[Jeff Fortson]

I turned on the Golf Channel last night and noticed something interesting.  There was a show on called, "What's in the Bag", dedicated to equipment being used by tour pros and what you should use.  While I am not totally against the existence of this show, I do have some fundamental problems with the meesage the golfing public is being fed by tv shows, articles, and advertisements like this.

It seems the major message being sent to golfers is that we should look to improve our game through purchasing equipment.  Golfers are constantly bombarded by advertising campaigns from equipment manufacturers that have one goal, emptying your pocketbook.  Their interests have nothing to do with "the good of the game".  Golfers are being convinced that the enjoyment they get from the game is a direct result from buying and using the new "hot" driver or ball that goes further.

Whatever happened to shotmaking?  When did it evolve into mortar firing?

Whatever happened to refining ones skills through years of dedication and practice?  It seems like everyone wants to become a Black Belt instantly.

How does one truly become a better player?  The answer isn't in your $500 driver or $4 golf ball.  It's in the dirt.

Take that $504 and spend it on range balls (which would get you nearly 10,000 of them) and I guarantee you will be hitting it longer and straighter without the help of technology.  Best of all, the improvements will last!

I guess the problem is that the American golfer has become lazier and lazier over the years and, as a result, less of a sportsman.  Golf carts, titanium head drivers, graphite shafts, long putters, cavity back irons, oversize heads, sprinkler head yardage, yardage books, GPS systems on carts, lazer distance measurers, color coded pin placements, pin sheets, and the list goes on and on.  This is all supposedly making golf better.  There is just one problem with all this above mentioned stuff... None of it is making better golfers.  All it does is mask the golfer's shortcomings.

You hit it short?  Buy this new ball.  You hit a big slice?  Buy this new driver.  Have trouble hitting consistent iron shots?  Buy these new cavity back irons.  Got the yips putting?  Buy this long putter.  Want to hit it higher?  Buy this new shaft.  Have trouble eyeballing yardage?  Look at the sprinklerhead.  Can't decide how to play this hole?  Open your yardage book for guidance.  Can't tell where the pin is?  Red is for front, white is for middle, and blue is for back.

Do all these aids really make a person a BETTER GOLFER?

Why are there no shows on the Golf Channel or articles in magazines dedicated to specific design features of golf courses?  Why isn't there a show called "What's on the Course"?  A show where a golf course's architectural features and natural appeal are discussed.  A show in which we can learn a bunker placement's purpose or history.  A show where the golfer learn about history, strategy, and design principles.  Those are the things that make golf interesting and eternal.

The very essence of why I play golf involves the skirting of or recovery from dangerous peril.  I remember more of my escape shots or heroic shots thatn I do some drive that went 10 yards longer than normal.

Basically, my fellow golf enthusiasts, I think we need to reasses what is important for the game.  Longer, straighter drives are good for any player.  However, when longer, straighter drives happen as a result of our purchasing power instead of as a result of our practice and perseverance, we not only cheat ourselvesm but we are cheating the future integrity of the sport we love so much.

What do you think?


Jeff F.

[Kevin_Reilly]

Jeff,

Equipment enthusiasts abhor that show on TGC.  It is seen as glossing over the real equipment topics that enthusiasts want to see.  Adam Barr is considered a know-nothing by most.  Where do these enthusiasts congregate?

Golf Equipment Aficionados (GEA), the largest golf site on the web

Leading site devoted to expensive Tour and imported clubs, will be down for another day or so while they upgrade their server

A spin-off site from some former GEA moderators

Another equipment site run by industry commentator Gary Mayes

Ham & Egg equipment and 19th hole site

And I'm leaving out probably a dozen other sites.

As unsatisfying the Golf Channel "What's In the Bag" show is for equipment junkies (or "ho's" as they call themselves), an architecture show on TGC would undoubtedly be just as reviled by the regulars here.  It would be too general, too summary in nature.  TGC just would never be able to satisfy the desires of people who have a deep interest in a subject....they would never be able to dive as deep into a topic as we'd want.

That's why there are dozens of equipment sites on the internet, and GCA.  

[Mike Benham]

The Golf Channel has 2 weekly shows dedicated to equipment, "What's in the Bag" and "Golf Channel Workshop" that focus on the making and fitting of golf clubs.

