Polarizing Products In Golf

[RetiredBoomer]

17 minutes ago, JoeLafives said:

show folks that smoke are always upwind of me and ALWAYS assume that tossing their leavings on the ground is not really litter.

I quit smoking [unfiltered Camels} thirty or so years ago. 
Probably why I'm still alive.

And I still miss it.
Other peoples' smoke doesn't bother me at all,
but it's easy to understand how it would bother most people,
whether they're former smokers or not.

Frank, Dino, and Sammy are dead.
Smoking isn't cool anymore.
I'm glad most kids aren't getting addicted to it like we did in my day.

 

[mrmatt2you]

Beers from the cart girl costing an arm and a leg.  

[sman3115]

I want to say iron covers, but when it's like 99% against to 1% for, that's more of just a small group of weirdos.  Ball retrievers also have become this way though I remember they were pretty widespread when I was younger.

LIV is pretty polarizing I guess, I am more neutral on it, but more because I am pro-labor and don't like any company that classifies their employees as "independent contractors", so they don't have to provide full benefits and workaround labor rights.  People who talk about Saudi blood money also don't have much to say about when we sell them weapons or buy their oil or all the other sports teams they own in Europe, or the big Saudi tournament Rory plays in every year.  Just seems like a weird line in the sand to draw if that was really your issue. 

A couple of things getting less polarizing, which is good is the dress code and colored balls.  Though some people could do a bit to chill a little more there.

I would say music on the course. I like it in casual rounds, though it would be distracting in a competitive event.  Some people hate it, but some people also are obnoxious about it and play inappropriate stuff or play it too loud.  At least ask your partners permission first and try to accommodate different tastes. And lower the volume when you approach other groups who aren't in on the agreement.

Personally, for me though its people looking for balls in situations that the ball is completely gone.  Deep in the woods or deep fescue with no chance of recovery.  Like even if you find it you can't play it, take a drop and take your medicine.  I totally get wanting to find the ball, by all means take a quick peek to save the $4, but you don't need to spend the entire "3 minutes" that turns into 10 minutes.  let's go people are waiting.  then don't take another 5 minutes to figure out what to do after deciding you should take a drop...smh

[Chux13]

I will throw this one out there too. I am not a fan of this newfound hurry to finish a round of golf. I do agree anything over 5 hours is excessive should the course overbook, but I do not need a group behind hitting up on us when we are waiting on the group ahead and want to pass all 10 groups ahead because they want to complete a 2 hour round. For me, I want to enjoy my day and just have fun with the group I am with. Yes, if we have new golfers, I ask they "scramble" with another player to keep their pace up and not have them chase every 15 yard shot they hit. Yes, I cannot stand a super slow group who will not let others pass and hold you up, causing a 6 hour round. Those are not fun and frankly rather obnoxious. Yes, when I play alone, I am capable of a 2 hour round with no one in front. But still, I want to enjoy MY time out there and take in the course. I do not want to play cart polo and s**t on the other groups when they do not conform or have others get pissy when they are in a big hurry. They should have picked a better time to play if they did not have the day available to enjoy IMHO.

[Chux13]

23 minutes ago, sman3115 said:

I want to say iron covers, but when it's like 99% against to 1% for, that's more of just a small group of weirdos.  Ball retrievers also have become this way though I remember they were pretty widespread when I was younger.

LIV is pretty polarizing I guess, I am more neutral on it, but more because I am pro-labor and don't like any company that classifies their employees as "independent contractors", so they don't have to provide full benefits and workaround labor rights.  People who talk about Saudi blood money also don't have much to say about when we sell them weapons or buy their oil or all the other sports teams they own in Europe, or the big Saudi tournament Rory plays in every year.  Just seems like a weird line in the sand to draw if that was really your issue. 

A couple of things getting less polarizing, which is good is the dress code and colored balls.  Though some people could do a bit to chill a little more there.

I would say music on the course. I like it in casual rounds, though it would be distracting in a competitive event.  Some people hate it, but some people also are obnoxious about it and play inappropriate stuff or play it too loud.  At least ask your partners permission first and try to accommodate different tastes. And lower the volume when you approach other groups who aren't in on the agreement.

