The combination of this article and recent conversations with my buddy Shawn about buying new clubs got me thinking about this topic. How many golfers out there are using clubs that they shouldn't be? The first paragraph of the article I think sums it up:

Last week I was playing at my home course and noticed one of the guys using a set of muscleback blade irons. Lovely as the clubs were to look at, he is a 12-handicapper who has no business swinging such sticks. When I asked why he didn't opt for more forgiving club, he said, "They feel great. Besides, I like using what the big boys use."

Sorry, but I have to throw the B.S. flag on both of those statements.

I can't agree more. I guess some guys feel it's necessary to play what the tour players play, even if it not only doesn't improve their game, but actually makes it worse. It's likely due to a macho bullshit attitude. The same attitude I think prevails when guys insist they have to play from the tips on every course, even though they're a 20 handicapper. You're only unnecessarily lengthening the course, lengthening the time spent looking for lost balls, and increasing your overall score. Who are you trying to impress?

I made a conscious decision a couple years ago that I am going to play the whites whenever possible, and will continue to do so until my handicap drops into the single digits (if that day ever comes). Seems like many others could benefit from this mantra too.