8 Golf Items Not Worth Purchasing

[Golfspy_CG2]

I found this article, entertaining.  A few things I definitely disagree on such as GPS unit, but I understand his alternative.   I also disagree with the custom balls.  Many companies now offer free personalization.

And a few things, I 100% agree on such as the tees, and ball retrievers!   

What are your thoughts?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/golf/overhyped-golf-gear-8-things-not-worth-buying/ar-BB1oZ71n?ocid=socialshare&pc=U531&cvid=b840ae28d5184617a47cff84da95325c&ei=183

[RetiredBoomer]

31 minutes ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

I found this article, entertaining.  A few things I definitely disagree on such as GPS unit, but I understand his alternative.   I also disagree with the custom balls.  Many companies now offer free personalization.

And a few things, I 100% agree on such as the tees, and ball retrievers!   

What are your thoughts?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/golf/overhyped-golf-gear-8-things-not-worth-buying/ar-BB1oZ71n?ocid=socialshare&pc=U531&cvid=b840ae28d5184617a47cff84da95325c&ei=183

I essentially disagree with the entire article.

It's your money.

Buy what you like, I would think.

[RyanGi]

I suppose if you’re 100% focused on the mechanical improvement of your game, then maybe these make sense to avoid (although not sure about the GPS and LM, but whatever). I play golf for fun (or frustration, depending on the day). When someone wants to pay me to play, I’ll stop buying fun things…

Edited August 21 by RyanGi

[slash25rc]

This one is triggering 

1. Custom Golf Balls: Great for tournaments and like mentioned, normally free to customize--just have to wait an extra week or two versus buying off the shelf.

2. GPS Units: I have 18 Birdies on my phone, and while I rarely use it prior to getting a rangefinder, it's a great tool to provide layouts for courses never played and to get front, middle, back green coordinates on Apple Watch. 

3. Basic Launch Monitors: I can see that in a get-what-you-pay-for type of situation, but there's some in the under $1000 range that provide quite a lot of useful and accurate data points.

4. Heavy Training Aids: I think for the range, two alignment sticks is all one really needs. I have a small lightweight putting mirror that also has spots to make a gate, but for home swing practice, sky is the limit. I have a Speed Trap, Hangar, Orange Whip, etc. that rarely leave the house, but I like the option to practice with them. 

5. Expensive tees: I can agree here, wood is good.

6. Score Counters: I can also agree here; seems pretty extra. If you're three over and still not putting, just put it in your pocket if you're not playing competitively. 

7. Premium Headcovers: All lies. Its all about style, repping a home or memorable course, or just something that is fun. I have 6 clubs counting putter that have various headcovers with a Swag Hollywood Hulk Hogan Mallet cover on the way. Why? Because its cool, brother. 

8. Ball retriever: At one course, I don't need it so I don't carry one. At the mountain one, there is a low lying creek that runs through 13 of the 18 holes. A ball retriever is a staple on everyone's personal cart. If you don't have one, you could throw $50 a round away on balls just outside your grasp. I'll keep mine for now.

[RyanGi]

10 minutes ago, slash25rc said:

7. Premium Headcovers: All lies. Its all about style, repping a home or memorable course, or just something that is fun. I have 6 clubs counting putter that have various headcovers with a Swag Hollywood Hulk Hogan Mallet cover on the way. Why? Because its cool, brother. 

 

Thank you! What fun is golf without badazz head covers?? I’m building a collection…and probably should start a support group…

[cnosil]

14 minutes ago, RyanGi said:

Thank you! What fun is golf without badazz head covers?? I’m building a collection…and probably should start a support group…

I think it is more important to have Baddazz shafts especially in the putter.

https://www.vashafts.com/bdzptr-120

[JohnSmalls]

2 hours ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

I found this article, entertaining.  A few things I definitely disagree on such as GPS unit, but I understand his alternative.   I also disagree with the custom balls.  Many companies now offer free personalization.

And a few things, I 100% agree on such as the tees, and ball retrievers!   

What are your thoughts?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/golf/overhyped-golf-gear-8-things-not-worth-buying/ar-BB1oZ71n?ocid=socialshare&pc=U531&cvid=b840ae28d5184617a47cff84da95325c&ei=183

Headcovers?  In the world of BYOB (be your own brand) unique headcovers are an easy way to make your golf bag your own and not advertise what brands you are playing.  They fly under the radar and unique headcovers are one of the few things still on the list for Christmas/birthday gifts for golfers that are easy(ish) to find, thoughtful and well appreciated by the gift giver and recipient. 

Edited August 21 by JohnSmalls

[Rob Person]

Need vs want.

What you need to be able to play golf:

clubs, balls, tees, bag,

(and a slight chance that you maybe need a glove and golf specific shoes)

Everything else is a personal preference 

I disagree with the ball retriever part though.  It's not just used for water hazards! I use mine if I can see my ball in a heavily thorned section that walking into is not feasible,  but my retriever can get to.  I Just don't stand there hunting for balls!  BALLS ARE EXPENSIVE!!!

[slash25rc]

2 hours ago, RyanGi said:

Thank you! What fun is golf without badazz head covers?? I’m building a collection…and probably should start a support group…

I agree! Currently have a driver cover from my club, Rose & Fire Augusta Azalea themed 3 wood, Reinland 7 wood cover, a Cayce Transfusion hybrid, and a North Coast Golf Bogey the Bear hybrid cover as well. Had various blade covers from different clubs but switched to a mallet so hoping the Swag one I ordered fits snug on the Mizuno I have since it is a little bit smaller profile compared to Odyssey and TM mallet heads. 

[Rico_de_Gallo]

The heart say buy what makes you happy if it's in the budget

 

Me .... concur with the article when it comes to buying expensive tees or a stroke counter.

Any of the others, I could go either way

[vandyland]

I expected to see scorecard holders in there for sure.

[RyanGi]

What’s a score card???

[poprocksncoke]

I would like to add this to the list 

[CPP]

golf GPS unit, Hummm, I wonder how the really nice golf courses feel about that since a lot are equipping their golf carts with have GPS .

[cnosil]

8 hours ago, CPP said:

golf GPS unit, Hummm, I wonder how the really nice golf courses feel about that since a lot are equipping their golf carts with have GPS .

If courses are equipping carts with GPS that reiterates what the article is saying about golfers not needing to buy one. If the cart has one use it,  if not just download a free app for your phone.  

[RTH1]

It is a hobby for most of us, so buy whatever you want, like, think you need, or will enjoy. Just please don't let it slow down the pace of play.

[ColdOkieGolf]

The only one I really disagree with is the headcovers.    I mean - why not have some sort of cool/custom/meaningful headcover?  And as a bonus, it doesn't advertise what (potentially) expensive club you have under there.

Buying a stand alone GPS unit, I totally agree with.   My phone works great.  Some of these apps now you can even get a satellite image of the hole, see the distance to trouble areas..etc.   It's been a game changer when playing new courses.