Golf Spy X - Outted !

[PlaidJacket]

I couldn't decide where to post this but; since MyGolfSpy is a product that we all use I thought this might be the best place. I received my email a few minutes ago to join the movement for MGS. Which, by whipping out the ole credit card I made my contribution. Power to the Player. All of us.

And.... I finally got to meet my friend GolfSpy-X aka... Adam Beach. No, we haven't actually met but I almost feel that way now that I have a face to put with the man.

 

This is exciting. I'm glad I'm here and I'm ready to do even more if I can.

 

Thanks Adam and best of luck. This will work.

 

PlaidJacket

[mr_divots]

Strange email.

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

That's my boss!  I'm glad his passion for what he does came through so well on the video -- I get it just from talking with him on the phone.  He has a vision and he's working hard to make it happen - I have a TON of respect for that!

[mr_divots]

So you need $75K to tell me that clubs haven't gotten any longer under USGA rules? Really?

What about those of us that came to that conclusion on our own dime years ago?

Sorry, hate being solicited.

[revkev]

Here's the great thing about MGS Mr. Divot's - you won't be censored for making your comment on this thread!

 

Normally I'd be right there with you but in this case I didn't mind.  I'm already a donor and a frequent user so it makes sense that I'd get such an email.  Like Plaid Jacket the credit card came out and I made a contribution - I wish it could be more but regardless it got me back in that game. 

 

I carefully budget my golf and a few years ago I made my MGS contributions by contributing the cost of a round anytime I got rained out.  I'm going to reinstitute that policy - 4 or 5 rain outs times $40 and it adds up.  If many of us were to do that we'd be helping the site.

 

Again the beauty is that if we don't we are still allowed on the site, our opinions are heard and appreciated.  It's part of what MGS great.

 

I also liked the video very much.  We started doing scripted You-tube videos for our congregation last year.  If you were to watch those videos which you could be going to the Grace Lutheran St Petersburg FL facebook page - the videos take a lot of work.  This video took a lot of work, I enjoyed it and didn't mind the solicitation.

[Kenny B]

I usually donate a couple of times a year.  I just did around Christmas time, but it's nice to actually see and hear Fearless Leader.  Out comes the CC!

[wbealsd]

I was glad to get the email and finally put a name and face to the man who made this place possible.

 

If he hadn't had his vision and started this site, we wouldn't be here.

[GolfSpy_X]

Really sorry you do not feel that MyGolfSpy provides a resource for golfers.  Couple things I hope you will consider:

 

1. We don't just test golf clubs.  But the ones we do would cost over $750,000 per year to test.

 

2. We seek to empower our audience with truthful and reliable information that serves their game and interests.

 

3. We seek to empower them by providing a forum that encourages them to exercise their voice.

 

4. We seek to empower them by cultivating and supporting their love of golf.

 

5. We seek to empower them by encouraging their desire to perform better.

 

6. We seek to empower them by demonstrating to them that golf's greatness is often seen in the values it teaches on and off the course.

 

7. We seek to empower them by demonstrating that they are amongst friends at MGS and that there is an organization dedicated entirely to them.

 

 

So you need $75K to tell me that clubs haven't gotten any longer under USGA rules? Really?

What about those of us that came to that conclusion on our own dime years ago?

Sorry, hate being solicited.

[furu]

There's a lot of golfers out there who want to know more. Someone who tells them about how golf clubs work and what the different clubs do. 

 

Never underestimate - or misunderestimate like Bush - how much these people trust you, and want to read about and listen to your opinion.

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

There's a lot of golfers out there who want to know more. Someone who tells them about how golf clubs work and what the different clubs do. 

 

Never underestimate - or misunderestimate like Bush - how much these people trust you, and want to read about and listen to your opinion.

 

Well said Furu - the majority of folks out there don't get their clubs for free as internet reviewers. They have to plunk down hard earned cash, and many folks out there want to learn more about the technology behind golf clubs and learn what's real and what isn't when it comes to how that technology is advertised.  The more info people have from authoritative, knowledgeable sources, the hope  is they'll make better, more informed decisions.  

 

I'm not by nature a cynical person, and I genuinely respect people who work to make their vision real.  

[hckymeyer]

I have a feeling I'm in the majority here, but I enjoyed it and for once didn't mind being solicited.  This place has been a home for me on the old interwebs and a fantastic community.  If my contribution can help continue to expand and grow what MGS does for us then I'm all in.

