Comments on: How Important Is It To Have Hireko Clubs Tested By The USGA? http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/ Professional Golf Equipment at Down to Earth Prices! Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:26:29 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: Scott Starks http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/comment-page-1/#comment-2316 Scott Starks Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:03:53 +0000 http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=718#comment-2316 I like the idea JK presented by taking one of the Hireko lines (ie. Dynacraft and have that line USGA certified). One factor that hasn't been presented or I didn't see it. As a clubmaker who re-sells product after fitting and building for some customers selling/buying a non-certified USGA product lessens it 's value and appeal to some. Just something to think about. Scott I like the idea JK presented by taking one of the Hireko lines (ie. Dynacraft and have that line USGA certified).

One factor that hasn’t been presented or I didn’t see it. As a clubmaker who re-sells product after fitting and building for some customers selling/buying a non-certified USGA product lessens it ’s value and appeal to some. Just something to think about.

Scott

]]> By: jdcolv http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/comment-page-1/#comment-2244 jdcolv Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:45:09 +0000 http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=718#comment-2244 I would suggest that most of the comments are correct in their analysis that there will be no appreciable effect on actual play of not getting certification. However, I am not as certain that the effect on marketing of your products will be as charitable. Much of what the USGA has done is ridiculous, particularly with regard to grooves. (Petulant temper tantrums good rules do not make.) However, until a new, more reasonable, and responsive rule making body whose primary focus is the best interests of golfers can be establised, the USGA rules will be the standard. Failure to have clubs that are known to comply with the USGA standards or intentionally selling clubs that are known not to comply with the USGA standards will tarnish your sterlng reputation for quality. I do not know how many clubs and heads you sell in a year. However if the cost to have your products tested is $7,000 and you sell 70,000 or more heads and clubs per year, the per unit cost is $.10 or less. I think that, as purchasers, we can absorb that cost to help maintain your reputation (and ours)for quality products. I would suggest that most of the comments are correct in their analysis that there will be no appreciable effect on actual play of not getting certification. However, I am not as certain that the effect on marketing of your products will be as charitable.

Much of what the USGA has done is ridiculous, particularly with regard to grooves. (Petulant temper tantrums good rules do not make.) However, until a new, more reasonable, and responsive rule making body whose primary focus is the best interests of golfers can be establised, the USGA rules will be the standard. Failure to have clubs that are known to comply with the USGA standards or intentionally selling clubs that are known not to comply with the USGA standards will tarnish your sterlng reputation for quality.

I do not know how many clubs and heads you sell in a year. However if the cost to have your products tested is $7,000 and you sell 70,000 or more heads and clubs per year, the per unit cost is $.10 or less. I think that, as purchasers, we can absorb that cost to help maintain your reputation (and ours)for quality products.

]]> By: BC http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/comment-page-1/#comment-2199 BC Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:11:57 +0000 http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=718#comment-2199 I echo earlier comments and say create a specific line that is USGA approved. I'd imagine that such an exclusive Hireko line will be quite popular, especially among your repeat customers. I echo earlier comments and say create a specific line that is USGA approved. I’d imagine that such an exclusive Hireko line will be quite popular, especially among your repeat customers.

]]> By: Jrock http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/comment-page-1/#comment-1889 Jrock Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:05:44 +0000 http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=718#comment-1889 I would say testing should be done on certain clubs/models(using your discretion); those that are designed with the "better" golfer in mind. I don't think the average golfer is that concerned about the USGA's opinion and/or approval process. However, I do think the better(low/single digit hdcp) golfer does care and, as I, aren't going to be as concerned about the price, as long as they have confidence in the product they are purchasing. Yes, cost has to be taken into consideration; but I think if you want a "better" product, you're probably willing to pay the price for it. I would say testing should be done on certain clubs/models(using your discretion); those that are designed with the “better” golfer in mind. I don’t think the average golfer is that concerned about the USGA’s opinion and/or approval process. However, I do think the better(low/single digit hdcp) golfer does care and, as I, aren’t going to be as concerned about the price, as long as they have confidence in the product they are purchasing. Yes, cost has to be taken into consideration; but I think if you want a “better” product, you’re probably willing to pay the price for it.

