The Golfest Online web site is built around the concept that the average golfer should have the "real opinion" on what happens in the sport.  Most of us aren't scratch golfers, or for that matter single-digit handicappers.  However, most of us are brand loyal and a good day on the course is more about hanging out with good friends, enjoying the outdoors, and having fun.  There are professional golfers and then there are "real golfers with real opinions."  That is why we created our monthly polls on GolfestOnline.  
     Here is a recap of your voting and Golfest Opinions on the topics of the day!

 

Poll taken: Nov-Dec 2008

Golfest Opinion:  Although chicks dig the long ball, the average golfer would actually be more content and satisfied getting out of a trap more frequently.  While the concept of hitting a bunker shot is actually pretty simple, it is the most agonizing part of the weekend golfers game.
     While we all watch the PGA players get "up and down" on a frequent basis, in real life, it's more like, "up, up again, it's finally out, but across the green, to chip on and two putt."  We are also asking for a little improvement with the putter, since that can make or break any satisfying round of golf. 
     The chicks are going to have to wait until the bunker play and putting improve because the long ball came in third.  After that, it's just a bunch or short game stuff - iron play, chipping and pitching.

Which foursome would you like to join?

My wife (or significant other) ... 

Poll taken: Feb-March 2009

Golfest Opinion:   Based on this poll, most golfing outings are not officially sanctioned, endorsed, or blessed by the better-half.  I am not sure if its a misunderstanding, or a warning sign of your troubled marriage?  Maybe it's time to take the little woman golfing a few times and hope she gets the "golf-jones!"  
     Almost two-thirds of the votes said that the wife felt that five-hours at the course was not only a waste of time, but a waste of money.  That might explain the third fact that one in four golfers are closet-golfers, meaning the wife is on a need to know basis!  The good news is that there are a few women (5%) out there who think golf is great -- which reminds me -- I need to send flowers! 

 

The golf shot I dread the most is ... 

Poll taken: March-April 2009

Golfest Opinion:   Most avid golfers long about golfing more -- and in some cases, even dream about playing more often.  That is why it is a little surprising that the shot that most golfers dread the most -- is the first one.  That's right -- THE FIRST ONE!   Is it anxiety that we are feeling on the first tee box?  Or is it just pure disbelief that we finally suceeded at getting out to our favorite course?  Or maybe ..., it's just pure adrenalin running through our veins, like a kid sprinting down the stairs on Christmas morning.
     Coming in a distant second is that dreaded moment when you're standing about a hundred-out with a wedge in our hand -- and nothing but water between you and the green.  Most golfers believe that water hazards possess a magnetic power that magically draw our favorite Titliests into the drink.
     One in ten of us don't get excited on tight tree-lined fairways that leave us no choice but to hit 'er straight.


Which of the following has the biggest positive impact your game ... 

Poll taken: May-June 2009

Golfest Opinion:   With all of the new golf technology that is available, you would think it would be the biggest common demoninator for improving ones scores.  However, your average weekend golfer feels differently.  Like anything else in life, the more we do it, the better we get.  You want us to get better?  Let us play -- OFTEN!  And if you can put a hot putter in our hands and let us blaze a four-hour trail around 18-holes, you will soon see us out on the tour. 
      We typically don't care what the weather is doing, or even about expert advice on how to get better, because we will typically work with what is available.


 What is your favorite golf course beverage?

Poll taken: July-August 2009

Golfest Opinion:   Based on this poll, the average weekend golfer is basically looking to go out -- swing the sticks -- and have a good time.  Our poll showed that overwhelmingly the favorite swing-lubricant of choice is BEER.  Pick a brand, any brand, just beer!
     After beer, there was a quick drop off to a variety of beverages from water to Jack & Coke, to Vodka-Cranberry and Energy Drinks. 
     The motto of this story?  Make sure your course has a beverage cart!

 What is your money club -- the most reliable club in your bag?  The one you want in your hands when money is on the line?

Poll taken: Sept-Dec 2009

Golfest Opinion:   If we would have taken this poll a decade ago, many golfers would have asked ... "What's a hybrid?"  However thanks to innovative golf club designers and proactive manufacturers, hybrid clubs have replaced most of the lower-numbered irons in our bag.  Not only that, based on this poll, the average golfer trusts them when a clutch shot is really needed.  That would qualify as a "game-changing" event.
     After the hybrids, a pair of wedges were chosen about one out of four times as the money club.  After that, our poll takers chose a variety of weaponary. 
     What is real surprising is that many hackers seem to have a low self-esteem issues with their putter.  What ever happened to the clutch putt?  Maybe it's time for another "game-changing" design?