Why did you join MGS?

[GilB]

I initially joined to see how well they would evaluate golf products without bias and to see if I would be selected as a tester for one of the new products. I'm impressed with their evaluations and disappointed by not being selected after all these years as a tester. I guess they really don't care about the seniors getting involved in the evaluation and feedback process. I'm not complaining, just an opinion.

[cakeman]

Wanted someplace to get honest reviews and not someplace beholding to the "golf giants"

[NoRebound]

I jumped in just over a year ago just to see what in the golf world I was missing.  I had been drawn in by some of the video content on YouTube and Facebook and decided to take a look around.  

I've enjoyed the civility on here.  Sadly can't find much of that on other forums across the internet.  

There have been some equipment suggestions that I've taken to heart already and will probably add to when it comes time for a club fitting in 2023.

In short, I like it here. 

[dlm]

Honest equipment reviews and some equipment to test (very occasionally)!

[GPS111]

On 3/27/2017 at 7:04 AM, MattF said:

Why? No bullshit, flaming and big ego's. It's that simple, just people who enjoy the game, are respectful of each other and have a good time.

Same  for me.  Good and open honest debate/discussion on what's really happening with the average golfer without judgement or opinion.  Outstanding and unbiased clearing house on what's up with equipment, courses, trips, etc., and advice when solicited.  What works, where to go,.......  And above all finding out my game is like everyone else's.  We are not pros!  Am 70 yrs old, have been playing over 50 of those and owned my own club repair business.  I am certified - golf repair, crazy, or both.  Reading and posting shows I am qualified in both golf and crazy and which makes me a certified golf nut!

[Tom Hall Jr]

I was looking for honest answers concerning golf equipment, golf balls and all things golf. I have set up a Golf Spy folder that I keep your e valuations in and refer back to them regularly. I expect Golf Companies to self promote, why would they not? My real frustrations come from the noise of getting fitted for golf equipment because are we really being fitted or simply receiving a recommendation based on 10 to 15 swings and 2 shaft options? I have taken the time to travel to a number of demo days to try out equipment I was interested in buying and waiting for a fitter only for him to look at my current equipment and hand me his closest option. I actually received more help from a fitter hired for the day to assist the manufacturers representative. I have found a fitter that is a Certified fitter that I work with that has no allegiance to a brand and believe he has MY best interests at heart.  Just wondering, at a demo day the reps have the launch monitors there but don't bring them out because some people simply want to know their numbers and so they alleviate the distractions. Thanks to My Golf Spy for the deep dives on everything golf!      

[Papa Tango]

Really enjoy the equipment and ball testing, reviews and opinions of MGS. Data-driven testing is the way to go IMO. Very closely followed the ball testing that caused Callaway to take a hard look at themselves and spend a ton of money to improve ball production. Keep up the good work. I will continue to follow this site as long as it exists. 

[Clay5477]

Can't believe I missed this thread when it started.

I'm like most, I found some no BS reviews, and really liked that. Liked the tone of the writing as well.

Then, I started to notice the difference in members here compared to some other golf web sites. Typical emotional age of too many posters on other sites seemed to be about 14. 

Love the respect and civility here. I don't post on any other golf web sites anymore.

[FairwayFred57]

At 65, I like the idea of the of new technology in golf balls for distance maintaining spin control around the greens. As the MOI in drivers has maxed out several years ago I believe that after being fitted for shafts this is most helpful.  I purchased Maxfli GC & Oncore Avent 55 after reading about them on this site.  So I now save considerable amount of money not purchasing Pro V's anymore and getting same results!

[Golf Dawg]

MGS is known for its testing protocols, which is extremely helpful to sift through the marketing fluff.

The forum is far more communicative, collaborative and collegial than other golf sites. We don’t have the insecure egos and cliques.

Nor do Mods try to best to censure a side thread group, because it’s becoming too popular - which was determined to be “drifting off room topic.”

The freebie fan bois are everywhere, but chap stick and moist towelettes are more needed on some sites. I get here when I can for relevant, reasonable conversation and knowledge.

This place is way more than the stuff. It’s definitely not a paradise that works you over.

[Fairwayguy2]

I stumbled on to this site not long after it started.  I found the equipment reviews Frank and honest.  Golf and golf digest reviews were pretty much advertisement for the OEM’s. To see a review that spoke of strengths and weakness was refreshing.  Plus Noel, Harry, John an the whole gang make me laugh

[Tom Shepperd]

I like everything about golf.  The game has been with me for most of my 75 years and I want to see the sport grow.  I enjoy reading about the challenges, experiences, and ideas from others who love the game.  

[oz7177]

I joined because I like to get input on golf instruction. Always looking for new ideas to help me out. 

Edited February 22, 2023 by oz7177

[drrlramsey]

Unbiased reviews and very knowledgable members as well. I've gained alot of insight into finding what works for me. There are players from all around the country and in my area that have had similar journeys to that of myself and it helps to validate my processes and even uncover some new ideas that help me to enjoy the sport even more than I already have. 

[wanabe]

I joined primarily because I am addicted to golf and this helps fill my addiction : ) I like getting information on equipment and learning about club fitting and club components as well as other aspects of the game.

