How Has MyGolfSpy Influenced Your Game?

[GolfSpy_APH]

MyGolfSpy has made a big impact for many golfers. I would imagine a lot in the golf ball space and purchasing decisions, however let's hear it from you! How has the forum and main site influenced or made an impact on your game?

[Josh Parker]

I think the biggest takeaway for me from the forum and my game is some of the experience in here.  A lot of really great knowledge and for those that want to improve or learn, the opportunity is here.  Throwing a video out and being willing to take advice has been great for my game.  

 

[Wheelieb]

It forced me to have the hard talks with myself first and foremost. What I mean, from the MGS site not the forum and the YouTube channel of watching videos, I’m not a pro. I won’t be a pro either. I don’t always need to try the hero shots. I don’t need to be the longest in my group. And to play within my game. Secondly, the forum has made me get more involved. Ask questions, take advice and apply it to my game. Plus the camaraderie is unmatched.  

[GolfSpy_KFT]

The forum has helped me stay more committed to working on improving my game vs. just going out any playing and not paying enough attention to what I need to do to get better, if that makes sense. 

It has brought a level of accountability that I didn’t have before. 

Equipment wise, I now consistently play the same type of golf ball vs whatever I grab (or in the past found) and play it. Amazing what knowing what your golf ball is going to do can impact your game. 

[CFreddie]

To start, its information that I have trust in.  With the influx of influencers / YouTube / the like (not a bad thing, just a reality), its hard to wade through equipment reviews and know what's real vs not.  With MGS, I can trust the review quality because its made of golfers, just like me.

However, I will say that since joining, its the community that kept me coming back - its been fun to have a group of like minded people to talk all things golf.  And as cliche as it sounds, I feel like I've made some good (virtual) friends through this process (including you @chisag ).

[sirchunksalot]

Our community here in the forum has taught me to be more mindful about my game, I used to play with the mindset of "see ball, hit ball". Now I'm picking out targets, thinking about where my good misses would be, and trying not to let my mistakes get the best of me. 

The equipment reviews here are the ones I really listen to as I can follow along with players who have games that I can relate to. As @CFreddie said, there's so much information out there on YouTube with the sponsored influencers, you don't know who to trust. I know that I can find more trusted information here and on the main site. 

I have also learned to think outside the box when it comes to equipment purchases and that each piece of equipment performs differently for every golfer. I would have never tried the MaxFli Tour balls without the forum. 

I have also made many good friends along the way, even though I haven't met many of you in person. I'm looking forward to getting to know a bunch of y'all better at Kingsmill. 

 

 

 

[rkj427]

 The MGS forum community has provided relevant and unbiased information on various products through the testing review topics.

Also, the forum community has provided an opportunity for all to create some "internet" friendships, which also have the opportunity to come to real life fruition during the Spy meetups.

The MGS home page area provides data-based information, and some testing results from a wide variety of skill ranges and ability golfers, so one can make a realistic decision about any product they may have interest in.

And lastly, the interaction in the threads between the members to provide help, suggestions or assistance to those looking for specific issue resolution without any snide or critical remarks is invaluable. 

 

[EMacK1961]

MyGolfSpy has made me a more thoughtful golfer. More thoughtful about my game and how I approach it, equipment purchasing decisions, reviews on the latest and greatest, how others are using technology to improve, etc. Overall, MGS has been a big help in rounding out my game.

[Michael.Sandoval33]

Before anything, I want to thank my fellow Spies for so much of the advice they have shared here. Honestly when I joined, I was  just looking for some budget friendly GI irons and I ended up learning a ton from that one post alone! I constantly read the tips/training forum and it has helped my game go from a literal nothing to where it is. The same goes for the unbiased product testing from the main site to the forum reviews. I have already purchased a few well-received items based on Spy Advice.

And finally to wrap back around, MGS has shaped my love for golf through checking in every day and reading on how everybody played, or what they are working on. It's a diverse group of people that have been welcoming, but the spies also don't play! 

[revkev]

You are on fire with these topics, Jamie, thanks!

Since people are most important to me that is first and foremost here. I’ve made a number of very good friends through the Forums. Some that I play golf with throughout the year. 
 

From there influence has included

 

1.  Becoming convinced to always play a tour level golf ball. I came here because the arguments against it didn’t make sense to me.  
 

2.  Every piece of equipment fits somebody but not everybody. So don’t assume that this years sensation will be “it” for your game.

