A New Chapter for GolfWRX- We are now part of the Pro Shop family

[Gxgolfer]

7 hours ago, Chad Mumm said:

GolfWRX has been one of my daily drivers for over a decade. It’s always homepage—>classifieds, then all y’all’s WITBs. I love the community here as much as I love my Yururi Flat Back blades which I first saw deep in the forums. 
 

I post a lot on X so believe me when I say I’ve got thick skin so feel free to talk as much sh*t about Happy Gilmore 2 as you want! 
 

We don’t have Big Plans to make changes here, only to invest and add resources to make it the best it can be. Love all the great suggestions in this thread as well! 
 

I'm currently on vacation with my family but will do my best to respond on this thread. I also know that “showing” is gonna be better than “telling” when it comes to our stewardship of this place so you can bet we will be super focused on listening to your feedback. 
 

see you soon! 
 

Chad 
 

 

 

 

Richard and I have heard the community voices loud and clear the last few years and his earlier posts really reflected our decision points.  

 

Chad, Joe, David, Rob, etc. are all cut from the same cloth and GolfWRX will be the engine.  Transition is difficult and change is hard but we are aligned in our vision of the forums and where we want to take it.

 

There have been many that have failed but also many that have succeeded.  We don't have timelines but we have resources now that have been exponentially multiplied.   As Chad said, give us your thoughts on the ultimate features a WRXer would be interested in as a daily driver.  

 

Ideas like Personal WITB virtual rooms, drops for ClubWRX members, access to Inside the Ropes live content, member outings and invitational chats...

 

We will strive to keep the identity the community wants and for those that like it a certain way, we will try to enhance those connections and keep the identity as close as it is today.

 

Please continue your golf journey with us as you might be surprised who starts popping by and please remember, the "character" of the moderation and respectfulness will still be living on for now. 

[TiScape]

12 minutes ago, Gxgolfer said:

 

 

Richard and I have heard the community voices loud and clear the last few years and his earlier posts really reflected our decision points.  

 

Chad, Joe, David, Rob, etc. are all cut from the same cloth and the GolfWRX will be the engine.  Transition is difficult and change is hard but we were aligned in our vision of the forums and where we want to take it.

 

There have been many that have failed but also many that have succeeded.  We don't have timelines but we have resources now to that have been exponentially multiplied.   As Chad said, give us your thoughts on the ultimated features a WRXer would be interested in as a daily driver.  

 

Ideas like Personal WITB, drops for ClubWRX members, access to Inside the Ropes live content,  and invitational chats...

 

We will strive to keep the identity the community wants and for those that like it a certain way, we will try to enhance those connections and keep the identity as close as it is today.

 

Please continue your journey with golf with us as you might be surprised who starts popping by and please remember, the "character" of the moderation and respectfulness will still be living on for now. 

Thanks! I was gonna ask about the ‘“character” of the moderation’. As we have become close over the years 😊

[easyyy]

4 hours ago, RSinSG said:

I’m optimistic though I’m sure there will be some changes that will irritate me. The switch to the new site software comes to mind but for the most part that was an improvement. However, if the overall essence of what WRX is remains the same I’ll be able to adjust to change. And I’m a yell at clouds old guy. 
 

For now I trust the WRX guys to protect what they’ve created. 

Yeah, that new software “Vanilla” we tried a few years back took a couple of years off my life. We tried to make it work with all the promises they made about it being a modern solution that would enhance the user experience. What a disaster. Reversed back a few months later. That mistake cost us a small fortune. We lost a lot of historical images in the process. 

 

3 hours ago, Choclab said:

Here's hoping WRX doesn't go the way of Ram or MacGregor.

Honestly, that’s why we did this and partnered with Pro Shop. Not to become that.

 

3 hours ago, Chad Mumm said:

GolfWRX has been one of my daily drivers for over a decade. It’s always homepage—>classifieds, then all y’all’s WITBs. I love the community here as much as I love my Yururi Flat Back blades which I first saw deep in the forums. 
 

I post a lot on X so believe me when I say I’ve got thick skin so feel free to talk as much sh*t about Happy Gilmore 2 as you want! 
 