They also run 4 shows dedicated to instruction ... so if airtime is the measurement, I would say that they are promoting instruction over equipment (although the in-studio shows are far cheaper to produce than sending Adam Barr all over the place ...).  

I particularily like the "Playing with the Pro's" show and look forward to doing so at the KPIII  

One can also state that equipment manufacturers advertise on The Golf Channel far more than the instructors or schools.

I too tell people to buy $ 500 worth of lessons instead of a new driver but eBay is too damn easy to buy from.

eBay purchases the last 6-months = 2
Visits to my local PGA Pro in last 6-months = 0

Mike

[ChasLawler]

I guess the problem is that the American golfer has become lazier and lazier over the years and, as a result, less of a sportsman.

Jeff - just another reason the downsizing of the game may be in order. The "lazy" golfer isn't going to change - and sadly they're taking over the market - just the way the golf business wants it.

[Andy Hughes]

Jeff
While I tend to agree with your overall point, there is no denying that certain equipment will make some people slightly better.  While Byron Nelson may have worked on his game, he also switched to metal shafts, and Gene Sarazen did put a sand wedge in his bag.  I see nothing wrong with trying to find the best equipment for your game. Of course, I say that still using the same irons I had 10 years ago!

Andy

[TEPaul]

Jeff F;

As to what I think of your ultimate question on your initial post please see my post #56 on the "Future of Golf in America..." thread.

This overall subject is what I think I'll start to refer to as the "Dark Little Secret" that the equipment manufacturers have been foisting on the world's golfers perhaps since the beginnining of the last century and frankly they've been getting better and better at it!

The dark little secret is that for probably 99% of the world's golfers it's impossible to buy an improved game in the pro shop! And that includes to a fairly large degree distance increase today. The sharp distance increase today is only within a small band of very talented golfers! The reality is that the dynamics of the golf swing itself and basically the general player's capability (including inconsistency) regarding same will always prevent real benefit to them!

Of course my scenario in that post #56 is---what if the USGA/R&A decided to shout this reality which of course they're completely aware of from the roof tops? That would be amazing indeed and would logically help to protect and preserve golf architecture that will never be played by that small elite if and when the general golfing public ever figures this out.

And not an hour ago I spoke to the USGA tech department about some of the techinical details of all this and what it means exactly and to whom. When I asked what would happen if the USGA did shout this from the roof tops he said I'd have to talk to those at the USGA who are involved in more political and public relations matters.

But I did ask if it really was a reality that this new technology only really benefits a small and elite number and he said;

"Oh yeah!"

Of course there is somewhat of a caveat here that would effect a somewhat larger group--eg those that have the capablity to take at least some advantage of this so-called new "optimizaiton". He said that they too would see some benefit from "optimization" if they took complete advantage of it. Their benefit would certainly not be as consistent as the tour pro and elite golfer but they would notice a difference distance-wise in the context of their own consistency or lack of it which of course means only now and then!

But the point here is this new technology and particularly in a distance increase sense only benefits a very very small percentage of golfers and that shouldn't change UNLESS....!

More on that later!

[JohnV]

Tom, over the years, the USGA has tried not to pass judgement on equipment and the benefits there of.  As Frank Thomas used to say at all the talks he gave while he worked there, "There are two questions I won't answer, 1) What is the longest ball? 2) What ball do I play?"

Even if they did, would the media report it?  Somehow I don't think it would make more than a quick blip on Golf Central and in each of the magazines.  Regardless of what they say about editorial independence that would be too big a bite out of the hand that feeds them.

Most golfers have always looked for a quick fix and will continue to do so.  If you spend $504 on range balls, it would take something like 55 hours to hit them all (assuming 3 a minute).  Most people don't have that kind of time to devote to the game so they will try to buy instant improvement.

[JakaB]

Jeff,

Lets say I lose weight...get to 6'3" 215lbs...work on my strength and flexibility...and start a series of intensive lessons with an experienced teaching pro.  I have the time...I have the resources and I am a member of a club that can stretch the imagination and skill level of any golfer with a practice facility to match.   As a 44 year old man what is keeping me from getting good enough to qualify for a Senior Open after 6 years of hard work....You make what I have always considered an impossible dream sound easy....I would love to play in just one USGA championship...and if all it takes is hard work...why not.

