by Kevin
Peterson's Golfing (or something like that) was just such a magazine. Tests of equipment with relatively frank opinions. But it went belly-up.

by King Robert of Shankalot
Look, the truth of the matter is that as long people are willing to try and buy a better golf game (as opposed to putting in a lot of physical effort), equipment manufacturers will continue to shove the "hottest" new items down your throats.
If the golfers spent the same amount of money on lessons from a QUALIFIED teaching professional as they do on equipment and gimmicks, they wouldn't HAVE to buy every gizmo on the planet. Pure and simple.
Please do not bother to say "Oh, I've tried lessons, they don't help" because that only means you didn't find the right teacher for YOU.
Remember the old adage: "A poor workman always blames his tools."
As for equipment evaluations one phrase fits: "Don't be so gullible, McFly"

by Jim
I'm guilty - My irons, Driver, Fairway woods, Wedges and Putter were all hot list clubs. My putter is 10 years old, irons 4th season, driver (only 420cc), 5th season, my 3 wood is a Callaway steelhead III! and works just fine. I get new wedges - same model, every 2 years. However, I change shafts and grips more than clubs and shafts don't make the list. (And I did get New hybrids this year... finally.)
The point is, I learned long ago you can't buy a game or a swing. Generally, it's the guy hitting old MP33's with new grips and a faded stand bag that has game.
If you are a 15 handicap, instead of spending $800 on new irons and $400 on a new driver - get lessons, go to golf school and practice and learn to use your wedges - The best HOT LIST in Golf Digest is the LIST of top 50 instructors. If you want a better game that's the list you should read.

by Mark
Just send me the new clubs and balls and I'll test them for you and write a review you can post on line.

by Doug
Looking for a magical set of clubs??? They do not exist. Finding the right equipment is a process; read all the reviews, try some clubs, talk to a good professional, get feedback from people who happen to own items that interest you. To scapegoat Golf Digest or Golf Magazine is just a cheap shot at these publications. Do you buy Motor Trend's Car of the Year when it's time to replace the old jalopy? I suspect not; you have a process to choose the right vehicle. A similar process should be employed when purchasing golf equipment. Golfers know that Golf Digest and Golf Magazine reviews are just references for the process. They are not keepers of the secret to successful golf.

by HARRY SCHNEIDER
Great article, Tim. If you need help writing and /or testing for the new, high circulation magazine, I'm here!
Harry

by Bruce Stasch
Okay, how about a broader magazine as Tim suggests that independently tests sports equipment. Then you can compare the latest softball bats, the latest snowboards, and the lastest golf equipment. Even try soccer balls, tennis rackets and bowling balls. In golf, non-branded components get lumped into a clone, knockoff or cheap category. If that is true then yep, everyone's assumption is right. If not, then the cache' of branded golf equipment might not be so valuable or expensive.
Bruce
Golf Gear News

by clj
I got an e-mail alert with the question: "Who's got golfer's back?" The article I was hoping to read was going to be some help for those of us who do. I was surprised to find something completely different.
What gives?

by Donald Ritter
In point of fact, the question in the subject line of the e-mail was, "Who's got golfers' backs?" Meaning: Who is protecting golfers' interests?

by dakwray
I got a kick out of your story. The proof of the accuracy is when you see the guy on the course who has the latest $500 square driver and ProV balls but can't hit past the ladies tees!!! Golfers are suckers but they seem to enjoy being that way! Maybe that is part of the "charm" of the game. Besides better to spend it on golf than to spend it foolisly. LOL

by Bill Anderson
Usually I think your pieces are very interesting and well thought out. But, I have to wonder about your idea that a truly independent golf equipment testing and reporting publication would outstrip the circulation of all golf publications combined within a year. I understand the exageration was for effect. And, certainly the golfing public interest would be there. But, if this proposed magazine is such a simple and terrific idea, why hasn't it already been done? You mention the lack or resources as the reason TravelGolf hasn't stepped up. And, I think that is the answer to the question. You note the resource available to Golf Digest come, in large measure, from equipment manufacturers. Subscription revenues for Golf Digest, and other publications, are only a small fraction of their resources. Income from advertising makes up the bulk of any magazine revenue. Consumer Reports sells magazines and memberships for their services. And, they cover a very broad range of consumer products. So, they have a very broad base of subscribers. I just don't think a narrow market like golf equipment could generate the same level of resources that makes it possible for Consumer Reports to work.