SURVEY: How has MyGolfSpy influenced your game?

[CaptZ]

1. My previous clubs were 14 years old in 2011. MGS tests of new game improvement clubs convinced me to demo every brand that I could, resulting months later with new TaylorMade 1st generation Rocketballz clubs: driver, 3 wood, 4-9 irons, PW, AW, SW, and LW.

2. I purchased TaylorMade Rocketballz 3,4,5, and 6 hybrids a year later in 2012.

3. I still continue to demo different brands of new club models, but I have yet to perceive an advantage over my "obsolete" Rocketballz clubs. Compare old TaylorMade RAC irons with their "new technology" Rocketballz irons, and then compare Callaway X-16, X-20, X-24, and X-etc. irons. These models are all superficial variations. Advertisements by golf equipment manufacturers are no different than chewing gum advertisements.

4. In 2014, I replaced my long shaft Oddessy 2-Ball putter with a Ping counterweighted Ketsch putter in order to comply with the forthcoming USGA rule change in 2016.

5. In 2015, a fixed shaft TaylorMade Aeroburner driver replaced my Rocketballz adjustable driver.

6. I attribute my 2016 handicap being 5 points less than 5 years ago, despite being older and weaker, to demoing and then buying new clubs tested by MGS.

7. 40 years ago I could tell the difference between high compression and low compression wound golf balls, but today my 83 mph swing cannot discern any difference between different brands of golf balls.

8. Thanks for keeping to your original intentions of revealing verifiable facts!

[Rtracymog]

1. The only thing purchase that I made based on MGS reviews was the Snell ball. Granted, I'm in a situation where I can test almost anything else that I would be interested in purchasing.

2. I think that the CG articles are interesting. I wouldn't say that MGS has "changed" the way I look at equipment, but it does give me some talking and selling points for customers.

3. I haven't really seen my scores drastically drop with the Snell ball. I like it. It performs well, but it hasn't been a game changer.

4. Even with discounts, golf balls are expensive! I'm still prone to losing my fair share of balls, so if I can get a great ball, that performs, at a great price, it's tough to turn down!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[Brian of Phoenix]

Howdy All,

 

The Snell MTB Ball has been my ball for the past 6 months (along with a couple other buddies I turned onto it).

 

Also, I have had three sets of SCOR wedges over the many years...still using a set I got from them via closeout though am moving on (Christmas present waiting for me) to the updated wedges of Hogan!!  Looking forward to those.  Easily the best wedges I have used with no loss of distance out of fluffy lies due to their design.

 

Not that I took the course because of a MGS review, but I believe you should have a few longtime players in the 15+ handicap range, who have the time to do so, review the Tathata golf 60 day course.  It would do a great service to struggling golfers, which I used to be...i'm only 2/3 through the course and now play to a 6.6 versus the previous 13-14 through the years.  Absolutely amazing!!

[Joe Golfer]

I personally haven't bought anything, but only because I haven't needed anything lately.

I have been asked by friends, and I have recommended things based on the website, though perhaps it might have been another golf website.

My bro-in-law bought a Garmin GPS based on recommendations from a site, which I think was MGS.

A friend bought a Ping Ketsch mallet putter because MGS touted it as the best of the best for accuracy.

 

Both have said that their games have improved thanks to using the purchases.

[Kanoito]

1. Have you purchased any golf products based on MyGolfSpy reviews?  (Please list which ones.)
Not a review per se, but it was a recommendation by a forum member. It's the Adams Fast 12 LS that I still haven't been able to replace.

Also got the M400 rangefinder (same manufacturer, another logo) as a very economic alternative to the Bushnell's.

 

2. How has MyGolfSpy changed the way you think about golf equipment? 

It's easier to pull the trigger when you know fellow members have tested it and can provide real feedback to the products.

 

3. Have these purchases lowered your scores? (List which products and how much they have lowered your scores.)

Hmmm drives are longer and straighter and I am able to know the exact yardage to my target... so I would say yes... they have helped somewhat to lowering my scores.