[JakaB]

Rather than wait for Jeff to respond so I can reveal the point of my post above.....I want to know when do you know you have hit the wall....when is one more range ball too many...when is one more lesson a waste of time.....Is the same factor that seperates the tour pro from the college standout the same factor that seperates the club champion for a mid-am qualifier...that seperates the 69 shooter from the 70 shooter the 90 from the 80 and so on and so on.....Is there a chance that if we think something makes us better that it does...and funny how it does for only so long until we by something else......lessons and range balls...poo on you...it is so much deeper than that.

[Jim_Kennedy]

Jeff,
I mostly agree with what you are saying and wish there was a show focusing on GCA. I can't remember the network but they took a minute or two to talk with Pete Dye about a hole and some of the changes/ reasons for the change. It's too bad something like this isn't a regular feature of Tour broadcasts.

Tom,
The amount of "game" a player can buy with equipment is directly related to what they are presently using. Getting a senior into softer, lighter shafts and softer cover, lower compression balls can have a big impact if he is not presently using same. The average strength younger player can buy some game through fitting too.  
I agree with the rest of what you said.

[Patrick_Mucci]

Jeff Fortson,

We're all searching for the Holy Grail, whether it be in the form of a putter, driver or specialty club, it's part of the lure of the game.

I've been playing the same irons for 20 years, but the same can't be said of my driver and 3-wood, and sadly, not of my putter.

I'd much rather return to the days when my Tommy Armour
McGregor IMGT holed everything I looked at, or so it seemed.

But, I too have sucumbed to the new Odyssey, blade, two ball putter in an effort to return to my putting days of yore.

Sooner or later one must face the inevitable, that their golfing future is behind them, but until they come to accept that reality, the search continues.

One only has to watch TV late at night to see all the exercise gimmicks that will get you in shape by using them for only 15 minutes per day, the diets that will shed weight in only a few weeks and the get rich quick real estate and investing schemes to understand the phenomenon.

Caveat emptor.

Purchase without Practice is useless.

[Jim_Kennedy]

JakaB,
A study done showed the positive effects that a new driver has on a player lasts approximately six weeks. After that he slowly reverts back to his previous faults and any good feelings for the new club evaporate, eventually sending him on a quest for the next magic wand.

I don't know if the entry requirements have changed but you could enter as a professional and try to qualify for the US Open. You'd forfeit your amateur standing for a year but what the heck.

Learning how to win under pressure is the chasm the world's best have learned to cross, and do it under extreme pressure.

[JakaB]

Jim,

We can all try to qualify for a USGA championship....it only counts to make it past the first round.   I am currently on probation by the USGA until I can prove in something more than a club championship or local tournament that I am worthy of another chance.  I entered the qualifying for the 2000 Amatuer held at Pebble....it allowed me to play my first round ever at Victoria National in a practice round where the qualifying was taking place.  I played the practice round and then had to WD for the actual qualifying attempt because of an unusual heat event that day when I knew it would kill me to walk 36 holes...my lack of talent was also a factor.   I may petition the USGA again if I can ever get my handicap back down to a legit 3.2 or so it takes to play in a Mid-Am.....we have lots of qualifying events at Victoria and the home course advantage is huge...but I just am not very good at getting the ball in the hole...never was.

Why some people can go low...and low can mean so many different things...is an interesting proposition.  We all see it all the time at every level....it can make a bad golfer look like a sandbagger in the most unfortunate of cases...someguys got it, someguys don't, someguys lose it...I just don't.

[Jeff Fortson]

It seems that I am equating excellent play with becoming a better golfer.  Is one to think that the only way to become a better golfer is to shoot lower scores?

Golf is more than a number to me.  It's about personal triumphs and failures.  It's about soul searching.  Maybe it isn't about that for many.  Maybe it is all about beating your friends.  I have shot an 80 that was better then some of my 69's.  

My point is that it appears that becoming a better golfer is equated through driving it longer, straighter and shooting lower scores.  I like to think becoming a better golfer is about success and failures that are relative to one's image of themselves as a golfer.


Jeff F.

[Scott_Burroughs]

John,

Your quickest way into a USGA event qualifier at this time is to drop your VN membership [and your other membership(s), if they're private], and shoot for Public Links 2005.  Your current handicap qualifies by a good 2.9 strokes.

Strike that.  Start enterring a bunch of (en fuego) Halmi-esque scores into the handicap system come spring, and you can do U.S. Open, Am, and Mid-Am.  Halmi's low of 1.4 qualified for all three.  His current 9.6 gets him in nothing.

