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Hi guys.
Just curious how much of a difference equipment makes in your playing ability. What kind of scores do you think top pro's like Tiger would be shooting if he used a set of clubs purchased from Wal-mart?

just thought it would be an interesting topic.

Thanks

Pete

OK, I'll bite. I think he'd be within a couple strokes of what he shoots with his own sticks. Nothing at Wal-Mart will have a shaft anywhere near the stiffness of his equipment but it's his swing that makes the difference.

The tournaments are so competitive that any additional advantage is necessary.

Hey wait, didn't Phil say Tiger was already playing with inferior equipment a couple years ago? Maybe we should ask what Tiger would shoot if he was playing Callaway

Athletes are athletes and can adapt, that's what seperates them.

I'd give Tiger ~5 more strokes w/ Wal-Mart clubs the first time, after that he'd be pretty close.

Shafts and teh huge offset ont eh irons would be the biggest problem, he's be over powering the club and cutting huge hooks

What the heck... I don't personally think you would see THAT big of a difference. I mean, don't get me wrong. I know there is alot of custom fitment/personalization within Tigers clubs that help him perform to his upmost but as a generalization I honestly think he could walk into Wally World, buy a set of clubs, spend a few minutes on the driving range with them to get comfortable and then go out and shoot a round very close to his normal score. For Tiger or any other pro it's their talent and ability more than their equipment. Just my $.02.

I am a firm believer it's not the equipment it's the operator. Good equipment in any sport helps there's no doubt about that but there is no substitute for talent and hard work. If it were all about the equipment we could all invest in a $5000 custom made set and hit the tour, fortunately it's doesn't work that way. I played with a gentleman last week that had a set of Wal Mart clubs he shot an 80 I am sure with Tigers talent he do better that

It's not the clubs, it's the monkey using them. I'd give Tiger a better than 50% chance of cracking par after 30 minutes on the range.

I think he do prett darned good. Hes good enough and knows enough about equipment that he would realize he wouldnt be able to swing as hard as normal with the clubs. Im sure he would crank it up sometimes depending on the situation but I think he would mostly play steady relaxed golf and easily come in under par. Now if you really want to make it difficult, put another top notch golfer out there with the same clubs. Now they may try to push it as they will be competing against a player as well as the course.

exactly... but I'm also bettin' he COULD shoot better.. why?... 'cuz all those "lil" quirks that show up big time on top shelf clubs, won't be so pronounced... more forgiving... Is this line of thought,off?

I think the biggest difference for him would come with the putter and wedges....those are always the hardest to adjust to (and last time I checked the walmart putters didnt exactly give any feedback when used)

If you really want to make Tiger work for it, change his ball too! I know Walmart sells some Titleist, but give him a dozen cheap Top Flites. Anyone want to add to this?

I think it has to be changed all the way across the board. I don't think he would shoot within 10 strokes if we put him on a tournament course; however, if you put him on your local course and told him to play from the tips with the Wal Mart Clubs, I would guess his score would be within 5 strokes of his normal score (handicap?) if you allowed him to keep his normal putter.

One thing I will guarantee. After his 79, it would be all the "club's fault."

I think if given these clubs (and some rock-flite balls), his game would have to suffer by several strokes. Anyone that has tried playing with a "new" set, knows it takes some acclamation time to get comfortable with them. Let's not forget the mental aspect in standing over the ball w/ inferior clubs. He's also been professionally fitted for his own set and has played w/ them for some time. He would have to make some adjustments to unfitted clubs. It would be an impossibility to not expect his game to faulter by AT LEAST 4 strokes.

A great question would be, Could he be successful on tour w/ Wal-Mart clubs and generic Rock-Flite balls?

Just think of all the publicity Wal-Mart would get!

It's not the clubs.

However, since he wouldn't be using his normal driver, he might throttle back a bit and actually start hitting some fairways! He would probably shoot a couple under par.

Remember, the pros used to play with equipment that is worse than the current stuff in Walmart today.