Vector8000: that s my take on what s going on in these tournament s . And I frankly don t care for it. I hope that I havent pissed people off by saying this . But if I did, I did. Just longing for the real experience we once enjoyed. Thank s for listening to my rant. But it is a legit rant from a reasonable player
You cannot piss people off for expressing an honest, truthful, heartfelt opinion. I know, because I piss people off all the time and I use high tech gadgetry to do it.
I do feel your anguish. It seems uncanny how low some of the posted scores are and I, for a long time, felt the way you do now.
The truth is, there really are players that are that good. It is amazing how low some scores have gotten but, if you birdie and eagle every hole, the score is going to be insanely low. I do not believe you can cheat the VEM. True, there are shot calculators and programs, available for free, in these forums, which will calculate distance for you, taking into consideration wind speed and direction. In the end, you still have to hit the spacebar or click the mouse at the right time.
I do agree with your "highest bidders" statement. Having recently upgrade my irons, at a suggestion from a friend, I have been noticing that, when I miss the ding, often times my shots are still dead on. I now account this for the "forgiveness" of the club. My new irons also have better spin and my ball now stops on the green, on long approaches, instead of rolling off the back side. My game has improved but it has come at an expense.
Lately, I, myself, have been playing much better and, but for messing up at the end of rounds, would be posting some low scores, lower than I ever have before.
There is much truth to the opinion that having the best clubs and best balls makes a huge difference in the game. To that extent, the game is one which wins go to the "highest bidder".
Things have changed a little. Now with the attire available with enhancements, with lesser clubs, and a rock ball (starter) you can obtain greater distance, more forgiveness, more spin, more accuracy. The enhancements do not work in tournament play but they do work in showdowns and turf wars.
I have friends that are Champions and Tour Champions. It amazes me how well they play. One thing they all have in common, consistency and great putting. I usually keep up with them for the first 5 or 6 holes. After that, I make stupid mistakes and they stay consistent and accurate. I know they are not using special programs or cheats; they are just that good.
I am nothing special. Nonetheless, there have been a few times where, in the coin rooms, I make a great shot, or drop a long long putt and am accused of using a program or other cheat...which, if you see me play, is a hilarious notion. Unless, of course, my special program is designed for me to lose balls or double bogey holes 8 and 9 when I was 6 under after 7.
I play for fun. I enjoy the tournaments; I never expect to win any.
IMHO, the advantage goes to those who have all the time in the world to play and hone their skills. I would analogize to an amateur golfer, playing in a pro-am thinking that the pro has all the advantage because he has better clubs or balls. The Pro does nothing but play. When he is not playing, he is studying courses, hitting the gym, the range, the putting green, etc... I believe the same goes here. Serious players use the practice greens and play practice rounds. They have played out of every bunker and chipped and putted from every position. They know every break and every lie. Their course management is 2nd to none.
I am not jealous, or angered, I marvel at the dedication and have sympathy, that while they are honing their skills, I am out hiking in the mountains and enjoying time with friends and my dogs irl.