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Morning 9: TW, JT tune-up at Winged Foot | Life in the FedEx Cup bubble | Euro Tour schedule adjustment

Published

6 years ago

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1. Tiger & JT tune-up at Winged Foot
Golf Digest’s Daniel Rapaport…“Woods’ camp confirmed to Golf Digest that he stopped over in Mamaroneck, N.Y., for an 18-hole practice round alongside Justin Thomas before both players head to the Boston area on Monday night. A video was posted to Instagram showing the two players hitting balls off mats at Winged Foot’s driving range.”
  • “Woods has frequently visited major championship venues early to play played practice rounds before tournament week, including a round at Bethpage Black eight days before last year’s PGA Championship.”
2. Life in the (FedEx Cup) bubble
Golf Digest’s Shane Ryan, as only he can, covers the experience of on-the-ground experience of being a FedEx Cup bubble boy…”It’s a little bit strange that the man who suffered one of the most anxious Sundays at the Wyndham Championships was, in fact, named Wyndham. It’s even stranger that he wasn’t on the course, that he had missed the cut on Friday and was forced to watch from afar as his position on the FedEx Cup leader board oscillated above and below the 125th spot, the cutoff for making it into the FedEx Cup Playoff. (That is, if he was watching at all; I’ve often thought CBS should have a live feed on the bubble boys who miss the cut, kind of like how you can see college basketball teams rejoice and deflate as they watch their fate on Selection Sunday.)”
  • “Who were Wyndham Clark’s opponents? Abstractly, you could say he was fighting against math, or the rapidly changing live projections. His true foes, thought, were Rafa Cabrera Bello and Rob Oppenheim and Shane Lowry and Peter Malnati and Tom Lewis and Bo Hoag. Based on how those men performed, Clark, who began the day just inside the projected top 125, would either squeak into the Playoffs by fewer points than you can count on your hand, or fall agonizingly short.”
  • …”The bad news for Clark came early, when Lowry, who started the week at 131st on the points list and Sunday at 126th based on his position entering the final round, shot a 67 to guarantee himself a spot in the top 125. That knocked Clark backward, to a projected 126th, and virtually guaranteed that Fabian Gomez, Russell Knox and Charl Schwartzel, who started the week inside the line, would be left out in the cold. (Schwartzel and Gomez missed the cut, while Knox couldn’t do enough on the weekend to fight his way to the playoffs.)”
3. Pushed back
BBC report…”The re-arranged Scottish Open will take place a week earlier on 1-4 October, the European Tour has announced.”
  • “The event at The Renaissance Club will be staged a week before the PGA Championship at Wentworth – which has also been brought forward a week.”
  • …”They now follow the Irish Open at Galgorm Castle, establishing a second UK Swing of 2020 on the European Tour.”
4. Perrine Delacour’s COVID-19 testing saga
Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols…”Perrine Delacour couldn’t wait to get to Scotland. After her fill-in caddie tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Marathon LPGA Classic, Delacour, who tested negative, was forced to withdraw and quarantine in Toledo, Ohio, for two weeks.”
  • “When it came time to test again, Delacour didn’t want to solely rely on the LPGA’s saliva test that needed to be driven from Ohio to New Jersey over the weekend to be processed. She had a 7 p.m. flight to Scotland Sunday and wanted to make sure that she was on it for her debut in the AIG Women’s British Open at Royal Troon. (Her Inverness caddie, who never showed any symptoms and never again tested positive, had already been cleared for Troon.)”
  • …”Delacour then called her regular LPGA caddie, Jeremy Young, who was working on the PGA Tour for Jim Herman, winner of the Wyndham Championship, for help. Young suggested checking to see if the PGA Tour could test her over in Akron, Ohio, site of the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship.”
  • “Delacour drove the 2.5 hours from Toledo to Akron on Saturday for a 1 p.m. appointment and received her negative results by 8 p.m.”
5. New PGA Tour members: Will Gordon, Erik Van Rooyen
Golf Digest’s Joel Beall…”The PGA Tour announced Monday that Will Gordon and Erik van Rooyen have earned PGA Tour membership next season.”
  • “Gordon, 23, competed this year without any status on a major circuit after Canada’s Mackenzie Tour was canceled for the summer. The former SEC Player of the Year contended at the Travelers Championship, ultimately finishing T-3. Coupled with a T-10 at the fall’s RSM Classic and three other top-30 finishes-including at T-27 at the regular-season finale Wyndham Championship-Gordon has punched his ticket to the show.”