 

On a side note, was I the only one who really wishes X would have done the video in the MGS logo detective outfit?  Or at least the hat

[SPY ZINGER]

It fun to see a guy be able to live his passion in life. It's a fun time to be a part of MGS, Congrats Xyyy.

[Severtheties]

To echo furu a little bit too - it's nice to know that some like me, who used to build clubs, regrip my own equipment and such but simply fell out of that and now I feel I am behind the times has a place to come and as what might be considered "dumb" questions in many other places without feeling like I will get ridiculed or ignored.

[HighFade]

Now I need to see the video....

[kygolfer1980]

Most everyone that is active on the forum has gotten the opportunity to benefit from MGS.  The amount of forum product testing has been very substantial over the last few years.  That is just an extra perk of being involved here.  I don't post very often anymore but I still read the forum.  I certainly feel an obligation to donate and am happy to do so.  The tour contest a couple years ago afforded me much more than I can ever repay.  I hope people consider that if on the fence about donating.  I didn't feel solicited at all with the email,  I think their will be a return in all this and look forward to the changes.

[jmwils81]

Now I need to see the video....

 

I'm with you! I feel left out haha

[wbealsd]

I'm with you! I feel left out haha

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mygolfspy-com-power-to-the-player/x/2616220

 

150 donors, in less than 24 hours.

 

YOU can be one today

[BK in TEXAS]

Just curious.....where did the name "Colt" come from?

[GolfSpy_X]

When my son was born we wrote a bunch of names on the board in the room for people to vote on.  Colt was neck and neck the whole race but ended up coming in 2nd place.  

 

Always loved the name.  And then when I went to the first PGA Show as MyGolfSpy I was approached by the GolfWeek TV cameras and Jeff Rude.  I was dressed in the Spy outfit so I assume he was curious why the hell I was dressed in a three piece suit/wool jacket/wood sole shoes on a concrete floor.  

 

He asked my name and the first thing that came out was Colt.  I needed a different name because of a project I was working on prior to the launch and I didn't want a name associated with the site.  I wanted the content to stand on its own.  His next question on camera was, "Are your parents porn stars?"

 

Just curious.....where did the name "Colt" come from?

[HighFade]

When my son was born we wrote a bunch of names on the board in the room for people to vote on. Colt was neck and neck the whole race but ended up coming in 2nd place.

 

Always loved the name. And then when I went to the first PGA Show as MyGolfSpy I was approached by the GolfWeek TV cameras and Jeff Rude. I was dressed in the Spy outfit so I assume he was curious why the hell I was dressed in a three piece suit/wool jacket/wood sole shoes on a concrete floor.

 

He asked my name and the first thing that came out was Colt. I needed a different name because of a project I was working on prior to the launch and I didn't want a name associated with the site. I wanted the content to stand on its own. His next question on camera was, "Are your parents porn stars?"

If I had a nickel every time someone asked me that...

[jmwils81]

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mygolfspy-com-power-to-the-player/x/2616220

 

150 donors, in less than 24 hours.

 

YOU can be one today

Thanks!

 

Can't wait to rock the T-Shirt. I do think I will adapt the rain out donor policy to my game as well. This website is amazing and from that video is only going to get better. So as it is a little donation right now, it's a start.

[Severtheties]

Thanks!

 

Can't wait to rock the T-Shirt. I do think I will adapt the rain out donor policy to my game as well. This website is amazing and from that video is only going to get better. So as it is a little donation right now, it's a start.

 

I'm liking that policy too. I'm pumped to eventually find out what's in the mystery bag.

[jdiddyesquire]

I'm liking that policy too. I'm pumped to eventually find out what's in the mystery bag.

I can just imagine the MGS warehouse getting cleaned out of all the random crap/good stuff they've been sent over the years.

 

I ran a very successful book blog for years and the number of things I got sent was so overwhelming that I would just send boxes of books to friends.

[PlaidJacket]

_{I'm happy for MGS and look forward to the future. I feel good about donating to the "cause". However, I do have a question. Why only $75,000? I realize MGS might even exceed that amount during the 45 day funding period. Great. In my experience $75,000 don't get you very far doing much of anything business-wise. I know that MGS wants to build a state of the art testing facility. I'd be interested in learning more. (The chat feature is not working on my PC/browser in case you wanted to chat.)}

[Sschaffer24]

I think the steps that MGS are taking are truly what the golf industry needs. Offering something that is TRULY player focused, where people can come and get the information they need to better their game? Awesome.

