New Magazine Format - What Do You Think ?

[DCB]

So the April issue of the magazine came thudding through the letterbox this week. The changes that MikeH aluded to on the forum here some time ago have come to fruition.

From my point of view it's looking like a change in the right direction. Making things look fresh in a monthly publication must be a hard task indeed. This certainly seems to have found a new approach.

The Forum section is obviously an interesting addition. The item on the Titleist driver fitting also a good insight, especially as one of our forum members was involved and had given us an insight on her previously.

Looks like a worthwhile change. What do you guys think ?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm obviously biased but I think the overall feel and balance is better now and everything sort of sits in the right place in the magazine.

 

[haplesshacker]

Not being a subscriber, I'll have to wait until Thursday when they go on general sale.

 

[Dodger]

I would say that there is enough going on Forum wise for another page of stories,think 2 pages could be expanded but overall some good stuff.

 

[John_Findlay]

2 pages is almost not enough for all the forum stuff going on recently but I guess it'll average out over the piece. Great to see a magazine which is really in touch with it's readers for once. Really feel a part of it and great to see familiar (and new) faces printed for all to see.

 

[RGuk]

I've only just got the March! steady on.....

 

[John_Findlay]

You'll get a nice wee surprise when the April issue lands on the door then, Dave.

 

[Basher]

I was sitting up in bed reading mine last night.
I'd previously scanned several pages earlier but settled down for a bedtime read, starting from Mike's page, right at the beginning.
When I got to the instruction section my missus decided that enough was enough and requested I .....actually she TOLD me to turn out the light and go to sleep!

I'd have read it cover to cover had it not been for the missus. Glad she did now, I've still got lots more to read!

 

[GB72]

Have to wait until Thursday to buy a copy but will have the subscription back once next batch of Tesco vouchers are in

 

[Cernunnos]

Looking forward to getting my copy when it comes out. Looking forwad to seeing what's in it, looking forward to the GPS review no matter how much detail & stats are or arn't there.

 

[HarryMonk]

I am waiting for genral sale (for the last time), really looking forward to seeing the new layout it looks good from the cover shots, and it will be good to see Homers hard work in print.

 

[Twire]

I've only one complaint....and thats the B***dy split front cover.

 

[Richieb]

THE BLOODY SPLIT COVERS ARE A MENACE....PLEASE DONT DO IT AGAIN.

it just make the magazine rack look untidy

 

[viscount17]

THE BLOODY SPLIT COVERS ARE A MENACE....PLEASE DONT DO IT AGAIN.

well, not unless there's something nice inside

 

[GB72]

I would say that there is enough going on Forum wise for another page of stories,think 2 pages could be expanded but overall some good stuff.

Have now got a copy of the magazine and would have to say that I agree with Dodger, there seems to be enough going on around the Forum to warrant a bit more space. I appreciate that this may only be of interest to those that participate but, in my opinion, the views expressed and the events organised have enough general interest to appeal to all. The forum does, after all, represent a fair cross section of the golfing community. Only thing I would like to see added would be some form of reader course review.

I like the handicap indicators on the new gear section, very useful for higher handicappers like me. I was particularly suprised at the fact that different clubs within the same range suit different handicaps so the Mizuno MX700 driver and fairway would possibly suit me but the hybrid would not. Would also like to see the suggested handicap rating added to the course reviews. After all, there are many stunning courses that would simply not be enjoyable to the higher handicap golfer.

Overall though, a change for the better in my opinion and the subscription will be set up asap.

 

[Cernunnos]

I don't like being type cast. I maybe a high handicap player but to say this is suitable & this is not without ever knowing what that High or low handicapper can or can't do, what the strenths of either is... Its just wrong.

To say a club is only suitable to a high or mid or low handicap is to ignore the individuality & differences within a group.

Would it not be better to quote suitability for players with this or that strength or weakness rather than typecasting by handicap.

