Golf Magazines / Manufacturers Relationship

ShriekingSheet

I know we've discussed this before, but I really have to raise Graeme McDowell's piece in Golf Monthly this month as a classic example of the ridiculous goings on. I'm not an avid reader, just find it good to pass the time when flying so buy about 3 or 4 per year.

Anyway, it's understandable that the manufacturers have some influence of the opinions and editorial, seeing as they pay for the magazine's existance via advertising, but it's just gone beyond a joke now. Every major release gets a positive review. Everytime there's a "top 5 picks" category in anything, the top 5 are always carefully distributed accross the main manufacturers. There's no honest opinion anywhere.

This month, McDowell wrote the entirity of his full page piece on clothing, how important it is to look the part, and how much he liked his current manufacturer. To top it all off, the article concludes with a big logo by whoever it is makes his kit.

It just annoys me to bother buying the thing to read what decent, knowledgable guys like GMac have to say, only to be presented with a stupid ad for white trousers.

stumpypeeps

It reminds me of reading a Formula 1 magazine a few years back, both Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher were driving Renault powered cars. In a pop quiz both were asked what their favourite road car ever was?

Both replied "Renault Laguna", Boy, I thought, that must be one terrific car. Of course I was 12.