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Rickie pays tribute to Payne
As of this writing, Rickie Fowler is still warming up for his 8:13 a.m. tee time at Pinehurst No. 2, but he’s already making headlines.
Why you ask? Take a look at this photo tweeted by Pinehurst Resort.
Fowler, a man known for his singular sartorial decisions and flamboyant attire, is paying tribute to another golfer with a similar reputation: the late, great Payne Stewart.
Stewart, of course, won the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst in what is widely regarded as one of the best U.S. Opens of all time. Clearly the man and his memory inspire the young Oklahoma State grad. As he tweeted prior to hitting the course:
Fowler tied for 10th at last year’s U.S. Open. Let’s hope the classy gesture sees him improving upon that finish this year.
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
- Jason Day – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- Chris Gotterup – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- SungJae Im – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
Pullout Albums
- Jason Day’s 1off Payntr golf shoes – 2026 The Memorial
- JT Poston’s TaylorMade Spider – 2026 The Memorial
- Cameron putter – 2026 The Memorial
- Tommy Fleetwood’s TM Spider putters – 2026 The Memorial
- New Mitsubishi Chemical 1K Pro Orange shaft – 2026 The Memorial
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
- Driver: Ping 440 LST
- Metal: Ping G440 Max at 15 degrees
- Metal: Ping G425 Max at 21 degrees
- Hybrid: Ping G430 at 25 degrees
- Irons: Ping Blueprint S 5 through PW
- Wedges: Ping S159 at 52, 56, and 60 degrees
- Putter: Ping PLD Anser
Driver: Titleist TSi3 (10 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70 6.5 TX
3-wood: Titleist TS3 (16.5 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
7-wood: Titleist GTS3 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Project X Denali Black 80 TX
Irons: Titleist T250 (4), Titleist T100 (5-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT (4-6), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (7-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 (48-10F @47, 50-08F @51, 54-10S @55, 60-04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48), S400 (47)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
Photos from the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
CJ Cup Byron Nelson Tour Report: Koepka and Kim’s newest putters finally get hot
Charles Schwab Challenge Tour Report: MacIntyre, Åberg and Spaun all switch putters, TaylorMade launches new Spider
Details on J.J. Spaun’s surprise putter switch
GolfWRX Launch Report: 2026 Titleist GTS drivers
Photos from the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
PGA Championship Tour Report: Fitzpatrick, Koepka among big-name putter switches for Aronimink
Photos from the ShopRite LPGA
Maria Torres WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees) Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 5-M4 3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees) Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 6-M4 5-wood: Ping G440...
Eric Cole WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: PXG Lightning Tour Max (9 degrees) Shaft: Project X Titan Yellow 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees) Shaft:...
Si Woo Kim WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond (8.5 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X Mini driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Mini...
Wyndham Clark’s winning WITB: 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (10.5 degrees) Shaft: Project X Titan Yellow 60 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D Tour (15 degrees) Shaft: Project...
KK
Jun 16, 2014 at 7:07 pm
Ball don’t lie– T2 and his best major finish ever. For my grammar Nazis, ball doesn’t lie. Maybe Payne is not displeased.
Alex
Jun 13, 2014 at 1:55 am
Some of you guys are certified grinches. And that’s being generous.
Rich
Jun 12, 2014 at 10:01 pm
Even Rickie Fowler has nay sayers? Amazing! Seems like the nicest guy. He gets masses of publicity whatever he’s wearing. Why would he do this as a publicity stunt? There’s no reason. Good work Rickie, I think it’s a cool idea. RIP Payne Stewart.
Wade
Jun 12, 2014 at 7:01 pm
Gentlemen,
With all due respect, though none seems due hear, I love it when someone displays there lack of knowledge for the world to see. You make judgements about Fowler’s character and motives, yet the only thing you know about him is what you read or see in a short blurb on tv. Mr. Fowler was just given an award by the Folds of Honor Foundation for his selfless efforts to support the men and women who serve in our armed forces. Especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. He has given so much of his time and resources to provide for the families of those soldiers that did not come home. If you only knew half the things he has done behind the scenes, I think you would be more than embarrassed by your fact-less judgements. I have spent quite a bit of time with him at the Patriot tournament every year on Memorial Day in Tulsa. This young man has so much character and sense of responsibility and gratitude. He gives freely of his time. He puts his money where his mouth is. The country would do well to have more 20 something’s just like him. Would love for my son to turn out just like him. Definite role model material here. Spend five minutes with him before you judge based on what you read online or see on tv. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt! (Lincoln, Twain) Sorry, but makes my blood boil to see someone crucified for nothing.
RSinSG
Jun 12, 2014 at 7:25 pm
Well said. I think Ricky is one of the good guys. His Asian grandfather plays in my men’s leagues and we get to hear some of the family stories. Granted, they are from a proud grandpa but from all I see we could use more of him.
steve
Jun 12, 2014 at 8:09 pm
And that has nothing to do with the subject matter here. No one is judging his character, judging his motives. Two different things. Because he dresses for attention doesn’t make him a bad person. Sad that parents look for famous people to be role models for their kids. I will be my kids role model like my father and mother were to me.
Wade
Jun 12, 2014 at 9:26 pm
It has everything to do with his character. And I’m sure you are a great role model as am I. Do you think kids can only look up to one person? It’s not a bad thing to have more than one. Don’t be silly. Ricky’s motives are in question and that’s a character judgement. Now you are making judgements about my character when you most certainly don’t know me either. Obviously we should just agree to disagree and leave it at that my friend.
