41 replies to this topic

[The Maker DS]

My buddy and I went a local Golf Galaxy today.

Two employees (old and young) worked at fitting area.

We were looking at a C-Taper shaft in TM fitting cart... and an old employee said.. "Nice shaft.. Do you want to try?"

We said "YES" and he let us hit with MC #6 iron in a hitting area.

A few minutes later... a young employee said.. "What are you guys doing here?" "I am doing club fitting here." "Move to next hitting area."

We said "Sorry" and moved to next hitting area. It was OK... I did understand... The guy was doing his job.

.... and this is what I heard from them...

Customer: Is AP1 cavity back iron?

Young guy: Hummm. Is Ap1 cavity back iron? (to the old guy)

Old guy: No. AP1 and AP2 are blade irons.

and.. there was a guy at club repair said... " No. They are cavity back irons.. the biggest difference is AP2 has more offset."

OMG.. WTF...

and the young guy said to us... "Hey guys.. if you buy club today.. I will fit you guys for free.

We didn't said a word and walked out the store ASAP.

[Golfwolf]

Quote

We didn't say a word and walked out the store ASAP.        

Sensible move on your part.

[TheBigSmooth]

The Maker DS, on 21 February 2012 - 03:01 AM, said:

We didn't said a word and walked out the store ASAP.

[canonlbp430]

Not surprising. A lot of the GGs send guys through a weekend at a clinic to build clubs then send them into the shop to do reshafts and all the club work. No thanks. If I wanted a 50% chance that something would get screwed up I would just do it myself.

[moonshine]

I finally got to visit the famous GG store type in Columbus, OH.  The store, IMO, can't touch PGA Superstore in any way.  Funny story...everyone needs to laugh ever day..good medicine!

[KYMAR]

canonlbp430, on 21 February 2012 - 11:54 AM, said:

Not surprising. A lot of the GGs send guys through a weekend at a clinic to build clubs then send them into the shop to do reshafts and all the club work. No thanks. If I wanted a 50% chance that something would get screwed up I would just do it myself.

brilliant

[richard t]

Well, I thought any 'club repair person' could handle re-gripping. Now I do my own. Thank you GG. I could not believe what they handed me when I went to pick them up. I've said this on a couple posts. Certified Club Fitter or PGA Pro. Undoing is a lot more invoplved than doing. Less expensive too.

[shakey]

At least the "old" guy did seem to know that the C-Taper is supposed to be a good shaft.

[dkbunk]

Humor me here guys.  I'm a decent player, 4,5,6 handicap; and play the 735 cm titleist irons and consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about equipment (but we shall see on that one)

What were the  points of contention here?

1) I would consider both AP1 and AP2 a variant of a cavity back iron.  AP1 100 pct cavity cast iron,   AP2 maybe.  Given the multi material forgings and weight distribution in the ap2 isn't this a forged cavity back?

2) Obviously the ap2 does not have more offset, so GG fitters were wrong there

I assume the point of post was that young guy was clueless And old guy not much better?  Neither of which is too impressive for the prices paid at golf galaxy.

For the record I would consider my sticks pw-8 a true blade and 7-3 a cavity back (even though they are forged and minimal offset)....

Correct?

Feel free to bash my post

[rafal]

You know a player when you see them....they are confident, tour tested.....be a player, shop Golf Galaxy.

[SPY ZINGER]

Titleist designed the irons for the average player.  That's where the name of the iron is derived: Average Player 1 and Average Player 2 (AP1 & AP 2).  Player 1 should be slightly worse than player 2.  Use this brilliant logic and information when selecting these Titleist offerings.

[jeschrich]

I took a hybrid in to a GG to have the shaft pulled....Ive done numerous sets of irons but dont have a shaft puller for graphite.  To make a long story short the guys exact words were " sure I can do it for you but I dont know how it will turn out the shaft may be damaged"  I quickly grabbed the club off the counter and said if thats the case i'd try myself and left.

