News
Stumbling In Memphis – Westwood Survives
It wasn’t the prettiest finish but in the end Lee Westwood could care less as his preparation for the United States Open Championship looks to be on track with his win at the PGA Tour’s St. Jude Classic today. And while he eventually was the winner, it is hard to ignore what might have been the bigger story today – the demise of Robert Garrigus.
If Garrigus said he never wanted to play the 18th hole at TPC Southwind ever again you could hardly blame him. After surging back into the lead on the back nine Sunday at the St. Jude Classic the Idaho native gave it all away on the 18th hole. Not once; but twice.
Sitting at 13 under par and three strokes clear of European duo Lee Westwood (England) and Robert Karlsson (Sweden), Garrigus squandered the lead with a disastrous triple bogey on the 72nd hole of the tournament. On the first hole of the resulting playoff with the European an oak tree encumbered bogey sent him home without his first PGA Tour win.
“It was really tough,” the long bombing Garrigus told CBS’ David Feherty after bowing out of the playoff. ‘She went left and that wasn’t good,” he said, referring to the hooked tee shot in the pond on the 72nd hole on his way to a bogey. Full credit for Garrigus for even taking the interview. After a week that started with a bad case of food poisoning (clam chowder in Phoenix = bad idea) he was genuinely happy to even be in a playoff and had an admirable perspective even after taking 12 strokes to play the final par four two times. “I felt like I handled everything great today except for one swing. There are little things that you need to do to win. I’ll learn from that and next time I’ll get it done.”
Left to battle it out for the title in the first PGA Tour playoff of their illustrious careers Karlsson and Westwood showed why they have become cornerstones of the European Tour. But even they showed some nerves. After two pars each in the playoff the tournament came down to a putting contest from 5 feet on the 3rd extra hole where both players left their par putts on almost the exact same spot. Each required an unfathomable two putts to continue the stumbling drama.
Mercifully Lee Westwood ended it all on the 4th playoff hole with a birdie. It gave the #3 ranked player in the world just his second win on the PGA Tour, coming 12 years after his first.
It was an improbable win, but Westwood got himself into position early on Sunday with three straight birdies on holes two through four before coasting his way for most of the day. He had great chances on holes 15 and 16 to make birdie but failed to do so and a bogey on 17 looked to be the sign that he needed to get on a plane and head for Pebble Beach.
That was until Garrigus had his 18th hole adventure.
“You just never know what golf will throw at you,” commented Westwood just prior to starting the extra frames.
Clearly he was the class of the field and his opening tally of 63 pushed him immediately to prominence this week. 68, 71, 68 to follow were not as spectacular but a veteran player like him knows what it takes to get a win. This title brings his worldwide victory total to 32.
And better than securing the million plus dollars and his 1st PGA Tour win in ages today it showed he is primed and ready to try and add win #33 next week.
Yes, winning this week was important to him but next week’s United States Open Championship is clearly his focus.
After so many close calls at major championships it looks like he is as ready as ever to make it happen.
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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