News

5 things we learned on Day 3 of The Open Championship

Published

10 years ago

Jul 16, 2016

On a day when the weather didn’t turn for or against anyone, we saw little movement up and down the leaderboard. Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson went out as the final game and played hot potato with the lead most of the round. By nightfall, Stenson was 12-under par, good for a one-stroke lead over Lefty. Bill Haas, Andrew Johnston and J.B. Holmes moved into position, in case both leaders collapse on Sunday. For the rest of the day’s events, let’s look at five things we learned on moving day of the 2016 Open Championship.

Henrik Stenson’s WITB
Phil Mickelson’s WITB

Red numbers aren’t easy on major championship weekends

Thirteen out of 81 golfers shot under par at Royal Troon on Saturday. That’s 16 percent of the field, for you number crunchers. No one went lower than three-under 68, and Henrik Stenson was one of them. The day’s big move was made by another 68 author, Steve Stricker. Stricker gained 21 spots on the field, a healthy climb to T6 on Day 3. Many golfers fired and fell back, proving that winning is all that matters to many of them. Risk the high number in order to shoot the low number. These guys are truly good.

.@henrikstenson saves par at the 10th. #TheOpen https://t.co/IcCCm80Ofx

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 16, 2016

Phi Shanka Wedga not going so well

Much has been made this week of the “frat house” atmosphere of the house that lads Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler are sharing with the Old School trio of Jimmy Walker, Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner. If it pays off in late September at the Ryder Cup, that’s one thing. In the present, Omega Missa Putta has not had a positive effect on anyone save Johnson (currently T13). Walker missed the cut and the rest of the brothers are outside the top 38. Take it from a Sigma Nu, the fraternity life can be sweet, but it may not be the best arrangement when trying to contend for a major title.

There’s enough Beef to go around

Golf may not have Tiger Woods, but if it can clone the convivial nature of Andrew Johnston (Dan Jenkins called him a “smiling bus driver” in a tweet), it will do just fine. The man with the Amish beard, the lurchy swing and the first spot off the podium (currently 4th at five-under) has that innate ability to make fans smile and howl his name. Not pleased with the crowd’s reaction after this hole-out, he smiled wider than the links and waved his arms to encourage more cheers. And he got them!

That's mustard from #BEEF (@BeefGolf). #TheOpen https://t.co/1XrviI27Uz

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 16, 2016

Rory McIlroy won’t favorite this week

After beginning the week with his ill-chosen comments about not watching the Olympics, not growing the game, etc., the former world No. 1 gave us a bit of hope with an outward 32 on Thursday before tapering off to a meh finish. Tomorrow will be a mere stroll for the lad, one that will be accompanied by a newly reshafted three metal. After a run at the green on the par-five 16th hole went wide right, McIlroy tomahawked the guilty club to the ground, separating head from shaft in the process. Something’s been missing since the wunderkind injured himself last summer playing soccer, so here’s hoping that whatever has him off-balance gets eliminated promptly. The sport needs a mature, confident McIlroy.

Rory hits fairways wood; Rory breaks fairway wood: https://t.co/ppXkX0MnWF pic.twitter.com/sL9hR86Fmf

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) July 16, 2016

Bunker cams are absolutely awesome

Give a rose to the person who came up with this idea. Most of us have no idea how deep and intimidating these bunkers are, so these in-your-wedge lenses have taken us inside the pit with the golfers. We’ve suffered in the coffin bunker with Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed, so it’s nice to see Bill Haas (currently third at six-under) get one back for the good guys.

Bill Haas is now tied for third after chipping in from the bunker at the Postage Stamp. #TheOpen #bunkercam https://t.co/RzLMoizW5h

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 16, 2016

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5 things we learned from the final round of the Open Championship

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5 things we learned on Day 2 of The Open Championship

Ronald Montesano

Ronald Montesano writes for GolfWRX.com from western New York. He dabbles in coaching golf and teaching Spanish, in addition to scribbling columns on all aspects of golf, from apparel to architecture, from equipment to travel. Follow Ronald on Twitter at @buffalogolfer.

29 Comments

Realist

Jul 17, 2016 at 10:24 am

Those saying Rory should leave Nike are the same guys shopping around for new set of irons, putter, driver after a bad couple of rounds. Nike pays him very well to swing their sticks, and I highly doubt he’d do it if they weren’t releasing some top notch stuff. People just don’t like the color schemes or the fact that Nike is competing with other major golf manufacturers. I was anti-nike for a while then got a set of their engage wedges. Its rare that I chunk a wedge now.

Reply Report comment
- Ronald Montesano
  
  Jul 17, 2016 at 10:37 am
  
  Well-developed and succinct…a rare bird.
  
