DO YOU JUDGE ANOTHER PLAYER BY WHAT CLUBS ARE IN HIS BAG?

[Grand Stranded]

The clubs I usually play with are in my current signature, but I also switch in a Ping driver, a set of Cleveland Halo Launcher XL irons, a Hy-wood and a Launcher XL 4H.

Last week I played with a pretty competitive travel group, and I didn’t know two of the 3 players in my 4 some. That day I had the Cleveland’s in my bag, and I broke 80. After we finished, and were sitting around waiting for the results to be posted one of them said he was “shocked at how well I played…. When I saw what was in your bag, I assumed you were a 20+ and wondered what you were doing in the group.”

The other stranger agreed, and said he thought the same thing, and kept waiting for me to fall apart after a few good holes. They rode together and they said that around the turn they said to each other “it looks like that’s not going to happen.”

This was interesting to me, so I told them about my other clubs you see in my sig, and asked what they would’ve thought if I had those in the bag. One said maybe “I’d think you were trying to buy a game”, and the other said, “no, I’d think you were like me and really into equipment”. (I told them they were both right, )

I’m curious, has this ever happened to any of you, or maybe you might be the one to judge a player by their WITB? I’ll be honest, I’ve done it, just not to that extent, and I’ve never talked to the other person about it.

 

[NM01]

I don’t care what people play or why they play them. 
 

I know a scratch golfer that shot 1 over using Cleveland hybrid irons that were nowhere near a fit for him.  It’s also why I dont gamble with anyone I don’t know

[Bobbers]

54 minutes ago, Grand Stranded said:

The clubs I usually play with are in my current signature, but I also switch in a Ping driver, a set of Cleveland Halo Launcher XL irons, a Hy-wood and a Launcher XL 4H.

Last week I played with a pretty competitive travel group, and I didn’t know two of the 3 players in my 4 some. That day I had the Cleveland’s in my bag, and I broke 80. After we finished, and were sitting around waiting for the results to be posted one of them said he was “shocked at how well I played…. When I saw what was in your bag, I assumed you were a 20+ and wondered what you were doing in the group.”

The other stranger agreed, and said he thought the same thing, and kept waiting for me to fall apart after a few good holes. They rode together and they said that around the turn they said to each other “it looks like that’s not going to happen.”

This was interesting to me, so I told them about my other clubs you see in my sig, and asked what they would’ve thought if I had those in the bag. One said maybe “I’d think you were trying to buy a game”, and the other said, “no, I’d think you were like me and really into equipment”. (I told them they were both right, )

I’m curious, has this ever happened to any of you, or maybe you might be the one to judge a player by their WITB? I’ll be honest, I’ve done it, just not to that extent, and I’ve never talked to the other person about it.

 

I don't judge people  based on what's in the bag but I'm often curious and if they're outgoing I'll be asking what they like about the club(s), what they'd change, what they used to play, etc.  You know, general golf talk.

[Grand Stranded]

WHY DID I USE ALL CAPITALS IN THE TITLE OF THIS THREAD?

[cnosil]

I try not to judge people by what is in their bag; we all play the equipment we play for some reason.   I think my judgement comes about based on the players attitude when I might ask about something in their bag.   

[GolfSpy TCB]

I definitely don't judge others by their equipment.  In fact, I don't judge others by how they play either.  They are out trying to enjoy the game, or maybe improve their game... just like I am.   

However I have for sure been judged by mine - both directions.  

[RichL85]

Spent too many years playing different sports and learned that equipment is such a personal thing. I've been on both sides, playing the newest equipment out during the time I was sponsored for tennis, to playing 10+ year old equipment in multiple sports. I've definitely been judged by others just because of my appearance and/or equipment at the time. Doesn't bother me. 

I will judge people on their actions and attitude, but equipment choices would absolutely not be a factor. I will admit to judging the kid playing the newest gear who proceeds to smash it to pieces when he loses. And I will judge the parents who immediately go and buy him something even newer to replace it. 

[Grand Stranded]

14 minutes ago, Golfspy_TCB said:

I definitely don't judge others by their equipment.  In fact, I don't judge others by how they play either.  They are out trying to enjoy the game, or maybe improve their game... just like I am.   

However I have for sure been judged by mine - both directions.  

I don’t know, if you’re the type who looks in what’s in another players bag before you tee off, it’s pretty hard to not make an assumption (which might be a better word than “judge” in this instance) on the type of player you’ve been paired with.

For example, if you see a M2 driver, a 16* driving iron and a set of blades with a 8-10 year old Scotty, you’re going to assume you’ve been paired up with a pretty good stick.
The opposite can be said about a guy with let’s say an old square headed Nike driver and a set of Zevo irons. I think we all do it to some extent.

[GolfSpy TCB]

27 minutes ago, Grand Stranded said:

I don’t know, if you’re the type who looks in what’s in another players bag before you tee off, it’s pretty hard to not make an assumption (which might be a better word than “judge” in this instance) on the type of player you’ve been paired with.