We don’t have Big Plans to make changes here, only to invest and add resources to make it the best it can be. Love all the great suggestions in this thread as well! 
 

I'm currently on vacation with my family but will do my best to respond on this thread. I also know that “showing” is gonna be better than “telling” when it comes to our stewardship of this place so you can bet we will be super focused on listening to your feedback. 
 

see you soon! 
 

Chad 
 

 

 

thanks for chiming in Chad. In my basement I have at least 10 sets of iconic irons I bought between 2005 and today. Miura forged Lehman box toes from TaylorMade. Endo forged blades from nike. Some handmade Miura sets from Yoda‘s son. Also have some handmade Don White blades that are just incredible. And a few others that I’d rather not even say out loud.

 

53 minutes ago, Gxgolfer said:

 

 

Richard and I have heard the community voices loud and clear the last few years and his earlier posts really reflected our decision points.  

 

Chad, Joe, David, Rob, etc. are all cut from the same cloth and GolfWRX will be the engine.  Transition is difficult and change is hard but we are aligned in our vision of the forums and where we want to take it.

 

There have been many that have failed but also many that have succeeded.  We don't have timelines but we have resources now to that have been exponentially multiplied.   As Chad said, give us your thoughts on the ultimate features a WRXer would be interested in as a daily driver.  

 

Ideas like Personal WITB virtual rooms, drops for ClubWRX members, access to Inside the Ropes live content, member outings and invitational chats...

 

We will strive to keep the identity the community wants and for those that like it a certain way, we will try to enhance those connections and keep the identity as close as it is today.

 

Please continue your journey with golf with us as you might be surprised who starts popping by and please remember, the "character" of the moderation and respectfulness will still be living on for now. 

Well said Ryan!

 

[vsabre]

Excited for you guys! Been here since 2010 and my most visited site ( all sites, not just golf) every day. Tremendous knowledge base of both staff and forum members and look forward to see what the future brings.

[TiScape]

5 hours ago, Chad Mumm said:

GolfWRX has been one of my daily drivers for over a decade. It’s always homepage—>classifieds, then all y’all’s WITBs. I love the community here as much as I love my Yururi Flat Back blades which I first saw deep in the forums. 
 

I post a lot on X so believe me when I say I’ve got thick skin so feel free to talk as much sh*t about Happy Gilmore 2 as you want! 
 

We don’t have Big Plans to make changes here, only to invest and add resources to make it the best it can be. Love all the great suggestions in this thread as well! 
 

I'm currently on vacation with my family but will do my best to respond on this thread. I also know that “showing” is gonna be better than “telling” when it comes to our stewardship of this place so you can bet we will be super focused on listening to your feedback. 
 

see you soon! 
 

Chad 
 

 

Can I assume ‘disguised profanity’ will now be allowed? Or is this a ‘do as I say not as I do’ scenario?? 😇

 

 

*tot kidding, no disrespect meant 😊

[Hawkeye77]

Chad Cooper was always cool, can't think of any bad Chads offhand. 

 

 

[TiScape]

1 minute ago, Hawkeye77 said:

Chad Cooper was always cool, can't think of any bad Chads offhand. 

 

 

 

[Hawkeye77]

9 minutes ago, TiScape said:

Can I assume ‘disguised profanity’ will now be allowed? Or is this a ‘do as I say not as I do’ scenario?? 😇

 

 

*tot kidding, no disrespect meant 😊

 

 

[TiScape]

Just now, Hawkeye77 said:

 

 

Well, in my defense. When he said talk as much 💩 as you want about HG 2, I figured he had the sense of humor to handle it! 😊

[TiScape]

2 minutes ago, Hawkeye77 said:

 

 

 

[IndyArcher]

11 hours ago, Ferguson said:

Change is good.

 

 

Change CAN BE good. There are endless examples where change has been bad as well. And sometimes change is a mixed bag, being good for some and bad for others. Apple moving from Steve Jobs to Tim Cook has been great for investors but bad for those who relished the sheer creative genius of Jobs. My other passion of three decades has been archery. The greatest online community sold out to VerticalScope some time ago. IMO that forum is a shell of what it once was, at least in terms of quality and community. 
 