  Nicely put, Realist.
  
  Reply Report comment
- ND Hickman
  
  Jul 17, 2016 at 11:26 am
  
  Have to agree. Nike clubs are much better than people give them credit for. Their cavity back drivers they were doing a few years back were a good innovative idea.
  
  Reply Report comment
ffs

Jul 17, 2016 at 2:59 am

We’re already tired of that beef guy.

Reply Report comment
- Ronald Montesano
  
  Jul 17, 2016 at 10:36 am
  
  Him no care. Him still smile. 🙂
  
  Reply Report comment
COGolfer

Jul 17, 2016 at 12:57 am

Breaking the head off a 3 metal sounds terrible, if you have to pay for the replacement.

Reply Report comment
- Ronald Montesano
  
  Jul 17, 2016 at 10:40 am
  
  #truth unless you simply dispose of it, a la Thomas Pieters round 4.
  
  Reply Report comment
Jack always

Jul 16, 2016 at 7:45 pm

Rory mind not right at the moment!

Reply Report comment
- nn
  
  Jul 16, 2016 at 8:07 pm
  
  Needs to leave Nike
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Ronald Montesano
    
    Jul 16, 2016 at 10:30 pm
    
    Which equipment should he play? PXG? Callaway? TaylorMade? Another?
    
    Reply Report comment
- Ronald Montesano
  
  Jul 16, 2016 at 10:29 pm
  
  How important is the caddie? Phil has Bones, Jordan has Geller. Does Roars have the right caddie?
  
  Reply Report comment
- Left of right
  
  Jul 16, 2016 at 11:57 pm
  
  Looks to be a wreck. Maybe depressed?
  
  Reply Report comment
ddd

Jul 16, 2016 at 7:10 pm

Another thing we learned was Phil has a potty mouth

Reply Report comment
- nn
  
  Jul 16, 2016 at 8:08 pm
  
  No he doesn’t
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Ronald Montesano
    
    Jul 16, 2016 at 10:31 pm
    
    #Defense #Represent #GotHisBack
    
    Reply Report comment
- Ronald Montesano
  
  Jul 16, 2016 at 10:30 pm
  
  When did we learn that?
  
  Reply Report comment
  - ddd
    
    Jul 17, 2016 at 8:04 am
    
    On his second shot on 18, cameras started clicking on his downswing. He said something like I know you gotta cover this but what a …… thing to do. Tv picked it up clear as can be! I’m sure others heard it too
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Dave
      
      Jul 17, 2016 at 9:18 am
      
      They needed to be smacked up alongside the head. Camera’s were going off very early in his downswing. Phil was way too nice.
      
      Reply Report comment
      - Ronald Montesano
        
        Jul 17, 2016 at 10:35 am
        
        I know how sensitive some triggers can be, but anyone shooting before apex of backswing should be schooloed in proper etiquette/professional conduct.
        
        Reply Report comment
Jonny

Jul 16, 2016 at 5:46 pm

It’s a three wood… a three wood. Not a three metal. Rory thew his 3-wood.

Reply Report comment
- Ronald Montesano
  
  Jul 16, 2016 at 6:04 pm
  
  Made of wood=three wood
  Made of metal=three metal
  
  Personal preference, I’ll admit.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Stupid logic
    
    Jul 16, 2016 at 7:09 pm
    
    do you say 4 iron or 4 steel
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Christosterone
      
      Jul 16, 2016 at 7:25 pm
      
      Lol
      
      Reply Report comment
    - Stupid Logic?
      
      Jul 16, 2016 at 7:36 pm
      
      steel is made iron, not the same thing. thanks for the chuckle.
      
      Reply Report comment
  - Joey5Picks
    
    Jul 17, 2016 at 12:45 am
    
    Then you have to call the other clubs “steels” since that’s what they’re made of. “He hit a 7-steel from 165.”
    
    Reply Report comment
- CT
  
  Jul 16, 2016 at 7:25 pm
  
  3 wood
  
  Reply Report comment
- nn
  
  Jul 16, 2016 at 8:09 pm
  
  It might be 3 Titanium. How about that? lol
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Richard
    
    Jul 17, 2016 at 3:53 am
    
    Or with TM it would be a 3 unmetal?
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Ronald Montesano
      
      Jul 17, 2016 at 10:33 am
      
      3 ti
      3 graph
      
      i like all the options.
      
      Reply Report comment

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open

Published

3 hours ago

Jun 3, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX Tour Photographer made the trip from the Memorial Tournament across the country to the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera. Check out links to all the photos below!

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

2 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

3 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ronald Montesano

Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping Max G440
Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
Wedges
Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

A party on the green!

Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase