News
The Perfect Appetizer: Shell Houston Open
With public eyes trained steadily on Augusta National and next week’s Masters, the Shell Houston Open can often be overlooked. But if you join in on that stream of thought you might just be missing a lot, especially of you are a fan of golf course architecture and seeing how the best players in the world adapt to a trying layout.
Clearly no golf course or tournament can replicate what happens in Augusta but there is a reason why there is such a strong field in Houston this week; it is perfect preparation for the 1st major championship of the year. And much better than simple practice because as a player you are immersed in a competitive environment where most of your foes are also teeing it up.
Defending this week will be Paul Casey who spoke to the media today about his defense, but mostly about preparation for The Masters. Of course, if you have any hope of winning next week your golf game better already be in shape. “I feel ready,” says Casey who points to his win at the Redstone Golf Club in Humble last year as the launching point for a new-found bravado.
He says that getting that win and moving to the #3 spot in the World Golf Rankings proved to him that he was now ready to even start thinking about realistically winning a major. “I’m happy with the pressure; I can handle this. I know now I’m ready to compete every single week.”
And compete he will have to do this week if he hopes to repeat and pocket just over a $1 million. Last year he simply needed a bogey on the 1st extra hole to dispose of J.B. Holmes. Holmes made a double bogey after hitting a ball into the 8 acre pond on the Redstone Tournament course known as “the big ball washer.”
This year the daunting presence of that ball gathering chasm remains but there are a few more tweaks to the pristine course that plays to nearly 7500 yards.
After last year’s tournament Redstone Superintendent Randy Samoff and his staff made a few changes on heir Tournament Course with the goal of giving players more of the same types of shots they will see at Augusta National in the following week. That including enlarging the short cut areas around most greens, widening collar cuts around the greens including areas between greens and bunkers, and extending shaved banks on the lake holes.
It’s even more reason for the players to sign up for Houston although they hardly need encouragement. “(The) course is absolutely perfect, greens best on tour,” says tournament supporter and past Champions Stuart Appleby. Never afraid to give an opinion, it is a ringing endorsement for the layout.
Casey does look like a strong hope to defend’ he has finished inside the top-ten in each of his 2010 PGA Tour starts, but he will have to push hard past a field filthy with worthy contenders.
Two focal points would have to be a couple smooth swingers, Ernie Els and Fred Couples.
Els is an obvious choice as the only two-time winner on tour this year and brimming with the confidence of last week’s win. Length, touch, and a committed putting stroke able to tackle the massive Redstone greens are the perfect formula for a Shell Houston Open win and Els has all those in spades.
Given his age Couples might be less apparent as a true challenger but his tie for 3rd in 2009 shows he is more than sentimental favorite. Factor in three consecutive wins on the Champions Tour, an affinity for the Houston area and a golf game that traditionally peaks early in the year and he is a viable option as a potential champion. Oh, did we mention he also won the tournament in 2003?
I might just be hoping for the great storyline but really, what harm is there in that?
Also enhancing the field this week, mostly due to the Masters to follow, is a bevy of International players. Teeing it up will be defending Masters champion Angel Cabrera, Padraig Harrington, Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, Andres Romero, CharlSchwartzel, Adam Scott, Jeev Milka Singh and Lee Westwood.
Domestic players sprinkled among the talented 144 player array are Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, Lucas Glover, Justin Leonard, Davis Love III and Hunter Mahan. Mahan has a strong record in Houston and a win this year so keep an eye on him.
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This report provided to GolfWRX.com by Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com).
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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