Would you want different equipment rules for pros?

[Shankster 33,026]

So, to say we get the same "brand x" forged iron as say JT? You can't tell me they don't have special forgings for those guys? Might have tighter grain specs... I'd like to see some investigation on that.

 

 

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[jlukes 16,464]

So, to say we get the same "brand x" forged iron as say JT? You can't tell me they don't have special forgings for those guys? Might have tighter grain specs... I'd like to see some investigation on that.

 

 

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I do not think this is the case at all.

 

Tighter tolerances? Absolutely

Custom weighting? Sure

Custom grinds/bounces? You bet

 

But other then clubs are otherwise the same

[Shankster 33,026]

I do not think this is the case at all.

Would be a good read. Tour Equipment vs. Commercial sales equipment.

 

 

- Alan

[Shankster 33,026]

You're probably right jlukes. I just want to see it proven. Jimmy Walkers 7 iron with the same loft and shaft as the off the shelf 718MB.

 

 

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[jlukes 16,464]

You're probably right jlukes. I just want to see it proven. Jimmy Walkers 7 iron with the same loft and shaft as the off the shelf 718MB.

 

 

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I have visited a major OEM and seen their tour workshop. They're the same clubs only the pros and get EXACTLY what they they want spec/feel wise.

[Shankster 33,026]

I have visited a major OEM and seen their tour workshop. They're the same clubs only the pros and get EXACTLY what they they want spec/feel wise.

Must be nice. I wish I could call up the shop and say add 2g of weight to the middle, just a fraction towards the toe, on the sole. Oh and I don't want to see it.

 

The joys of being a professional, I guess.

 

 

- Alan

[chershey 601]

I'm glad to see that at least in this small sample size that no one wants different equipment rules for the pros. I'd be interested in seeing more info on differences between tour equipment vs off the rack equipment as well. For instance, the M2 driver has had a lot of success on tour this year, but I keep wondering if the M2 the PGA pros are playing has less draw bias or more of an open face compared to the retail version.

[cnosil 25,187]

I have never done a comparison but I think pros play the same equipment as we do. In my opinion the differences are the tolerances they get as part of the club builds. All equipment is weighed and frequencies checked to ensure they get the best performing clubs. We buy off the rack and get clubs that might not be perfectly matched between clubs. It is like having that club in your set that you always hit a little better or a little worse than the others.

[Dr Strangelove 285]

Different rules would not bother me.  There are multiple examples where this is already in play in other sports.  The NFL plays with a bigger ball than the NCAA which plays with a bigger ball than high school.  MLB outlaws metal bats and plays 4 balls 3 strikes (vs. 3 and 2 in high school).  The reality is we already play a much different game than the pros do.

[gaussman1 1,514]

I'm more in favor of a tournament ball that's rolled back a bit than anything else on the equipment side. On the Rules of Golf side I would definitely like to see "tour only" rules and "recommended local rules". I'd start with drop at point of entry for all hazards, OB and lost balls for club golfers. Let's throw one down, add a shot, and move on.

 

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[dang3rtown 967]

As long as it's not tournament play, I don't give a hoot what someone else chooses to play. It has exactly zero effect on my game! Unless you have some illegal wedge that takes a huge divot or something, it's none of my business. 

Now, one thing that might be interesting would be an, "unlimited" category golf tournament where anything goes! You still only get 14 clubs and 10 balls but no limits other than that! 50" driver with a 600cc head? Sure! Square groves cut in a checkered pattern? Why not! Slice proof heavy balls with 1.1" diameter? Be my guest! Let's see what you can do!

[Dr Strangelove 285]

I'm more in favor of a tournament ball that's rolled back a bit than anything else on the equipment side. On the Rules of Golf side I would definitely like to see "tour only" rules and "recommended local rules". I'd start with drop at point of entry for all hazards, OB and lost balls for club golfers. Let's throw one down, add a shot, and move on.