Personally, for me though its people looking for balls in situations that the ball is completely gone.  Deep in the woods or deep fescue with no chance of recovery.  Like even if you find it you can't play it, take a drop and take your medicine.  I totally get wanting to find the ball, by all means take a quick peek to save the $4, but you don't need to spend the entire "3 minutes" that turns into 10 minutes.  let's go people are waiting.  then don't take another 5 minutes to figure out what to do after deciding you should take a drop...smh

I'm that 1%, but only because I know it irks that other 99%. Having that mental edge over the opponent works quite well. Even more when I decide pair with my dark orange, sun faded Jamba Juice visor I got years back. 

[sman3115]

10 minutes ago, Chux13 said:

I'm that 1%, but only because I know it irks that other 99%. Having that mental edge over the opponent works quite well. Even more when I decide pair with my dark orange, sun faded Jamba Juice visor I got years back. 

Love it, between that and a broomstick DF2 you must get in everyone's head haha. 

That's part of the reason I like to go out with non-"mainstream" balls (Oncore, Snell, Maxfli). People really have a hard time when I throw down a Mizuno ball for some reason

[Chux13]

7 minutes ago, sman3115 said:

Love it, between that and a broomstick DF2 you must get in everyone's head haha. 

That's part of the reason I like to go out with non-"mainstream" balls (Oncore, Snell, Maxfli). People really have a hard time when I throw down a Mizuno ball for some reason

I just do me and have fun out there. I feel you on the ball front too, as I took so much flack for the tru-viz callaways when those first came around. Folks found it odd to see a "soccer ball" on the green. Personally, I loved the putting line they gave and visual feedback on chips/pitches with regard to spin. 

[sman3115]

26 minutes ago, Chux13 said:

I just do me and have fun out there. I feel you on the ball front too, as I took so much flack for the tru-viz callaways when those first came around. Folks found it odd to see a "soccer ball" on the green. Personally, I loved the putting line they gave and visual feedback on chips/pitches with regard to spin. 

I thought we were becoming friends, but you lost me on the soccer balls! Anything but the soccer balls!

 

[hoppman]

1 hour ago, aguybadatgolf said:

Dress code - Shorts vs Pants is a classic that I think is silly. Wear shorts if you want. I also am pro joggers. I recognize I’m newer to the sport and did t grow up with that “tradition” but I think joggers look fine as long as they aren’t sweat pants. 
 

Also the shirt tucked vs untucked shouldn’t matter. With that said I’m not a member at a private course and have never played anything “fancy” so the dress code is very lax most places I go. Could also be where I live (Denver is pretty chill) but I’d say 75% of golfers I see are untucked. As long as I what you’re wearing doesn’t look bad it shouldn’t matter. 

People don't realize how chill not just Denver but most of Colorado is, most people don't really give a flying fig how people dress, go to a wedding and you might see anything from shorts, to jeans to Birkentocks with or without socks, most people are active and wear active comfortable clothing in the summer and then jeans and running shoes in the winter unless it snows, then jeans and snow shoes. I have been to funerals where the dress was jeans as that was what the deceased requested.

I am sure Cherry Hills or Castle Pines is different since they are ultra rich and very exclusive, but most places in Colorado don't care how you dress. I have lived in Colorado all my life, dressing up to do an outdoor activity has never been a thing.

[hoppman]

1 hour ago, RetiredBoomer said:

I quit smoking [unfiltered Camels} thirty or so years ago. 
Probably why I'm still alive.

And I still miss it.
Other peoples' smoke doesn't bother me at all,
but it's easy to understand how it would bother most people,
whether they're former smokers or not.

Frank, Dino, and Sammy are dead.
Smoking isn't cool anymore.
I'm glad most kids aren't getting addicted to it like we did in my day.

 

As someone that grew up with parents that smoked, I can't stand smoke getting in my face even if it is just down wind unintentional, to me it is the nastiest dirtiest filthiest habit, TBH I don't even like woodsmoke. I play regularly with one guy that smokes cigars, but he tries to be curtious when I am riding in a cart with him. Seeing professional golfers light up is something that is cringe worthy IMO. I don't believe that vaping is any better, but it usually doesn't stink quite as bad.