[eric_b]

SPY ZINGER, on 22 February 2012 - 06:52 AM, said:

Titleist designed the irons for the average player.  That's where the name of the iron is derived: Average Player 1 and Average Player 2 (AP1 & AP 2).  Player 1 should be slightly worse than player 2.  Use this brilliant logic and information when selecting these Titleist offerings.

I thought AP stood for Advanced Performance.  And you should probably be a little better than average to hit the AP2s...

Just sayin.,....

[Plainbucknasty]

My brother had some wedges "bent" at GG and then had them checked a little later at Golf Tec and they were still at the standard lie and loft, and not to the specs he had wanted them bent to. Granted I know hitting clubs can change their lie and loft over time,  but he had only played them a few rounds with them when he had them checked. Not saying all GG workshop techs are bad, but that was one instance where the work was questionable

[nbg352]

eric_b, on 22 February 2012 - 10:09 AM, said:

SPY ZINGER, on 22 February 2012 - 06:52 AM, said:

Titleist designed the irons for the average player.  That's where the name of the iron is derived: Average Player 1 and Average Player 2 (AP1 & AP 2).  Player 1 should be slightly worse than player 2.  Use this brilliant logic and information when selecting these Titleist offerings.

I thought AP stood for Advanced Performance.  And you should probably be a little better than average to hit the AP2s...

Just sayin.,....

You are correct eric_b. Seems to me a bit of Titleist bashing, maybe?

[nbg352]

Plainbucknasty, on 22 February 2012 - 10:58 AM, said:

My brother had some wedges "bent" at GG and then had them checked a little later at Golf Tec and they were still at the standard lie and loft, and not to the specs he had wanted them bent to. Granted I know hitting clubs can change their lie and loft over time,  but he had only played them a few rounds with them when he had them checked. Not saying all GG workshop techs are bad, but that was one instance where the work was questionable

Whenever a bend is made, the first check is to make sure that the club actually bent...didn't just shift in the clamp. This does happen from time to time with "difficult" clubs.
But once a club is actually bent, it will keep it's new specs until moved by an outside force. Softer forgings are more susceptible to movement over a shorter period of time and specs for those clubs should be checked regularly.

[SPY ZINGER]

nbg352, on 22 February 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

eric_b, on 22 February 2012 - 10:09 AM, said:

SPY ZINGER, on 22 February 2012 - 06:52 AM, said:

Titleist designed the irons for the average player.  That's where the name of the iron is derived: Average Player 1 and Average Player 2 (AP1 & AP 2).  Player 1 should be slightly worse than player 2.  Use this brilliant logic and information when selecting these Titleist offerings.

I thought AP stood for Advanced Performance.  And you should probably be a little better than average to hit the AP2s...

Just sayin.,....

You are correct eric_b. Seems to me a bit of Titleist bashing, maybe?

No, it was meant to be a joke and consistent with the help The OP was given.  I guess I was up too early.  Nothing but quality equipment from Titleist.  And yes, not what AP means...

Edited by SPY ZINGER, 22 February 2012 - 11:49 AM.

[Huskypride28]

You have to go into those places with a grain of salt.  No they aren't experts, but they sell a wide variety of brand name stuff.  To be honest, I wouldn't know where to go if my GG wasn't around.

[jabrch]

Huskypride28, on 22 February 2012 - 12:32 PM, said:

You have to go into those places with a grain of salt.  No they aren't experts, but they sell a wide variety of brand name stuff.  To be honest, I wouldn't know where to go if my GG wasn't around.

Exactly....  GS and GG serve an important function for me.  The guys at my store happened to be pretty good.  They generally know their stuff - and do a good job serving customers. For all people complain about it, if they were gone, we'd miss them even more if our best option became DSG or Sports Authority....

[tmfool]

The Maker DS, on 21 February 2012 - 03:01 AM, said:

My buddy and I went a local Golf Galaxy today.

Two employees (old and young) worked at fitting area.

