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Morning 9: Wet weather at Augusta | Day resurgent? | Brooks confirms LIV group plan

Published

3 years ago

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, if you hadn’t heard, the Masters begins in two days.

1. Bamberger: On ANWA participants and playing ANGC the way it was intended

Michael Bamberger amid his rollback missive for FirePit Collective/Golf Digest…”For the ANWA contestants, who had the stage on Saturday, the four par 5s were reachable in two—if you smash two shots. The downhill second was 500 yards. The uphill eighth was 470. The two iconic back-nine par 5s, 13 and 15, with greens protected by moats, were 450 yards and 470 yards. And when the women didn’t reach, they played shots that required exquisite finesse. Golf at its best is fiddly.”

  • “The women were playing a course that has four par 5s, four par 3s and 10 par 4s. Yes, a true par-72 course. For the 125 years that American golf has had great championships, courses have had one-shot holes, two-shot holes and three-shot holes.”
  • “Call me old-fashioned, but that is golf.”
  • “Even at 7,545 yards, Augusta National’s new length, the course will play as a par-69 in the Masters, at least for Scheffler and his ilk. The only true par 5 is the eighth, and even then some of the players will get home in two. The 13th, now all of 545 yards with an extra 35 yards tacked on to it this year, will be a driver and a mid-iron for Scheffler. That is a par 4.”
Full piece.

2. Wet week ahead at Augusta

Miguel Legoad for the Augusta Chronicle…”This year’s Masters guests may have to swim to the Augusta National.”

  • “As of Sunday, the Weather Channel forecast is calling for bad weather throughout the tournament. The Augusta area on Thursday can expect cloudy skies with a possible stray thunderstorm during the day. Scattered storms are being forecasted Thursday night through Friday followed by rain the rest of the weekend.”
  • “The chances of rain are scheduled as follows:
  • Thursday: 24% in the day, 40% in the night.
  • Friday: 70% in the day, 80% in the night.
  • Saturday: 80% in the day, 60% in the night.
  • Sunday: 50% in the day, 40% in the night.
Full piece.

3. LIV players won’t wear logos at ANGC

James Corrigan for the Telegraph…”The LIV rebel players have agreed not to wear the logo of the Saudi-funded circuit at this week’s Masters.”

  • “Telegraph Sport has learnt that there was a meeting between the 18 LIV golfers in this field who are contracted to Greg Norman’s league where they decided to ditch the branding on their bags, shorts and caps “out of respect to the tournament”.”
Full piece.

4. Jason Day resurgent?

Cameron Morfit for PGATour.com…”Now he rolls into the Masters Tournament after a one-year absence that ended a streak of 11 consecutive appearances at Augusta National. While golf comebacks are common, at Augusta National they can take on an almost mythical quality – Jack in ’86; Crenshaw in ’95; Tiger in 2019.”

  • “Is Jason Day next?”
  • “To see him claw his way back—I mean, that stretch of golf he played in 2015, 2016 was some of the best golf we’ve seen in the past couple of decades,” said Rory McIlroy. “I think we’ve always known he has the talent; it’s now to the point where it looks like he’s got his health in order, which is great to see. The game of golf is better when he’s playing well.”
  • “It has been five years since Day, who once won seven times in 17 starts, has won on the PGA TOUR…”
  • “Don’t look now, but recent indicators already point to semi-insanity. As Day prepped for Augusta last week, he was 13th in Strokes Gained: Putting and second in Scrambling.”
Full piece.

5. Koepka confirms group celebration plans

Paul Higham for Golf Monthly…”And Koepka agrees that it would be a huge statement for LIV Golf as an entity if one of their players were to win the Masters, and also confirmed that the rest of the players would be there to greet him at the final green.”

  • “Yeah, I think if one of the LIV players does win, I think it’ll be definitely a huge statement for LIV, and I know that all 18 of us want to win,” he added.
  • “I think when you look at it, if one of the guys does, I would be shocked if all of us aren’t there.”
Full piece.

6. Sargent’s special invite

Sean Martin for PGATour.com…”The calendar had just changed to 2023 when he received the phone call that changed everything.”

  • “I didn’t recognize the number but it said ‘Augusta National’ under the phone number, so I was like, ‘I have to answer this,’” said Sargent, 19. The rest of the conversation was a blur as he tried to determine if he was the victim of a vicious prank.”
  • “The news was made official a few days later when Augusta National announced that Sargent, the reigning NCAA champion, would be the first amateur in more than two decades to receive a special exemption to the Masters.”
  • “Augusta National Golf Club isn’t known for making exceptions to its rules. The Masters field, the smallest of any of the major championships, is determined by detailed criteria. The tournament reserves the right to make special invitations, but there’s rarely more than one doled out per year and they go almost exclusively to international pros whose inclusion increases the global footprint of the tournament. The player invited alongside Sargent was Japanese pro Kazuki Higa. The last amateur to receive a special exemption, Aaron Baddeley in 2000, hailed from Australia and was invited to the Masters after winning his national open over a field that included multiple top-50 players in the world.”
Full piece.

7. Nicklaus suit seeking communication with Norman

Tom D’Angelo for the Palm Beach Post…”Norman was issued a subpoena by Nicklaus Companies on March 20 regarding his comments about Jack Nicklaus that appeared in a June 5, 2022, article in the Washington Post titled “The Shark Is on The Attack Again.”

  • “In that article, Norman said Nicklaus sent him an e-mail that read: “The new tour had his blessing.” The e-mail was sent after Nicklaus attended a LIV presentation, according to Norman. The subpoena is for all documents regarding claims made in the article.”
  • “Additionally, the Nicklaus Companies, which is suing Jack Nicklaus, is seeking all records of communications between Jack Nicklaus, the Nicklaus family, or their representatives and LIV Golf, but not direct testimony.”
Full piece.

8.”Golf but shorter”

Our Matt Vincenzi…”During Sunday’s LIV Golf broadcast, David Feherty did a short segment on the proposed rule change that would result in the bifurcation of the golf ball.”

  • “In typical Feherty fashion, the commentary was a bit witty and sarcastic, but he hinted that if the rule change does indeed go through, that LIV would not adopt it.”
  • “We’re golf but louder, so golf but shorter doesn’t really fit.”
Full piece.

9. Angel planning return to golf

Our Jason Daniels…”2009 Masters champion Angel Cabrera has spoken of resuming his golf career when he returns from a prison sentence.”

  • “‘El Pato’ was convicted on two accounts of assault on former partners, spending time in prison in Brazil and Argentina, but is now looking to return to the game he loves, a career that started with the help and sponsorship of fellow Argentinian golf legend Eduardo Romero.”
  • “It’s been a rough go,” Epps said. “He was in prison in Brazil and then Argentina. He’s weathered the storm, and it’s taught him a couple of very important lessons. He’s admitted that.
  • “He’ll probably get out some time in the summer and he’s already at a halfway house. He wants to continue his golf career, the good Lord willing. I always welcome him. We’re just waiting for him to come home.”
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

Published

4 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

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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