Editor's Blog

Hot List Sticker Shock

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Dr. Michael Mullan, having perused the Hot List carefully, attempts to catch his breath while securing his wallet.

We golfers must be a very gullible bunch if we believe that will bring a better game when, for a fraction of that cost one can get the right shafts fitted to our present sets and still have a lot left to pay for lessons, a much better game is more likely to result.

As for $150 green fees being about the norm or $475 at Pebble beach, PLEASE RESCUE OUR WONDERFUL GAME.

 

Michael, I can understand why heart-stopping prices might concern a doctor. And I really understand what those prices do to the budget of a journalist. But there are those, many of them readers, who don't seem taken aback. And there are many others who will wait until they can buy them for less...or used.

On the subject of green fees, couldn't agree more. For a decade we were building "Country Clubs for a Day." What we need more are munis you can, and want, to play every day of the week.

--Bob Carney

 

Comments

Archived Comments (3) Click to expand

I'm a long time reader and subscriber of Golf Digest. I respect the publication and have trimmed many strokes off my game due to the lessons taught in your publication. However each year I gringe with each new "Equipment Hot List" issue. Don't get me wrong, I love hearing about new products and how they will improve your game. But lets be honest- your scoring system and more to the point your hesitation to select a clear winner in each category leads me to believe advertising money plays a major role in selection and not true club performance. Case in point- You reviewed 17 drivers. 7 of the 17 were awarded gold status while the other 10 received silver status. Is each driver really that good? Or is the pressure to please the many advertising golf giants (where you make your true money) the real reason every companies products scores high? I welcome your thoughts on my comments.

Best Regards
Scott Mclaughlin
Graham North Carolina

Posted by johnscottanthony January 13, 2008 6:09 AM

Scott, I'll answer for my equipment colleagues. First, the fact that we don't choose "a winner" isn't a disappointment to our advertisers. They hate winners because they're afraid you won't pay attention to the other clubs on the list. But that doesn't mean they are happy with the Hot List. Many of them are not, for any number of reasons. And they tell us. Every year. If they had a vote, chances are there would be no Hot List. But we don't compile the list to make advertisers happy. We compile it for you. And our understanding, based on research, is that you want the list of new equipment narrowed so that you can try several brands before you buy. Second, the clubs that make the list are deserving, based on a rigorous process that eliminates a ton of companies (and makes a lot of manufacturers unhappy in the process) and not based on who advertises, period. Many of these products aren't advertised in Golf Digest. In the end we hope that, when you study the list, sort for brands you like and price points you're seeking, the list gets smaller--about the size you need to begin testing. Not perfect maybe, but a pretty fair way to do it we think.

Posted by Bcarney January 14, 2008 3:24 PM

Thanks for the response Bob. It certainly helped me understand your process better at Golf Digest. I also took the time to view your videos availible on this site which discusses and shows the actual testing taking place. Again I appreciate your time and all the work your staff puts into Golf Digest.

Thanks

Scott Mclaughlin

Posted by johnscottanthony January 15, 2008 3:02 PM
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