 

4. How have these purchases helped you enjoy the game more? How?

Shooting lower scores makes the game more enjoyable.

[Funseeker]

Purchased Snell MTB last year and love them! Play as well for me as the ProV1.

 

Just got the Evnroll MR2 putter three days ago. Notice better results practicing and will play first round with it tomorrow.

[CaptZ]

The inventions of perimeter weighted irons and perimeter weighted putters by Karsten Solheim are still the only recent club design breakthroughs (since metal shafts and the sand-wedge) that have actually made golf somewhat easier for the average player. USGA handicap records supposedly show that 18 hole scores of average players has declined less than 1 stoke since they began keeping score data in 1948.

Ping discovered that varying groove depths on grooved putter faces can produce more consistent distances from off-center putter face ball contact. MGS test results indicated that Ping "might have" another technological advancement; varying groove depths in a mallet putter could benefit anyone considering a heavy mallet putter.

My trusty long putter would be illegal in 2 years, requiring going back to a short putter. Each one of my 5 previous short putters demonstrated why it had been replaced, so I was looking, but not in a hurry. Previous MGS comparisons of clubs were extremely helpful to deciding on new clubs, so new MGS putter test results convinced me to consider a Ping Ketsch.

Oh, oh! Ping Ketsch putters were sold out everywhere I checked. Then MGS reported that Ping had stopped taking new Ketsch putter orders, in addition to canceling over 6000 backorders, but previously accepted orders would be fulfilled.

During this time I was a once-a-week Golf Galaxy non-buying regular after accepting that, for some undisclosed reason, Ping had actually stopped delivery of their new Ketsch putter, despite enormous interest and thousands of orders. MGS members speculated widely, offering two very believable and possible scenarios why Ping had made such a disruptive decision.

The supposed inside story: The failure rate of carving exactingly precise grooves with variable depths for just the center grooves of a previously machined block of aluminum was too high to continue. Manufacturing this putter head in the quantities that Ping needed for consumer orders could not be done with Ping's existing equipment in Scottsdale. The Ping Ketsch putter was designed by the Ping research lab in Ketsch, Germany, without consideration of manufacturing cost limitations.

How difficult could it be to cut equally spaced grooves on one side of a precisely shaped aluminum block and then precisely vary the additional depth of just the center grooves?

Much more costly than Ping ever imagined. Ping thought that duplicating the precise position necessary to accurately deepen the center grooves could be done with their existing machinery. Ping refused to validate speculations that every Ketsch putter head made in Scottsdale shipped before Ping stopped production had to be hand checked because groove flaws were too common. Unverified tales of 40% rejections, 65% rejections, and even 80% failure numbers are most likely exaggerations, but Ping's cancellation of already ordered Ketsch putters had to result from some type of manufacturing problems.

I tell this story about Ping and MGS because MGS tests indicated that this new Ping Ketsch putter was overwhelmingly superior to any other tested putter, in addition to being priced right in the middle. MGS tests also showed that higher priced putters were demonstrably inferior to the new Ketsch.

How would you label what serendipitously happened to me when I was again in Golf Galaxy? I was repeatedly told by every Ping seller that Ping wasn't accepting any more Ketsch orders. Golf Galaxy repeatedly insisted that their monthly orders for Ping putters were not changed by Ping's Ketsch cancellation, and I could still order any other Ping putter. While I was once again testing putters in another attempt to determine which configuration would be the least harmful, I was interrupted by a Golf Galaxy salesman who understood the difficulty of changing from a long putter to a short putter. He whispered to me that his store had just received 3 Ping Ketsch putters specifically stated in the included Ping invoice that were sent to fulfill earlier guaranteed special orders accepted by Ping.

The 34" and a 35" Ketsch putters were grabbed as soon as I removed my hands, but shortly afterward I was given a 35" counterbalanced model, which I immediately bought. All 3 had the same putting arc, which I knew nothing about, but I didn't care because I hadn't a clue about my putting arc and because I believed that MGS reports and member comments were more accurate and more valid than any other source.