3.  It’s always about the basics - grip, strip, stance, posture, ball position - I saw this again at my lesson yesterday. This is where the you tube stuff is dangerous - most of what they teach there works - if you have a sound grip, set-up, etc. The issue is chances are you don’t and that’s what’s causing the problem. $75 for a good hour lesson is money well spent.

4.  Fitting is important but just like teachers there are good fitters and not so good ones. In the past 10 years I’ve been fit for driver length from 45.75 to 44.25 - what the F? 
 

I think its most helpful if the player being fit has a general idea of what he or she is looking for first - not in regards to equipment but in regards to ball flight, ball speed, etc.

5.  OEMs are not the enemy - yes they market and yes they make products that will sell but they do a good job of it and generally speaking when you reach out to them.

6.  Smaller companies have a lot to offer - 

7.  Set make up should match your game, not Tigers. A biggie here is use the most help in irons that your eye can take unless you are an exceptional ball striker. If you insist on a set make up like a pros be sure that the pro has an l before pga on her tour card.

8.  Be sure to get fit for putter.

I will say that I’ve also been influenced to make done purchases that I regretted but I did so willingly and in good fun.

[Rob Person]

  There are many many multiple ways that MGS has influenced me. I'll stick to a few key moments though. 

The information! There is a buttload amount of information to be resourced! I have spent hours upon hours just browsing through topics.  From current all the way back to 5+years ago! And while there may seem to be redundant threads, every year has something different to offer on them all! Especially since equipment changes so frequently on the market. This is a good thing,  at least for me, as I don't own newer clubs, and seeing the information on one's I own or need to research before buying is important to have available!

The test threads!!!  Boy are these helpful! Official and unofficial alike. You can just read through them, or be involved with them on the question process to get answers you may find relevant. 

The community! Truly unique in diversity,  and full of positive influences across every aspect it brings in here!

And finally,  myself! Without this forum and it's members influences,  I would still be the recreational hack golfer out on the course that every serious golfer loathes!

I would still be playing Whack-F#$% ! on my off days without a notion of what golf has just begun to bring into my soul.

Edited February 17 by Rob Person

[cnosil]

Some great info,  but for me the biggest thing is to look beyond how equipment is labelled by OEMs.  Things like these clubs are for tour/low/mid/high handicappers, launch and spin assessments, and flex values on shafts.  Basically that as a player you need to put the various clubs in your hands and try them out to see what does and doesn't work for you.   

This is discussed on the forums and main site,  but I have seen it first hand being a most wanted tester for MGS. 

[Javs]

MyGolfSpy has made a tremendous impact on my equipment and game. Through the opportunities for testing and reading reviews this forum has been a great benefit to my game. First off I am still hitting the Callaway Paradym irons with great success. The irons were so good I purchased the Callaway Paradym TD driver. That driver is still in the bag. The PXG Black Ops Tour is my number two driver. Next up has been the switch to the Odin golf ball. This ball is outstanding. I did change to the Black Ops 3 wood and hybrids. I put my Project X Hzrdus smoke shafts in the new heads. This has been a great combination. When I was having putting issues, interaction and feedback on the forum helped bring back my putting. I also switched putters based on forum exchanges. I switch to SQARZ shoes based on reviews and interaction on the forum. I now own five pairs. They are the only shoe I wear currently. Learned about the Red Rooster gloves on the forum and they are the golf gloves I use. The Craftsman wood and iron covers have been a nice addition. Next the weekly virtual tournament has been a nice event to give a little extra incentive to practice and play well. All up, the forum has made a huge impact on my equipment and work to become a scratch player.

Edited February 17 by Javs

[RoverRick]

Wow. I have been on this forum for 13 years and 6500+ posts and probably only respond to 1 out of 10 threads I have read. So this one is tough to respond to without writing some epic novel, perhaps entitled Rover’s Odyssey, because it really has been a journey. That journey was from a no handicap 120 shooter to a 0.2 handicap index back up to a 13 and back to a 6 as of Friday. It has influenced every part of my game. 

In just the past year, the 2 threads that have influenced me the most are the LAB Golf putter thread and the Weekly Virtual Tour thread. 

I was fortunate enough to be selected as a tester for the LAB putter. I selected the DF2.1 because, as an engineer, the design looked like it was the absolute best design made for getting the ball in the hole. It gave no thought to aesthetics and only function. I took it a step further and went with a bright red head and white shaft simply because I wanted to start conversations. It certainly has and at least 5 people have bought LAB putters based on playing with me and seeing it in action. Although I did 2 putt from 25’ yesterday, and a MEZZ1 purchaser 4 putted from 20’ on the same line. It was not the equipments fault. I’ve been a good putter for a decade, thanks to a thread below. The combination of this method and the consistency of the DF2.1 has meant that since last May, have putted 22-33 times every round.