As for WRX, I can simply trust that all the parties involved want what is best for the community. They have built a top-tier community and I am sure they want to maintain that. On the other hand, if it goes a different direction then people will vote with their feet. It sounds to me as though that’s precisely what they desire to prevent.  Best wishes moving forward with the new team and may the change be a net gain for all of us. 
 

[kennyfloyd]

Hard to imagine a more passionate group of founders and members. There will be tweaks and some changes, but I can’t think of a more appropriate Forum for that given all the tweaks and changes that every one of us undertakes in the pursuit of this game we all love. 

 

 

Edited July 27 by kennyfloyd

[MickeyTankBank]

I know it's been said nothing will change and it will always be the same but ....

 

[Hedgehog]

I just hope this doesn't turn into another $10 a month places, raising the price yearly..

 

I just asked sms_on_tour at Instagram why they went into a fee based content and they didn't even entertain a thought of conversation just straight up block. Hate when the admins of a site are so soft that they won't even feel like having a conversation with the users just straight up ban.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

A little late with the congratulations.  But congratulations Richard and Ryan.  
 

I’ve been here since those beginning days. This site has helped my club knowledge grow, provided me with an exceptional experience about 12 years ago and helped me establish several virtual and in person friends among many just fun times in the forum. 
 

i look forward to the exciting future and Richard you know from our several conversations the last few years on where I stand. 

 

 

[easyyy]

49 minutes ago, MickeyTankBank said:

I know it's been said nothing will change and it will always be the same but ....

 

 

Things will change for the better. We are here, and our tribal knowledge will ensure consistency when changes are made. While we hope for change, purposeful and deliberate change is what is needed. Change or die. The user interface (UI) user experience continues to evolve online. We haven’t adapted as fast as we should, but now, with more power, we will be able to explore options that were historically difficult.

 

48 minutes ago, Hedgehog said:

I just hope this doesn't turn into another $10 a month places, raising the price yearly..

 

I just asked sms_on_tour at Instagram why they went into a fee based content and they didn't even entertain a thought of conversation just straight up block. Hate when the admins of a site are so soft that they won't even feel like having a conversation with the users just straight up ban.

 

The Pro Shop team deeply appreciates the community and our discussions are to support the platform to enhance it for members and readers. We attempted to implement “Paywalls” that would require a clubWRX membership to access a portion of the tour photos, but that didn’t work out.

 

As for Admins straight up banning at other places... that has never been us. However, if you’re a bad actor and we know it, we’ll definitely remove you from the platform. However, this would require a very clear-cut situation.

 

15 minutes ago, Carolina Golfer 2 said:

A little late with the congratulations.  But congratulations Richard and Ryan.  
 

I’ve been here since those beginning days. This site has helped my club knowledge grow, provided me with an exceptional experience about 12 years ago and helped me establish several virtual and in person friends among many just fun times in the forum. 
 

i look forward to the exciting future and Richard you know from our several conversations the last few years on where I stand. 

 

 

 

 

Thanks Rob.

[TiScape]

1 hour ago, Hedgehog said:

I just hope this doesn't turn into another $10 a month places, raising the price yearly..

 

I just asked sms_on_tour at Instagram why they went into a fee based content and they didn't even entertain a thought of conversation just straight up block. *Hate when the admins of a site are so soft that they won't even feel like having a conversation with the users just straight up ban.

I’d appreciate a simple explanation when points or a ban are implemented. I’ve had my fair share of points. Some were most definitely earned. Others def not. But in the cases where it was a misunderstanding, it was impossible to have a conversation. 
Oh well. Just err on the side of caution. 

[Gxgolfer]

8 minutes ago, TiScape said:

I’d appreciate a simple explanation when points or a ban are implemented. I’ve had my fair share of points. Some were most definitely earned. Others def not. But in the cases where it was a misunderstanding, it was impossible to have a conversation. 
Oh well. Just err on the side of caution. 

It’s very hard to get banned here. Misunderstanding usually occur when people push lines they should have never approached or were warned multiple times not to approach. 
 

The classifieds are currently still a zero tolerance place and is run by the membership. 
 