Conclusion: searching for, and obtaining my Ping Ketsch putter was 100% due to MGS, and this putter really has reduced my total putt numbers.

[Andrewfleury]

1. Have you purchased any golf products based on MyGolfSpy reviews?  

Skypro swing analyser

Scor wedges

Ping Ketcsh putter

 

2. How has MyGolfSpy changed the way you think about golf equipment?

Really like the reviews, helps to better assess product hype vs reality

 

3. Have these purchases lowered your scores? (List which products and how much they have lowered your scores.)

Putter is good, maybe a couple of shots a round.

Sky pro is good also, it is helping me improve my swing, still working on the changes, so hoping for a couple of shots soon, I think this will have a big impact as I understand my swing much better now. Scor wedges have not been an amazing success, I think I need something with more bounce... 2 out of 3 is not bad.

 

4. How have these purchases helped you enjoy the game more? How?

I really like the swing analyser, I practice much better with it and understand my swing more

 

[mrieger72]

1. Bridgestone RXS

2. It's my go to site for reviews I don't purchase without going here first

3. No my scores haven't lowered because of the RXS I actually don't think it's as good as the reviews

4. No the purchases have not made me enjoy it more but it doesn't make me enjoy it less either.

[Enniskillen]

1. I purchased the Ben Higan VKTR Hybrids in 20 & 24 loft.

2. It allows me to get multiple perspectives on equipment from both professionals and non-professionals

3. Have BH Hybrids improved my score? I'd say definitely yes. Using them on long par threes has increased my likely hood of hitting the green; hitting out of the rough has become much easier with consistent positive results.

4. If you score better you enjoy more!

[peekps]

1. I spent about a year trying out various drivers before purchasing a Callaway XR16.

2. I have always been a practice and lesson guy. I still am but am less of a humbug when it comes to equipment.

3. I have for the first time gotten consistently better over the last year. I do not attribute this to equipment but rather to lessons, practice, and the ability to easily video and analyze my swing.

4. I enjoy the game immensely and enjoy reading MyGolfSpy. I will probably purchase a putter soon and MyGolfSpy is the reason for this.

[smdykas]

1. Have you purchased any golf products based on MyGolfSpy reviews?  (Please list which ones.)

1. Snell Golf Balls


2. Taylormade M1 driver


3. Wilson V4 Irons

 

2. How has MyGolfSpy changed the way you think about golf equipment?

• I have looked at the reviews and changed what I think about manufacturers. I like the way things are broken down in the swing lab and in the reviews. I have looked at manufacturers and equipment that I never would have before and purchased.
  

 

3. Have these purchases lowered your scores? (List which products and how much they have lowered your scores.)

• Not sure. Lessons have lowered my scores at the same time as equipment. Can't say what is the contributing force.
  

 

4. How have these purchases helped you enjoy the game more? How?

• It has helped me by getting back to the consumer research and looking into things I normally wouldn't
  

[HKgolfSpy]

Questions:

 

1. Have you purchased any golf products based on MyGolfSpy reviews?  

​I've owned SCOR, Ben Hogans and Evnroll before you tested them... good to know you guys are in line with quality products. Just ordered the Forward putter grip- have been looking at it for a while but you gave it some credibility...

 

2. How has MyGolfSpy changed the way you think about golf equipment?

Just reinforced my views. Everyone needs to filter out the marketing...

 

3. Have these purchases lowered your scores? (List which products and how much they have lowered your scores.)

I at least feel more confident with my purchases... that should give me something...

 

4. How have these purchases helped you enjoy the game more? How?

As in #3- more confidence that the products actually are good products. Most importantly however, is that they fit my game which is why no matter what- a good club in a bad fitting is not the fault of the club...

 

Keep up the good work guys!

[Birdiehunter17]

1-- I have not bought anything based off a single review, however it helped me to understand the different choices that are being offered and I was able to see if my thoughts were confirmed or not by various reviews.

