SURVEY: How has MyGolfSpy influenced your game?

[Preeway]

On 10/29/2016 at 4:56 PM, GolfSpy Barbajo said:

Questions:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

1. I wouldn’t say I’ve made a purchase because of a review but yes, I have strongly taken that information into account before making a purchase. Especially as it relates to golf balls. 
 

2. I’ve been around golf for almost 40 years so I consider myself pretty savvy but there isn’t such a thing as too much information. 
 

3. I do think making a more informed ball choice has impacted my score. Can’t specifically say how many strokes but I would venture to guess it’s been worth at least 1-2 strokes per round. 
 

4. Better scores always make for a more enjoyable experience 

[GolfSpy_APH]

Another older thread, but still very relevant today and with that we want to hear your answers!

Questions:

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

[wbn]

I use MyGolfSpy as my buying bible. Their reviews on products are the first step in considering something new.

1- Whenever I am thinking of something new, I try to look it up in MyGolfSpy online. If they have reviewed it, their review weighs heavily on the decision to purchase. The reviews are honest and straight forward.

2- MyGolfSpy reviews equipment from guys with different swing speeds and addresses questions directly, not generically. I can usually adapt the review to my requirements and needs.

3- I can't say that their reviews have helped me lower my scores, that is up to me, but the reviews have helped me in buying or demoing  a product that I am interested in and I feel help me to enjoy the game a little more.

4- The purchases I have made after seeing the reviews is made with confidence as to what I can expect from it.

[MattWillGolf]

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

 

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

 My most recent wedge purchase was heavily influenced by John Barba’s review of the Edison 2.0 wedge. It was through MGS that I first learned about Evnroll. It led to the purchase of an ER7 putter. It’s still in my bag. I have a Ping G400 Max driver because of an MGS review. MGS has also informed my golf ball purchases, Snell, Maxfli and Kirkland. My game, losing balls, leads me to value space. MGS has me avoiding 2-piece balls. Also having been a forum tester has me thinking about purchases more critically. And another big part of my buying decision input comes from the forum and seeing how golfers like me think about products.

 

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

  I can’t quantify this one as readily but I have noticed that I certainly don’t lose as many balls. But one of the most recent additions to my bag though came from being selected to test the Paradym X irons for the forum. I am seeing marked improvement in my iron game. I am most definitely closer to greens and am hitting more greens from longer distances than ever before and I’m seeing my scores start to come down and becoming more consistent.

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

   Most definitely. Buying decisions are made with more confidence and that makes me more confident when on the course. And being active in the forum brings me a great deal of enjoyment. The MGS Forum is the true hidden gem of My Golf Spy. 

[Rich man]

1. I bought an alphard V2 ecart for myself and my wife. I now walk every round at least 3 times a week. Based on the mygolfspy review.

2) like others I trust your reviews much more than golf digest

3/4) the ecart increased my enjoyment of the game and has a lot reducing back pain

 

[Bobby Mieczkowski]

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

I bought tour exotics c722 after your review 

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

I got back into golf last year after a long hiatus and MyGolfSpy was integral in my choices to upgrade my clubs and what equipment I purchase. It’s the first stop when I do research

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

Yes, definitely. My new irons have helped me drop 4 or 5 strokes if not more

4. How have these purchases helped you enjoy the game more? How? More consistent play, less frustration on poor shots

[Djgolf24]

As I would say is that you guys have become the consumer reports of golf and equipment. I refer you to all my friends and customers who come to me for advice as a club fitter,

[Mfain15]

The golf ball reviews were eye opening for me. I’ve been a titleist guy for my whole golfing life but have been able to try some different balls with confidence thanks to how you breakdown balls. 

[rjacobs4]

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

TaylorMade Tour Response balls, Ping G425 3&4 Hybrids, Garmin Approach G12 watch, Rapsodo MLM launch monitor

 

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

Much less influenced by hype, more interested in data.  As a dude effect, less brand loyal.

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

Ping G425 hybrids.  One stroke?  Depends on found and course I’m playing.

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

Better knowledge on and off course.  Equipment that is better suited to my game.  Less expense, better outcomes.

