What Is The MyGolfSpy Forum To You?

[GolfSpy_APH]

Title kinda says it all, but want your takes on what the MyGolfSpy Forum is to you? 

What do you think or feel the identity of the Forum is in your opinion? 

I have my own take and what I believe, but I want to hear from you and your thoughts on this topic. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

For reference this is something I made up the other day that I feel describes the forum really well. 

A Community Built for Golfers The MyGolfSpy Forum is where golfers who live and breathe the game gather to talk shop, share tips, and, of course, vent about their love-hate relationship with golf. Whether you’re here for the latest gear insights or to connect with others who understand your obsession, our forum offers a welcoming space for every golfer to share their thoughts and passions both on and off the golf course. Explore new products, fine-tune your game, and most importantly, meet fellow golfers who are as passionate as you are about this thrilling (and sometimes maddening) sport.

[bens197]

After being here for 7 years, it’s been the place I can come to connect with like minded people.
 

Everyone makes everyone feel valued, there’s no snark and the community is positive and empowering. 
 

Credible voices and overall, just fun to talk the game with some great people. 
 

I am sure someone will find a more eloquent way to frame what I’m saying but that’s really it for me.  

[Rob Person]

Nothing really new beyond what ive mentioned on previous posts. But I can elaborate a little deeper.

How it started- Testing!  I joined for the intent purpose of wanting to test golf equipment.  I was very new to golf, and thought "how cool is this?!"

For whatever reason, unbeknownst to me, the MGS staff chose me to test something!

But here is what that first test did to me:

It forced me to focus on the expectations laid out.  It made me want to do good and understand more about how and why

Then I started to want to learn more about golf it's rules, how to inspire myself to be better.

From there,  it became a community to me. 

And that's what it is for me!

Do I want to still test cool,  new, and unique golf products?  Heck yeah!  But not for the same aspects as when I joined. 

 I really want to give back to those who come here, to learn, to test, to belong, and anything else that brought them here in the first place. I want to be part of why they stay, engage, share, and bring something to everyone!

It's a community,  the rest is just perks!

[poprocksncoke]

Great place to come to learn about all things golf related.  Get introduced to products that I would have never even considered before.  The reviews offer valuable insight into the products and you know its an honest review.  That and getting to know other golfers you would have never had the opportunity to have met.  And some of the threads on here are pretty funny 

[Shankster]

I think it was my 1000th post, I did a montage.  This place is like the TV Show Cheers for me, there is always an open seat for everyone. You guys helped me through an almost golf hobby ending shoulder surgery, put up with my “no music” on the course (well most of you) stuff, everyone must play blades!, 4 freaking moves, and 16,000+ and growing posts.  I admittedly came for the Glide “free” wedges, but very soon after found out what this place was all about.  I was not in a good spot when I joined, this place was my place to come escape it all.

Glad to be back as a contributor on here, and I’m sorry for the language that he used, but I couldn’t find a more fitting GIF.

[Coulter]

No one that I know outside MGS is in love with this game as much as I am, I pretty much spend most of my time thinking about something golf related and daydreaming about getting to play and improving my game. 
MGS is the community of likeminded people that I wish I was able to have but not available to me offline. 
A place I'm able to come to and indulge my vice when I’m not able to be out playing, and what I feel is reliable information geared toward helping me enjoy this game we all love as much as is possible. 
I’ve said it before but will again. I absolutely love this community.

Edited September 13 by Coulter

[C Nevin]

The forum is a group of passionate golfers committed to providing insights and perspectives on the game...whether those are focused on equipment, rules, courses, clothing, etc...this group will provide unbiased, unabashed opinions for others to benefit from.

[rkj427]

Originally joined to see the real world feedback from real world golfers that aren't on television playing for a living.

Found that this forum is made up of a diverse group of people, with a wide range of handicaps who all seem to be interested in helping one another make good choices or decisions for all to play and enjoy the game better.

Really was awesome to attend the MGS Outing and meet and interact with those in attendance, and also meet and interact with the MGS HQ staff, and the MGS Forum staff.

As far as testing, for me, I will only apply for a testing opportunity on a product that I think would benefit myself, but also have a 90+% chance of staying in play.

