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Just saw a copy of the January Golf Magazine and in it they have an article about how "You can buy a better game". I was intrigued, but skeptical, and after skimming through the article, I got so frustrated that I could barely put it back on the magazine rack quickly enough.

In it, they talk about how they take a few golfers of various abilities, and give them fitting sessions and new equipment to see what kind of change can be made with just different clubs.

My first complaint was that nowhere in these discussions came the possibility that the person had good clubs, but they just needed a tweak here and there. Aren't we told that the shaft is the 'engine of the club' and to never underestimate a properly fitted grip?

But that is not what this article preaches. THey just throw the baby out with the bathwater. By reading this article, the only thing I see them promoting is that in order to play better, you need to buy the most expensive equipment available (that is also one of the magazine sponsors coincidentally).

Here is a rundown of their 'experiments':

From what I've read, its not enough for all of these subjects to get a different shaft, or lie adjustment, or grip change. THey've got to get $1000 irons, $500 drivers, etc. And in some cases, that doesn't even merit a reduction in handicap.

It sure gives hope to all of us who aren't able to shell out two grand for a set of clubs (with fitting) that may or may not even help. And if they dont, do you think that your local clubfitter will give a money back guarantee? I didn't either.

It also gives false hope to the new player, who has such an inconsistant swing, where one day they'll need 2 degrees upright and x-stiff, and the next day, they'll need 1 degree flat and regular shaft.

Is it just me, or are the conspirators not even trying to hide their desire for more money and lack of care for any improvement and interest in the game anymore?

I think some of those guys would see even more improvement if they shortened their drivers a bit.

I don't care for these types of articles either, but they do fulfil a need: Look at this site: The Golf Equipment forum is one of the busiest forums on Golf Rewind, and the people who post in it, and read it made this happen out of their own free will!

The equipment forum is THE busiest forum here at GR.

Shade

Well...if it was the arrow and not the indian golf would just be a matter of spending money and all those character building hours of practice and course torture when things aren't going well would be out the window...along with my interest I imagine as it is the process and not the result that is the most attractive part of the game IMO...won't stop people from trying though, and if you look at my bag, I have at least eliminated any doubt that the indian is the culprit... :)

About twice as busy as the Golf Tips forum: Very interesting!

Weizard, I was actually so unimpressed with title of the article that came to my mailbox that I haven't even opened up that issue yet. FWIW, I find that topic not only incorrect, but uninteresting also. I thought it was the idiot holding the club, not the club itself.

I only hope that readers are smart enough to spend their hard-earned money on lessons and practice (esp. shaort game) to improve rather :"Buying" $2,000 worth of major-brand equipment. In other words, I tend to agree with you.

LordEmery: I couldn't agree more! Apparently, the magazine must pay homage to those buying their advertising by touting the product. It's the same deal no matter what your interest may be. Golf is certainly one of those. Why, it just wouldn't do to appear at the start of the season with shudder, last season's clubs, bag, shoes, etc., now, would it?

I take a magazine which tries to convince me that if I don't buy a 30K boat and all manner of tackle, I'll never catch another fish... I've seen people with cane poles, on the bank, do quite well, thank you very much.

All manner of pusuits suffer from this, just some more blatently than others...

I subscribe to GOLF and read that article too...the thing I noticed was the occupations of the guys who got fitted with the high-dollar custom gear - investment banker, attorney, portfolio manager, marketing executive...sure, $2000 worth of clubs...More power to them, if they want to try to buy a low handicap, their money.

Average golfer (and probably average reader of GOLF magazine) with a mortgage and kids can't do that though - all of my clubs cost a total of under $450, spread out over the course of two years building my set (I won the driver). Between these clubs and checking out golf instruction DVDs from the library, I've got to work at it and practice, practice, practice for a lower score.

I'm glad to see many people are aware, but we all fall victim to the media to sell us on the next greatest thing. Whether it is electronics, cars, golf clubs, interpretation of news events, etc.

Golf Magazine is run to push advertising, so they will always push the Callaways, Nikes, Titleist, etc., because they are the biggest spenders. Golf Magazine is trying to help golfers, but their first concern is their profit.

I'd like to believe that as we get older, we are much more wise to this and are less apt to fall victim to this, but I am not sure about this anymore. This is why handicaps are not coming down, people just do not want to put the work into improving, and simply want the quick fix like a new driver. This is also the reason why TV cares most about the 18 to 29 year olds and what they are watching.

I wish there was a way to only get "pure" golf advice and get real reviews of products, but that would be a dream world. As I get older, I figure everyone has an angle to buy what they are selling. Some of it is good, but most of it is a "crock".

I believe in mankind and people, I just do not believe advertising.

Let's not pretend however that having suitable gear does make a difference. If you're a high handicapper using grandads 1970's blades which are an inch too long for you, and his persimmon 1 wood, you are going to see a noticeable improvement in your game by buying half decent, forgiving cavity back irons fitted to the right length, and a big headed titanium driver with the right flex shaft.

I find different shafts have a big impact on my driving, and having the right shaft can definitely take off a few shots a round.

You certainly don't have to buy this years gear, and you don't have to spend a fortune, but properly fitted gear will make a difference. It won't make a bad golfer good, but it will improve your scores, and that's all the article is saying from what I can gather. The 25 handicapper didn't come down to 6, he just came down to 22. It didn't make him a good golfer, but it did help.

I`ve got the magazine,but haven`t read the article yet.I see the major flaw of equipment solving all your problems and exspensive sets doing the best job,hog wash!! Its still the player that controls the clubs that needs the help.Golf Digest has an article on training aids and they have a few that they tell what they should do for your swing,but they state from the start that the set-up is the most important thing for you swing and that muscle memory is a myth,because muscles have no capacity to remember.The end results is a good set-up and lessons,lessons,and lessons.

Magazines, while they can be helpful, are still about making a profit. Without a good swing, etc. they aren't going to be that great. I'm sure getting properly fitted clubs didn't hurt, but to make it seem like you're going to improve greatly is kind of a joke, IMO.

I recently read an article alluding to the fact that we, as a society, simply haven't the patience or willingness to accept anything less than the best. Is this taught in schools? I haven't been there for a long time, but I do know it wasn't the case when I was.

Perhaps everyone believes in the "Magic Short Cut." Frankly I doubt any of us will find it on the golf course...LOL

Cutting edge equipment is nice, but, it's just equipment, NOT magic wands.

Picking up a scalpel does not make one a surgeon.

They should have said "Early April Fools", yes you can buy a better game it is called lessons.