Let's think about golfers....
05-23-09, 03:39 AM
#52
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This sounds like bike envy to me. The truth is, those of you who spend all your spare time hammering away to get really good are much less likely to be able to afford a 10K bike than a guy who is sitting here at 3:00 am working... 
I am sure I am more out of shape than many of you and I have never raced. But I could buy a 10K bike and think nothing of it.
I don't because I am not much into that kind of thing (having the best of something) but think of it this way, you have the conditioning, they have the bike. Both have a reward, let it rest.
If you get REALLY good, you can have both, but that is truly a rare thing.
My bike is a very nice one compared to what I need, what is wrong with that? I am assuming you all drive Civics? You ain't Andretti, there sport.
I am sure I am more out of shape than many of you and I have never raced. But I could buy a 10K bike and think nothing of it.I don't because I am not much into that kind of thing (having the best of something) but think of it this way, you have the conditioning, they have the bike. Both have a reward, let it rest.
If you get REALLY good, you can have both, but that is truly a rare thing.
My bike is a very nice one compared to what I need, what is wrong with that? I am assuming you all drive Civics? You ain't Andretti, there sport.
05-23-09, 03:50 AM
#53
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OK, I get it. You guys don't think much of golfers. But a golfer with a 25 handicap can go out a buy a set of $900.00 Nike Victory Red blades like Tiger Woods swings and if he makes contact with the ball correctly he will get the same results as Woods. Sort of like a road cyclist can go out and buy a $7000.00 14.5 lb. carbon fiber Dura Ace equipped bike and ride at 400 watts and get the same results as a elite level rider pushing 400 watts.
Apples to Oranges Dr. Pete? Not really.
Both the golfer and the cyclist made a purchase for something they will enjoy in their spare time. I don't think either person (cyclist or golfer) thought their purchase will make them a professional level athlete.
Apples to Oranges Dr. Pete? Not really.
Both the golfer and the cyclist made a purchase for something they will enjoy in their spare time. I don't think either person (cyclist or golfer) thought their purchase will make them a professional level athlete.
Many pros actually use older, heavier, less high-tech forged clubs because they have a softer feel and allow a pro to work the ball a bit better--in the hands of a rank amateur they would have disastrous effects. So in many ways pros use equipment that makes the job harder. Clubs for beginners are designed to make it easier to hit a high, straight ball--that's it. Try to work a litle draw into your massive perimeter-weighted cast irons and it might not be so easy. Same with golf balls--the balls used by the pros would be completely shredded by the back 9, if the extra spin didn't make them disappear into the woods before that.
In cycling, the high-end stuff clearly makes riding easier and more enjoyable for a newbie. A 14.5lb bike is better than a 30lb bike. DA is better than Sora. That's true for everyone who uses it. Not so with golf clubs.
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Last edited by DrPete; 05-23-09 at 04:00 AM.
05-23-09, 04:30 AM
#54
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??
There is no comparison between golf and cycling. Any fat out of shape Moe can play several rounds of golf and some of them even quite well (certainly not to Tigers level). Take that same Fat out of shape Moe and put'em on a road bike.....
Even your average Fred....a group I consider myself part of...could drop'em like a bad habit.
You ever spend time on a golf course? Of course I heard somewhere that cycling is the new golf
There is no comparison between golf and cycling. Any fat out of shape Moe can play several rounds of golf and some of them even quite well (certainly not to Tigers level). Take that same Fat out of shape Moe and put'em on a road bike.....
Even your average Fred....a group I consider myself part of...could drop'em like a bad habit.
You ever spend time on a golf course? Of course I heard somewhere that cycling is the new golf
I used to race bikes for a paycheck.
I am a 7 handicap.
You have no idea what you are talking about.
That puts you in very good company out here.
05-23-09, 04:43 AM
#55
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Not quite.
Many pros actually use older, heavier, less high-tech forged clubs because they have a softer feel and allow a pro to work the ball a bit better--in the hands of a rank amateur they would have disastrous effects. So in many ways pros use equipment that makes the job harder. Clubs for beginners are designed to make it easier to hit a high, straight ball--that's it. Try to work a litle draw into your massive perimeter-weighted cast irons and it might not be so easy. Same with golf balls--the balls used by the pros would be completely shredded by the back 9, if the extra spin didn't make them disappear into the woods before that.
In cycling, the high-end stuff clearly makes riding easier and more enjoyable for a newbie. A 14.5lb bike is better than a 30lb bike. DA is better than Sora. That's true for everyone who uses it. Not so with golf clubs.
Many pros actually use older, heavier, less high-tech forged clubs because they have a softer feel and allow a pro to work the ball a bit better--in the hands of a rank amateur they would have disastrous effects. So in many ways pros use equipment that makes the job harder. Clubs for beginners are designed to make it easier to hit a high, straight ball--that's it. Try to work a litle draw into your massive perimeter-weighted cast irons and it might not be so easy. Same with golf balls--the balls used by the pros would be completely shredded by the back 9, if the extra spin didn't make them disappear into the woods before that.
