear) who missed the cut in four of his last six events, finished tied for second a shot back for his sixth top ten of the year. I have to say this about Mr. Dufner, he plays the game quickly and just smashes the ball. Kinda fun to watch. Scott Verplank have five birdies on his last six holes, and had he not bogeyed the 14th hole would have tied for the lead. Still and all it was a stellar finish for Mr. Verplank and his gauzetek wrapped putter.
Now we head to the Western Open BMW Championship at Cog Hill, to a course that has undergone a $5 million facelift since the tournament was last played here in 2007 in an effort to bring a US Open to the Chicago area again. Mr. Stricker won here in 1996, and Mr. Woods has won here three times. So while the course may be different than it was in 2007, it would be foolish to dismiss the No. 1 and 2 players in the field. (what do you suppose the odds are of finishing tied 2, first and first in three successive playoff events? I don’t think I’d bet the farm on Mr. Stricker this week, no disrespect intended. Now Mr. Woods, that is another matter. I’d certainly bet on Mr. September finishing in the top ten this week.)
Here’s a thought, if Mr. Stricker were to win the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup, would he be a better candidate for Player of the Year than Mr. Woods? How odd a scenario would that be, twice Comeback Player of the Year and then Player of the Year. Only a cheesehead.
News
Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss
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!”
News
Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss
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.”
News
GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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