'Wise Up' Golfers - Overrated Technology

One of the things that I find most annoying about golf is the number of people who think they can improve their game by simply buying the latest equipment. Rather than fixing/working on their swing they look for an easy fix (e.g. buying the latest over-hyped driver that's supposed to cure slices/draws etc.). They are simply wasting their money.

Despite technological improvements the average handicap for golfers has not changed over the last fifty years. Also, the same overall scores (around 279) as fifty years ago are winning the US Masters !

I wish more people would 'wise up' and remember that 'CLUBS DON'T PLAY THE GAME, THE GOLFER DOES!'

Any thoughts ?

I agree. However, there are some technological advances that do help players. Now, 5g in the heel or toe won't cure a slice, but the milled faces on the SMT Durometer wedges do help add spin, and hold greens.

But more or less, whatever Tom Wishon says, I believe.

The technology might be overrated but using clubs that fit your game is just sensible.

My new driver has resulted in a world of difference.

The average handicap may be the same, but it's a far more diverse group of people playing today, and a far higher number of golfers.

Is the average practice time the same as it was?

Is the number of golf rounds per player the same?

There are a LOT of parameters involved before you can categorically state, that the evolution of equipment has no influence on the game of the average player.

Poor comparison. Augusta National has been lengthened by about 1,000 yards over the past 50 years. In addition they have lengthened the rough, sped up the greens, planted more trees, all in the name of trying to stay up with technology. You'll find this true at most courses around the world. If they haven't been lengthened/toughened up, the pro's eatem up for lunch.

Poor comparison. Augusta National has been lengthened by about 1,000 yards over the past 50 years. In addition they have lengthened the rough, sped up the greens, planted more trees, all in the name of trying to stay up with technology. You'll find this true at most courses around the world. If they haven't been lengthened/toughened up, the pro's eatem up for lunch.

Don't you just love a good debate?

Most days.

I'll go further than chopsalot, and suggest it's not the gear, but the golfers who are getting better. Closer to athletes than golfers in the past. More athletic golfers = more mad skillz. Mad skillz have destroyed teh gam0rz!!!



No?


I do think that good gear in the hands of those who can use them are certainly causing problems - and Chop is right - courses have been lengthened to abate it.

Augusta is thinking about a tournament ball. I say wound balata. I also say tournament clubs. Let's bring back persimmon!

I think that advanced technologies do make a difference. I held out for several years but finally tried the new X460 driver last week. I ordered one today!! I too didn't believe the hype about getting consistent results even on mishits. I clearly felt my first drive go off the toe of the club, however the ball flew straight down the center of the fairway. When I hit it well, it went longer and straighter than my current GBB.

Tigress

Technology has certainly improved, however, this isn't the point I'm trying to make.

My point is that there are golfers out there who are trying to improve their game simply by buying the latest equipment. These guys are 'lazy' and unwilling to devote time and effort on their swing, bio-mechanics and fitness which are the biggest factors in improving your game and lowering your handicap. The golf manufacturers are well aware of this 'inherent' laziness and use it to their advantage in their marketing to exploit golfers.

A good analogy is people who are overweight. Rather than cutting down on their food intake and starting an exercise program to help them lose weight they are constantly on the look out for 'magic' pills will make the weight drop off (without the need for hard work). Companies manufacturing these 'magic' pillls and supplements profit hugely from these lazy individuals.

Put in the hard work and you will get your rewards !

I agree and disagree..lol...yes you do need to work on your game/swing to improve, but...you are going to have a hard go at it, with poorly fitted clubs, or the wrong shaft, flex, etc..the list goes on. With a club that is has the wrong lie angle for your swing, say to upright, and you will spend the majority of your golf life hitting pull hooks. The problem as I see it, is years ago we needed to keep changing clubs to find that setup, today it is much easier, there are club fitters and monitors to make this task easier. So just going out and buying the next best thing, is stupid, getting the latest technology and having it fitted to your swing, is the way to go. Pros have been doing this for years, but it has only been rrecently available to us average joes.

If you want to see a dramatic difference in technology, just try and get a pro to play in todays courses with a set of clubs from the 70's or 80's, you won't find one to take that challenge. I have a set in my garage, I can't believe I actually hit a ball with them tiny headed things, they are Titlist irons and I swing weighted them, they were all over the charts, have no idea what flex the shafts are, the driver has a ...wait for it...7 degree head..lmao..put that thing behind a ball, I think the ball was as big as the head, but in it's day, it was the lastest and greatest. I wish I could go back in time, with the clubs I have now, can we say just sign over your check to me now..cause I am going to take ALL the skins,,,lol

hi gassam
i do agree we all look for that magic pill and i know i have lots of aids in the garrage that dont work or i do not put the time in to make them work, i do still use my old ping k1s irons and i get them regripped and tested every two years but i have went to metal woods and also changed to a broomhandled putter and a L wedge all have helped my game,
there is a lot of what you say that is true but new fitted clubs today are more forgiving than most of 20 years ago and wedges have changes a lot too, the old blades of 40 years ago were hard to hit and a 1 iron most would never even use one, with clubs blanced so well now it not any harder hitting a 1 iron to a 5 iron.
bill

back in the 70 after the the open at murfield, ben crenshaw and i think it was jack nicklaus played musselburgh, the oldest club in the world, the used clubs form the early 1900 and feather balls, ben was in fits of giggles most of way round, they did hit in the 40s on a par 33 9 hole couse, they were dressed modern but caddys were in tight tweeds of the 1900. it was a great day and the player could not shape the ball. only try and keep it in play, it was a long time ago and i was just a teen then but was amazing seeing them play with old clubs. and the ball did not fly far being a feather ball.
bill

Hi Qassim
I have to agree with your original point - while the technology may bring better results, it is still the player who has to apply time, effort and practice to improve the game. All other factors being held constant, these gadgets will only marginally improve your game.
When we combine the human element in concert with the technological advances, we can achieve a measurable improvement.
But the manufacturers and their marketing reps need to earn their living...so they will keep making us believe in technology more than skill.