[panhndl]

I like data not “feelings”.  Golf is complicated enough without marketing bs clouding decisions or the ability to compare two products.  I live in an area where there are not a lot of places for me to test equipment and I am a lefty.  This means I usually end up having to buy things just to test them.  
 

I had been gaming Srixon Soft Feel balls but read about the TaylorMade Tour Response balls here.  They sounded like a good fit for me even at 2x the cost of my current ball.  After playing the balls, they were such a massive upgrade, I felt like maybe the data here was real.  Been going down the rabbit hole ever since.  

[oz7177]

45 minutes ago, oz7177 said:

I joined because I like to get input on golf instruction. Always looking for new ideas to help me out. 

"The Road To Success Is Always Under Construction."

 

Edited February 22, 2023 by oz7177

[tdc1]

I had to go back to my profile to see when I joined and was surprised to see it had been so long!

I'm pretty sure I joined after seeing an article about MGS and independent/agnostic testing. 

And I was just a lurker for quite a long time before I took the plunge into posting/commenting.  (Glad I did.)

[GolfSpy_APH]

3 hours ago, GilB said:

I initially joined to see how well they would evaluate golf products without bias and to see if I would be selected as a tester for one of the new products. I'm impressed with their evaluations and disappointed by not being selected after all these years as a tester. I guess they really don't care about the seniors getting involved in the evaluation and feedback process. I'm not complaining, just an opinion.

I'm sorry you feel that way about seniors. As the they in your sentence is the Mod team. We take great pride in our selections of testers and how we get a wide variety of testers. Whether that be age, swing speed, handicap and much more. 

I can assure you we do our best to not only get those variety of testers, but also members who have been here for as little as a month to 10 years. 

I created a post or thread last year and updated it and its sole purpose is to inform the membership about how we select our testers and the process we go through. I can link it here for you if you like, but if you search How To Become a MGS Tester it should come up. 

Also if you have questions about some reasons maybe why you haven't been yet feel free to send me a PM and we can chat!

[rore73]

I was looking for information on equipment and tips to help my game.  I honestly haven’t been impressed so far. 

[GolfSpy BOS]

13 minutes ago, rore73 said:

I was looking for information on equipment and tips to help my game.  I honestly haven’t been impressed so far. 

We appreciate honesty here!  So tell me, what's been hurting your experience so far versus your expectations?

[GilB]

Obviously, we agree to disagree. When I first got on the site many, many years ago I was asked to take part in testing some new Titleist golf balls and I notified the administrator(s) of the test that I could not take part as I was having shoulder surgery and could not give the balls the test that was required. They thanked me and assured me that I would be on some sort of list to take part in a future test after I healed. I haven't heard anything since. I just figured they moved on and wanted feedback from younger golfers. After that experience I just read and enjoy the reviews from other testers on new products and concluded the senior experience is of no value in the testing process. That's just my experience and harbor no ill will towards anyone. Again, it's just my experience and we agree to disagree. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

2 minutes ago, GilB said:

Obviously, we agree to disagree. When I first got on the site many, many years ago I was asked to take part in testing some new Titleist golf balls and I notified the administrator(s) of the test that I could not take part as I was having shoulder surgery and could not give the balls the test that was required. They thanked me and assured me that I would be on some sort of list to take part in a future test after I healed. I haven't heard anything since. I just figured they moved on and wanted feedback from younger golfers. After that experience I just read and enjoy the reviews from other testers on new products and concluded the senior experience is of no value in the testing process. That's just my experience and harbor no ill will towards anyone. Again, it's just my experience and we agree to disagree. 

There have been many changes in forum staff so that could be the reason why. Has absolutely nothing to do with age, i can assure you of that.

However we have a ton of senior or older golfers who test. 

In the end is is simple. Get involved, be active and that helps better anyone's chances. 

[oldguy819]

I joined for the unbiased equipment testing.Equipment is such a personal thing.  It must fit the eye. Feel good.  And of course the price. But after factoring in these things, it's nice to read some unbiased testing to re-enforce ones decision making.  I'm from the world of "You get what you pay for".  And REALLY impressed with the ball testing,  Spring and fall I and I'm not hitting the ball solidly, I can play water balls.  It doesn't matter.  But when the grove comes back I like to think I'm playing the best ball for me.

[MadisonGolfbum]

I came, and stayed, for the honest reviews. The chance to personally test equipment has been a nice bonus.


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[ChuckZ]

Why not?  Seemed like a good thing to do at the time and has been informative.  

[TitleistMike]

Three reasons

Objective reviews from like minded golfers rather than Amazon or other retail sources of questionable bias or integrity.

 

Just about any topic idea or need is asked and answered. Need help ? The answer is buried somewhere.

 

Entertainment value.

[golferguy2727]

Love the reviews and really appreciate not getting abused like on another major golf forum that wrx for some when basic questions are asked. 
 

Nice helpful folks, honest advice and commentary  - that’s all I want …

[billybogey]

Joined as it will help my game & knowing I'm not alone in that thought. Having "I never thought of that" moments as in "Duh"!!

[Albatrass]

I joined the MGS to hear what others think about golf in general.  I enjoy seeing what equipment others use and the results of test to see if there may be other equipment that I may want to try.  I am now enjoying the yearlong fantasy golf competition with several of the other forum members. The members are friendly and will provide assistance whenever asked.  Thanks for all you do.