Overview
This video features a discussion with Bob Kitchen from Maple Hill Golf on the top 10 myths in the golf industry, covering equipment, fittings, lessons, and marketing practices that affect golfers' decisions and experiences.
Driver Shafts and Pricing
- Driver shafts are often priced at $350 despite costing much less to manufacture, mainly due to marketing and high profit margins.
- Many stores prefer to sell high-margin shafts, regardless of actual performance differences for most players.
- Shaft branding and color are emphasized more than technical differences; similar shafts are sometimes repainted and rebranded.
Club Fitting Practices and Myths
- Club fittings can be skewed by comparing suitable clubs to less forgiving "players" clubs, misleading consumers.
- Some boutique fittings offer full reimbursement only if clubs are purchased at inflated prices.
- Fittings are more accurate when golfers consistently hit similar shots; inconsistent swings make fittings less reliable.
- Simulators can be manipulated, but not easily on a club-to-club basis.
- Golfers should research and request to try comparable clubs from different brands and models.
Lessons vs. New Equipment
- Most golfers opt to buy new drivers instead of investing in lessons for genuine improvement.
- Lessons are most effective when matched with practice and honest personal goals.
- Lessons help establish good habits early, but ongoing practice is key for progress.
Shaft Flex and Swing Speed
- The belief that higher swing speed always demands a stiffer shaft is a myth; performance and results should dictate shaft choice.
- Most golfers use shafts that are too stiff, which often sends shots right for right-handed players.
- Tour pros and teaching pros focus on performance, not swing speed alone.
Golf Equipment Innovation and Marketing
- Equipment improvements year-to-year are often marginal and fueled by marketing, especially from brands releasing new products annually.
- Switching to new clubs makes the biggest difference when replacing gear that's several years old, not last year's model.
Club Loft and Distance Myths
- Modern irons have stronger lofts and longer shafts compared to those from previous decades, partially explaining distance gains.
- The range of lofts in sets has narrowed, making some irons nearly redundant in function.
- Lowering lofts solves one problem but can create new issues, such as larger yardage gaps.
Golf Ball Selection
- Used or slightly scuffed balls perform almost as well as new balls for the vast majority of golfers.
- High-end balls like the Pro V1 are not suitable for every golfer and may even hinder performance for many.
Decision Making in Golf Purchases
- Follow-the-money is a consistent theme; products pushed hardest often have the highest profit margins.
- Equipment choices should be tailored to individual needs and goals, not marketing or trends.
Recommendations / Advice
- Be skeptical of high-priced equipment and demand transparency in fittings.
- Prioritize consistent practice and lessons over new gear for long-term improvement.
- Select equipment based on actual performance, not perceived trends or brand hype.