 

Having the balls to take a stand and do that is something you wouldn't expect your normal business to do. Think about HOW MUCH more profitable this industry would be for the guys at MGS if they took the ad money? What if they "sold out" and aligned themselves with the big guys, what would that do for these individual people who are behind the scenes?

 

Probably give them a much higher standard of living, and after a few years, they'd forget completely about this "mission" that they are on now.

 

So, to see GolfSpy X taking a stand. Fighting for what's right, and basically giving the rest of the industry a big F#*k you! In the process? I love it. Sure, I'm being solicited.

 

But EVERY single ad you see on every website you visit, every commercial, every post on social media I'm being solicited. Why not give my money to something that matters TO ME, and back the guys who have the stones to do what is RIGHT and not what's easy.

Adam, many props to you. Thank you for using your influence and your career for us. We all owe you that. Now lets see this test facility, and I would LOVE to see more information on this project Triangle. That's very intriguing.

 

You have my money and my support. Thank you.

 

#PowerToThePlayer

[Sschaffer24]

I do have a question. While in the process of trying to donate it wants me to pick a perk depending on the level I choose. If I pick one of the higher tiers, say the $100 one, does that mean I receive any of the perks for the tiers below that? For instance would I have my name on the founders wall and have the option on a T- Shirt, get the wallpaper, etc.? Or is that perk strictly for the headcover?

 

Edit: Also, can you tell me the company that would make the headcover? I'm not sure where to post this, so I thought this thread would be fitting.

[mr_divots]

I'll just say that it used to be, you could go to a local clubfitter to get the straight dirt about what performs or not.

 

The curious thing to me is this: why is GolfSpy giving credence to the golf industry in its current state?

It's not like you're "pulling back the curtain" on the industry. Anyone honest with themselves stopped looking for performance gains many, many years ago.

 

So to me, this iniative about "exposing" the industry is waaaay too little, too late, and you guys get enough free stuff that it sounds rooted in bravado and projecting an image that you guys are "outsiders." You're not.

Remember Bombsquad and "big things are coming?" This is nothing new that other sites haven't done before. Sorry. (Of course, we don't know any details but are supposed to dutifully donate money. Not in my world.)

[PlaidJacket]

Hey... let all be real here. I like the MGS website and Forum. It's fun to me. I enjoy MGS more than a lot of others out there. In fact this is the only one I've donated to. Not sure really if the other sites even ask for a donation. I donate because I like to. It's not much really. I don't worship MGS. I enjoy it for what it is. I hope they succeed in whatever they want to do. Yes... I've know for a long time that club mfg's are blowing smoke with all their claims. But I still like to see the equipment and read the reviews. Golf is my hobby and a passion.

As I said above.... I'm still curious why MGS would only be raising $75,000. Seems like small potatoes for a big vision.

[Sschaffer24]

Divots,

 

You have a point. I can see the logic and understanding on where you are coming from. The idea is having a voice loud enough to be heard.

 

Here's the thing. You seem to be an intelligent individual. You can form an argument, you defend your point, and you speak to having an understanding of the industry.

 

But, lets look outside of the scope of you, me, this forum and the small percentage of people it represents and instead at the average guy on your local course.

 

He may be a smart guy, very successful in whatever field he pursues, he may be your working class person just out having fun with his friends, but whoever the guy is let's pretend he (as the majority of the golfing world does) buys into what is spewed all over TV, the internet, social media, etc.

 

We are in our corner of the internet, arguing amongst ourselves while this guy is out at a dicks testing the R15, G30, Titleist 915 and so on. He sees the ads, picks the golfer he wants to hit it like, tries the club and buys. Every year, like clockwork.

 

Where MGS comes in is in the power to have a VOICE. To give power to the people who matter, and to hopefully effect THAT GUY so he understands what he is getting. Knowledge is power. If we grow this community large enough, with the right message, it can have an effect. It can change marketing and reposition companies by holding them to the truth.

 

That's what the message is. At least, the message how I interpret it, and ultimately is why I support MGS to the fullest. I understand and respect your argument but I truly feel this extends beyond that. 

[mr_divots]

Don't get me wrong: I have enjoyed my time on here. And I appreciate that I haven't gotten any ridiculous "warnings" for simply speaking my mind, -unlike other sites, which I have been booted from for doing the same. I have strong opinions at times and never seek for people to necessarily agree with me, but rather, just make people think in a way that perhaps the "group consensus" does not arrive at. So thanks for putting up with it if you don't like it, and I hope that sometimes I make people think about something in a different way. I like doing that.