In cycling, the high-end stuff clearly makes riding easier and more enjoyable for a newbie. A 14.5lb bike is better than a 30lb bike. DA is better than Sora. That's true for everyone who uses it. Not so with golf clubs.
I play forged clubs. They are very high tech. However, they are less forgiving. What you give up in forgiveness (off center hits) you make up for in workability and feel. And the golf balls I use are the same Bridgestones that are issued to their pros. They make them out of synthetic covers rather than the old balata stuff that on a bad hit got a "smile".
You can't really play forged unless you have a golf swing. You'll think you are swinging a telephone pole. You have to be able to hit, or get real close to the sweet spot on the club all the time. Cast forgives a bad swing, but you really cannot cut or draw the ball. But most players with "game improvement irons" are just trying to hit it straight. And these clubs bring a lot of enjoyment to the high handicapper.
The difference between a pro's clubs and mine, for example, is the shafts. A pro has a much faster swing speed, and needs a much stiffer shaft than mine.
Personally, I think people that discount other sports are fools. What's funny is if you get a bunch of athletes together, real athletes that compete at a high level, there is huge respect for what each does. That's the difference between people that really do this, and people who don't.
Last edited by roadwarrior; 05-23-09 at 04:46 AM.
05-23-09, 04:49 AM
#56
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Personally, I think people that discount other sports are fools. What's funny is if you get a bunch of athletes together, real athletes that compete at a high level, there is huge respect for what each does. That's the difference between people that really do this, and people who don't.
There's plenty of fragile ego to go around lately... Between this and the inline skating thread it's pretty clear that there are a lot of cyclists out there who are so insecure that they feel compelled to discount what others do as "gay," "not a sport," etc.
Being a new triathlete, I'm finding it particularly amusing that there are so many folks on here who think I'm not a "real cyclist." Being told that after 10+ years of road riding and a couple seasons of racing is pretty funny, especially by people I could probably drop like a hot rock. In reality, my bike splits are consistently in the top 1/4 of the AG field--it's the other two sports I suck abysmally at.
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05-23-09, 05:46 AM
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Its not like with golf... "Ok, I bought my clubs, whats next" I mean sure buy a few polo's and a bag, maybe some spiky shoes, but for golf you don't have to pour 10% of every paycheck into your sport. And besides, you can't do maintenance to a golf club like you can with a bike!!
Just buy the expensive bike, If I could I would.
Just buy the expensive bike, If I could I would.
05-23-09, 05:50 AM
#60
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Tiger has every shot in the book and then a few he though up on his own...he can do things with a golf ball a non professional and even many professionals can only dream of.
At one point I was a 7 handicap and was playing 5-7 rounds a week plus practice. I could hit the ball high or medium height with a fade or a draw...the snap hook was my nightmare (much like Tiger in that respect actually)...but even at that I couldn't do half of what was needed to even compete in a USGA mid-am qualifier. Just as in cycling the difference between them and us...between me and LA or Boonan, or Cav...is the same as between me and TW or anyone else on tour.
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05-23-09, 05:54 AM
#61
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Not quite...
I play forged clubs. They are very high tech. However, they are less forgiving. What you give up in forgiveness (off center hits) you make up for in workability and feel. And the golf balls I use are the same Bridgestones that are issued to their pros. They make them out of synthetic covers rather than the old balata stuff that on a bad hit got a "smile".
You can't really play forged unless you have a golf swing. You'll think you are swinging a telephone pole. You have to be able to hit, or get real close to the sweet spot on the club all the time. Cast forgives a bad swing, but you really cannot cut or draw the ball. But most players with "game improvement irons" are just trying to hit it straight. And these clubs bring a lot of enjoyment to the high handicapper.
The difference between a pro's clubs and mine, for example, is the shafts. A pro has a much faster swing speed, and needs a much stiffer shaft than mine.
Personally, I think people that discount other sports are fools. What's funny is if you get a bunch of athletes together, real athletes that compete at a high level, there is huge respect for what each does. That's the difference between people that really do this, and people who don't.
I play forged clubs. They are very high tech. However, they are less forgiving. What you give up in forgiveness (off center hits) you make up for in workability and feel. And the golf balls I use are the same Bridgestones that are issued to their pros. They make them out of synthetic covers rather than the old balata stuff that on a bad hit got a "smile".
You can't really play forged unless you have a golf swing. You'll think you are swinging a telephone pole. You have to be able to hit, or get real close to the sweet spot on the club all the time. Cast forgives a bad swing, but you really cannot cut or draw the ball. But most players with "game improvement irons" are just trying to hit it straight. And these clubs bring a lot of enjoyment to the high handicapper.
The difference between a pro's clubs and mine, for example, is the shafts. A pro has a much faster swing speed, and needs a much stiffer shaft than mine.
Personally, I think people that discount other sports are fools. What's funny is if you get a bunch of athletes together, real athletes that compete at a high level, there is huge respect for what each does. That's the difference between people that really do this, and people who don't.
But don't sell yourself short...it isn't the shafts...there are pros that need shafts like yours and mine...Corey Pavin comes to mind. The difference even between very good am golfers and the Pros is still a huge one.