The second thread that I have participated in during the past year is the MGS Virtual Golf Tournaments. This has really made me focus on making pars, especially on stroke holes. Often when I’m playing in the regular money matches and I got off to a slow start, and know after 3-4 I’m not going to win the stroke bet. With my group it is rare that a net over par will be in the money spots. With so many in the bet, it is also rare for someone else to not cover a net birdie. The MGS VGT has made me want to “stay in the fight” and play more conservatively so I can post a good round. 

 

Edited February 17 by RoverRick

[bens197]

The relentless pursuit of the best clubs and gear regardless of brand. 
 

I could go on however when it comes to gear, this sums it up as succinctly as possible. 

[Preeway]

The biggest aspect of my game to be influenced has been the ball I play. I never would have given the Srixon Z Star a second look if it weren’t for the ball lab results. Still looking to test out some new options as well this year based on Spy reviews. Most eager to try out the Odin balls. 

[Golf2Much]

How has MGS influenced my golf game?  Edit:  After I wrote this, I realized that maybe the previous sentence should be "How has MGS influenced my golf experience?"

1. It's given me the opportunity to test and rate products that I typically would not have tried.  The Shot Scope Pro LX+ (with the H4) not only was a good range finder, but the shot tracking gave me a more in-depth view of my game.  The Paradym X iron fitting yielded the realization that I'm no longer a 2 degrees upright iron player.  The truth hurts sometimes.  
2. The MGS unbiased articles along with member official and unofficial reviews were key in making several golf-related purchases.  The several immediately come to mind.  They include the LAB DF2.1 putter, Edison wedges, Maxfli Tour S golf balls and Pro Putt putting green.  It was also influential in my buying SQAIRZ golf shoes, trying (and liking) the BOA lacing system and a variety of training aides.  The list goes on and on.  
3. Being part of this community gives me a diverse group of golf committed people that provide valuable feedback and insight on all aspects of the golf game when I have questions.   
4. The other side of the previous coin is that MGS also give me an outlet to express my thoughts and opinions on a variety of golf related topics.  I know my wife is tired of listening to me rant and rave about golf.  My wife says "thank you!"
5. The VCT and related special events has given me the opportunity to play with and against people from all over the world.  When you are "stuck" on a 2x4 mile island, 150 miles from the next 18-hole golf course, it's great having new virtual partners and competitors to play with.  
6. MGS has also been gracious enough to let me exercise some of my skills to help out on scoring on the VCT special events.  Being retired and a former engineering manager, it's great to exercise some of those doormat skills to help out others.

Thank you MGS.  I'm a better golfer and golf community contributor today because of you!

Edited February 17 by Golf2Much

[GolfSpy_APH]

Love love all the responses so far! Keep em coming! 

For all the new people to the forum, feel free to chime in as we all would love to hear your thoughts as well!

[Shrek74]

There has been a lot of influence to me over the past few years since finding both MGS and the forum.

The obvious one is on the ball side of things. Ball Lab and the bi-annual ball test has really opened my eyes to various new options as well as helped me steer away from others that I used to use. No question it's helped my game purely from this stand point.

The next obvious one is when it comes to buying decisions. Some equipment I thought would be sweet ended up being all looks and no game from TMW testing. I realize not all equipment works for all golfers and it's still something I need to try on my own. But taking the info from TMW testing to fittings and such has really helped narrow down my searches. Plus it's really helped separate the marketing from the truth.

I've really enjoyed the forum a lot for the camaraderie. I've been on other forums in the past and they always turned out to be full of  heads who hate everything unless it matches their opinion, but if you say it first they still hate you. Just not fun places to be. That's not even remotely what the MGS forum is like or about. There's been a ton of testing and thoughts and stuff that people put out there that the community gets involved in to help out, share thoughts and experiences on, or just gives encouragement. I've never felt shunned or talked down to or anything negative like I did in other forums. That's what brought me back, day after day.

The Otto Phlex post is a great example of what I'm talking about. Someone shared something they researched and tested and wanted to share. And it's just blown up, in all the good ways. It's worked for some, not for others, but it's been full of positivity, encouragement, and fun. That doesn't happen in a lot of forums or other places.

I don't see myself going anywhere else for true golf-related content that matters.

[Woodrow72]

MGS has given me insight into products that previously you had to either guess, trust their ads () , or read those testings done by the tag magazines that leaned whichever way the money flowed .