[ChiefMikeOfficer]

1 hour ago, Chux13 said:

I'm that 1%, but only because I know it irks that other 99%. Having that mental edge over the opponent works quite well. Even more when I decide pair with my dark orange, sun faded Jamba Juice visor I got years back. 

Can we get a pic of the visor???

[Hitides04]

Music on course - yes please, at low volume

Pace of play - just anticipate your next shot a few moments before you get to it, and practice swing max of 2

Flag - out please, but when up against the sun going down (or my wife not knowing I stopped for a quick 9)? In

Shirt - tucked; but if it comes out, no need to hold up play tucking it in

Play the tees for your skill. Why do so many people think tees are for a certain age?

Asking me what club I hit and not "what distance did you play it?"

BOA - finally I don't have to ask someone in my group to tie my spikes!

 

[Beltzwy]

I’m in the r/golf subreddit, and the amount of people who drag on the DTC stuff is interesting. They’ll drag on like Stix or Bombgolf, but the Sub70 and GolfWorx clubs get high praise (which is fine). Like I am considering getting Stix or Sub70 stuff (per a fitting) but I dunno. Golf is golf. Let people like things.

 

i will say also in terms of dress. I think as long as you look “professional” i.e. polo or plain shirt/mock turtle neck it’s fine. But I know some people are picky on it.

[ArizonaLogan]

Personally, I think that the non-polarized Oakley Prizm Golf lenses are the most polarizing product (puns).

I just can't see (more puns) how changing your vision's overall colors will directly help you play better. I do know a relatively good (high single digit) player that uses them, but I still don't think that the sunglasses have a super helpful impact.

I understand how certain colored lenses could help you track the ball, but a lense that claims to help you read the green and grain is something that I would have to try before believing.

Bonus: Scotty Cameron putters seem to be quite controversial in the "price-paid vs quality received" discussion.

Edited July 24 by ArizonaLogan

[aguybadatgolf]

58 minutes ago, hoppman said:

People don't realize how chill not just Denver but most of Colorado is, most people don't really give a flying fig how people dress, go to a wedding and you might see anything from shorts, to jeans to Birkentocks with or without socks, most people are active and wear active comfortable clothing in the summer and then jeans and running shoes in the winter unless it snows, then jeans and snow shoes. I have been to funerals where the dress was jeans as that was what the deceased requested.

I am sure Cherry Hills or Castle Pines is different since they are ultra rich and very exclusive, but most places in Colorado don't care how you dress. I have lived in Colorado all my life, dressing up to do an outdoor activity has never been a thing.

A fellow born and raised Coloradan! We’re a rare group these days. I grew up that way and just kinda assumed it was normal. My nicest and most expensive out fits are for skiing and mountain biking . 
 

A couple years ago a friend from college was getting married. He’s from the east coast for context. We were told “casual dressy” for what to wear. My wife is also born and raised here so we both thought we had appropriate outfits. I show up in the lobby to shuttle over with the rest of our college friends in new clean Nike Dunks, some chinos, and a tucked in button down thinking I was killing it. Most of the guys from the south or east coast were wearing a tie or jacket with slacks and dress shoes. They gave me a lot of crap, lucky for me the one guy from Cali walked down in jeans and a polo and took the heat from me. 

[aguybadatgolf]

34 minutes ago, Beltzwy said:

I’m in the r/golf subreddit, and the amount of people who drag on the DTC stuff is interesting. They’ll drag on like Stix or Bombgolf, but the Sub70 and GolfWorx clubs get high praise (which is fine). Like I am considering getting Stix or Sub70 stuff (per a fitting) but I dunno. Golf is golf. Let people like things.

 

i will say also in terms of dress. I think as long as you look “professional” i.e. polo or plain shirt/mock turtle neck it’s fine. But I know some people are picky on it.