Forum modernization and automation of moderation and forum enhancements will be something that can now be prioritized and looked at but it will be a process. 

[TiScape]

1 minute ago, Gxgolfer said:

It’s very hard to get banned here. Misunderstanding usually occur when people push lines they should have never approached or were warned multiple times not to approach. 
 

The classifieds are currently still a zero tolerance place and is run by the membership. 

Far be it from me to disagree with you! Thanks for the site 😊

[MickeyTankBank]

21 minutes ago, easyyy said:

 

Things will change for the better. We are here, and our tribal knowledge will ensure consistency when changes are made. While we hope for change, purposeful and deliberate change is what is needed. Change or die. The user interface (UI) user experience continues to evolve online. We haven’t adapted as fast as we should, but now, with more power, we will be able to explore options that were historically difficult.

 

Sorry, but bringing in corporate entities to have control over a forum like this makes me extremely skeptical that it will change for the better. I hope I'm wrong. 

[Gxgolfer]

4 minutes ago, MickeyTankBank said:

 

Sorry, but bringing in corporate entities to have control over a forum like this makes me extremely skeptical that it will change for the better. I hope I'm wrong. 

There will be many things occurring in the background during the next few months. Trust will be earned as the new team settles in. Old faces and new. 

[tatertot]

22 minutes ago, TiScape said:

I’d appreciate a simple explanation when points or a ban are implemented. I’ve had my fair share of points. Some were most definitely earned. Others def not. But in the cases where it was a misunderstanding, it was impossible to have a conversation. 
Oh well. Just err on the side of caution. 

I'd like to know when/why posts are deleted. 

[Gxgolfer]

1 minute ago, tatertot said:

I'd like to know when/why posts are deleted. 

 

 

 

Transparency is always a tough subject and any removal is because of forum rule violations that are in large part reported by the membership.
 

Because of various factors like legal obligations, there will always be limits. The limits of transparency will be more of a technical issue that maybe address in a longer timeframe.
 

As long as moderators are volunteers, there will always be discretion. This continues to be one of the best moderated forums on the Internet, no matter the subject, for a reason. 

[WesternRacing]

Why all the negativity?!  This is a good thing, for the founders and the forum.

 

Everything changes.

[bvmagic]

The tour WITB pics is what brought me here way back in the day.  To see the coverage expand over the years to literal clubs in hand and interviews with players on site has been amazing.  Most memorable for me was first seeing the in hand photos of Tiger's Scotty putter.  

 

If these changes can ensure this type of tour coverage continues then I'm all for it.  

 

 

[bobfoster]

To the WRX Founders - this is one of my usual Bob TL;DR, but maybe worth it. I think I'm one of the old timers - not an original member, but certainly have been here for longer than I can precisely remember (originally as MidasMulligan).

 

This place, this community, has - without exaggerating - added real value to my world. I've been playing and watching golf since I was 8 years old (I'm now 67). Prior to WRX I did have a lot of friends that played golf, but few of them were into it as much as I was. This place was amazing to discover - an entire website full of fanatics. I mostly fixate on 6 forums ... Tour & pre-release, Equipment, Club techs, Tour talk, General, and Rules. I have learned, over the years, more than I can express (from the amazing people here). Hope I've also added a bit of value. 

 

In fact, I think I might appreciate WRX a wee bit more than some younger members, as I remember what golf was like prior to the internet, and these forums. There was no eBay or anything like that - you bought new clubs, or used ones at your local brick and mortar. Most information about new releases came from either OEM marketing materials, or big box clerks, or the friends you played with. Any information about the pros, or pro tours came from either TV, or monthly magazines.

 

There were (and still are) some alternatives, but to me, WRX changed the game. If you are genuinely into golf, this is the place to be. And it isn't just for fanatics. I've played a lot of golf, and have helped friends (young and old) get into the game. I can't remember how many I have referred to this site over the years. Including total newbies intimidated by the game. I told them that they'd be welcomed, and that there were no stupid questions. This is another unique thing about the community here. It isn't just for fanatics - The long time members here are patient. I've seen countless instances in which a new golfer came here, asked a question that (unknown to them) had been talked about in endless threads - but were answered with dignity and respect. This website is not just people talking about the game, it literally helps welcome people into the game. It isn't just about the sport, it grows the sport. 