]]> By: rob http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/comment-page-1/#comment-1876 rob Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:57:47 +0000 http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=718#comment-1876 Jeff, I could care less if you submit or not. I recently read that Callaway submitted a new wedge that met every new guideline yet the USGA decided not to pass it. This story has been visited on both small and large OEM's in one form or another for quite a while. I purchased a set of Acer XK's this past season and can assure you that they will not gather dust because of the new groove rule. I prefer to trust you and your engineers to design heads both conforming and non conforming and giving us the option to buy what we want. Best in the New Year - rob Jeff, I could care less if you submit or not. I recently read that Callaway submitted a new wedge that met every new guideline yet the USGA decided not to pass it. This story has been visited on both small and large OEM’s in one form or another for quite a while.
I purchased a set of Acer XK’s this past season and can assure you that they will not gather dust because of the new groove rule.
I prefer to trust you and your engineers to design heads both conforming and non conforming and giving us the option to buy what we want.

Best in the New Year – rob

]]> By: J.A.T. http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/comment-page-1/#comment-1840 J.A.T. Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:09:40 +0000 http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=718#comment-1840 Golf is a game of honor. The comments about playing for fun, being a weekend golfer, or fear of being bettered by someone with non conforming clubs shows the need for instant self gratification. No desire for practice, just instant gratification. Effort leads to gratification and self worth, not want. Also how many people with nonconforming golf clubs will be walking into the club house talking about the best game they just played? If a person wishes to play with nonconforming golf clubs they should not expect compliments nor should they self compliment, for it is the golf club not their ability. In closing HIREKO had an article about the AMA awards. The money spent there could have tested how many clubs? I would never cold shoulder anyone on a golf course, but I will not say "nice drive" to anyone with a 600cc driver. The rules are there to level the field, ability not who can buy a better game is what makes a good golfer. Golf is a game of honor. The comments about playing for fun, being a weekend golfer, or fear of being bettered by someone with non conforming clubs shows the need for instant self gratification. No desire for practice, just instant gratification. Effort leads to gratification and self worth, not want. Also how many people with nonconforming golf clubs will be walking into the club house talking about the best game they just played? If a person wishes to play with nonconforming golf clubs they should not expect compliments nor should they self compliment, for it is the golf club not their ability.

In closing HIREKO had an article about the AMA awards. The money spent there could have tested how many clubs? I would never cold shoulder anyone on a golf course, but I will not say “nice drive” to anyone with a 600cc driver. The rules are there to level the field, ability not who can buy a better game is what makes a good golfer.

]]> By: Tom B http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/comment-page-1/#comment-1832 Tom B Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:35:52 +0000 http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=718#comment-1832 I don't believe non-conforming clubs are a big an issue in a USGA competition as USGA handicap is. I can "self certify" myself by saying I have honestly posted all my stipulated rounds, but that doesn't make it so. Too many times I have seen the same individuals clean up in tournaments because their handicap puts them in a class B, C or D division when they consistently play one or two divisions better. I have never seen them challenge any clubs and rarely the handicap. The USGA tries to eliminate this with the requirement to post tournament scores but I don't see much improvement. If you certify the clubs conform to USGA rules, that should be good enough. If that certification is challenged in USGA event and proves to be non-conforming, then the certification should be removed until the non-conforming issue is resolved. In any event, if a club, conforming or non-conforming, is available to all, then who gives a rats a**. I don’t believe non-conforming clubs are a big an issue in a USGA competition as USGA handicap is. I can “self certify” myself by saying I have honestly posted all my stipulated rounds, but that doesn’t make it so. Too many times I have seen the same individuals clean up in tournaments because their handicap puts them in a class B, C or D division when they consistently play one or two divisions better. I have never seen them challenge any clubs and rarely the handicap. The USGA tries to eliminate this with the requirement to post tournament scores but I don’t see much improvement.

If you certify the clubs conform to USGA rules, that should be good enough. If that certification is challenged in USGA event and proves to be non-conforming, then the certification should be removed until the non-conforming issue is resolved. In any event, if a club, conforming or non-conforming, is available to all, then who gives a rats a**.