Can’t speak to Stix or GolfWorx but Sub70 is legitimately fantastic. I had a question about my specs as I had never had fitted clubs. I called the number and the owner of the company picked up and walked me through some basic measurements for length and lie angle. Then based on my swing speed and tempo gave me a very educated guess on what shafts would fit me best. Can’t say enough good things about them. I have now convinced 2 of my playing partners to but irons from them too and we have all had the exact same experience. I have since been fitted in person for a driver and the fitter said they nailed my iron specs and not to touch them till I want some new clubs. 

[sman3115]

30 minutes ago, ArizonaLogan said:

I still don't think that the sunglasses have a super helpful impact.I understand how certain colored lenses could help you track the ball, but a lense that claims to help you read the green and grain is something that I would have to try before believing.

I have not seen those, but I have two pairs of the Prizm lenses in the Golf and Golf Dark color that I exclusively wear while playing.  They are both rose-colored and definitely help me notice the change in undulations on the green to help read break better than regular sunglasses.  I dont think that is exclusive to these lenses, any red-hued lense would help with the contrast against the green grass, but they were prescription and covered by my insurance.  I def would not go back to regular sunglasses.  In fact the lighter golf tint I'll still wear in lower light settings instead of my regular glasses just for the extra bit of help seeing the changes in the surface.

Also they really make certain color balls pop out in the tall grass when looking for your partner's balls.  Orange, green, and white in particular.

[Nicmo]

4 hours ago, Shrek74 said:

At a very young age, my dad taught me to take care of the things I own, which is also why I park WAY out in BFE when I go shopping or whatever because so many people don't care about their cars and scratches and stuff.

I used to use the giant Castle Bay covers, because that's what dad used. Now I have much smaller and lighter neoprene covers that I can slip in and out of my pocket as I play each club. But it's all about preserving my clubs and their looks for as long as possible, because clubs are so expensive now. People can say what they want about it, I've stopped caring.

I traded in a set of 12 year old Pings back in 2020, and they looked better than 90% of the used clubs at GG that were less than 5 years old.

I agree. Aesthetics matter to me and don't think it's prudent to buy new clubs every couple of years. I as well was taught to take care of things but I'm older and don't agree with the disposable society. What Aaron Rai said fits me. I have a few cars including a 2002 Toyota Tacoma that constantly get accolades for looking new. 

[Mike Breidenbach]

PXG irons.  People who play them are deeply committed to them.  On the other hand, I never see low-handicap players use them.  I've demo'd their irons and they're OK, but I prefer my Taylor P770s.  I also don't like to be yelled at by the drill sergeant owner in their marketing.   Polarizing.

[Chux13]

3 hours ago, ChiefMikeOfficer said:

Can we get a pic of the visor???

Absolutely! Ill get it out when I get out of work later 

 

[Bamidele]

Number one : Those golf what you call em watches under Garmin and whatever Golf wrist watches that supposedly tell you the yardage and record your score but are too finicky and end up dying mid play. Got given one as a birthday gift from my Golf buddy, Wore it 2ice and one it died mid play after a full charge and the other time lost my score. It was an unnecessary distraction as you spend too much time looking at your wrist instead of the taking in the majestic view and beauty of the course.

Now I play with a good ole score card and use the course markers for yardage and good ole natural primal sixth sense including an amusing and pissed off golf buddy who has refused to tell me any yardage from his watch (LOL).

My second polarizing one is those damn rangefinders! Don't need em as I am not paid to play Golf.

Regards

Bami

[RichL85]

3 hours ago, aguybadatgolf said:

A fellow born and raised Coloradan! We’re a rare group these days. I grew up that way and just kinda assumed it was normal. My nicest and most expensive out fits are for skiing and mountain biking . 
 

A couple years ago a friend from college was getting married. He’s from the east coast for context. We were told “casual dressy” for what to wear. My wife is also born and raised here so we both thought we had appropriate outfits. I show up in the lobby to shuttle over with the rest of our college friends in new clean Nike Dunks, some chinos, and a tucked in button down thinking I was killing it. Most of the guys from the south or east coast were wearing a tie or jacket with slacks and dress shoes. They gave me a lot of crap, lucky for me the one guy from Cali walked down in jeans and a polo and took the heat from me. 