 

[viscount17]

After all, there are many stunning courses that would simply not be enjoyable to the higher handicap golfer.

Couldn't agree less. I'm don't know what there is to put you off.

I nearly didn't make the Goswick meet through totally unwarranted fears that it would be too tough for a high 'capper. Thanks to Chris and the others I went and had a ball (lost one or two as well!) and will definitely do my utmost to go there (or anywhere else) for the return.

Think about it. Every course has it's high handicappers as members. They make the pars and birdies, dream about the eagles and get cut. What's to stop you

 

[USER1999]

The only thing that would put someone off a course is massive carries over water, where if you can't carry 200+, you loose a ball every hole. In florida, my Dad has to choose his tees carefully, often changeing between green, red, yellow or white, according to the hole. There is no enjoyment standing on the tee if you can't reach the fairway.

I guess Goswick would be a different story in the summer, when the rough is 2 foot tall. A bit more daunting then I would think.

Cetainly a note regarding a course should mention if it has very narrow fairways and penal rough, as that does kind of limit it to straight drivers.


As for kit, there may be some (a very few) higher handicap golfers who can play with more challenging kit, but categorising roughly by handicap is not a bad thing in my eyes. Loads of players have totally unsuitable kit (My blades are back in the wardrobe for instance), and would benefit from something more forgiving.

Don't take it as an insult, it is just pointing someone in a particular direction. There is no point in a beginner buying Tigers new blades, just because Tiger plays them.

If you categorise by strength and weakness, what are you going to say about G10 irons, they are for people who can't find the middle, and struggle to get it airborne? No, you say they are for game improvers.

 

[Cernunnos]

My other half doesn't normally hit far. Now although its a fair point about water, though she always seems to feel she'd like to have a goat it even when offered the opertunity of saying assume the hit & the penalty drop at a DZ to save on balls. Never stopped her enjoyment of any course.

So Far she's played Penhros with me, which is golfing up & over & down a small mountain. Well its really a steep hillside & ridgeway, but you get the idea.

She's Played Tudor Park Has its fair share of challenges even though the 18th is a waste of time.

She's played Kilworth Springs No short course & she's never complained.

She throroughly enjoyed Wensum Valley playing both courses. She loved the Wensum course which has loads of water on it. During a few days last summer when we actually had a short heat wave. She never had a problem. Infact she actually outdrove me on one of the later holes when she just caught that Driver of her's just right. Neither of us believed it. Infact the challenges around there did her game the world of good. Helped mine too.

She's played Branston with me on a few occasions on the main course. Plenty of water available toend up in. Never bothered her. She's played Brailsford where some holes feature water & only come a cropper in two hazards & it never spoilt it for her.

I could easily go on.

The only reason I've not taken her around the PGA around the Belfry a course she'dlove to play, is because it officially has a handicaplimit. Not that It would really bother her that much. no matter how many shots she takes.

 

[Cernunnos]

Don't take it as an insult, it is just pointing someone in a particular direction. There is no point in a beginner buying Tigers new blades, just because Tiger plays them.

If you categorise by strength and weakness, what are you going to say about G10 irons, they are for people who can't find the middle, and struggle to get it airborne? No, you say they are for game improvers.

Okay I'm a High handicap player, but have absolutely no problem getting the ball airborn. Infact I've tried G10 irons the vilests iron on earth as far as I'm concerned, but would as you say suit those who can't get the ball in the air. And this is the very point I'm getting at.

Not every player in a catogary can be pigeon-holed so easily.

And also no offence meant

And Game improver Giveme a break...! Its just another phrase for lets cover all the swing faults with sticking plaster rather than getting proper lessons & adressing the issues in question.

As for Tigers new blades I think most players, even the better players will think twice before picking up a fully bladed club. Even Lee Westwood plays a big cavity back iron.

But there are halfway houses in semi-blade designs with hidden cavities that increase the sweet spot suficiently for most to cope with.