News

AVL: 3 reasons I’m excited for the Masters

Published

2 months ago

Apr 6, 2026

All eyes are on Augusta National as the 90th Masters Tournament begins on April 9th. The field features 91 contestants, including six amateurs. Twenty-two first-timers will embark on their maiden journey around Augusta. 1992 champion Fred Couples leads the field this week, playing in his 41st Masters.

The Masters is special in more ways than one for golf fans. It marks the beginning of the major season in professional golf, and for the weekend golfer, it’s the unofficial start of their own golf season. As the weather turns for the better, it’s time to reconnect with friends, rekindle last season’s magic, and get back out on the course. With all the excitement The Masters brings, here are my top three reasons I’m looking forward to this year’s tournament.

AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 08: A general view is seen of the 12th hole during the third round of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

The Familiarity

The tournament itself is renowned for its drama, strategic discussions, and results that are talked about for years. This is thanks to the familiarity of the golf course and its players, with a catalog of 89 previous tournaments to draw from. Iconic moments abound: “Where were you in ’86?” “Did you see the chip-in on 16 in ’05?” “How about that shot into 13 from the pine straw?”

You can discuss shots from decades past because every player who has teed it up at Augusta has added to its rich history, whether witnessed in person or on television. I also enjoy hearing about course design changes made to keep up with the modern game, while still honoring Augusta’s origins from the 1930s. The agronomy team is remarkable in handling weather-related challenges during the offseason, making subtle course adjustments that are often hard to spot.

With so much tournament history, we’ve seen players tackle Augusta under every condition imaginable—firm and fast, soft, or windy, adding to the familiarity and intrigue each year.

The Decisions

It’s all about course management and strategy at Augusta. As Bobby Jones said, “There isn’t a hole out there that can’t be birdied if you just think. But there isn’t one that can’t be double-bogeyed if you stop thinking.” This varies from player to player. It’s been proven that players of all skill levels can contend at The Masters—Zach Johnson won in 2007 without going for a single par 5 in two shots, while long hitters like Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Bubba Watson have also triumphed. Well-executed strategy is just the first step. Approach shots must be placed on the correct side of the hole, and putting uphill is a theme all week. Even after a perfect tee shot and approach, another challenge awaits: matching your line and speed on Augusta’s treacherous greens.

The opportunity to score well is always present, but being short-sided can quickly turn a promising hole into a disaster.

Course conditions heavily influence players’ decisions on approach shots. Historically, rain or unseasonably soft conditions have favored long hitters. Favorable weather this year could open the door for a wider range of skill sets to contend. Still, pinpoint accuracy over 72 holes is the real key to contending at The Masters.

The Gear

Seasonal April merchandise drops have become trendy in the golf world—and with good reason, as everyone is excited for this tournament. I enjoy seeing what apparel the players choose, as it sets trends for the coming year (or sometimes, shows what to avoid). Some opt for classic, traditional looks, as if headed to their grandparents’ house for Sunday dinner, while others make bold fashion statements worthy of a first date. It’s all good for the game, as we see what teams have been working on behind the scenes for their prized projects to debut before fans worldwide.

Equipment-wise, players have spent the season testing new gear or sticking with the tools that got them to Augusta. This tournament has made certain equipment legendary—and always noteworthy. Putters get a lot of attention, and with good reason. From the Maxfli Tad Moore IW-277 putter used by Ian Woosnam in 1991, to various Anser and Newport blade styles, to Phil Mickelson’s traditional blade and Adam Scott’s long putter in 2013, these clubs have become part of Masters lore.

Certain shots echo through the years — like Tiger’s chip-in on 16 in 2005, Phil Mickelson’s escape from the pine straw on 13 in 2010, or Rory’s towering draw with a 7-iron into the 15th last year. Each of these memories is worthy of discussion, both for the moment itself and the club used, cementing their place in Masters history.

It’s sure to be a thrilling week for golf fans, and I’m excited to see how this year’s tournament unfolds. Augusta brings out the best in the players and delivers some of the year’s most unforgettable moments. I can’t wait for The Masters to get underway in 2026.

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

20 hours ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ben A

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

2026 The Memorial – Monday #1

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

1 day 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