interesting conversation @ range

[threedolphins]

If you'll recall I was telling folks about how happy I was to buy some used Mizuno MX-100s on a whim that I saw on 3balls, and that something told me to go ahead since the price was right too. Anyhow, it is my latest trip to the range since picking these up, and next thing I see is a guy set up next to my stall and this is how a sudden conversation goes (more or less)...

RANDOM GUY: What kind of mizunos are those?
ME: mx-100s
GUY: oh they looked like 200s, you know mizuno's known for their forgings not thier casting. those are cast, you know?
ME: I know...I researched before I purchased, and there is a youtube of A British guy doing a review off a mat. I'm not good enough to tell the difference anyways, and these are very fun to hit with.
GUY: Oh, well, I'm just saying its not the first model anyone thinks of when they go shopping for mizunos.
ME: Ahhh, okay...still fun to hit with...(confused look on my face)
GUY: Just letting you know.
ME: Thanks for the advice... (I get more balls out of my tray and wack em at my target and politely ignore guy)

Anyways, I'm not saying that this guy is wrong, b/c mx-100s are GIs...so yeah they are indeed entry-level product, so that is what I need. And I am sure that mx-200s, mp-xx feel better too. And yeah, I guess the guy was trying to help me and didn't really know how I came to own them. But still...since when do strangers go up to you at the range to tell you that your equipment is lame to them. I'm trying to be positive and think the guy just didn't want me to be ripped off (thinking I had forged), thus the unsolicited advice. But I sensed a teeeeny bit that maybe he just wanted to down my clubs (he did have what looked to be new blades).

Oh well, just wanted to share my story with my forum brothers and sisters. In conclusion...I still love my mx-100s, and they love me back!

[mhodar13]

I hate people who think their clubs automatically make them good. I was behind a foursome today on the first tee. Now, I saw more Taylormade and Callaway on the back of that cart then if I walked right into a Dick's Sporting Goods. So, I'm waiting and watching, and see three duffers/worm burners, and 1 good shot maybe 170 yards. I step up, smoke it 270 straight as an arrow dwon the fairway. I mean I've got some good clubs, but not my life savings worth, and I do pretty decent. I was on fire today, my shortest drive was around 250 and I din't hit one OB drive and no mulligans.

[plark]

I hate people who think their clubs automatically make them good. I was behind a foursome today on the first tee. Now, I saw more Taylormade and Callaway on the back of that cart then if I walked right into a Dick's Sporting Goods. So, I'm waiting and watching, and see three duffers/worm burners, and 1 good shot maybe 170 yards. I step up, smoke it 270 straight as an arrow dwon the fairway. I mean I've got some good clubs, but not my life savings worth, and I do pretty decent. I was on fire today, my shortest drive was around 250 and I din't hit one OB drive and no mulligans.

How old were they, cause i know older guys who retire and piss away money can afford those even if they are terrible. They dont care they want the best product no matter how bad they are lol

[threedolphins]

I hate people who think their clubs automatically make them good. I was behind a foursome today on the first tee. Now, I saw more Taylormade and Callaway on the back of that cart then if I walked right into a Dick's Sporting Goods. So, I'm waiting and watching, and see three duffers/worm burners, and 1 good shot maybe 170 yards. I step up, smoke it 270 straight as an arrow dwon the fairway. I mean I've got some good clubs, but not my life savings worth, and I do pretty decent. I was on fire today, my shortest drive was around 250 and I din't hit one OB drive and no mulligans.

You are so right. I did get the sense that this guy felt he was the 'bomb' bc of his fancy gear (couldn't tell how good he actually was based on his ball striking...I might venture to say I was hitting more pure even). This is why I have used irons, putter, wedge, use recycled/recovered golf balls, and don't have 90 dollar golf shirts. Its so I can use the rest of that money for green fees, buckets, and lessons. Can't help but think those guys you talk about could do the same.

[gogolfing]

I'm always leery of the chatty 'stranger' at the range. Usually they just want to dispatch some sort of unsolicited advice that is usually useless.

[wrx_junki]

I tend to politely pretend to listen and hope they stop within 5 minutes and if they don't, I just go about my business ignoring them. This happens often at the range, shortgame practice areas, and of course on the course.

[uttexas]

what a dork--- hope I don't run into that guy at my range.

[threedolphins]

what a dork--- hope I don't run into that guy at my range.

I see you are in TX...you just might. (NTGC in Dallas to be exact) LOL.

[Fat Slice]

Easy solution to repel chatty-cathys at the range:

[Saig55]

I usually just say "Dude, I don't care." Then they walk away.

[Joejoe26]

hahahah, "dude, I dont care" -- I would definitely like to see the reaction when someone says that.

I've never had this happen to me but he blatantly tried to knock your clubs down or he has horrible social skills.

[Golfaway]

That guy's an ass. I usually follow a simple rule of the thumb concerning my comments regarding other people's stuff, be them golf clubs, shoes, shirts, cars or anything: if I am not going to congratulate him on the thing and express how I am impressed by how good it is and how I like it, I will just shut up.

Never diss someone's item, specially if it's new. You just don't know how he got it and what is his background. It's really common sense. It's even mentioned in our holy book; the Quran. Can't remember the exact verse but it strongly recommends against talking down to people about their things and making them feel bad about what they have.

The only exception is when I see something really wrong about it that he might not be aware of, only then I will try to point it out in the most gracious of manners as I could, trying to sound like I am really concerned, not just trying to show off my knowledge or try to put down what he has got.

Other than that, I might try to point out the negatives of something BEFORE the guy has bought it. Just to make sure he knows everything about what he is going to buy, that's why he asked me in the first place anyway. Once he has bought it, it's all good for me.

[CG031]

Never has happened to me (granted I have a pretty nice set in my bag) but I really don't think it's acceptable nor would I ever challenge anyone's equipment. If someone is MY FRIEND I may tell him he could maybe benefit from this or that, but I wouldn't say it to any random person at the range.

[threedolphins]

That guy's an ass. I usually follow a simple rule of the thumb concerning my comments regarding other people's stuff, be them golf clubs, shoes, shirts, cars or anything: if I am not going to congratulate him on the thing and express how I am impressed by how good it is and how I like it, I will just shut up.

I am now curious as to what that quote is.

You guys are all right about that guy....and besides...I think my Mx-100s are quite nice anyways.

[Jay-Bird]

Guy: (for the fifth time) You know those are cast right?
You: You're about to end up in a cast...

[Golfaway]

You should have challenged him to closest-to-the-pin contest. Beat his ass with your "cast" MX-100s.

[hkphooey00]

If I had the money, the MX-100's would be at the top of my list right now.

[ControlJunkie]

Ya know, back when I was young, my parents would tell me "Dont speak until you're spoken to". Too many people could benefit from following that statement! If someone asks, sure, I'll offer any advice I can, but it is extremely annoying when people try to throw their $.02 in. Dont let him dog out your irons. I'm usually easy going, but there are some things that trigger my temper really quickly, and this is one of those things. Too many people have a hard time grasping the concept that different clubs work for different people.

Like Fat Slice said, get an mp3 player and block everyone else out. As bad as this sounds, it will definitely make you less approachable. I keep mine going when I'm at the range, and I never get bothered (thank God!).