We were looking at a C-Taper shaft in TM fitting cart... and an old employee said.. "Nice shaft.. Do you want to try?"

We said "YES" and he let us hit with MC #6 iron in a hitting area.

A few minutes later... a young employee said.. "What are you guys doing here?" "I am doing club fitting here." "Move to next hitting area."

We said "Sorry" and moved to next hitting area. It was OK... I did understand... The guy was doing his job.

.... and this is what I heard from them...

Customer: Is AP1 cavity back iron?

Young guy: Hummm. Is Ap1 cavity back iron? (to the old guy)

Old guy: No. AP1 and AP2 are blade irons.

and.. there was a guy at club repair said... " No. They are cavity back irons.. the biggest difference is AP2 has more offset."

OMG.. WTF...

and the young guy said to us... "Hey guys.. if you buy club today.. I will fit you guys for free.

We didn't said a word and walked out the store ASAP.

you should probably stick to buying everything from an online retailer - hopefully customer service wont offend your superior sensibilities when you have to return something because you werent able to "demo" or get "fit"

[Mr Back]

Locate your nearest PGA Professional.

[The Maker DS]

tmfool, on 22 February 2012 - 02:36 PM, said:

The Maker DS, on 21 February 2012 - 03:01 AM, said:

My buddy and I went a local Golf Galaxy today.

Two employees (old and young) worked at fitting area.

We were looking at a C-Taper shaft in TM fitting cart... and an old employee said.. "Nice shaft.. Do you want to try?"

We said "YES" and he let us hit with MC #6 iron in a hitting area.

A few minutes later... a young employee said.. "What are you guys doing here?" "I am doing club fitting here." "Move to next hitting area."

We said "Sorry" and moved to next hitting area. It was OK... I did understand... The guy was doing his job.

.... and this is what I heard from them...

Customer: Is AP1 cavity back iron?

Young guy: Hummm. Is Ap1 cavity back iron? (to the old guy)

Old guy: No. AP1 and AP2 are blade irons.

and.. there was a guy at club repair said... " No. They are cavity back irons.. the biggest difference is AP2 has more offset."

OMG.. WTF...

and the young guy said to us... "Hey guys.. if you buy club today.. I will fit you guys for free.

We didn't said a word and walked out the store ASAP.

you should probably stick to buying everything from an online retailer - hopefully customer service wont offend your superior sensibilities when you have to return something because you werent able to "demo" or get "fit"

I wasn't talking about their customer service...  You should understand the point.

It wasn't about their service. It was all about their job knowledge and quality of their work. They should know more than what they were.

NOTHING MORE.. NOTHING LESS...

[Pudgelewis]

The Maker DS, on 23 February 2012 - 02:09 AM, said:

tmfool, on 22 February 2012 - 02:36 PM, said:

you should probably stick to buying everything from an online retailer - hopefully customer service wont offend your superior sensibilities when you have to return something because you werent able to "demo" or get "fit"

I wasn't talking about their customer service...  You should understand the point.

It wasn't about their service. It was all about their job knowledge and quality of their work. They should know more than what they were.

NOTHING MORE.. NOTHING LESS...

I understand your point and I agree it's pretty ridiculous to not even know that...but that whole situation really IS ALL about customer service.  Job knowledge is just another part of it.

[AC in TX]

I do miss the Austin GG store -- those guys did know their stuff. We do still have Edwin Watts in Round Rock -- those guys also know their stuff.

[drake47]

dkbunk, on 21 February 2012 - 11:51 PM, said:

Humor me here guys.  I'm a decent player, 4,5,6 handicap; and play the 735 cm titleist irons and consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about equipment (but we shall see on that one)

What were the  points of contention here?

1) I would consider both AP1 and AP2 a variant of a cavity back iron.  AP1 100 pct cavity cast iron,   AP2 maybe.  Given the multi material forgings and weight distribution in the ap2 isn't this a forged cavity back?

