Comments on: GolfWRX Interview: Golf Digest 2008 Hot List

By: 8thehardway

8thehardway — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:37:32 +0000

After consulting the Hot List for the third time I want to add that it’s an incredible resource and acknowlesdge the effort that goes into it. Its continuous refinement of scope and information make it an increasingly valuable undertaking that I look forward to reading and continue to reference. Perfect? No Outstanding? Yes

By: K Vakamudi

K Vakamudi — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:30:56 +0000

It’s a little rough to be faulting them for not including clubs that have not been released yet. All they can do is ask the companies to submit product. I think if they had their druthers they would have included the Titleist irons in the test. However, what more can they do? Break into R&D departments and steal clubs for testing?

By: James L

James L — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:38:35 +0000

As an avid fan of the hot list awards in the past I rushed to review the 2008 list and have concluded that Golf Digest seem to have lost it’s way a little. I totally agree with Rich J. If you are a serious golfer then performance is what matters. “Value” is of little importance when purchasing quality equipment. No serious golfer would go out and buy a budget or non-branded driver or set of irons. People who purchase such equipment will not review an equipment article, they merely go into a golf shop and look for equipment in a certain price range.

The 2008 hotlist also does not contain much of the “new” equipment emerging in 2008, such as any of the new Titleist or MacGregor irons. The players iron category is weak and lists some very dubious “players” irons, eg. Callaway X20 tour. These chunky things should not be placed in this category. While I accept that this category will appeal to a very small percentage of readers it should list genuine players clubs such blades and muscle backs from Titleist, Mizuno, Taylormade, MacGregor, Ben Hogan, etc.

The hot list would appear to aim toward mid to high handicap golfers and that is fine, but the majority of equipment falling into this category is virtually identical in terms of performance and value, regardless of manufacturer and comparisons are merely for personal preferences

By: Rich J

Rich J — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:10:47 +0000

“…especially as it relates to the value category, if people are saying, “Isn’t performance all that really matters.” Well okay, if that’s the case, isn’t everybody out there driving a Lexus instead of a Hyundai?”

Yes, but does that mean they’d rate the Hyundai higher than the Lexus because it was a better value? If so, then they’ve lost all credibility in their ratings

Personally speaking, I can make up my own mind about what’s a better value for me. I don’t need them doing that for me. I want to know which clubs perform the best regardless of the technology or the value. I don’t go to the golf course saying, “I know this club will cost me a couple of strokes but, boy, what a great value it was and, man, doesn’t it have great technology.”

I think they’re missing the boat by not placing more of an emphasis on performance.

By: 8thehardway

8thehardway — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:15:58 +0000

Just proves the point of a value SCORE being irrelevant - doesn’t matter if the Lexus is a better value or has superior performance if it’s not in the budget. The reverse is also true - some people will buy cars (and clubs) for performance regardless of value. In both cases the buyers manage to decide for themselves and their decision will occur at time of purchase, when market forces might have made mincemeat of any projections.

You say readers demand it? Add an asterisk or change the color for ‘good value’ clubs but reserve SCORE for more dynamic considerations, making the Hot List a more informative starting point.