News
FTF: A lawyer’s hot take on the Dustin Johnson ruling and Machine putters galore
The GolfWRX forums exist so golfers have access to the latest equipment releases, hottest discussions, real equipment reviews, best instruction, new technologies and everything golf you can imagine.
So if you love golf, the GolfWRX forums are your sanctuary.
In the From the Forums weekly feature, we bring you the hottest, most buzz-worthy topics from our forums for your convenience. I’ll be your trusty tour guide to navigate the latest buzz.
Here’s a peek behind the curtain into golf’s sanctuary.
Is PXG “bad for golf”?
User Shipwreck raises an interesting question: In an environment of “grow the game” initiatives and a fixation on making the game more accessible, PXG has entered the marketplace with an ultra-high-end club offering.
Shipwreck writes: “Parsons even said it himself that he wants to be the Ferrari of golf. Now I am not saying there is anything bad about this, he is a successful capitalist and the beauty of capitalism is that you can charge what you want and the market will decide.”
So, is the “Ferrari of golf” good, bad, or neutral for the game? Good arguments in this thread for the different readings.
Machine Putters love
219 pages and going strong! The pictures in this thread of some of Dave Billings’ incredible putter work are worth much more than any words dedicated to describing them. WRXers share their Machine M1s, M10s and more in this buffet of beautiful flatstick imagery. (titleistgolf_nirvana’s putter in the featured image)
Olympic golf discussion
Ahh. Golf in the Olympics. Are you sick of hearing about Zika and the other elements of this dumpster fire yet? Considering the competition is yet to begin and more player withdrawals are imminent (Jordan Spieth just said he’s on the fence), you need a refuge of sanity amid an increasingly nutty situation.
With this in mind, bookmark the official GolfWRX Olympic golf discussion thread.
Who wins first: Rahm or DeChambeau?
Great talk here following Jon Rahm’s impressive showing at the Quicken Loans National and Bryson DeChambeau’s series of strong performances on tour this season: Which of these two big-time rookies wins first?
A lawyer’s take on the USGA’s Dustin Johnson ruling
Applying the USGA’s “weight of evidence” standard, OTE200 presents three exhibits to find Dustin Johnson not guilty of any infraction at Oakmont. Even if you’re sick to death of the U.S. Open-marring rules fiasco, you have to read OTE’s take.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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News
Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters
Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.
The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.
LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title
The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.
Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.
Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.
Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.
Safely around the green on the 72nd hole
Watch @NellyKorda‘s historic finish now on NBC! pic.twitter.com/1zaAYtbaCz
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!
Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.
Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.
Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Scottie Scheffler can save par from just about anywhere.
Including the water ?
(Presented by @CDWCorp) pic.twitter.com/RUqL2sBrr9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2024
PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph
If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.
The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.
Walking it in with a fist pump ?@BillyHo_Golf is 9-under on the day and leads by two @CoralesChamp. pic.twitter.com/N6rjL1GGGA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 21, 2024
Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes
Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!
Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.
The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.
The feeling of relief when you know you won. ???
Tim Widing is now a champion on the #KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/K0vgiZ21UG
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way
Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.
Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.
Birdie-birdie finish to secure the ?
Mississauga-native Matthew Anderson is your 69th ECP Brazil Open Champion. pic.twitter.com/ONE8hIUjeS
— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall
What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.
David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.
Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.
Looking at the hole is working for @PBroadhurstGolf ?
He leads by one after a clutch birdie on 15 @InvitedCC. pic.twitter.com/S0rhcVwaeE
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 21, 2024
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19th Hole2 weeks ago
Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
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Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
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Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
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Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
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Christosterone
Jul 2, 2016 at 9:29 am
I can afford either and if I wanted a sports car I would buy a 2016 corvette hardtop….that is the most beautiful car on earth and 5X cheaper than a Ferrari…
As it is, I prefer the mom-car Lexus line of SUVs with air conditioned seats!!!
-Christosterone
300 Yard Pro
Jul 21, 2016 at 12:39 pm
Corvettes are for old divorced dudes who think they are still 18.
don d.
Jul 2, 2016 at 1:39 am
PXG’s too expensive for me. But so is a Ferrari. The latest and greatest. I was going through a deceased golfers garage recently and found a set Hogan Directors. circa? God they were fun to hit. E thru 2 iron. I have yet to buy a golf game and have tried for 40 yrs. Do you really want to get better? Learn how to play hickory.
M Smizzy
Jul 1, 2016 at 5:46 pm
usga got it right leave it alone
Steve
Jul 1, 2016 at 10:21 pm
No, they didn’t.
pL
Jul 1, 2016 at 11:41 am
If PXG wants to be the Ferrari of golf, why did they make the clubs so ugly and feel like crap? We already have Ferrari of golf clubs in limited edition high-end Japanese clubs. We don’t need PXG
Pete Petersson
Jul 1, 2016 at 11:19 am
How much did Dave pay to get his Machine thread a plug? That thread has been dying for months and is only full of retracted messages of customers chasing an update on their putters as no one responds to any emails or answers the phones. Not surprising when it takes months past agreed project delivery to get anything.
Dave Billings
Jul 3, 2016 at 7:28 pm
Pete Petersson,
Thanks for taking time to post about my company and our picture thread here. However, I really wish you were more accurate and fair in your criticism. I don’t think you’ve ever ordered from us, so I’m not sure why you feel the need to disparage our business.
IN any event, I’d like to set the record straight for all our other customers, collectors and our staff.
First, I didn’t pay a single penny for the article, didn’t ask for it or have anything to do with it. We’ve been very fortunate that so many people have enjoyed our main picture thread here, including writers here and other sites and magazines, etc. Personally I think Golfwrx writers are some of the very best in the business, and their journalistic professionalism is beyond reproach. I think you owe Ben an apology for that insinuation at the very least.
Regarding recent posts in the picture thread: Have some customers posted asking about updates on their orders? Yes. The last one had an update waiting in his email inbox from the day before. He realized his error and deleted his post. So you know, I’ve never redacted any post in our picture thread, and never asked any mods to either. I think it stands as a great record of our work, and I’m very happy to let it stand on it’s own merits.
I’m also proud of how hard we work to make sure each and every customer is totally happy with their purchases. Often the custom work we do takes additional time, especially when their are change-orders in the middle of the process. The last order referenced about changed his neck three times. Those changes take time, especially when we have to mill something from scratch mid-stream, and with all the detailed back and forth, updates, etc,.
You say no one responds to emails or answers the phones. I have thousands of customers who know that’s absolutely not true. Chris has also recently rejoined us after taking time off for a move and to spend time with his family and newborn son. So our capacity for customer service has improved again dramatically, as Chris is one of the best in the business, and we’re thrilled to have him back.
We’re currently going through a reorganization so we can best move the business forward and handle the demand we’ve been so fortunate to receive, even through a very challenging golf marketplace.
As part of our new operating plans, we elected to slow down the development of new models and also the photos and posts of orders going out to customers. We’ve elected to do this out of respect for the customers waiting so patiently, and also as it just created more demand, more backlog and longer delivery times.
However, we are working very hard and now very close to catching up to our estimated production times, and we will be catching up on posts in the picture thread when we do. I think customers and fans will appreciate the work we’ve done the past six months in particular, and see some really cool work.
So thanks to the 99% of our customers and fans here that have been so supportive and helpful. To the naysayers and critics, I hope you can find something that makes you happy and spend your time and efforts focused on whatever that is.
Sincerely,
-Dave Billings