It is great to see the other testers thoughts and reviews on all of the other products, as it really gives one an insight into how they may or may not work for me.

More than just a group of like minded people, it truly is a community, where some real world friendships can be made.  

[TJ Hall]

What is My Golf Spy?

A place full of strangers that aren’t really strangers!

A place to interact with a great group of people who are extremely knowledgeable and are friendly/helpful/inviting.

A place that makes me want to purchase way more golf stuff than SWMBO would like!

Went to the outing this year never having met any of the other spies, and it was great!  Told my wife I’m golfing with a bunch of guys I met online, ha!  How many other places can you say that and it turn out great?

I’ve had the joy of meeting many in person and interacting with many others in the forum…couldn’t have asked for a better place.  

 

[yungkory]

Club ho support group

Place to shoot the sh.. with the boys

Source of product reviews from normal people who aren't being paid to shill the product

Source of knowledge from a few members who I trust to give solid advice

Made a really good lifelong friend in @mr.hicksta

[EasyPutter]

MyGolfSpy Forum is:

What I stumbled on when I wanted to find a one-time purchase push cart that was going to last a lifetime.  I found the 2018 push cart review, selected my cart, it's been everything promised and keeps going - value confirmed.

Where I found like minded golf obsessed people who are just as in love with the game as I am, and perhaps others are but nobody wears it on the sleeve like we do here... 

Like minded in love with golf people met on the MGS Forum meetups  at Queenstown Harbor MD 2022, Talamore NC 2023, and Kingsmill VA 2024 when everyone there was already known to me as fellow Forum members and finally I was amongst like minded golf obsessed people 

A place to start my day on The Good Morning Thread  catching up with what happened since my last check-in contributing as I have almost daily since it went live Feb 7, 2023.

Opportunity to step outside myself when selected to test, to be creative and write content worth reading, getting out and doing actual product testing using parameters and posting current activity, taking photos and videos, packaging the whole of the experience into a thorough but to the point synopsis I then share with friends on other social media as it always is my best effort. 

Community online in the Forum threads and on the Community Call  where sound and sight becomes an added layer of awesomeness to the already amazing experience of the online Forum.

Civility, where people behave themselves well enough to want to read what is shared, see what is shared, give and receive candid and genuine responses that show each person here cares about the others and me, so much careless abuse in the world but not in the MGS Forum where such behavior is not tolerated. 

Moderators who care, are active, giving of time, talent, and energy and we all benefit. 

Where I want to be if every other social media site was to crash and only one could remain. 

Where I can post something like this and not get heckled, except perhaps by good natured people like me who want to share a laugh with me.  Eye rolls are always welcome 

 

Edited September 16 by EasyPutter
corrected error

[Lefty11]

Before joining this community, I was active in two other golf forums. However, as soon as I became a member here, I decided to leave the others behind and haven't looked back. The previous forums felt cold and unwelcoming, but I felt a genuine sense of belonging from the moment I arrived here.

Discovering that equipment is tested on MGS was a bonus I hadn't expected. Being part of this community is like having my morning espresso—an essential part of my routine that helps me get through the day.

I enjoy the lively banter and deeply appreciate the hard work of the moderators and everyone behind the scenes who keeps this place running smoothly. We're all united by our passion for golf, and if you're a golfer, you're a friend of mine. 

It might sound a bit cliché, but in essence, it feels like my second home.  Bravo MGS!

Edited September 14 by Lefty11

[Josh Parker]

I am trying to remember what brought me to the forum in the beginning.  I want to say I was researching a club and stumbled across the forum.  Decided to jump in and after a few posts, was hooked.  I had read some things on other forums and saw the banter and the way people talked to others on those sites.  I didn't see it on MGS!  

Not only is MGS a place for all of us golf nuts, but everyone is respectful to each other and genuinely cares about others.  That rare in these times.  As you can see, just over a year and 5k plus post, I'm here....

 

[russtopherb]

It's a place to talk golf, and nothing but golf, with other like minded folks.

It's also a great place to read user reviews from golfers who have games very similar to mine, which makes a HUGE impact and difference when it comes to club considerations. I think that's the biggest thing that helps make this place unique. Other places certainly offer club reviews & testing, and some do a good job of it, but the spread of products and golfing abilities is what makes this forum shine for me.