]]> By: EJ http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/comment-page-1/#comment-1783 EJ Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:08:46 +0000 http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=718#comment-1783 I THINK MANUFACTURES ARE BETWEEN A ROCK AND HARD PLACE TO KEEP THE PRICE DOWN AND CONFORM TO USGA REGS. I DON'T THINK MOST PEOPLE UNDERSTAND IF YOU PLAY ONE ON ONE SKIN GAME OR PLAY IN LOCAL TOURNAMENTS ANY COMPETITION OF GOLF THAT IS GOVERNED BY USGA RULES [I KNOWN OF NO GOLF TOURNAMENTS THAT USE ANY RULES OTHER THAN USGA TO GOVERN A GOLF COMPETITION] REQUIRES IT TO BE PLAYED WITH USGA CONFORMING EQUIPMENT. IT DOES'T MATTER TO THE WINERS BUT THERE ARE ONLY A FEW IN A TOURNAMENT, THERE ARE A LOT MORE LOSERS AND IT SEEMS TO MATTER TO THEM A LOT. I THINK MANUFACTURES ARE BETWEEN A ROCK AND HARD PLACE TO KEEP THE PRICE DOWN AND CONFORM TO USGA REGS. I DON’T THINK MOST PEOPLE UNDERSTAND IF YOU PLAY ONE ON ONE SKIN GAME OR PLAY IN LOCAL TOURNAMENTS ANY COMPETITION OF GOLF THAT IS GOVERNED BY USGA RULES [I KNOWN OF NO GOLF TOURNAMENTS THAT USE ANY RULES OTHER THAN USGA TO GOVERN A GOLF COMPETITION] REQUIRES IT TO BE PLAYED WITH USGA CONFORMING EQUIPMENT. IT DOES’T MATTER TO THE WINERS BUT THERE ARE ONLY A FEW IN A TOURNAMENT, THERE ARE A LOT MORE LOSERS AND IT SEEMS TO MATTER TO THEM A LOT.

]]> By: Joe g http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/comment-page-1/#comment-1776 Joe g Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:37:35 +0000 http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=718#comment-1776 My opinion is Hireko’s clubs should be certified. Joe Public already has the option of paying less for clubs, so if cost is the only consideration, Heriko’s usually aren’t being considered anyway. Hireko must choose its market. I only know a few boys playing Hireko clubs, they are very satisfied, and their satisfaction is the reason I’m considering Heriko. I play 85 or more rounds a year, including three, 3 day tournaments. Every round is a competition of some sort. The non tournaments rounds are played with friends and acquaints, and normally something is wagered. Anyone known to play a non-conforming club is excluded from wagering. Golf is a game! All games have rules! All games are competitive! I could go on an on and on. Should a person not compete, why the heck are they on a golf course? Are these the boys that cause a 6-1/2 hour weekend round? They’re just swinging; don’t care about consistency or where the ball goes? If there’re not competing what’s it matter how long they hit the ball? So, those boys dreaming they’re Arnold, Jack, Tom, Greg, or Tiger, but need a cart to drive 250 yards, well, they’re just Day Dreaming. The rest of us play golf and enjoy fair competition. Sure, you could abolish the RULES, turn golf into a stipulating endeavor, in which even the pirate Jack Sparrow might be out hustled by the likes of Sam Snead. My opinion is Hireko’s clubs should be certified.

Joe Public already has the option of paying less for clubs, so if cost is the only consideration, Heriko’s usually aren’t being considered anyway. Hireko must choose its market.

I only know a few boys playing Hireko clubs, they are very satisfied, and their satisfaction is the reason I’m considering Heriko.

I play 85 or more rounds a year, including three, 3 day tournaments. Every round is a competition of some sort. The non tournaments rounds are played with friends and acquaints, and normally something is wagered. Anyone known to play a non-conforming club is excluded from wagering.

Golf is a game! All games have rules! All games are competitive! I could go on an on and on. Should a person not compete, why the heck are they on a golf course? Are these the boys that cause a 6-1/2 hour weekend round? They’re just swinging; don’t care about consistency or where the ball goes? If there’re not competing what’s it matter how long they hit the ball?

So, those boys dreaming they’re Arnold, Jack, Tom, Greg, or Tiger, but need a cart to drive 250 yards, well, they’re just Day Dreaming. The rest of us play golf and enjoy fair competition.