For example, if you see a M2 driver, a 16* driving iron and a set of blades with a 8-10 year old Scotty, you’re going to assume you’ve been paired up with a pretty good stick.
The opposite can be said about a guy with let’s say an old square headed Nike driver and a set of Zevo irons. I think we all do it to some extent.

Fair comments.  

Making initial assumptions is an accurate description.  

I mostly look in others bags because I am a club ho and am probably coveting their clubs. Haha.  

 

 

[revkev]

I really don't notice until a bit into the round if I'm playing with someone new.  I will look at bags in carts all the time but that's out of curiosity out of what people are playing, not about how good they may or may not be.  I suppose when I see players type equipment I do wonder if the guy or gal has the chops to play it - at my club they more than likely do as we have a player development program for young pros and are the home course for University of Tampa.  

[EasyPutter]

Golf is life and just as in life I don't judge anyone, and before someone jumps on that consider Richard Carlson's words in his book, Don't Sweat The Small Stuff: And It Is All Small Stuff.  It's actually #11: "Imagine that everyone in the world is enlightened, except you.  Instead of asking yourself "why are they saying that" or "why are they doing that" ask yourself "what are they trying to teach me" and "what am I supposed to learn from them."  It is all about not being judgmental and biased, prejudiced and opinionated, letting others be right and honoring their life experiences as things I too can learn from.

I'm watching to see what others do with what they have in their bag, how they handle the clubs, and how they care for their equipment.  Again none of it to judge but to learn from what they are doing.  And let's not forget that some people's existence is to serve as a warning to others - learning what not to do is just as important as what to do and oftentimes MORE important!  Especially on the golf course, DON'T BE THAT GUY!

[revkev]

On 10/26/2022 at 10:14 PM, EasyPutter said:

Golf is life and just as in life I don't judge anyone, and before someone jumps on that consider Richard Carlson's words in his book, Don't Sweat The Small Stuff: And It Is All Small Stuff.  It's actually #11: "Imagine that everyone in the world is enlightened, except you.  Instead of asking yourself "why are they saying that" or "why are they doing that" ask yourself "what are they trying to teach me" and "what am I supposed to learn from them."  It is all about not being judgmental and biased, prejudiced and opinionated, letting others be right and honoring their life experiences as things I too can learn from.

I'm watching to see what others do with what they have in their bag, how they handle the clubs, and how they care for their equipment.  Again none of it to judge but to learn from what they are doing.  And let's not forget that some people's existence is to serve as a warning to others - learning what not to do is just as important as what to do and oftentimes MORE important!  Especially on the golf course, DON'T BE THAT GUY!

Good advice - thanks!

[GolfSpy_APH]

Never ever would i judge a players bag or what they play. 

I won't lie and i check it all out, but never judge.

I don't know their background or situation or budget. Maybe some clubs have sentimental value or are just a favorite club that works for them. Maybe they like to buy a new clubs every could days or season. To each their own and I'll only ever give input if asked and love telling stories about my clubs especially with the rusty irons. 

I play often as a single and get paired up with all sorts so it's fun to see what others are playing and what works for them. 

[GolfSpy_BOS]

On 10/26/2022 at 8:30 PM, Grand Stranded said:

WHY DID I USE ALL CAPITALS IN THE TITLE OF THIS THREAD?

I was going to say I never judge a man by the clubs in his back, but I do judge a man who yells at me in ALL CAPS! 

I wouldn't say I've ever judged anyone for what's in their bag, but I've absolutely checked out what others play.  Usually I like to see if they're a club-ho type or a "I've had these clubs since 'Nam" type.  Either is cool with me and could lead to some conversation starters on the course, or maybe they're not really sure what they have in their bag.

It's probably easier to judge a persons game by the organization of their clubs versus the actual composition of their clubs! 

 

[MacTourney]

I know a couple guys that if you judge by what you see in their bag you are in for a long afternoon.  

[jkimbrell0]

Only judging I do is when I'm paired with someone with only 8 clubs of all different brands in the bag and a Fruit of the Loom sock for a head cover. And then I'll try to judge if it's going to be a 5 or 6 hour round.

I've seen some pretty dang good golfers rocking 10 year old sets, it's definitely the archer and not the arrows. 

[Grand Stranded]

1 hour ago, MacTourney said:

I know a couple guys that if you judge by what you see in their bag you are in for a long afternoon.  

Yeah, most of us have heard the adage “ beware the golfer with very old clubs and brand new grips.

[MacTourney]

2 hours ago, jkimbrell0 said:

Only judging I do is when I'm paired with someone with only 8 clubs of all different brands in the bag and a Fruit of the Loom sock for a head cover. And then I'll try to judge if it's going to be a 5 or 6 hour round.

You've been peeking into my bag, but Hanes socks have better elastic snap for staying power.  

[Middler]

I may make cursory assumptions about a player’s skills by what’s in their bag, but there are other preliminary factors. I’ve seen newbs show up with expensive equipment but could tell they couldn’t play before they ever hit a ball - literally Rodney Dangerfield types.