[sirchunksalot]

To me, the forum is a community of people who are passionate about the game of golf. What makes it a place I'm excited to visit every day is the sense of community it provides. I know the main focus is golf but I'm thankful for the relationships and friendships I've built over the last 6+ years. 

I was fortunate to be able to go on the outing this year and meet several members and let me tell you, the members here are as wonderful in person as they are on the forum. I was nervous going on the outing since I'm a bit socially awkward, but from the moment @Tom the Golf Nutand I arrived at RNK and I got out of the car and met @GolfSpy_BOS I felt at ease. 

Getting to spend time in person with the likes of @Kenny B, @cnosil, @EasyPutter, @rkj427, @Berg Ryman, the forum staff, @TJ Hall, and everyone else was a highlight of my year. 

I believe the member reviews here are second to none, I know there's professional reviews out there but there's something more relatable to reading them from golfers on here. 

 

 

[Erin B]

What the MyGolfSpy Forum is to me?
This is a good question that has several answers.

1) It’s a place that has a lot of interesting ideas and some really nice people. 

2) It’s a research platform for us mere mortals that gives us an opportunity to be a part of the golf equipment development process.

3) It’s a support system for folks that may be going through a rough patch in life or the game.

4) It’s a place that has many opportunities to be a part of something more than just golf, like development of writers. 

What do I think or feel the identity of the Forum is in my opinion? 
The identity of the forum to me…. I think the Identity of the forum is that it’s an unbiased, socially inclusive golf research group.

I’m grateful to be a part of MGS. I’ve met some wonderful people who care about and support each other; differing opinions or backgrounds be damned. MGS has given me golf world opportunities that I’d never get if I weren’t a member. Thank you for everything I’ve been able to experience!

Edited September 14 by Erin B

[buckpillar]

1 hour ago, Erin B said:

What the MyGolfSpy Forum is to me?
This is a good question that has several answers.

1) It’s a place that has a lot of interesting ideas and some really nice people. 

2) It’s a research platform for us mere mortals that gives us an opportunity to be a part of the golf equipment development process.

3) It’s a support system for folks that may be going through a rough patch in life or the game.

4) It’s a place that has many opportunities to be a part of something more than just golf, like development of writers. 

What do I think or feel the identity of the Forum is in my opinion? 
The identity of the forum to me…. I think the Identity of the forum is that it’s an unbiased, socially inclusive golf research group.

I’m grateful to be a part of MGS. I’ve met some wonderful people who care about and support each other; differing opinions or backgrounds be damned. MGS has given me golf world opportunities that I’d never get if I weren’t a member. Thank you for everything I’ve been able to experience!

Very Well Said Sir!!

[schooner44]

I think these forums represent a group of like minded folks who love to discuss, share and offer help to everyone else here. I have learned a ton since joining this community and only hope I can contribute back a fraction of what I've gained.

[Erin B]

57 minutes ago, buckpillar said:

Very Well Said Sir!!

Thank you amigo! You all have been awesome and supportive! Especially when the commander was going through breast cancer. You all kept me from losing my .

[buckpillar]

I was fortunate to come across a group/community of golfers that love the game as much as I do and probably some even more, The MGS forum is a safe haven where you can get honest unbiased opinions, help and just in general great conversations about golf or anything you have a thought about or like to BS a good bit with outstanding people.

It's a great place to give feedback and ask questions during testing's of the products the MGS has been able to provide over the years, I have learned so much by reading reviews and providing my own reviews for the tests I have completed, but it's not all about the tests, which originally thought it was a cool idea to have an everyday golfer selected to test a product and provide their experiences that may relate to someone in a different country or in a near by state... you never know.

Best thing I think is the MGS Staff has always in my opinion a straight forward group that only has it's members and OEM's best interest at heart , they have never waivered in being honest and up front with any situation, provide easy to follow guidelines no matter if it is testing or rules of the forum. 

Thank you EVERYONE for being part of my golfing life and hope to meet some of you sooner than later!

MyGolfSpy Nation- HITTEM Straight!!

[BIG STU]

I read through this last night and was too tired to post. I looked it up come December 26 I have been here 14 years. I do not remember how I came across this site. I do remember it was the Day after Christmas and I was more than likely up at the wrecker yard messing on the computer.

