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Morning 9: Match Play groups | Netflix didn’t use best content? | LPGA Q-Series changes

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3 years ago

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]
March 22, 2023

Good Wednesday morning, golf fans, as day one of the WGC Match Play gets underway.

1. Your Match Play groups

Group 1

Scottie Scheffler (1)

Tom Kim (17)

Alex Noren (38)

Davis Riley (54)

Group 2

Jon Rahm (2)

Billy Horschel (22)

Keith Mitchell (39)

Rickie Fowler (49)

Group 3

Rory McIlroy (3)

Keegan Bradley (20)

Denny McCarthy (48)

Scott Stallings (52)

Group 4

Patrick Cantlay (4)

Brian Harman (25)

K.H. Lee (35)

Nick Taylor (55)

Group 5

Max Homa (5)

Hideki Matsuyama (18)

Kevin Kisner (42)

Justin Suh (63)

Group 6

Xander Schauffele (6)

Tom Hoge (23)

Aaron Wise (40)

Cam Davis (64)

Group 7

Will Zalatoris (7)

Ryan Fox (29)

Harris English (37)

Andrew Putnam (56)

Group 8

Viktor Hovland (8)

Chris Kirk (28)

Si Woo Kim (34)

Matt Kuchar (59)

Group 9

Collin Morikawa (9)

Jason Day (32)

Adam Svensson (44)

Victor Perez (51)

Group 10

Tony Finau (10)

Kurt Kitayama (19)

Adrian Meronk (45)

Christiaan Bezuidenhout (60)

Group 11

Matt Fitzpatrick (11)

Sahith Theegala (26)

Min Woo Lee (41)

J.J. Spaun (61)

Group 12

Jordan Spieth (12)

Shane Lowry (21)

Taylor Montgomery (47)

Mackenzie Hughes (50)

Group 13

Sam Burns (13)

Seamus Power (30)

Adam Scott (33)

Adam Hadwin (53)

Group 14

Tyrrell Hatton (14)

Russell Henley (31)

Lucas Herbert (46)

Ben Griffin (62)

Group 15

Cameron Young (15)

Sepp Straka (27)

Corey Conners (36)

Davis Thompson (57)

Group 16

Sungjae Im (16)

Tommy Fleetwood (24)

J.T. Poston (43)

Maverick McNealy (58)

2. Dahmen: Netflix didn’t use the good stuff!

Golfweek’s Tim Schmitt…”But while all the notoriety has made Dahmen more recognizable to golf fans, he doesn’t seem to be letting the spotlight swallow him up.”

  • “I think overall it was really good. I think they did a good job of telling our story,” Dahmen said. “We have a unique friendship, brotherhood, whatever you want to call it.
  • “But we gave them a lot of content that could have been very funny and they could have went another way with it.”
  • “What kind of content?”
  • “Dahmen won’t reveal.”
Full piece.

3. LPGA Q-Series changes

Golf Channel’s Patricia Duffy…”The LPGA announced Tuesday that, starting with the 2023 LPGA Q-Series, the final stage will be reduced from eight rounds to six rounds.”

  • “The change in number of rounds is the first since the inaugural LPGA Q-Series in 2018, which debuted with two 72-hole (eight rounds), stroke-play events held in consecutive weeks. Prior to 2018, the final stage of qualifying consisted of five rounds over one week.”
  • “Based upon feedback from players and research conducted over past LPGA Q-Series results, it was determined that six rounds is an adequate measure and challenging test for those competing for LPGA Tour status,” said Tommy Tangtiphaiboontana, senior vice president of LPGA operations. “This modification allows the entire competition to be played at one facility in consecutive rounds, with no change in venue between weeks.”
Full piece.

4. Scheffler returns to Augusta

Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard…”It was a predictably emotional return to Augusta National for Scottie Scheffler last week.”

  • “The Masters champion went to Augusta National last Monday and Tuesday as part of a scouting trip that doubled as a stroll down memory lane.”
  • “That was really one of the first times where winning the Masters felt real. Because we got back on property, I’d just come off the win at The Players, so our celebration kind of was just going to play Augusta,” Scheffler said Tuesday at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, where he’s the defending champion. “That was really one of the first times where it felt real that I had won the Masters.”
  • “Scheffler played the course twice with a group of friends, including his longtime swing coach Randy Smith, and said two changes since last year’s Masters stood out, including a new tee on the par-5 13th hole that’s added about 35 yards.”
Full piece.

5. Report: McIlroy plays Augusta, drives the ball beautifully

GolfWRX staff report…”As we inch closer to the 2023 Masters, anticipation grows over the fate of Rory McIlroy, who will once again go to Augusta with the hope of capturing the only major that has so far eluded him.”