 

2- Yes, I tend to try and look past the brand name and look at the results. When I purchased my last set of irons I really tried to understand the club, loft, lie, materials ect before I bought.

 

3- I think the products have helped lower my scored, but also the work I put into getting better with my game.

 

4- I think better scores make it more enjoyable

[silverg4711]

1. Cobra Fly Z driver 2016 and Taylormade Speedbladz irons about 2013.

 

2. Golfspy has reinforced my opinion that technology can help but the game is really between your ears.

Comparisons of clubs are helpful when deciding on purchases to be made or not made. I would like to see some more head to head comparisons of new versus older clubs within brands and inclusion of ACER and Maltby clubs.

 

 

3.New clubs have helped marginally, maybe 2 strokes on average. 

 

4. The newer clubs are easier to hit and I am soon into my 70 year so may have helped maintain some distance. However you can not shape them as easily as my earlier forged clubs 2001 Tommy Armour v31 CB forged or a set of 1966 Haig Ultras that I used until 2001 although sparingly for many years.

 

Greg McCarthy

[markbilet]

Questions:

 

1. Have you purchased any golf products based on MyGolfSpy reviews? Yes purchased some Callaway Apex black irons. Wife purchased a putter, Vice Golf balls.... LOVE my Vice Pro's

 

2. How has MyGolfSpy changed the way you think about golf equipment?  I do like the semi accurate information, brings somethings to light and exposes to new products.

 

3. Have these purchases lowered your scores? Myself about 4 points on my GHIN now a 11.7, My wife he putting is now 2 putts instead of 3 or 4. There is no substitution for good equipment and something you like vs something you dont. 

 

4. How have these purchases helped you enjoy the game more? How?  Shoot lower scores = more enjoyable, Shoot lower scores = Loose less golf balls lol, Shoot lower scores = win more money, Shoot lower scores = more confidence when there is a daunting hole or must win situation.

[LenDillon]

1. Have you purchased any golf products based on MyGolfSpy reviews?  (Please list which ones.)

 

​Absolutely I have:  Leupold range finder, Ping Ketsch putter, Taylor Made M1 driver,  Mizuno wedge, Hopkins wedge, PXG wedge

 

2. How has MyGolfSpy changed the way you think about golf equipment?

 

​I thought I knew a thing or two about marketing but severely underestimated it as regards to the golf equipment industry.  The most visible is not always the best or best for you.   

 

3. Have these purchases lowered your scores? (List which products and how much they have lowered your scores.)

 

​The single most contributing item to lower scores has been the range finder. 

 

4. How have these purchases helped you enjoy the game more? How?

 

​Who does not enjoy playing better golf, lower scores and having more fun?  I do plan to go  for a full blown club fitting and resulting equipment purchase.  Most likely from Cool Clubs, Inc. in their Atlanta facility.  Would be great to see your opinion of these folks and maybe others in the fitting industry.   

[bwgerho]

1. Equipment - golf balls, Snell, and Kirkland: Nevr Looz bag. I do not buy big name golf equipment - overpriced and full of marketing hype. I doubt the big names have ANY engineering technical staff.

2. No chanes, but confirmation of my suspicions about equipment.

3. Practice leading to improved ball striking did most for my scores, but once you hut the ball solidly, then the Snell and Kirkland balls help.

4. The Nevr Looz golf bag is a very good design - keeps clubs available and organized.

[jpappy]

1. No

2. It hasn't.

3. N/a

4. N/a

 

While the site is entertaining and a good way to waste some time at work, it's not influential for me to read about anything vs trying it.

 

Probably not a helpful survey answer.

[Mwoakley1]

1. Yes, TM M1, TM TP MC 2014 (3-PW), TM EF Wedges (52/56/60).

 

2. Hasn't really. More or less just peaked my curiosity-particularly with the Kirkland and Snell reviews. 

 

3. Yes. New irons have given me worlds of confidence from the fairway, and the misses are less off the tee with a properly fitted bag. Handicap has dropped from 7 to 3.

 

4. Low scores = Fun. Plain and simple.