Golf club consumers BEWARE !!!

[Masterwoodsman]

To the expat golfers out there......

If you're on the look out for a new driver just be aware that Super Sports in central festival are selling USGA non-conforming drivers.

This doesn't really effect the social golfers but anyone playing in competitions will be disqualified if caught using this driver.

The driver in question is the Callaway ERC Hot driver. I got suspicious when i noticed about 50 of these drivers cleverly spread around the golf section. Retail price tag of 27,500 Baht....selling for 7,900Baht. I asked the assistant why so many of these drivers and he said factory clearance sale and SS bought a bulk quantity.

Still not satisfied i inspected the driver in more detail and in small print on the heel side of the driver head reads. "USGA non-conforming as from 01-01-08"
I pointed this out to matey and he just smirked and said something in Thai to his colleagues who also laughed about it, Yes boys you've just been shopped.

I asked one of them what would happen if someone bought this driver and used a few times before realising its not legal for comps, only to return it for a refund. He replied, its a used item and cannot be returned regardless. The print is there to read, if customer not see their problem.

In a nutshell a great driver and a steal at 7900B if playing with the lads but a definate no-no for the guys playing comps....

[pablo]

Would the "MTB Challenge" on Thursday's be considered a competition that would conform to the USGA?

[The Loop]

Did you notice the head size?

460cc is the legal limit these days.

Maybe it is a touch bigger,and therefore non conforming.

[LivinLOS]

Dont they also have those 100 USD pony Chinese sets for sale ??

A mate bought a copy set of come named brand (might have been calloway) and claims they are a big improvement over his dated but legit set that cost him many time more..

Another buddy used to be an ebay drop shipper for those $100 pony sets..

[Dodger]

Originally Posted by pablo

Would the "MTB Challenge" on Thursday's be considered a competition that would conform to the USGA?

We'll conform to anything Pabs, so long as it means we get an edge that might help us win!!!!

[Masterwoodsman]

Originally Posted by The Loop

Did you notice the head size?

460cc is the legal limit these days.

Maybe it is a touch bigger,and therefore non conforming.

Its not the head size thats the issue as it conforms to the 460 maximium cc, i think this one is actually 450cc.

The USGA have pulled it up on excessive COR. Basically the spring factor off the face of the club. It exceeds the limit of 0.830 COR which contributes to the ball springing off the titanium club face to give added yardage "unfairly" according to the USGA and R&A rules.

Fact is you've still got to hit the thing straight, if you slice a ball its just gonna exagerate that and slice more !!!!

I'm sure your friendly Golfing Thursday wont be intimidated by the USGA !!!!!

Besides i heard Dodger is still using a wooden head driver with an Ivory insert !!!!

[pablo]

Just a little detour here...

This reminded me of the "old days", and persimmon woods.

At one time, I remember guys painting in the groove's on their driver's, with fingernail polish. Or, using a "chap stick" smudge to fill in the center grooves.

This, in an effort to reduce the amount of spin, and gain additional yardage with the shot. 55555 (I think it was illegal )

I still have (in my garage) a brand new set of "Walter Hagan" persimmon woods (still in the box).

I looked them over a few weeks back (water heater broke...another tale). I compared the old wooden driver, to my latest TaylorMade R7 460cm driver...gawd, the old "normal sized" driver was so small, comparatively...it looked like a "hybrid escape club", you see so often today.

[dennisinkamala]

Do they play golf in Phuket?

[landofsmiles]

Of course golf is played here. Here are the rules>>>

Here are the Rules of Golf adapted and embellished for playing the Game in Thailand.

Players are encouraged to post any additional local rules they have experienced that may be missing from the listing below>>>

1) Course fees are usually paid AFTER completion of the game. Players are advised to negotiate the fee with the course owner before playing, thus avoiding any shocks when receiving the payment request at the end of the game. Tipping is voluntary but recommended. If Players tip, the course owner is more likely to remember them should they return for another game and will endeavour to provide the Player with an even better golfing experience second time around.

2) Each Player shall furnish his own equipment for play, normally one club and two balls.

3) Play on course must be approved by the owner of the hole.

4) Unlike outdoor golf, the object is to get the club in the hole and keep the balls out.

