Club advice on-line: why do it

[criley4way]

I have to say that I read several online golf forums and am constantly bewildered by people asking “which club should I buy?” 

In an era where almost everyone has access to brand agnostic fittings, why would someone ask a group of strangers who know nothing about their game about a $$ decision? Most people wouldn’t ask on line for stranger’s advice for a $500 stock but would for their favorite hobby and possibly spend $1000 on tools they will have for years based on advertising, internet chat and guesses.

Isn't golf hard enough without getting fit? This excludes newbies or people on a tight budget who are unable to buy a new set. But what golf shop won’t do a fitting? It might not be the best fitting ever but at least it will help.

 

[chspeed]

25 minutes ago, criley4way said:

But what golf shop won’t do a fitting? It might not be the best fitting ever but at least it will help.

Will it? I actually sympathize with those that ask online. I haven't bought new clubs in years, but I can understand the hesitancy in trusting another complete stranger at a golf shop to properly do a fitting. Especially when that stranger also doesn't know anything about your game, may be under-qualified, and is getting paid a commission to sell you stuff you may not need.

I understand the importance of a fitting, but also understand wanting other opinions.

Edited January 20, 2019 by chspeed

[criley4way]

Chspeed I understand wanting input to educate myself.  And you make a good point about wanting to guard against commission based recommendations.

Learning about what numbers mean, understanding how to know it is a good fitting and not a sales pitch, or hearing other experience all make sense to me. It is the questions of which wedge should I get or is a Taylormade 760 a good choice seem odd.

I look to others experience on the quality of a brand, the value of their fitting, what they considered in choosing a club. But if a Mizuno MP-18 is a good club for me seems like a a SWAG at best.

[iacas]

I’ve never understood the vague questions like this either.

The more specific ones I can understand or when people have narrowed it down and are just looking for the experiences of others it makes sense. But most the time that’s not what’s happening.

[Piz]

It isn't just golf clubs.  We have all been trained, since birth, to suspect that one particular product is superior to others of the same ilk.  It is reasonable, therefore, when contemplating a significant purchase, to solicit the advice of those we assume have a more nuanced understanding.  It is odd, however, that the really important decisions in life (like which bathroom tissue to buy) are most often made without consultation.  Excepting cartoon bears that is.