Me
Jun 12, 2014 at 10:55 pm
You might want do pull up you pants, your brains are showing. Motives are a formulated by character and this a direct result of character, the two are inseparable. To argue otherwise only highlights ones lack of vocabulary. I’ve got news for you, Payne was a very flashy dresser as well, well before he won anything. Why would you want to be your child’s only role model? Do you want them to be exactly like you? Your vanity will unfortuey limit your child’s growth as human being. I for one want my child to be an improvement over me. Also, just because you think you are your kids role model, doesn’t make it so.
steve
Jun 13, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Is it character formulated by motives or motives formulated by character? Let me know. Either way thanks for the interest and for following.
Enjoy Ricki and the golf.
steve
Jun 12, 2014 at 5:58 pm
Do really think it was about Payne Stewart? He didn’t even know the guy. Wasn’t he into dirt biking when he was very young then got into golf in his teen years. Payne died when he was eleven. Get attention with your game and not your clothes already. I love the guy that compares Ricki and Payne, who ever compared them to each other. I love when someone makes a point and then it gets twisted
Alex
Jun 13, 2014 at 1:59 am
I guess I couldn’t pay homage to Bobby Jones, or consider him a favorite because I wasn’t playing golf when he was?
Think about what you’re saying before you say it, please.
steve
Jun 13, 2014 at 6:51 pm
Exactly
Alex
Jun 14, 2014 at 1:25 am
Quote possibly the most ridiculous and illogical statement I’ve read.
steve
Jun 14, 2014 at 8:40 am
Your to hard on yourself.
Thanks for following
cheesehead42
Jun 13, 2014 at 9:00 am
So all of the years growing, I wore Micheal Jordan’s shoes, played Tiger’s clubs, and used the same baseball glove as Ken Griffey Jr.
Apparently I was wrong for being inspired by them because I didn’t personally know them? Crap, all those years down the drain.
steve
Jun 13, 2014 at 6:53 pm
You were paying homage to them?
bradford
Jun 19, 2014 at 7:27 am
So, you knew Payne?
Tom Stickney
Jun 12, 2014 at 5:22 pm
I do miss Payne…cool deal.
William
Jun 12, 2014 at 2:22 pm
Someone once posted that Ricky is the male Natalie Gulbis. Lots of flash, not so much game. To pull off the Payne Stewart gig, he needs more game to back it up.
Steve
Jun 12, 2014 at 4:07 pm
I played against Natalie in high school and my cousin played against Richie in Stockton. I would say that this statement is completely off…Richie is twice the golfer Natalie is on her best day.
Me
Jun 12, 2014 at 4:40 pm
Considering that Payne couldn’t get a playing card his first try, and Ricki did, and that Payne had to play a few years on the Asian tour, while Ricki is playing in the big show from the get go. And that Payne took nine professional years to win a major, I think ricki is more than holding his own. Payne should be honored that young golfers even know who he is. Honestly, if he hadn’t died he would have been just another 2nd tier golfer, with a few majors, in the Tiger era.
snapjack
Jun 12, 2014 at 1:57 pm
Looks like he’s putting with a model airplane but I like the duds!
robert
Jun 12, 2014 at 2:07 pm
Fowler is a walking billboard who has made 100 times as much money plugging corporate sponsors as he has playing. Even in the post round interview he’s standing there with a Red Bull in his hand,label facing camera. Please. None of this is unintentional, the guy knows exactly what he’s doing even if most people haven’t a clue. The Media sells his image to young kids not because he is a terrific golfer but because he has hip appeal and they are desperately scouring the field as Tiger and Phil age.
JJ
Jun 12, 2014 at 2:23 pm
None of what you stated has anything to do with paying homage to Payne. I didn’t see any Puma logos on his pants or socks. Keep your negativity at home, just because Ricky has a Red Bull, logo out, on his post round interview, doesn’t have anything to do with this outfit. I guess you should get mad at Phil for plugging KPMG on the front of his hat, or any other player with a brand on their gear. It’s ALL Marketing, moron, not just Ricky, and almost all of them make incrementally more amounts off course then on.
Jason
Jun 12, 2014 at 3:07 pm
You know MOST golfers make the majority of their money off the course right?
Tiger made $83M in 2013 – $8.5M was from tournament earnings.
Painter33
Jun 13, 2014 at 9:33 am
He needs to complete the look – real leather shoes with gold toe guards. Payne was class personified. Both seem(ed) like decent guys who was/is universally liked on tour.
ABgolfer2
Jun 12, 2014 at 11:27 am
He could have worn a different hat though.
Philip
Jun 12, 2014 at 12:43 pm
Yes and no, paying homage doesn’t mean copying – he’s honoring Payne while still being himself.
RI_Redneck
Jun 12, 2014 at 10:44 am
Lookin’ good!!!
perisho
Jun 12, 2014 at 10:20 am
Ha. That’s cool.
JJ
Jun 12, 2014 at 10:10 am
Awesome that Ricky paid homage in this manner. I was expecting someone in contention on the weekend to surprise everyone by pulling it off (Horschel maybe?) but still a great gesture nonetheless.
Class act Rick, well played.
Tom
Jun 12, 2014 at 7:46 pm
Your comment and kind heart will serve you well in life.