I was only in Colorado for four years for college, but I must have inherited at least a few traits from there. For reference, myself and my groomsmen all wore Converse Chuck Taylors for the wedding. There were some things my wife wouldn't compromise on with regards to the wedding, that was mine. I had to at least have some comfortable shoes. I still have those shoes to this day and that's what I consider my "nice" shoes unless I absolutely have to wear real dress shoes.

1 hour ago, Mike Breidenbach said:

PXG irons.  People who play them are deeply committed to them.  On the other hand, I never see low-handicap players use them.  I've demo'd their irons and they're OK, but I prefer my Taylor P770s.  I also don't like to be yelled at by the drill sergeant owner in their marketing.   Polarizing.

A lot of PXG people in general tend to be committed to them. You could say the same thing about many of the Titleist or Mizuno iron guys too though. I'm not particularly committed to PXG, but they just happened to be what I could realistically justify spending at the time when I decided it was time to replace a 15 year old set.  I will 100% agree that the marketing is absolutely terrible though. 

[KC Golf]

14 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

What are some polarizing products or the ones you find garner most buzz on either side of the fence?

Is the the Autoflex shaft? Could it be BOA shoe system, tour only products, colored golf balls and more?

I want to hear your ideas, thoughts and answers to what you feel are the most polarizing!

This is interesting.  I think polarizing products to me are broomstick putters.  It just doesn’t seem right to me.  It doesn’t seem to be putting in the traditional sense.  Interestingly I saw no one using an broomstick on the LPGA practice green yesterday.

I think introducing Tour only products after the entire line is introduced for retail sale is brutal to the consumer.  Like Callaway triple Diamond tour only versions that are one offs but not introduced to consumers right away.  That Doesn’t seem to be fair.  You go and buy a new Callaway driver full retail and then find out later something better for your swing is available mid year then you have to upgrade again.  So then you have to sell your slightly used driver or FW to buy a slightly different and usually more expensive tour version.  Not great.

Another is LIV golf. But it’s not a product per se. 

[TJ Hall]

15 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

What are some polarizing products or the ones you find garner most buzz on either side of the fence?

Is the the Autoflex shaft? Could it be BOA shoe system, tour only products, colored golf balls and more?

I want to hear your ideas, thoughts and answers to what you feel are the most polarizing!

I still don’t know how you can swing the Autoflex…aka, noodle, in my opinion (caveat, @GolfSpy_APH said my shaft felt like a 2x4…).

Seems like a lot of polarizing opinions come up on the forum.  

[duckman]

LAB / PXG 

Constant media articles about them, but 90% of us golfers would never be able to afford them.

Or see any benefits to our game

[GG194]

19 hours ago, tblackmer said:

Iron head covers seem to really strike a nerve.  As do Chippers.

Was watching the Open Ricky pairing early Sunday and saw his playing partners caddie taking covers off the irons, had not noticed that with a pro before. Real short name, maybe Roi, had not seen him before. I have used them before. 

[MidwestGolfer74]

It's funny how this thread has devolved from the original question of what people are hearing about on both sides to people actually stating their opinion of what side they are on.  The music and untucked shirt comment is the top example.  

[Destroyer3570]

Ridiculous tees. What is wrong with a plain wooden tee?

[NM01]

9 hours ago, duckman said:

LAB / PXG 

Constant media articles about them, but 90% of us golfers would never be able to afford them.

Or see any benefits to our game

Interesting because the gen 6 are close in Madge to several major brands and are actually significantly cheaper than these

https://www.callawaygolf.com/golf-clubs/iron-sets/irons-2024-apex-pro.html

Plenty of golfers of all skill levels see improvement from pxg irons.

Also titleist $200/iron for the t series

[vandyland]

STAFF BAGS

Why does anyone, pro or not, need these? They are gigantic. I understand they provide more room for endorsement decals but that is about the lamest reason I can think of. I think every tour player should have a stand bag. Trust me, you can fit weather gear in those.