 

Let me mention moderation. Must admit I've been nailed two or three times over the years (though it was unfair only once). [Funny note, the old-timers sort of see it as a badge of honor - we've all gotten nailed ... you aren't a true WRXer until you've gotten a time out 🤣.] Despite that, I deeply appreciate it. No politics. No religion. Strictly PG-13. This is a place where intelligent adults talk about golf, and only golf. Amazingly refreshing. Golf has always been my refuge from a busy life running a company, and WRX has become a refuge from the (often incredibly crude and nasty) online world. 

 

A couple final points (since I'm going on too long, and will write more suggestions later?). First, please please please do not change the moderation. Moderate as you have been - Keep it clean, and focused completely on golf. And beyond that, don't moderate for golf content. For example - I've seen Easyyy hype Happy Gilmore 2 twice in the last two days. I hope I don't have to like it (because it is really not close to the original). This place works because we can all be blunt and honest. That can't change.

 

Second? ClubWRX. I've been a paid member off and on over the years. I have not done it because I got anything - it was just a quiet thank you to the guys that started this. But it sounds like you guys are now flush with money - you don't need my $35 a year. I'd still pay the membership (and pay even more if it was worth it), but you need to build out the value proposition there. 

 

Last sentiment: To @Easyyy and @Gxgolfer: Thank you for your efforts and energy. I am confident you know the full value you have created here ... for golfers. And confident you can navigate the influx of cash to make WRX better, and do nothing that kills what makes this place special. 

 

[PS. Parenthetically to the Founders. Businessman to businessmen. My corporation is now 23 years old. Medium sized, several hundred employees. I remember the trajectory, and have learned. Once, my partner and I made a bad mistake, partnered with a company we didn't fully vet. It sounds like you know how devastating a bad decision can be. But you learn, right? Thing is, the challenge of recovering from a bad decision is nothing compared to how difficult it is to handle good decisions. Twice in my company's history we nailed it, won huge contracts that almost doubled our size in a matter of months. Managing dramatic success and expansion can be incredibly challenging. I wish you the best of luck - for the sake of all of us here.]

 

Edited July 28 by bobfoster

[easyyy]

1 hour ago, bobfoster said:

To the WRX Founders - this is one of my usual Bob TL;DR, but maybe worth it. I think I'm one of the old timers - not an original member, but certainly have been here for longer than I can precisely remember (originally as MidasMulligan).

 

This place, this community, has - without exaggerating - added real value to my world. I've been playing and watching golf since I was 8 years old (I'm now 67). Prior to WRX I did have a lot of friends that played golf, but few of them were into it as much as I was. This place was amazing to discover - an entire website full of fanatics. I mostly fixate on 6 forums ... Tour & pre-release, Equipment, Club techs, Tour talk, General, and Rules. I have learned, over the years, more than I can express (from the amazing people here). Hope I've also added a bit of value. 

 

In fact, I think I might appreciate WRX a wee bit more than some younger members, as I remember what golf was like prior to the internet, and these forums. There was no eBay or anything like that - you bought new clubs, or used ones at your local brick and mortar. Most information about new releases came from either OEM marketing materials, or big box clerks, or the friends you played with. Any information about the pros, or pro tours came from either TV, or monthly magazines.

 

There were (and still are) some alternatives, but to me, WRX changed the game. If you are genuinely into golf, this is the place to be. And it isn't just for fanatics. I've played a lot of golf, and have helped friends (young and old) get into the game. I can't remember how many I have referred to this site over the years. Including total newbies intimidated by the game. I told them that they'd be welcomed, and that there were no stupid questions. This is another unique thing about the community here. It isn't just for fanatics - The long time members here are patient. I've seen countless instances in which a new golfer came here, asked a question that (unknown to them) had been talked about in endless threads - but were answered with dignity and respect. This website is not just people talking about the game, it literally helps welcome people into the game. It isn't just about the sport, it grows the sport. 