  • “McIlroy’s form since last teeing it up at Augusta National has been stellar, but recent grumblings from the Irishman concerning his driver have his legion of fans concerned.”
  • “Following a dismal showing at the opening round of the Players, McIlroy let off some steam saying he wished he could use his driver from last year, alluding to the fact that the previous model’s face may no longer be conforming. The 33-year-old admitted to “user error” when it came to his current big stick, but since then, speculation has been rife that the 4-time major champ may make a big change in the bag for the Masters.”
  • “This week, a fan account claimed from sources that McIlroy was set to make “big changes”, which had golf fans wondering if a change in driver could be on the horizon.”
  • “However, per a report from Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, McIlroy drove the ball “beautifully” during the two rounds on a recent trip to Augusta, where he apparently used a shorter driver shaft while keeping his TaylorMade Stealth 2 head.”
Full piece.

6. TaylorMade issues rollback rebuttal

GolfWRX staff report…”Titleist and Bridgestone are no longer alone in addressing the recent USGA/R&A proposal to lower the maximum distance of golf balls used for professional tour and elite amateur events, as TaylorMade Golf, today, has also released a statement on the matter.”

  • “And, in a unique move, the company is urging regular golfers to participate in a survey that will help to assess the broader golf community’s response to the proposed modifications.”
  • “The full text of TaylorMade’s statement is below.”
  • “The USGA and R&A recently announced a proposal to create a Model Local Rule where highly skilled golfers must use a different golf ball from 2026 onwards. This will introduce bifurcation into our sport, meaning that you – the golfer – will play with different equipment than the professionals.
  • “We believe a large part of golf’s appeal is this underlying sense of: “I can do that, too.” And using the same equipment as the pros gives us a more accurate feel for how talented these players are. Most of us will never know what it’s like to play in Madison Square Garden, throw a touchdown in the Super Bowl, or score the game-winning goal in a World Cup final, but we can go to St. Andrews, walk across the Swilcan Bridge and for a moment feel what it’s like to be a professional. Walk in their shoes, play the same courses, and use the same equipment. It’s all part of why we love this sport.
  • “The USGA and R&A have provided a window in which all manufacturers can provide feedback on this proposal and its potential impact.
  • “As we absorbed this announcement and tried to understand the why, as well as the impact, all of our conversations came back to one place – you, the golfer. We want your voice to be heard, so please, let us know what you think.”
  • “We invite you to be part of the conversation and to be part of our feedback to the USGA and R&A: Take the survey here.”
Full piece.

7. Ian Poulter on Ryder Cup captaincy

Elliott Heath for Golf Monthly…”Ian Poulter has said if Ryder Cup Europe chose not to have a LIV Golf player as captain then “shame on them” after answering fan questions on Instagram.”

  • “The Englishman was expected to be European captain for the 2025 match at Bethpage Black in New York but his future captaincy days seem numbered following Henrik Stenson’s removal as 2023 skipper.”
  • “Poulter was asked if he thinks LIV Golf will last, with the fan saying they were “gutted” that the seven-time Ryder Cupper probably won’t get a chance to captain Europe.”
Full piece.

8. Simpson cracks the code to Scheffler’s success

Our Jason Daniels…”After the third round of the Valspar Championship, the 2012 U.S Open winner said Scheffler’s stance was “a whole different level of commitment,” confirming what long-term caddie, Paul Tesori, had previously told reporters – “I think he [Simpson] would give up food before he gave up coffee.”

  • “Simpson leaves Scottie well behind in his dedication, bringing his own coffee machine on the road, and having “typically, three or four before lunch, one post-lunch, and one right before dinner.”
  • “He does admit that, “on the road, I gotta scale down a bit………you know, a lot of caffeine’s not good for the short putts,” so he has a couple in the morning and “always one after the round, no matter how late I finish.”
  • “Has Webb ever considered going the Scottie route?”
  • “No,” he says, shaking his head. “I mean, that’s another whole new level of commitment, probably why he’s number one in the world.”
  • “There is a but, with Webb finishing off by saying,”
  • “I’m willing to trade those moments of happiness in the morning for a couple of shots a year. It might cost me.”
Full piece.

9. Rory WITB

Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (9 degrees)

Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6 X

3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (15 degrees @13)

Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X

5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (18 degrees @16)

Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 9 X

Irons: TaylorMade P760 (3, 4) TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-PW)

Shaft: Project X 7.0

Wedges: TaylorMade MG3 Raw (54), WedgeWorks Proto (58 @59)

Shafts: Project X 6.5

Putter: Scotty Cameron 009M prototype

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x (#22)

Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Full piece.

Related Topics:

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

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3 weeks ago

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Jun 1, 2026

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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

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Jun 1, 2026

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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

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4 weeks ago

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May 31, 2026

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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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