It has given us opportunity to test products and review for people like us , real people testing under our type conditions , playing conditions not just range ball banging . 
 In addition they test shoes , gloves , rainwear , etc. , things we rarely would get ratings for under previous conditions.   MGS has put integrity into testing and us on the  firing line doing it .

 They established  forums for us communicatecwith others , ask each other questions, exchange  ideas and learn from each other .

 As a 73 year old guy that loves golf ,it has given me a place to get involved daily 

 

Thank you MGS 

[aguybadatgolf]

The importance of fitting gear to your swing. The clubs, the right length, lie, shaft flex, etc has been huge. Also playing the right ball for your swing. Has made me much smarter about the gear and what a shaft flex actually means and why it matters. 

[William P]

I found MGS when returning to the game last year and needing equipment reviews as I realized my 10+ year old equipment was not going to be effective for me at this stage of life. I found it refreshing and informative to have reviews done by "everyday" golfers with "no dog in the hunt" so to speak from an OEM compensation avenue.

The reviews and further information regarding fitting technology convinced me to let go of brand loyalty, exception of driver, and get fitted for clubs by a reputable fitter. The knowledge gained by going through that process is unmeasurable.

That said, the biggest impact has been the Forum content and camaraderie experienced in having a common love for the sport. The diverse opinions and experiences make the Forum a learning experience that has become a daily component in my activities.

I look forward to continued learning opportunities from such a varied group of individuals.

[Randall Robbins]

Joining this group has allowed me to discuss God with a lot of different people, and to get ideas from others.  It has allowed for another outlet to compete and compare my game against others.  It has allowed me the opportunity to test equipment, which I really get excited about, since I wouldn't volunteer to test something unless I thought it would be helpful.  Great group to be with!

[Javs]

2 hours ago, RoverRick said:

Wow. I have been on this forum for 13 years and 6500+ posts and probably only respond to 1 out of 10 threads I have read. So this one is tough to respond to without writing some epic novel, perhaps entitled Rover’s Odyssey, because it really has been a journey. That journey was from a no handicap 120 shooter to a 0.2 handicap index back up to a 13 and back to a 6 as of Friday. It has influenced every part of my game. 

In just the past year, the 2 threads that have influenced me the most are the LAB Golf putter thread and the Weekly Virtual Tour thread. 

I was fortunate enough to be selected as a tester for the LAB putter. I selected the DF2.1 because, as an engineer, the design looked like it was the absolute best design made for getting the ball in the hole. It gave no thought to aesthetics and only function. I took it a step further and went with a bright red head and white shaft simply because I wanted to start conversations. It certainly has and at least 5 people have bought LAB putters based on playing with me and seeing it in action. Although I did 2 putt from 25’ yesterday, and a MEZZ1 purchaser 4 putted from 20’ on the same line. It was not the equipments fault. I’ve been a good putter for a decade, thanks to a thread below. The combination of this method and the consistency of the DF2.1 has meant that since last May, have putted 22-33 times every round.

The second thread that I have participated in during the past year is the MGS Virtual Golf Tournaments. This has really made me focus on making pars, especially on stroke holes. Often when I’m playing in the regular money matches and I got off to a slow start, and know after 3-4 I’m not going to win the stroke bet. With my group it is rare that a net over par will be in the money spots. With so many in the bet, it is also rare for someone else to not cover a net birdie. The MGS VGT has made me want to “stay in the fight” and play more conservatively so I can post a good round. 

 

Thanks for sharing the book title

[funkyjudge]

3 hours ago, Javs said:

MyGolfSpy has made a tremendous impact on my equipment and game. Through the opportunities for testing and reading reviews this forum has been a great benefit to my game. First off I am still hitting the Callaway Paradym irons with great success. The irons were so good I purchased the Callaway Paradym TD driver. That driver is still in the bag. The PXG Black Ops Tour is my number two driver. Next up has been the switch to the Odin golf ball. This ball is outstanding. I did change to the Black Ops 3 wood and hybrids. I put my Project X Hzrdus smoke shafts in the new heads. This has been a great combination. When I was having putting issues, interaction and feedback on the forum helped bring back my putting. I also switched putters based on forum exchanges. I switch to SQARZ shoes based on reviews and interaction on the forum. I now own five pairs. They are the only shoe I wear currently. Learned about the Red Rooster gloves on the forum and they are the golf gloves I use. The Craftsman wood and iron covers have been a nice addition. Next the weekly virtual tournament has been a nice event to give a little extra incentive to practice and play well. All up, the forum has made a huge impact on my equipment and work to become a scratch player.