For me it has always been the discussions on a variety of subjects. Around here in real life most play golf but do not know anything about the game or the equipment. Here you have a variety of folks from all walks of life. And no one argues on stuff like blades versus CBs and crap like that. 

I have met and played with a couple of quality folks on here like @JohnSmalls and @Tom the Golf Nut and one of the Ga guys came to visit and we had lunch together. Sorry due to my concussion I vaguely remember it. Always had good banter going with the Florida guys.

I had gotten away from here for about a year due to me being involved in the classic's forum and a 19th hole forum on WRX. The powers that be and I had a falling out on WRX, and I left for good. I have spoke my part on that and I will say no more on that.

One thing here the staff and Mods have participated in all discussions like regular members. It has always been that way here. Here you can say something good or bad about a product without fear of repercussions because MGS is like me never has bowed down and kissed anyone's butt. It is honest and unbiased has always been. 

I am really enjoying it here since I have came back full time. This is the only golf site I am on now except some collector and old fart golf groups on FB. I like the fact here I can be me and state my opinion whether good or bad. I have never had a run in with the mods but have seen some that have but it was explained up front and in open forum what the "violation" was and how to correct it. I did get mad one time when a friend of mine was banned but Adam reached out to me and honestly told me his side of the story. That meant a lot to me someone fairly presenting their side of the story. I am open minded and know there is two sides to every story. The staff and Mods here are quick to respond if helping someone like me who is not computer savvy. @Golf Spy Ben got me set up on the virtual golf thread. But everyone here is helpful whether a member or staff. Really this always has been a friendly place.

[ParFore74x]

Originally landed here for the member reviews and the relaxed atmosphere. Other forums that I looked at just didn’t have the right vibe for me.

I enjoy reading and sharing about great rounds, wonderful shots, and what type of equipment others are using. I’m a big time golf nerd and really just enjoy learning about and trying different equipment. It’s become an obsession for me since I became a member. 

[mpatrickriley]

As concisely as I can put it: this is a forum that lets golf sickos talk while sidelining the golf hardos.

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I came to the main MGS site for a couple years for the equipment reviews. Then I browsed the forum a little  until that moment where someone asked a question about something I happened to know alot about. So I signed up and replied. That's all it took. Six years and over 4000 posts later I'm still here and only here.

My wife often  asks me if I'm on my Facebook for Golfers. That’s what she calls it anyway. "Yes dear, where else would I be."

I enjoy this Forum for the community. Everyone wants to help, give suggestions, and just talk golf. No one knocks you down. There is no such thing as a dumb question and you won't be berated for asking a question that might be common knowledge to most. This is an extended family with a common interest. I have had the opportunity to meet and play golf with 31 spies already and hope to meet more. I can say I have friends scattered around the world due to this site. Meeting great people, testing equipment, reading reviews from everyday people, and just chatting about golf has been a rewarding experience that I couldn't get anywhere else.

A special thank you to the staff. They help keep this site a welcoming community. 

[BIG STU]

5 hours ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

As concisely as I can put it: this is a forum that lets golf sickos talk while sidelining the golf hardos.

Preach it brother preach it. Yes pun intended. Glad to hear from you and to know you are still on staff

[tony@CIC]

What an interesting question @GolfSpy_APH. I joined in January 2017 but can't remember how I found the site and why I decided to join - but then they say the mind is the first thing to go ( I think ). However, I do know I didn't join because of testing - afterall I had a ridiculously high handicap and why would anyone value my opinions on a test at that time. 

So what is the Forum to me then and today? I tend to be analytical and get into the details of everything I do or have done. At the time  - waaay back in 2017, being a new golfer (I started after I retired) the Forum gave me a 'safe' place to learn and ask questions without being berated by supposed scratch golfers on other sites.  A few years later and a much lower handicap and I still feel the need to ask questions or get advice. Sometimes I even have the opportunity to give advice.  The one underlying code of the Forum is that everyone's opinion is valued. Oh and no politics (thankfully). 

Secondary benefits of the Forum and what it means to me is the community both online and in real life. When we lived in Northern Ohio, I got to meet and play with some great members:  looking at you @MattF, @MaxEntropy, @DiscipleofPenick and other Ohio brethren, as well as in Florida  @fozcycle and @revkev. Plus all of the members I interact with online.  