[rpwildrick]

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

I pay attention to the ball reviews/ball lab content and really put a lot of stock in that. There have been balls I’ve wanted to play or try but haven’t based on constancy issues.   

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

I always assumed with the way manufacturing is set up that you would get (almost) the same product every time. I know that there is a mean of standard deviation so nothing is 100%, but it was pretty enlightening on how even larger manufacturers still have consistency issues when making products. 

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

I think so! Or at least I hope so!

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

 

I used the golf lab/ball reviews to help me narrow down the top couple of balls that I felt would be right for my game. From there I was able to test some out and find the best ball for me. It has been exciting to find the right ball and to see it preform! 

[Shon89]

I have Purchased a Callaway Rogue LS Max Driver, a set of Cobra King Forge Tec Irons, and a Cobra LTDx 4 Hybrid in the last 3 years from results from MSG testing. But of course I tried them for myself with fitters to make sure that they would work best for my swing and game.

[StrikurJim]

1.  I have purchased a new driver based completely on your ranking of the best drivers that year for my swing speed.  Callaway Mavrik SZ.

2.  I now think of golf equipment with a little skepticism.  The reviews are very important to me and paint a better picture for me and what I intend to purchase.  In a sense it has also expanded my views as a consumer with gold gear I may never have bought.

3. Right now I have to say yes in regards of my Driver and possibly with the purchase of golf balls.  Stay tuned there are some more changes in my golf gear on the horizon.

4. My enjoyment has increased with better ball flight accuracy and a little distance gain.  As for the balls, they have equaled what I was using for a lower price point which has made me a happier golfer.

[JustJeffy]

I think there are a few things that MGS has done to impact my game.  First, it's given me a community of people to interact with that share similar passions.  Second, the equipment reviews have given me better insights to value purchases that meet my game.  For example, the golf ball that I currently play was selected as a result of the MGS comparison thread.  And finally, I think that the platform has re-energized my love for the game.  The news notices and articles have kept golf at the forefront of my inbox.  I play more often now and that has led to lower scores and a desire to play more.  Thank you MGS!

[GilB]

I very much enjoy the testers feedback on their items. Some info will lead me to try certain things, others not.

[K9-1]

I see golf-spy as a much needed resource to be used when buying any type of equipment related to golf. With the high costs of irons, drivers, golf balls, carts, rangefinders etc, my golf spy is a very handy tool to provide todays golfer with the knowledge needed to cut through the hype, and provide us with the knowledge to make a solid purchase.

[KarrDaddy]

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

- Driver: Cobra F9, Balls: Maxfli Tour, Elft Dash Putter: Evnroll Erv2.  Wedges: Ping Glide 3.0 (water test). 
More importantly, things I didn’t buy: new drivers every year, poor quality golf balls, wedges that don’t spin when it’s raining, and many other equipment choices I would have made before My Golf Spy  

 

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

Stronger confidence in what I’m purchasing.  Fitting is a must.  Instruction is required is the equipment doesn’t work, not new equipment. 

 

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

Yes.  Evnroll Erv2 = 2 strokes Cobra F9 2 strokes.

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

I just play now instead of thinking about new equipment.  I know I have the right stuff for me.  I don’t waste money buying stuff that isn’t going to make me any better.  I spend that money on lessons.  

[Mackey]

Wow, over the years I have tried so many products based on Spy reviews.  To many to list.  Many were very helpful in there time.  The one that is still in my bag many years later (replaced in kind several times) is my Renegar 58* wedge.  It is the most versatile wedge I have found.  I have had several friends try it and buy it.  A few moths ago they had a half price sale and I grabbed 3 more.  I also play a Taylormade MG3 in the TM grind bent to 54 instead of the Vokey 54* I played for years and I love it.  My gap wedge is a Cleveland CBX and has been since I read your review on the cavity back wedges when they first came out I had to try them they still have that spot in my bag.  I played KZG irons for nearly 20 years but when I read Tony's Miura 501 review I went for a fitting and fell in love.  They were great until my vision issues from getting older made me mishit to many balls on those tiny faces and I gave them up.  I have played many drivers over the years that I may not have tried but for the Spy reviews.  Most were great and only two were pure misses for me.  Now I fit or I don't buy.  I have tried many different balls I read about here.  Snell spent a season in my bag when you first reviewed them and they were nice but I switched to Bridgestone B330 Rx for the lower compression as I got older.  I moved to Callaway Chrome soft and loved them until find it cut it made me realize sometimes there was a ball I couldn't hit straight, and when I lost it my straight ball was back.  The Pro V1 went into the bag from Ball labs.  I have gone back to the lower compression ball because they are longer with my irons and straighter with my driver.  After lot's of testing between the Pro V1 & X, Srixon Z Star divide and because of the ball lab I tried the Tour Response too and It went in the bag in the end. (need to update my signature).   I use the Rooster gloves and have purchased most of my golf shoes based on data what I have read here.  Same goes for my bags over the years.