 

Let me mention moderation. Must admit I've been nailed two or three times over the years (though it was unfair only once). [Funny note, the old-timers sort of see it as a badge of honor - we've all gotten nailed ... you aren't a true WRXer until you've gotten a time out 🤣.] Despite that, I deeply appreciate it. No politics. No religion. Strictly PG-13. This is a place where intelligent adults talk about golf, and only golf. Amazingly refreshing. Golf has always been my refuge from a busy life running a company, and WRX has become a refuge from the (often incredibly crude and nasty) online world. 

 

A couple final points (since I'm going on too long, and will write more suggestions later?). First, please please please do not change the moderation. Moderate as you have been - Keep it clean, and focused completely on golf. And beyond that, don't moderate for golf content. For example - I've seen Easyyy hype Happy Gilmore 2 twice in the last two days. I hope I don't have to like it (because it is really not close to the original). This place works because we can all be blunt and honest. That can't change.

 

Second? ClubWRX. I've been a paid member off and on over the years. I have not done it because I got anything - it was just a quiet thank you to the guys that started this. But it sounds like you guys are now flush with money - you don't need my $35 a year. I'd still pay the membership (and pay even more if it was worth it), but you need to build out the value proposition there. 

 

Last sentiment: To @Easyyy and @Gxgolfer: Thank you for your efforts and energy. I am confident you know the full value you have created here ... for golfers. And confident you can navigate the influx of cash to make WRX better, and do nothing that kills what makes this place special. 

 

[PS. Parenthetically to the Founders. Businessman to businessmen. My corporation is now 23 years old. Medium sized, several hundred employees. I remember the trajectory, and have learned. Once, my partner and I made a bad mistake, partnered with a company we didn't fully vet. It sounds like you know how devastating a bad decision can be. But you learn, right? Thing is, the challenge of recovering from a bad decision is nothing compared to how difficult it is to handle good decisions. Twice in my company's history we nailed it, won huge contracts that almost doubled our size in a matter of months. Managing dramatic success and expansion can be incredibly challenging. I wish you the best of luck - for the sake of all of us here.]

 

 

Bob, that was incredibly kind of you to say. It truly means a lot to me personally as well. By the way, you mentioned that I’ve hyped Happy Gilmore 2 twice. I’d never have hyped Happy Gilmore 2, and I haven’t even seen it yet. I only mentioned that they were involved in its coproduction when I was trying to describe Pro Shop’s many accomplishments.

 

Great points about Club WRX. I also believe that unless its value exceeds $35, it will only serve as a means to post an ad early. That’s something we’ve made efforts towards, but haven’t been successful in achieving.

 

More importantly, your words about how we’ve cultivated a culture and community online that has contributed to the growth of the game are truly appreciated. Thank you.

 

Richard

[easyyy]

2 hours ago, bvmagic said:

The tour WITB pics is what brought me here way back in the day.  To see the coverage expand over the years to literal clubs in hand and interviews with players on site has been amazing.  Most memorable for me was first seeing the in hand photos of Tiger's Scotty putter.  

 

If these changes can ensure this type of tour coverage continues then I'm all for it.  

 

 

 

Brian... you have been a MAJOR part of this. You became a member in January of 2006 by the way. Since 2008, you’ve been taking photos for us every year, shooting in two Florida tourneys annually. Members like you make WRX so much better. I want to express my gratitude for everything you’ve done over the years and for many more years to come.

 

Richard

[knudson81]

On 7/26/2025 at 10:57 PM, ColdOkieGolf said:

It looks like an exciting new step for GolfWRX.  Hopefully our hunky Knudson is staying on board!

I think having more access to the PGA tour will be awesome. I've really enjoyed the "Inside The Ropes" series, so looking for that to only get better and better!

Not that you all asked - but I'd love to see this partnership leveraged to offer more insight and access for the members. AMAs or Live streams with tour reps, product reps... maybe even some tour players that are just sick enough to talk gear with us. 
 

 

I am still here and nerding out as hard as usual! Expecting this to just further add fuel to the already hot fire!

[TiScape]

Here’s to hopin’ Greg @pga43 ain’t goin’ anywhere! Love those pics 📸 and that spicy 🌶️ attitude!!