In the world of golf, there are a lot of myths that we hear from our peers, parents, and online resources that, whether or not you realize it, may be affecting your golf game.
So, we decided to break down the top 20 myths that we hear and analyze them to see if they are true or false. Check them out below to see which ones you know and whether or not you should believe them!
- You Should Always Keep Your Feet Still
Verdict: False
Explanation: Youâll often see this advice given to new and inexperienced golfers. On the surface itâs not terrible advice to stay away from Happy Gilmore swings. However, it is not true that you should never move your feet. Throughout your golf swing your weight shifts and transfers between your feet. Looking at any golf professional youâll see that bringing your heels off the ground is very common and can help produce a more fluid swing.
- You Should Change Balls in Cold Weather
Verdict: False
Explanation: Many golfers swear by switching out their regular golf balls for a lower compression model when they play in cold weather. We went ahead and tested this theory previously in THIS study. Our results showed there is no realistic temperature that would affect golf ball compression enough to change balls.
- Golf is Not a Sport
Verdict: False
Explanation: Come on, do we really have to explain this one? If thereâs any gym bros reading this article who donât believe us, we challenge you to go out to a driving range and hit a hundred shots. You WILL be sore in the morning. Golf is a sport.
- Your Golf Bag Matters
Verdict: True
Explanation: Many golfers choose to cheap out when it comes to their golf bags. While bags certainly make life easier with good build quality, golf bags can indeed make your performance better. Nowadays, ultralight golf bags are becoming very common. These, like THIS one from Sun Mountain, mean that by the 18th hole your shoulders wonât be sore from carrying a heavy golf bag.
- You Shouldnât Play a Round of Golf Unless Youâre Good
Verdict: False
Explanation: This one is false for obvious reasons. Every golfer needs to start somewhere. Nearly all golf courses do not embody the judgemental stereotype that non-golfers attribute to them. As the famous saying goes, âYou donât have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be greatâ.
- Equipment Doesnât Matter
Verdict: False
Explanation: There is certainly truth to the idea that the greatest limiting factor for any golfer is themself. However, equipment is highly important. Whether it’s properly fit clubs, the correct compression ball, or even just golf shoes, even the little things can have very tangible results on your performance.
- Lower Loft Goes Farther
Verdict: False
Explanation: For your standard irons this is usually the case. However, the story changes when you look at your woods. According to Ken Morton Jr., our Vice President of Retail & Marketing, most golfers error on the side of too low of a loft. Without the proper ball speed, low loft can easily result in a much shorter flight path and shorter overall distance.
- Custom Fitting is For Low Handicap Players
Verdict: False
Explanation: Another common misconception is that only good golfers benefit from club fitting. This is very much inaccurate. High handicap players see huge differences with correctly fit game improvement irons. A nicely fit set of clubs can also make getting started a lot easier and more rewarding.
- Always Play One Brand
Verdict: False
Explanation: Weâll be honest, we appreciate the aesthetics of a completely identical set of clubs as much as the next person. Realistically though, every smart golfer should demo and try equipment from a wide array of manufacturers. Just because you play Titleist irons, doesnât mean the newest Titleist driver is necessarily the best fit for you. We encourage every golfer to get a proper golf fitting to determine what works best for them.
- Buy What the Pros Use
Verdict: False
Explanation: In the nicest way possible, the pros are better than the rest of us. The exact equipment they use is specifically engineered for their performance level. The average golfer is not best off using that same equipment.
- Clothes Donât Matter
Verdict: False
Explanation: Modern golf attire is designed to increase comfortability and flexibility. The fabrics being used allow for unrestricted golf swings. Additionally, golf polos have their sleeves cut so raising your arms above your head does not untuck them. While potentially just a small upgrade in performance, properly fit golf attire can be greatly beneficial to your golfing experience.
- Very Expensive to Start
Verdict: False
Explanation: Easily one of the most prevalent myths about golf is that it is too expensive to start playing. This is simply not true. You can pick up a used driver and a couple irons at any garage sale and be out on the driving range for super cheap. There are also numerous budget options when it comes to box sets nowadays. Donât let the rumored cost be what keeps you from getting out there.
- Golf Tees Matter
Verdict: Potentially True
Explanation: We actually tested this myth HERE. Our results were surprising and showed that there may be some differences. However, we recommend playing what makes you feel most comfortable and confident.
- You Should Always Keep Score
Verdict: False
Explanation: Not every round of golf needs to be treated so seriously. Whether you’re just enjoying a day with some friends or are just getting started, donât feel pressured to keep score every time. Itâs totally fine to relax and have a carefree round.
- Short Game is King
Verdict: True
Explanation: While the famous Nike commercial is probably right, âChicks dig the long ballâ. Truth is for the vast majority of golfers, the most wasted shots are on or near the green. Be sure to give the short game proper practice.
- The Driving Range is Bad Practice
Verdict: False
Explanation: We have all heard it said at one time or another in the clubhouse. The driving range is said to be bad for your swings. This simply is not true. The driving range is a great controlled environment to work out the problems in your game. It obviously does not replace real experience out on the course, but used correctly is a great weapon in any golferâs training arsenal.
- The Titleist Pro V1 is the Best Golf Ball
Verdict: False
Explanation: At one point this may have been arguably true. Those years are long gone. Nearly every major ball manufacturer is selling a comparably modern and sophisticated ball at this point. Your best off buying a couple sleeves of several brands and seeing what works best for you.
- Golf Club Grips Donât Matter
Verdict: False
Explanation: Seen by many as a place to cut corners, golf grips are often said to be overstated in their importance. However, like the tires on a car, the grip is integral to your swing. Bad grips can not only lead to blisters, but also slipping throughout your swing. Modern grips are engineered to work in all weather conditions and reduce wear to increase longevity. The price of decent grips is so low, that it really doesnât make sense to cut corners here.
- You Need a Glove
Verdict: False
Explanation: Most modern day golfers play with a glove. However, if you’re trying to be frugal or just feeling especially daring it’s certainly not a necessity. Justy be sure to have the correct calloused hands or expect a couple blisters the first few times.
- Clean Balls Fly Farther
Verdict: True
Explanation: Golf balls are engineered to have super slick surfaces that reduce drag and increase ball flight. Letting a ball get mud buildup will make it less aerodynamic and less balanced. This will result in an uneven ball flight. Do we really have to say it, âClean your balls!â
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