I also like to look at the WITB of the writers, It is note worthy that these Lady & Gents play what they play with all the data they crunch!  Lot's of Pxg & Titleist in bags and even more Srixon.   

In closing I had to learn that Data driven info from the Spy is just like advertising for me.  I need to get fit before spending big money on gear this data is gathered from a group of golfers and  I have no idea if they are influenced by young bombers while I am older.  They do the best they can.  I would love to see the data based on the individual testers charted like in the early days with name age handicap, swing speed and what club was best for them.  I know in the old day you had a tester named Dan who had my same swing speed and I would que in on his data and I was super helpful.  I know you do fast, med and slow results and that is helpful, I just miss being able to zero in on the individual data streams you have collected.

[gmbmtl]

I am a golf retailer. I use a lot of your studies and rankings to help clients find the best of whatever they are looking for. As a golfer, the amount of clarification and work you have done on the golf ball alone has helped my game immensely ! Keep up the good work !

[Smackey17]

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

Yes, I now use only Maxfli Tour CG and ProV1 balls after previously using Srixon Q-Star Tour balls (mainly) and a variety of other non-tour balls. After reading the recent article on LAB putters I decided to try a Toe Up putter (Odyssey 1) with a similar non-torque to the LAB. Am following the LAB testing to see if I want to pull the trigger on a new Link. Also, bought my wife a Ping Hoofer Lite bag after the recent carry bag ratings and she loves it. 

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

When considering any new equipment, whether its clubs, clothes or other gear, I always check to see if it's been evaluated on MGS.

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

Not sure yet if the balls and putter have lowered my scores, but I can say the balls perform really well and I have more confidence with the putter.

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

I was always trying new golf balls and believe not using a consistent ball hurt my game. Now I feel confident that the ball will do what I want it to do without any second thoughts, which gives me more enjoyment and no second thoughts.

[GPS111]

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

1. Taylor Made M1 driver
2. Taylor Made M1 (3w because I liked the driver)
3. Snell MTB golf balls
4. Kirkland putter
5. Fitting at both Golftec and Club Champion (if you go to the doctor, always get a second opinion!)
6. Different graphite shafts.  Led to using graphite iron shafts.
7. Discussion on club head technology led to buying Tour Edge irons.  I'm a senior golfer and am part of the demographic they cater to.

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

If I buy a suit to look good in certain circumstances I get it fitted.  Off the rack always hangs wrong and looks bad.  Reading MGS comments led to the same for golf equipment.  Have it fitted if you want to "look" your best.

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

Most definitely YES.  Some made improvement immediately without practice, some needed range/practice time to dial in matching ball and shaft to get the feel with the distance and accuracy I wanted and understanding swing changes I needed to make because of weight differences, etc.  Bottom line is the equipment changes and suggestions led to more effective use of practice.  The driver and fairway woods  helped the most.  I was able to dial in distance and accuracy.  The clubs became more predictable so they are a confidence builder off the first tee.

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

Like above, the purchases were part of the equation.  The resulting practice from buying them was the rest of the equation. Fitting, intelligent buying based on knowledgeable discussion through the forum, and practice dropped my scores from the mid/high 90's to the low 80's and I'm flirting with the 70's now.  Dial in putting and that will happen this year.  That so far is the ONLY club MGS discussions are still deciding for me!

Edited June 4 by GPS111
Added a sentence.