I know equipment doesn’t necessarily correlate to ability on the course. Some of the best players I’ve known had unimpressive clubs, and some of the worst players I’ve known were total posers with new and expensive, even CC fitted clubs - I’d be embarrassed to have such nice clubs and play that poorly. No one can buy a better game…

[GolfSpy_KFT]

I try hard not to judge anyone based on the clubs they have in the bag. As stated earlier, you never know what someone’s situation is financially or otherwise. When I see someone playing what looks like a box set or something you’d buy from a sporting goods store, I’m typically excited about that because it may mean it’s another new person to the game! I also like seeing the club junkies who nerd out over equipment (myself included). I don’t have super new clubs other than my driver, but I love gear and love talking shop about it! 

[Thin2win]

I judge everything.  I judge them by bag choice, head covers,  shoes,  ball they play, their clubs, hats,  socks,  even the tee they use. 14 clubs from the same brand with matching bag? 20y old irons that aren't ping eye2? 

I'm basically Jerry Seinfeld on the first tee.

I'll will admit to all of this. 

I do keep all my judgements to myself,  and enjoy playing with about anyone. 

 

[Kenny B]

25 minutes ago, Thin2win said:

I judge everything.  I judge them by bag choice, head covers,  shoes,  ball they play, their clubs, hats,  socks,  even the tee they use. 14 clubs from the same brand with matching bag? 20y old irons that aren't ping eye2? 

I'm basically Jerry Seinfeld on the first tee.

I'll will admit to all of this. 

I do keep all my judgements to myself,  and enjoy playing with about anyone. 

 

It's true... he even plays with me!    (I'm the one with 20y old irons that aren't ping eye 2)

[Thin2win]

2 hours ago, Kenny B said:

It's true... he even plays with me!    (I'm the one with 20y old irons that aren't ping eye 2)

But they are blades,  which I'm not convinced have changed since the last Roosevelt administration. Blades are given pass. 

[cardia10]

I'm also bad to judge based on clubs but also keep it to myself. I was recently shown why not to do this recently. Was playing in a 4 man scramble and barely knew 2 of our players. Ragged bag, Nike pro combo irons (like the second set they put out.) No fairway woods, 2-PW and a SW and an old Ping Anser. He just turned 50 which meant he could play from the senior tees but he declined. I was already thinking this was bad, now he is sabotaging us on purpose. Nope....played at Kentucky, all American, mini tours then no golf in 15 years. 2nd round he had played this year and would have shot mid to high 60s with his own ball. Hit driver in areas I've never seen anyone attempt. It was one of those moments where I wanted to offer him my clubs just to see what he could really do!

[TheCanadianBogeyman]

I don't judge, because it doesn't really matter to me the caliber of the player in golfing with.  I am more concerned with their attitude and etiquette.  Now I absolutely do look in the bag though, because I like to nerd out about equipment if someone is into it.

[vandyland]

Full honesty, yes, I judge a CERTAIN TYPE of player matched with a certain type of clubs. Specifically (and maybe it is jealousy) a player with high end, player's irons who isn't a very good player. I have a very specific example from this past weekend. Played with a guy (he was nice) who was VERY excited about his Taylormade P7TW Irons, which are these:

Those are great looking clubs! This guy probably took 7-8 mulligans during the round. Clanged several irons O.B. and generally struggled. He would hit a ball 2 inches fat and say "you can't get away with that with these blades". I nodded my head but thought "you can't get away with that with ANY club, my man". Anyway he must have mentioned his "blades" 5-6 times. If he actually played by the rules of golf he probably is a 17 HDCP, which is fine but probably not someone who should play these clubs. I judged him. I also judged him when he mentioned he shot "around 80, though I guess I took a few mulligans". I personally don't care what rules you play by so long as you keep up but, again, if you want to be a "player" and hit "blades" you should probably play the ball down and play out all your strokes. 

Also, I played with a guy who had Miura blades and PXG woods (back when they were expensive). He was also about a 15 HDCP. I judged him too but mostly was jealous of his clubs. 

So yes, if you have elite skill level clubs and play at an average level, I judge you. On the flip side, If you are an elite player with super game improvement equipment I don't judge you but rather think you are a genius because you have equipment that allows you to play your best. If you are working against your own game by owning "show off equipment", then yeah I am judging you. 

[goaliedad30]

I judge them by height ...

[cksurfdude]

On 10/26/2022 at 7:10 PM, Grand Stranded said:

..a set of Cleveland Halo Launcher XL irons ...

Case in point:
My brother-in-law has an i-dunno-how-old set of Tour Edge hybrid-irons ("Bazooka", I think, before they came up with the "HL") .. and now that he's retired he may start playing more .. but even though he'd only played once or twice, or sometimes even not once, a year for many years he can hit the ball - well! - and keep up with any accomplished single digit handicap. And he doesn't care what anyone thinks about his sticks - he likes 'em!

[GaDawg]

On 10/26/2022 at 8:30 PM, Grand Stranded said:

WHY DID I USE ALL CAPITALS IN THE TITLE OF THIS THREAD?

I thought you were screaming because those guys pissed you off.

[PBH3]

I don't care what other people play, but since I am generally interested in golf equipment I do like to check out what is in other people's bags and get their thoughts on their gear.  The only judgement might be when someone shows up on the first tee and there is dried mud caked on their irons