5) For most effective play, the club should have a firm shaft. Course owners are permitted to check shaft stiffness before play begins using a stiffometer. Should the Players club be deemed unprepared for play the Player can request assistance from the course owner.

5a) Owners have various means at their disposal for this purpose including manual...utilising their hands-on experience; visual..."how to" videos; and as a last resort, performance enhancing drugs. Using the latter is best avoided as it can take time to take effect and cause the Player to miss his tee off time and be unable to complete his game within the time period allowed.

6) Course owners reserve the right to restrict club length and diameter to avoid damage to the hole. In the past some courses have had to close for extended periods of specialist treatment due to damage caused by Players using oversize equipment.

7) The object of Thai bedroom golf is to take as many strokes as necessary until the owner is satisfied play is complete. Failure to do so may result in being denied permission to play again.

8) It is considered bad form to begin playing the hole immediately upon arrival. Experienced players will normally take time to admire the entire course, paying special attention to well formed mounds and bunkers.

9) Players are cautioned not to mention other courses they have played or are currently playing to the owner of the course being played. Upset owners have been known to damage a players equipment for this reason.

10) Players are encouraged to bring suitable wet weather protection.

11) Players should not assume that the course is in shape to play at all times. There are often "periods" in the month when players may be embarrassed to find parts of the course temporarily under repair...most often the hole itself. The course owner will normally notify the player that certain areas are unplayable for that particular round. Players are advised to be extremely tactful in this situation.

11a) More advanced players will find alternate means of play when this is the case....course owners will usually allow Players to play the fairways and the approach to the hole and take a gimme, then move on to the next hole.

12) Players should assume their match has been properly scheduled particularly when playing a new course for the first time. Previous players have been known to become irate if they discover someone else is playing what they considered a private course.

13) The owner of the course is responsible for the pruning of any bushes...which may reduce the visibility of the hole...and the appearance of each hole making them an attractive proposition for players of all abilities.

14) Generally, Players will find Thai courses shorter than others they have played before, with less undulations; smooth fairways and very little rough.

15) Players are strongly advised to get the owners permission before attempting to play the back side.

16) Slow play is encouraged, however, players should be prepared to proceed at a quicker pace at the owners request.

17) It is considered an outstanding performance, time permitting, to play the same hole several times in one match.

18) Players are expected to arrive at the course with their equipment squeaky clean and free of any dirt or grime. Arriving with club or balls contaminated from a game on a different course is considered extremely bad etiquette. Players should not expect to be able to clean their club or balls once play has commenced.

18a) Should during the game the Player feels it necessary to do so, to satisfy the course owner it is preferable to hit one of his balls out of bounds...while retrieving his ball he can clean his equipment out of sight of the course owner.

19) Photography on the course is strictly forbidden. However permission can sometimes be obtained with approval from the owner...after negotiating an additional fee.

20) There are exceptional circumstances where the course owner may allow 2 Players to play the course at the same time.

21) Players are advised to think twice before considering membership at a given course. Additional assessments may be levied by the course owner and the rules are subject to change at short notice. For this reason, many players prefer to continue to play at a variety of different courses in the Kingdom.

[visa2003]

Originally Posted by pablo

Would the "MTB Challenge" on Thursday's be considered a competition that would conform to the USGA?

If you manage to get a PGA recognised handicap playing in the MTB challenge.........I will walk, naked, through Bangla Road at midnight, holding So-cal's hand!!!!

[Dodger]

Hmm could be of interest to some of our members??? Pabs your PGA recognised handicap certificate is in the post!!!

[pablo]

Originally Posted by visa2003

If you manage to get a PGA recognised handicap playing in the MTB challenge.........I will walk, naked, through Bangla Road at midnight, holding So-cal's hand!!!!

Thanks for the warning. 55555

Originally Posted by Dodger

Hmm could be of interest to some of our members??? Pabs your PGA recognised handicap certificate is in the post!!!

Mucha's Gracia's

[dawsey]

Originally Posted by visa2003

If you manage to get a PGA recognised handicap playing in the MTB challenge.........I will walk, naked, through Bangla Road at midnight, holding So-cal's hand!!!!

You know you can get just about anything in Khao San Rd ?? 5555555

Prepare yourself So-cal 5555