[Mike Benham]

His current 9.6 gets him in nothing.

Except 9 shots a round and the Crosby Pro-Am Title ...

[Jim_Kennedy]

JakaB,
There's only one way to know if you've hit the wall and you only have to look inside yourself and accept what you see. There is no "Peter Principle" in golf.

 

[TEPaul]

"As a 44 year old man what is keeping me from getting good enough to qualify for a Senior Open after 6 years of hard work..."

Barney;

Well for starters a field of about 156 competitors about 140 of which are pro names you grew up watching who will be much better than you! Go on out and watch Tom Watson hit the ball sometime. For that type of impossible dream you probably should have started dreamin' it about 36 years ago instead of now with just six years to realize your impossible dream.

How about the US Senior Amatuer? That you might have a shot at qualifying for if you did all the things you mentioned above for the next six years and got yourself a team of world class psychologists and psychiatrists first!

And don't forget you can't even think about something like  qualifying for a US Senior Amateur until you completely swear off any allegiance to Tom Fazio! To mentally prepare for a US Senior Amateur qualifier you'll first need to read all Geoff Shackelford's books and also completely understand all Max Behr's essays.

[TEPaul]

JakaB:

From a few of your posts above it sounds like the USGA hit you with their basic "inept player" rule! That's hilarious!

[JohnV]

John,  Another benefit of going for the US Senior Amateur is that you've got 11 years to get ready, not 6.  The age limit is 55 for that championship.

[TEPaul]

Damnit, JohnV, why did you have to go and tell him that? I was visualizing him working his ass off for the next six years showing up at a USGA Senior Amateur qualifier and having them tell him he forgot to put his entry in but even if he did he'd still have to wait another five years. Can you imagine how pissed he'd be at the USGA then? You know, a tirade over age discrimination and such!

[JohnV]

Sorry to spoil your fun Tom.

[JakaB]

JakaB:

From a few of your posts above it sounds like the USGA hit you with their basic "inept player" rule! That's hilarious!

Yes, I have a letter from the USGA certifying me as inept...I'm glad you enjoy that fact.  I wonder if any of your buddies over there can pull my name up in a data base and print you a copy.   Note: My home club is hosting the 2006 US Senior Am....they might not even let me marshal after they have seen how I play...

[JakaB]

It seems that I am equating excellent play with becoming a better golfer.  Is one to think that the only way to become a better golfer is to shoot lower scores?

Golf is more than a number to me.  It's about personal triumphs and failures.  It's about soul searching.  Maybe it isn't about that for many.  Maybe it is all about beating your friends.  I have shot an 80 that was better then some of my 69's.  

My point is that it appears that becoming a better golfer is equated through driving it longer, straighter and shooting lower scores.  I like to think becoming a better golfer is about success and failures that are relative to one's image of themselves as a golfer.


Jeff F.

Jeff,

Do you ever let anyone in on this little secret when they are thinking about hiring you to either give them or their children lessons.   I have been around golfers for 36 years now and I don't ever recall someone wanting to take lessons to feel better about themselves as a golfer unless that was a direct result of getting better....You're not the guy who taught me when I was a kid to stop making putts when I get my swing grooved and then to start making putts again when my swing fails...sorry buddy but that leaves me empty.

[TEPaul]

Barney:

I thought you said you read GeoffShac's new book "The Future of Golf in America". Obviously you didn't read it carefully enough or you'd know the USGA is into INDULGENCES now. If you pay them enough they'll take your "inept player" label off the books and let you at least walk your course during an upcoming USGA event. I doubt they'd let you marshall or officiate---that'd be way too dangerous! If you pay them a tremendous amount, though, like a 100 big ones they may even consider expunging that "inept player" offense from the record altogether! You shouldn't have admitted to it on here, though, because we'll never let you forget it!

But if you do happen to qualify for some future USGA Senior Am or even Senior Open I'll personally write a great article of ultimate redemption!

It'll be called:

"The Player who went from being an inept smuck to making the field in the US Senior Am (or Open)!"  

Won't you be proud of yourself then? Start working Pal, you have six years for the Open and eleven for the Amateur! If you'd like I could see what I could do to get you to feel the aura of it all at some point in the next six years. I think I might be able to get you a job as an Senior Open sign-boy sometime before 2009.

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