Ditto here!  Well, other than the fact that I removed the Paradym irons from my bag about four or five weeks ago and put my Cobra King Forged Tec X irons back in. Since I have cashed in the last four tournaments on my winter tour, and shot under par (net) in 5 of my last 6 rounds, lowering my tour handicap by 5 strokes in the process, those Cobras have regained their spot as my #1 iron choice (at least, until they misbehave badly).

Edited February 17 by funkyjudge

[RoverRick]

I should have also pointed out that there are a 8 of members, perhaps former members since it has gone outside the forum that I have been in a daily chat group for the past 10 years. Two of whom I’ve never actually met, but still consider them close friends. The others I have met with to play golf on numerous occasions in Vancouver, Tennessee, and a few times in Texas. They have met other places that I have missed. We shared houses and played golf and even gone to weddings. All because of MGS. 

Edited February 17 by RoverRick

[Dead Solid Bogey]

MyGolfSpy has been a a great boon for me in my golfing environment. The positive giving of advice, drills, and support is only rivaled by the complete reviews of equipment by those of multi-skill levels. Add to this the sharing of found gem’s  of equipment, accessories, course recommendations, and even clothing with the community and you have another level only wished for by other forums. This forum has been a treasure trove to be enjoyed and used for the enhancing of one’s golf game and experiences. As almost everyone has stated and which I wholeheartedly agree; it is the camaraderie found here that makes jumping down the mystical rabbit hole,  that is golf, so  extra special. So, I say thank you, my friends and I mean friends, not just virtual friends… 

Edited February 17 by Dead Solid Bogey
Old people cannot spell

[TJ Hall]

First off, MGS is awesome!  I am so thankful that I stumbled upon it.

The level of knowledge and information available is tremendous.  Come here to look at the various data/test results (most wanted as well as the other tests) to determine what might work for me.

It has really renewed my interest in trying to improve my game…it may have started my addiction!

Definitely have learned about a bunch of new products and companies that I would’ve never found without MGS.

[tdroma98]

20 hours ago, Shrek74 said:

I've really enjoyed the forum a lot for the camaraderie. I've been on other forums in the past and they always turned out to be full of  heads who hate everything unless it matches their opinion, but if you say it first they still hate you. Just not fun places to be. That's not even remotely what the MGS forum is like or about. There's been a ton of testing and thoughts and stuff that people put out there that the community gets involved in to help out, share thoughts and experiences on, or just gives encouragement. I've never felt shunned or talked down to or anything negative like I did in other forums. That's what brought me back, day after day.

@Shrek74 comments are spot on! The Camaraderie! The Good Morning Thread, a great way to start the day. Nothing negative, we express our ideas or opinions & it's an open forum. 

Initially, what attracted me to MGS was the golf ball reviews & chart listing a menu of golf balls with their specs. Learning about the golf ball - 3, 4 or 5 piece ball. Then started reading more golf info, listening to the Podcast - enjoy the commentary, the banter & the Golf Talk! 

Now, the Thursday Forum Calls. Matt keeps me in stitches! LOL. 

I read previous posts above about changing to Sqairz Shoes. Yep, MGS was my influence after conversing with the engineer & founder of Sqairz Shoes in an MGS Forum.  That was cool That's not going to happen anywhere else, speak to the owner. I tried the shoes and now, I only wear Sqairz Shoes & love them. 

Forum testing opportunities! WOW! Having participated in two tests last year, plus the Titleist White Box test, it's an awesome opportunity! I would have never thought about playing OnCore Golf Balls. An OnCore Ball testing opportunity came up, I visited the OnCore website to read about their golf balls, before signing up. Saw Eric Compton endorsed the ball. Liked the specs of the ball. Was chosen to test VeroX1 OnCore ball and liked it.  Learned about how to test a golf ball. We've all hit hundreds, no thousands of golf balls. But how do you test a golf ball?  How to use technology, with testing, was challenging for me (LOL). 

Second testing opportunity was testing TheStack Speed System. Speed training, is something of interest to me. Read about it before signing up & saw Matt Fitzpatrick was using the System. MGS arranged for the testers to speak with the Founder, Dr. McKenzie. Whoa!  It inspired me even more. Speaking to the owner of TheStack or Sqairz doesn't just happen. 

If you love golf, want to learn & interact with like-minded people, this Forum is certainly the place.  Given the growth over the past couple of years with MGS, they've hit it out the park!
Thank you for allowing us to share our passion - Golf! 

[GolfSpy_APH]

New to the forum? New to MGS? Have you made purchases based on anything you've seen here or the main site? 

Let us know!