  • “As for van Rooyen, the South African already had job security thanks to his win at last year’s Scandinavian Invitation on the European Tour. But van Rooyen, 30, made a PGA Tour push starting at Feburary’s Genesis Invitational, and though he missed the cut in five of 11 starts, he made the most of the weekends he did make, highlighted by a T-3 at the WGC-Mexico Championship and a T-20 at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude.”
6. Hole-in-one at Sheep Ranch…with a putter
If you didn’t see the clip, you will want to. Great stuff from Digest’s Tod Leonard talking with Allison Koehnke, maker of the ace…
  • A morsel…”The anatomy of a putting ace goes like this: Allison Koehnke told her caddie for the day, Graham Banks, that she could be twitchy with short irons, and that her solution was keeping the ball on the ground with her putter. She relished chances to bomb 100-yard putts.”
  • “That stewed in Banks’ head until they reached the 16th. Allison’s moment. With the fescue grass cut tightly, the narrow runway to the hole runs smoothy, but there are bumps and undulations that pinball a shot in various directions. “Like playing a video game,” Banks lined Allison up. He coached her on getting the perfect height on her tee. She took a few practice swings, dialing in what they’d dubbed the “chutt”-chip-putt. Then came the real swipe, the putter rising about waist high and sending the ball in flight about a few inches off the ground.”
7. Meet the 125
Sean Martin at PGATour.com rounds up not only the full list of the 125 players teeing it up in the first event of the FedEx Cup playoffs, but …”The Playoffs have arrived. Now it’s time for the PGA TOUR’s best to compete for the FedExCup.”
“Every postseason participant has a chance to take home the TOUR’s season-long crown. With FedExCup points tripled in the Playoffs, players in the back of the pack can make a Cinderella run. The regular season’s strongest performers still have an advantage, though.”
“The top 125 in the FedExCup standings are eligible for THE NORTHERN TRUST, which begins Thursday at TPC Boston in Norton, Mass. The top 70 players will advance to the BMW Championship at historic Olympia Fields outside Chicago.”
  • 1. Justin Thomas: Trying to join Tiger and Rory as the only two-time winners of the FedExCup.
  • 2. Collin Morikawa: The 23-year-old became golf’s Next Big Thing with his win at the PGA.
  • 3. Webb Simpson: 2020 is his first multi-win season since 2011, when he finished 2nd in FedExCup.
  • 4. Bryson DeChambeau: Win at Rocket Mortgage and 8 other top-10s confirmed his weight gain was worth it.
  • 5. Sungjae Im: Reigning Rookie of the Year earned his first win at The Honda Classic.
8. Charlie Woods!
Allen Kim for CNN…”Tiger Woods’ 11-year-old son Charlie is a chip off the old block when it comes to golf.”
“Woods’ son participated in a US Kids Golf-sanctioned event at Hammock Creek Golf Club in Palm City, Florida over the weekend — and he dominated the competition.”
“Charlie bested all the boys competing in the age 11 category, shooting three under 33 across nine holes while finishing with three birdies. He beat the second place finisher by 5 strokes.”
“Woods, 44, was in attendance, and he could be seen in photos shared on social media acting as Charlie’s caddy for portions of the event, carrying his bag of clubs between rounds.”
9. U.S. Amateur Champion Tyler Strafaci WITB
Driver: Titleist TS3 (9.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution 3
Fairway wood: Titleist TS3 (15.0)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei White
Utility Iron: Titleist U500 (3-iron)
Shaft: True Temper AMT Tour Issue X100
Irons: Titleist T100 (4), Titleist 620 MB (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM8 (50-12, 54-10, 60-08)
Shafts: KBS 610
Putter: Scotty Cameron 009
Ball: 2019 Titleist Pro V1

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Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

3 weeks ago

on

Jun 1, 2026

By

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

 

 

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Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

4 weeks ago

on

Jun 1, 2026

By

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

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

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Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge

Published

4 weeks ago

on

May 31, 2026

By

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

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