 

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Agree.  Could you imagine if some guy in the foursome ahead of you came walking back to the tee because he can't find his ball and needs to re-tee?  At a municipal course, It's a good chance he'd be taken out before he made it back.

[EthanSterlingPrice 1,302]

I don't think there's a real need for it other than people in charge of setups have a hard time dealing with low scores. I don't think it'd make much difference either except making the gap between the top and bottom tour player's larger. But I doubt we'll find out either way anytime soon.

 

 

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[Kenny B 33,362]

I guarantee you that the pros don't play out of the same sand bunkers as I do!  The courses they play are set up so much different than the ones I play, even when I get a chance to play a course that they play.  Nothing about their game resembles mine, so I could care less what equipment the pros play because I'm never going to play their game anyway.  

[srtace29 0]

No if you regulate differently than someone wanting to turn pro will not have access to the equipment needed. I play to a +3 at my home course. I enjoy the fact that I could potentially try and qualify for a tour event with the equipment I currently have.

 

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[coachdoc 37]

There is no question about the skill set difference between the pros and amateurs. However there is as well a distinct difference that the fine tuning of the equipment to match their swings, increase swing speeds that combined with an exact combination with the best suited ball further seperates what amateurs and pros use and have access to so as to further enhance their performance. The game needs to be the same for both groups not with out a few needed tweaks to improve pace of play. Face the facts..they are Pros for a reason and get to use the best of the best equipment..and why not!!

 

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[SuperDave 541]

As long as they're not doing anything to their equipment (cheating) to make it better, like former major leaguers corking a bat, I say leave it alone.

Let me be honest. I love playing and watching golf, but it does upset me, actually jealous, the pros can hit a 5 iron 200+ yards and I'm getting 160 at best. But, that's my problem. I'm out of shape, haven't been playing most of my life and I don't go to the range much.

Basically, I don't blame the equipment. I don't think there's a problem. At least not until all par 4's become driveable. Then get back to me.

 

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[dang3rtown 967]

I'm getting a chuckle at all the comments about the pro golfers and their equipment. Here are a few truths:

1: You could give Rickie Fowler a set of MacGregor blades and persimmon woods from the 60's that you found in a thrift store and I guarantee not a single person on this site, given access to all the club fitting resources in the world, would beat him in a tournament.

2: Their equipment really isn't that much different. Maybe they tweak it a bit, maybe the top 1% get "special" clubs but the majority of the PGA journeymen are playing well fitted, stock equipment.

3: For many middle of the pack guys, they're playing equipment because they get a check to play it, not because it's their preference. You see Rory with his special "Rors" blades and that gives the wrong impression. He got that because he is at the top. Heck, they might not even be perfect, just good enough for him to be ok with. Anyway, for every Rory out there, there are 15 guys playing a club they don't really like because they don't know how long the tour run is going to last and every check matters!

 

Don't worry about the pros!

[WillieStoutJr 5]

Ok, at risk of "teeing off" the purists out there, I have 2 words.

Heck yeah!

 

Iron specs: Adams a12os regular (needing senior) 4-sw.

Driver specs: Adams super s adjustable regular (SAA).

Handedness: Right

Handicap: 16

Wise County, Va.

[stage1350 81]

I'd take that bet.  I know plenty of people on these sites that are good enough to take on someone like RF.  Especially if he gets handicapped with 15-25 yards off the tee with persimmon and (your own qualification) grips from a thrift store set.  Give him a set with grips as hard and slick as whale sh*t at the bottom of the ocean and he's not going to be able to perform.  

 

I've also seen some of the custom stuff out there for touring professionals.  When you start looking at the reduced offsets, grinds, and specialty shafts, there is definitely a difference.  

 

...

1: You could give Rickie Fowler a set of MacGregor blades and persimmon woods from the 60's that you found in a thrift store and I guarantee not a single person on this site, given access to all the club fitting resources in the world, would beat him in a tournament.

...