What else does the Forum mean to me? An opportunity from time to time to find and experiment with equipment that gets me better results and sometimes at a lower cost. I quickly learned that you don't have to stick with a particular big name brand because the marketing gurus say it's so. I started out with a complete Ping bag (my initial instructor/pro shilled Ping equipment).  

Oh and yes I should mention equipment testing, especially since I've been a tester several times. I do understand the value to the forum of the many great pieces of equipment tested and the ability to draw new Forum members in but in terms of past , current and I anticipate future value of the Forum to me - it's all of the above. 

 

 

 

 

[BIG STU]

13 hours ago, tony@CIC said:

What an interesting question @GolfSpy_APH. I joined in January 2017 but can't remember how I found the site and why I decided to join - but then they say the mind is the first thing to go ( I think ). However, I do know I didn't join because of testing - afterall I had a ridiculously high handicap and why would anyone value my opinions on a test at that time. 

So what is the Forum to me then and today? I tend to be analytical and get into the details of everything I do or have done. At the time  - waaay back in 2017, being a new golfer (I started after I retired) the Forum gave me a 'safe' place to learn and ask questions without being berated by supposed scratch golfers on other sites.  A few years later and a much lower handicap and I still feel the need to ask questions or get advice. Sometimes I even have the opportunity to give advice.  The one underlying code of the Forum is that everyone's opinion is valued. Oh and no politics (thankfully). 

Secondary benefits of the Forum and what it means to me is the community both online and in real life. When we lived in Northern Ohio, I got to meet and play with some great members:  looking at you @MattF, @MaxEntropy, @DiscipleofPenick and other Ohio brethren, as well as in Florida  @fozcycle and @revkev. Plus all of the members I interact with online.  

What else does the Forum mean to me? An opportunity from time to time to find and experiment with equipment that gets me better results and sometimes at a lower cost. I quickly learned that you don't have to stick with a particular big name brand because the marketing gurus say it's so. I started out with a complete Ping bag (my initial instructor/pro shilled Ping equipment).  

Oh and yes I should mention equipment testing, especially since I've been a tester several times. I do understand the value to the forum of the many great pieces of equipment tested and the ability to draw new Forum members in but in terms of past , current and I anticipate future value of the Forum to me - it's all of the above. 

 

 

 

 

Great Post---- Even though I have been playing this game some 60 years now there is always room to learn something new. And I am envious you got to play golf with @fozcycle and @revkev. They are some of the old timers like me. In fact without looking it up I think they were here when I joined. We had over the years planned to get together and play golf. It more than likely will not happen now because of my back I am not able to travel long distances.

Yep the banter here is always good. Even though I am Old School I do read and absorb information like a sponge. Yes this is a great place for me to absorb new information

 

[slash25rc]

I have not been in the forum very long, and have tried other forums along the way, but this one stuck out above all the others for these reasons:

• Amazing content and product research from staff.
• In-depth testing reviews from professionals and amateurs alike--really shows how new equipment can help all skill levels of the game.
• Friendly, positive, and like-minded community--everyone here strives to help each other out and grow the game of golf.
• A place to share about a great round, shot, or new purchase that a member is excited about.
• Encouraging advice on equipment decisions, swing concerns, shot fixes, and overall body health for playing the game.
• A place to learn about new courses and opportunities to play them with other members all across the globe.
• Mental therapy--this forum is an amazing decompressor and a break from work and the hustle of life. Even when it is raining for a week, I can still be involved in the game that I love with others who love it. 
• Supporting community--golf aside, I have heard people share situations and hardships they are going through, and the members here encourage and uplift showing it is bigger than just a group or a game.

Grateful to be apart of MGS!

[Dan1247]

I've only been here a few months, but what I've found is a welcoming and helpful community. I may never be a multiple, or even 1, rounds a week player (until my kids get older), but that hasn't stopped me from feeling like I can belong here and share in the enjoyment, and frustration, of this sport.

I love being able to read reviews and experiences of golfers of all ability levels for all types of brands and equipment, not just top players that are paid to give a good review by the big boys. 

While the chance to test new equipment is a nice incentive, its the community that will keep me coming back.