Golf Galaxy in store test range.

neonsohc · March 15, 2008

Not sure if this question really belongs here or not, but i was just wondering what everyone thinks of golf galaxy's test range that they have in their stores. Do you think that they are fairly accurate for telling you your distances?

Reason being for this question is that i went there looking for a fairway wood to get me a distance of rought 240-250 yards. I generally hit my 3 wood 270-280 according to their test range as well i hit my 5 wood 260-270. Now i went and got a Adams tight lies 7 wood because according to their test range i was hitting that club consistently 240-250 yards. Now im just wondering how close their machine is to actual distance because the guy there said it had just been calibrated and it was working fine. Im just worried possibly it was off and i will be hitting this 7 wood the same distance as my 3 iron (since most sites say a 7 wood replaces a 3 iron) and it would be a waste of a club.

Ive been to other simulator as well and i know my 3 wood i usually hit around 270 so im just wondering also if im worrying about something that may not be an issue.

thanks.

mypalcollin · March 15, 2008

If I were you, I wouldnt worry about your carry distances in the test range. Look for the correct launch angle/spin rate that gives you the desired carry distance. Maybe that means a higher trajectory with a certain shape of shot. Or possibly cut the shaft to length. The fact that I dont believe the machine to be accurate is irrelevant. But it is there for a reason, to demo what works for what you are looking for. IMO nothing can beat an outdoor fitting, or play on the course. If Golf Galaxy didnt have the test range, we wouldnt buy their clubs. And its a retail store, who sells golf equipment. Those employees dont really know as much as you think they should.

ohcanada17 · March 16, 2008

I agree with mypalcollin.... 1) they dont know that much, for sure. 2) Use it more so to measure launch and spin, which even with those machines are not that accurate. I was at a GG in vegas and the spin rate (with driver) was way high for my swing speed (3500-3700) and all the kid could say was how he had never seen anyone hit it so high and far.... the shaft was a stiff. So i made the effort to hit it lower and I saw the spin rate drop and he thought he had the club sold... lol. I don't give a spit what the distance on those machines say... they are so inconsistent. If we all played like those machines said, we would be in the final group with Tiger tomorrow.

Also, I have heard of places losing accounts with companies because they turn the 'boost' on, therefore, making people think they are hitting it further.

My suggestion, is make sure your are being fitted by a PRO - not someone who had a weekend job and knows nothing.... granted some do know there stuff, but in general they are looking to make the sale... a GOOD Pro will make the sale on whats best fitted for you... not what's best for 'his' wallet