MP33 was the best set of irons I ever played...perfect sole grind for my swing and just the right amount of forgiveness with plenty of feedback and workability.
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05-23-09, 06:01 AM
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Let's see then...can we conclude that you can occasionally beat Lance in a TT and Tiger in a round of golf? If that were the case, wouldn't you still be riding for a paycheck and be a scratch golfer?
05-23-09, 06:03 AM
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First off,
https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sport
Second, what is your problem with something being called a sport? What does it matter to you? You obviously look down on golf so just don't play it. If people want to call competitive nose hair trimming a sport I would be fine with it.
https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sport
Second, what is your problem with something being called a sport? What does it matter to you? You obviously look down on golf so just don't play it. If people want to call competitive nose hair trimming a sport I would be fine with it.
05-23-09, 06:21 AM
#65
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Personally, I think people that discount other sports are fools. What's funny is if you get a bunch of athletes together, real athletes that compete at a high level, there is huge respect for what each does. That's the difference between people that really do this, and people who don't.
Just finished my ride for the day.
Now I have a 10:00 Tee time.
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05-23-09, 06:25 AM
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I was once a 20 something handicap...got down to about 9 at my best. If you don't golf, you have no idea how hard it is to hit the ball in the sweet spot consistantly. Even with my Ping ISI's (game improvement irons). The hand/eye coordination, timing, etc. it all crucial...then comes the short game.
I could never play the clubs a pro golfer plays and enjoy the sport/game..whatever you want to call it, but I could ride Lance's bike if it fit and love it....even if I was slow.
I could never play the clubs a pro golfer plays and enjoy the sport/game..whatever you want to call it, but I could ride Lance's bike if it fit and love it....even if I was slow.
05-23-09, 06:47 AM
#67
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Ah, Mizuno forged irons! Feel like buttah!! No club felt better than my MP-60s when hit pure. My problem was it didn't happen often enough. Now I'm playing forged Titleists that I can still work around as needed, but I'm not penalized as much on the mis-hits.
05-23-09, 07:50 AM
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I golf and I ride.
I ride like Tiger Woods and golf like Lance Armstrong.
I golf with solid players who use average equipment and I golf with terrible players who love to have the latest and greatest equipment- the same can be said about people I ride with.
I ride like Tiger Woods and golf like Lance Armstrong.
I golf with solid players who use average equipment and I golf with terrible players who love to have the latest and greatest equipment- the same can be said about people I ride with.
05-23-09, 08:00 AM
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Not quite.
Many pros actually use older, heavier, less high-tech forged clubs because they have a softer feel and allow a pro to work the ball a bit better--in the hands of a rank amateur they would have disastrous effects. So in many ways pros use equipment that makes the job harder. Clubs for beginners are designed to make it easier to hit a high, straight ball--that's it. Try to work a litle draw into your massive perimeter-weighted cast irons and it might not be so easy. Same with golf balls--the balls used by the pros would be completely shredded by the back 9, if the extra spin didn't make them disappear into the woods before that.
In cycling, the high-end stuff clearly makes riding easier and more enjoyable for a newbie. A 14.5lb bike is better than a 30lb bike. DA is better than Sora. That's true for everyone who uses it. Not so with golf clubs.
Many pros actually use older, heavier, less high-tech forged clubs because they have a softer feel and allow a pro to work the ball a bit better--in the hands of a rank amateur they would have disastrous effects. So in many ways pros use equipment that makes the job harder. Clubs for beginners are designed to make it easier to hit a high, straight ball--that's it. Try to work a litle draw into your massive perimeter-weighted cast irons and it might not be so easy. Same with golf balls--the balls used by the pros would be completely shredded by the back 9, if the extra spin didn't make them disappear into the woods before that.
In cycling, the high-end stuff clearly makes riding easier and more enjoyable for a newbie. A 14.5lb bike is better than a 30lb bike. DA is better than Sora. That's true for everyone who uses it. Not so with golf clubs.
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05-23-09, 08:13 AM
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Your point? You are wrong....I certainly do know what I am talking about and nothing I've said is wrong...or would you like to point where I am wrong. I admire your background and I hope you love playing golf (I don't) but I didn't start the stupid comparison....
05-23-09, 08:41 AM
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I could play 4 rounds at Augusta National and easily score at least a 130 (and probably better and with any clubs) every day....so roughly twice as bad as Tiger. I doubt I could finish a TDF or Giro course at all much less in twice the time it takes the winner of that race and I'm just an average Fred who rides 150-200 miles a week.
05-23-09, 08:43 AM
#74
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This has what to do with your point? Of course, I can see the jealousy in the fact that RW is probably better than you at cycling AND golf, but that's neither here nor there.
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05-23-09, 08:44 AM
#75
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Anyone who does not think that golf is a sport has obviously had very little exposure to it.
... or is just jealous that they can't hit there tee ball 300 yards or spin there wedge.
... or is just jealous that they can't hit there tee ball 300 yards or spin there wedge.