Sure, you could abolish the RULES, turn golf into a stipulating endeavor, in which even the pirate Jack Sparrow might be out hustled by the likes of Sam Snead.

]]> By: JUST SAY NO USGA http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/09/how-imprortant-is-it-to-have-hireko-clubs-tested-by-the-usga/comment-page-1/#comment-1694 JUST SAY NO USGA Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:30:40 +0000 http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=718#comment-1694 Are you kidding me? I have no idea why anyone would ever submit their clubs to the USGA. Let the pros do it themselves, they make the money. What, there are something like 3000 male and 2400 female pros, and another 10,000 wannbes... and 10's of millions of Joe Publics who do not fall under USGA rules. I want the best equipment I can get, I want extra spring effect, I want to swing nice and easy and fully under control and get a drive the goes straight down the middle 250-260 yards. I want non conforming clubs. This gentleman's game, elitist attitude is sickening. Who cares!!!!!! Why do they care!!!, Really why does anyone care what I do? This is supposed to be a free country, and I choose not to have anything to do with the USGA, so why do they care about me? I play golf 3-5 times a week when the weather is good. What is my handicap? I do not know, because I do not keep score! Do you know that actually bothers the random people I get paired up with. I regroove my own wedges really super non conforming, just for the fun of it. I have to laugh... I am so against regulation outside of the USGA events, in fact I would love to see the pros allowed to play anything.... same with car racing. It makes it so boring and dull. KEEP REQULATIONS OUT OF MY GAME!!!!! Build a driver for the tour players, and then build the best driver you can. Golf club designers are like artists, with restrictions on the colors they can use. USE THEM ALL!!! There are so many people who do not care, you will actually make a lot more money selling non conforming clubs, it will pay for the testing of the ones you want to make conforming. For those that really care, Deep down inside, ask yourself why you care. If it really has noting to do with your own ego, or fear of being bettered by someone with non conforming clubs then maybe there is something I am missing. You should play for yourself, play your own game for the fun of it. If you get caught up with all the other BS, then you have some real problems and are the type of players I can not stand! I will get in my cart and drive back to the starter, and just say, I am sorry, but I can not play with that group, their attitude is not enjoyable... and 100% of the time, I get to tee off again, because they have played with the likes of you too! Are you kidding me? I have no idea why anyone would ever submit their clubs to the USGA. Let the pros do it themselves, they make the money.

What, there are something like 3000 male and 2400 female pros, and another 10,000 wannbes… and 10’s of millions of Joe Publics who do not fall under USGA rules. I want the best equipment I can get, I want extra spring effect, I want to swing nice and easy and fully under control and get a drive the goes straight down the middle 250-260 yards. I want non conforming clubs. This gentleman’s game, elitist attitude is sickening. Who cares!!!!!! Why do they care!!!, Really why does anyone care what I do? This is supposed to be a free country, and I choose not to have anything to do with the USGA, so why do they care about me? I play golf 3-5 times a week when the weather is good. What is my handicap? I do not know, because I do not keep score! Do you know that actually bothers the random people I get paired up with. I regroove my own wedges really super non conforming, just for the fun of it. I have to laugh… I am so against regulation outside of the USGA events, in fact I would love to see the pros allowed to play anything…. same with car racing. It makes it so boring and dull. KEEP REQULATIONS OUT OF MY GAME!!!!!

Build a driver for the tour players, and then build the best driver you can. Golf club designers are like artists, with restrictions on the colors they can use. USE THEM ALL!!! There are so many people who do not care, you will actually make a lot more money selling non conforming clubs, it will pay for the testing of the ones you want to make conforming.

For those that really care, Deep down inside, ask yourself why you care. If it really has noting to do with your own ego, or fear of being bettered by someone with non conforming clubs then maybe there is something I am missing. You should play for yourself, play your own game for the fun of it. If you get caught up with all the other BS, then you have some real problems and are the type of players I can not stand! I will get in my cart and drive back to the starter, and just say, I am sorry, but I can not play with that group, their attitude is not enjoyable… and 100% of the time, I get to tee off again, because they have played with the likes of you too!

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