2) Obviously the ap2 does not have more offset, so GG fitters were wrong there

I assume the point of post was that young guy was clueless And old guy not much better?  Neither of which is too impressive for the prices paid at golf galaxy.

For the record I would consider my sticks pw-8 a true blade and 7-3 a cavity back (even though they are forged and minimal offset)....

Correct?

Feel free to bash my post

I have to agree with you. The AP1 and AP2 are both far from a blade iron.

[Txstcatman]

AC in TX, on 23 February 2012 - 06:08 PM, said:

I do miss the Austin GG store -- those guys did know their stuff. We do still have Edwin Watts in Round Rock -- those guys also know their stuff.

I agree!  I went into the GG a few times before moving to Austin/it's closing.  I haven't used GS (either store) for much more than golf balls and range practice.  I do like the smaller store at Great Hills Trail better than the HQ though.  I bought my R11 at Edwin Watts because they had what I was looking for on hand and they even let me demo it.  Bunch of good guys at that store!

[awil]

At my golf galaxy  I'm fortunate to have my old assistant pro working their and I know here has experience and the guy in the shop has lots  so I trust them

[lukesmurf59]

That is comically bad.  Seriously, I laughed. Golfsmith is awful too, guys know nothing.  Guy's trying to fit me to this and that.  The three recommendations he brought to me were the three worst clubs I hit.  I once had a guy at Dick's tell me that there is no way I would hit the RHT well because it has a closed face. 1. face is 1* open. 2. was the longest stock offering I hit that day.  Same guy also told me that a shaft that had 5.1* of torque (I knew it did already not to mention it said that on the shaft) didn't have that torque value because it is impossible to have that much in a stiff, you can't have more that 3* of torque in a stiff.  First of all the word stiff means nothing, the cpm determines stiffness.  And has he ever seen a stock shaft before.  In fact, the stock shaft from my VR Pro LE had 5.1* as well and that was stiff.  The Rip beta I have in it now has 3.1* of torque, not to mention I am having trouble naming more than ten stiff shafts w/ torque under 3*.  How did that guy get a job there?

[dhammer]

But if you know so much about the equipment already as you obviously do, why even bother getting into the banter with the sales guy if you know you are right.  

lukesmurf59, on 23 February 2012 - 11:41 PM, said:

That is comically bad.  Seriously, I laughed. Golfsmith is awful too, guys know nothing.  Guy's trying to fit me to this and that.  The three recommendations he brought to me were the three worst clubs I hit.  I once had a guy at Dick's tell me that there is no way I would hit the RHT well because it has a closed face. 1. face is 1* open. 2. was the longest stock offering I hit that day.  Same guy also told me that a shaft that had 5.1* of torque (I knew it did already not to mention it said that on the shaft) didn't have that torque value because it is impossible to have that much in a stiff, you can't have more that 3* of torque in a stiff.  First of all the word stiff means nothing, the cpm determines stiffness.  And has he ever seen a stock shaft before.  In fact, the stock shaft from my VR Pro LE had 5.1* as well and that was stiff.  The Rip beta I have in it now has 3.1* of torque, not to mention I am having trouble naming more than ten stiff shafts w/ torque under 3*.  How did that guy get a job there?

[philsRHman]

dhammer, on 26 February 2012 - 05:33 PM, said:

But if you know so much about the equipment already as you obviously do, why even bother getting into the banter with the sales guy if you know you are right.  

You nailed it. But sometimes it's just funny to hear what they'll come out with. Normally I just go about my business and let whatever they say go in one ear and out the other.

Also agree that we'd be quite sad to see these big stores go. As for the point to seek out a PGA Professional, I don't think that's the solution. I don't think anyone in my home pro shop other than the youngest apprentice (also the best player) knows anything beyond the most basic OEM stuff. Very very far from knowledgeable on clubs. But you have to admit, it's a pretty specialized field. Thank goodness for WRX or I'd never know any of this stuff.