[Uttephabeta]

I just read another golf claim made by a component manufacturer that their new grip, because it is lighter, will increase distance, and accuracy.

Wouldn't it be nice if the USGA had a division that anything golf related, with a particular claim of greatness attached to it, had to be tested, and approved by them before the item was marketed using said claims. Kind of like a "Good House Keeping" seal of approval. That way we would truly know, under controlled testing, which manufacturer could say "ours is longer, more accurate than theirs".

[textarchive]

You mean the grip company is full of it?

I am pretty much disappointed.

[Uttephabeta]

I don't know if they are or not. I just get tired of all the claims made by manufacturers of golf products. "Save 5 strokes here", "this club is longer", "this ball is longer" "save another 5 strokes here". I just think it would be nice to have a central, non biased organization of experts, who could control all these claims. let "Iron Byron" tell me which club, ball, or combination of club & ball is longest. I realize that these claims prey on those golfers with the lowest resistance to gullibility, which is a major selling factor. "Our (piece of equipment) has been certified longer and more accurate off the tee by the USGA" would sound pretty good as part of a sales pitch.

[Phighicle]

If that were the case they'd either have to quit making claims or quit making equipment..jusy my opinion

[Vitoethiche]

Its no different than any other industry at all. That is what advertising has come to it seems no matter what the product anymore.

[Phighicle]

Its no different than any other industry at all. That is what advertising has come to it seems no matter what the product anymore.

exactly...the two go together

[Shark&Nike]

If you study the Good Houskeeping or UL system, you will find out that both have become more about paying them enough money for the certification than actually making a product worthy of the label. I was involved in getting UL certification once and it is all politics and paying. Once you have paid enough, you get the label.

[animilius]

All Good Housekeeping means is you get to advertise in their magazine.

And heck, once you do require proof and controlled studies, you just get better fudging language. Look at food claims: "Some studies suggest product X may help with issue Y." That means nothing.

[homerdienru]

Are they pink/purple colored???

[zoolissentesy]

You know how companies such as Hydroxycut and other dietary supplements have to throw that little "this claim has not been tested by the FDA" too bad we don't have something like that for the golf industry. "These claims of a lower handicap and longer straight drives are purely hype and have not been tested by the Federal Golf Equipment Administration."

[homerdienru]

You know how companies such as Hydroxycut and other dietary supplements have to throw that little "this claim has not been tested by the FDA" too bad we don't have something like that for the golf industry. "These claims of a lower handicap and longer straight drives are purely hype and have not been tested by the Federal Golf Equipment Administration."

And also "Results Not Typical" haa haa

[tadacia]

I agree its annoying, but its called, "marketing" and every business on the face of the Earth does it.

[Shark&Nike]

I bought a bunch of those exercise machines off the Infomercials, but my body did not change....then I read the brochures that came with them and they expect me to actually EXERCISE! No one told me that part. Looking through their routines, it is pretty obvious that this requires sweating and huffing...things I am just not good at.

I feel so cheated!

[homerdienru]

I bought a bunch of those exercise machines off the Infomercials, but my body did not change....then I read the brochures that came with them and they expect me to actually EXERCISE! No one told me that part. Looking through their routines, it is pretty obvious that this requires sweating and huffing...things I am just not good at.

I feel so cheated!

You forgot to read the disclaimer

[Tainlyferfara]

II just think it would be nice to have a central, non biased organization of experts, who could control all these claims.

Thats why there's THP!!!

But seriously, I think if the USGA did do this, you could expect the prices of all golf equipment "certified" by the USGA to go up in price. Somebody has to pay for the "experts", and ultimately the consumer will pay. As for now, I trust the THP experts (not in ""!) for their unbiased reviews.

[animilius]

I bought a bunch of those exercise machines off the Infomercials, but my body did not change....then I read the brochures that came with them and they expect me to actually EXERCISE! No one told me that part. Looking through their routines, it is pretty obvious that this requires sweating and huffing...things I am just not good at.

I feel so cheated!

What about those books about buying millions in real estate for no money down?

[Saqwnht]

Humans have been taken in by "snake oil" since the beginning of time. I think that is especially true of we (or is it "us"?) golfers who are always looking for that extra yardage, a straighter ball flight, etc.

If PT Barnum were alive today he'd be in the golf business.

[animilius]

Humans have been taken in by "snake oil" since the beginning of time. I think that is especially true of we (or is it "us"?) golfers who are always looking for that extra yardage, a straighter ball flight, etc.

If PT Barnum were alive today he'd be in the golf business.

That, and weight loss, exercise, and investing. I'm only frustrated that I haven't figured out how to make my millions in useless claptrap.

[iiilizium]

Here's a simple solution, believe non of the claims made, and simply wait until the "word" on the street forms a cohesive opinion about the abilities of the product to meet any claims made, except for herd instinct, should be relatively unbiased.

[Uttephabeta]

Actually some of those claims can be done by the right folks with enough money, and a "perfect" credit rating. I have not read any of those types of books, but I do know a couple of folks who have been in the right place at the right time, having the right friends, who were able to purchase very large investment items for no money down. I am pretty sure they did not read any of those same books either.

What about those books about buying millions in real estate for no money down?