Do you think we are in a bubble as 'plugged in' golfers?
Absolutely.
When I look at the equipment, the knowledge and the conversation in the people I encounter on courses, and particularly at my home club the world we all live in is very much a bubble.
When I look at the equipment, the knowledge and the conversation in the people I encounter on courses, and particularly at my home club the world we all live in is very much a bubble.
- Thread starter
- #29
That’s a great call. It’s definitely a double-edged sword. While we are more 'educated' on the tech, you’re right that we are also targeted with much more surgical messaging. There is a reason OEM's employ marketing departments. Marketing works, no matter how much we want to deny or pretend that we are susceptible to it.
The average golfer sees a commercial and thinks, 'That looks cool.' We read a 20-page thread and think we’re being objective, but we might just be falling for a different form of marketing. Does our 'education' actually make us harder to please, or just easier to manipulate with the right buzzwords?
Harder to please yet easier to sell. We know enough to know that equipment matters. We know fit matters. Maybe this new tech or this other spec will work better because my swing has x, y, or z flaw. At least that’s how I see myself. It’s not the buzzwords it’s the hope that I can buy a game through tech advanced.
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2021
- Messages
- 3,948
- Reaction score
- 2,862
- Location
- University Place, WA
- Handicap
- 13.5 Index
Looking at this from the viewpoint of someone who is accused of being a nerd or weirdo in many things science and knowledge-related of course we are. Does that mean there are not others out there in significant numbers? I'm not sure. I venture we are different in that we have enough curiosity to have found a place to learn, advance that learning, and apply that knowledge. Many others find someone to tell them what is "good" and pass that on. I personally avoid golf evangelism and welcome THP as a space for discussion, debate, enjoyment, and continued learning.
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2021
- Messages
- 3,948
- Reaction score
- 2,862
- Location
- University Place, WA
- Handicap
- 13.5 Index
I think it depends on the person. I am a natural skeptic so my learning here, in combination with wanting to ensure the right decision has led to more procrastination along with the need to test more. Marketing works but when one is averse to marketing it has to be so subtle that it's almost anti-marketing.
We are definitely the lunatic fringe for a reason. I have friends who play and know allot about”golf” but not on our level.
Us benefitting from staff writers and AMA’s with the people directly tied to the brands allow us a unique insight to the golfing world not may get.
Thats why I always have to take a step back and realize how fortunate we are.
I'd say very much so. I feel like I know more about the clubs than the guys at the local big box store, and I know I'm barely scratching the surface compared to some on here. The rest of the people I know have no idea what's been released or anything about it.
I think people can be knowledgeable and informed without being members of a golf forum. There’s just so much information available from so many sources to those who want to learn.
I think the average golfer is far more knowledgeable than they used to be, just due to the inevitability of social media even if you aren't a regular forum member . So versus say 20 years ago i would say the delta is far less.
That being said people who spend all day here will know a lot more about latest releases, and sleeper products.
A good example is the DS Adapt last year. Great driver.....but no one at my club bought it.
That being said people who spend all day here will know a lot more about latest releases, and sleeper products.
A good example is the DS Adapt last year. Great driver.....but no one at my club bought it.
Yes.
I get to explain loft jacking and YouTube videos to a friend looking to upgrade from his 80s era Ping Eye2
I get to explain loft jacking and YouTube videos to a friend looking to upgrade from his 80s era Ping Eye2
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2018
- Messages
- 5,814
- Reaction score
- 7,173
- Location
- Biddeford, Maine
- Handicap
- GHIN 18.8
Absolutely...........the knowledge shared here, and the access to testing and equipment is so much more than anything I see and hear at the course.
Excluding those in the plus and elite level of the game, does any perceived superior thoughts and knowledge on golf equipment really add up to anything though or is it just a spiral to a vanishpoint of insignificance as far as on course playing of the game is concerned ?
Yes we are in a bubble. A bubble created by having access to those inside the industry through the forum, through the experiences, through the reviews from the staffers, through JB's curated and hard work to create experiences unlike any other. Are we any better than some of hte non-bubble? Probably not. But more informed, more engaged, more educated? Abso-frigin-lutely.
Preach, brother!
I think we are definitely the minority. I play at a club and many of my friends have been fitted for stuff but most of them aren’t really in tune that much with what they have. I have adjusted drivers for 4 or 5 of my buddies who never thought of it and improved their results.
Some guys that are very good golfers are in stuff that just doesn’t fit them and manage to play good golf. If they spent a little time with a fitter many of them could play better.
Some guys that are very good golfers are in stuff that just doesn’t fit them and manage to play good golf. If they spent a little time with a fitter many of them could play better.
Definitely in a bubble. In my regular golf group, they think I'm a bit crazy for how often I change equipment or how much I'm into what's going on the equipment world.
They are the type of guys who get fit and won't think about changing their equipment for 4-5 years. They couldn't tell you what shafts were in their clubs or the specs. Meanwhile, I"m ALWAYS tweaking.
They are the type of guys who get fit and won't think about changing their equipment for 4-5 years. They couldn't tell you what shafts were in their clubs or the specs. Meanwhile, I"m ALWAYS tweaking.
I don't think it's perceived, it's reality...but I think superiority is probably a strong word. The people who engage regularly here or other golf forums/message boards/chats - I didn't say similar, because there really is no place like THP - simply have a better grasp on golf equipment knowledge in general.
They are far more likely to get fit for their equipment, engage in golf lessons, and play/practice at a higher frequency than a more casual golfer...and there's nothing wrong with being more casual about golf - to each their own. While I have zero data to back it up, I would guess with virtual certainty that the average golfer who plays once week, but engages here regularly, has a much lower handicap or average score than someone who plays once a week, but doesn't geek out over golf like people here do.
I play with those golfers regularly, whether they're random pairings or regular playing partners...one friend who I play with about 3 or 4 times per month has no interest in deep dives on golf equipment knowledge and doesn't really think about it outside the golf course...and he's a decent golfer. I don't try to "educate" him or sell him on anything...lol...we just have fun playing golf.
Can you get in too deep to the point where you're just essentially shouting into a void? Sure...thankfully, I don't have the financial resources to reach that point.
I will, however, say that engaging here has greatly increased my knowledge of golf and golf equipment - and has been responsible for generating some good friendships outside of THP - and has made me a better golfer.
Absolutely, We get to exchange info and discuss things with an extensive about of folks here. Lots better than the 2 or 3 friends you normally play with
