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Media Interview with Grant C. Tayler - President Tayler Golf Master ClubMaker Where has golf equipment technology evolved to in the history of the game? The evolution of golf equipment has in my opinion gone from the arrow to the bullet and now to the laser. The Pro has always hit the golf ball better than the amateur. He or she practices more and is naturally talented, especially in the thought process concerning dedication and determination. Technology has made the game more enjoyable at all skill levels throughout golf’s history. The fact of the matter is the amateur profits far greater than the Pro when it comes to golf equipment technology, simply because of the skill levels. How fast is technology changing the course of the game? What is the most important aspect the golfer should concentrate on? Golf equipment technology is changing constantly as in any other industry. As stated in our Mission Statement, we at Tayler Golf are committed to excellence in focusing on the cutting edge of technology, optimizing ones ability and enjoyment for all golfers, regardless of their skill level. Now that kind of Tour proven technology does not come without considerable monetary expense and devoted time, nevertheless we are passionate and committed. The industry needs to take the time to educate the golfer in the area of equipment, so the golfer can make the proper decision when it comes time to improve or repair their clubs, instead of guessing, finding out later they have spent money unwisely. We do this by way of “Information Sessions” twice a week at our studio, as well as special seminars throughout Ontario. These type of sessions can help the golfer zero into the part of the game he/she needs the most help. For instance, in club making/repair we find the most neglected area is the shaft. The shaft is the only component of the golf club that moves. The shaft has irregularities inherent to the manufacturing process; it must be tuned and aligned to its most stable position in order for the shaft to perform its absolute best from the load position to impact. I spend an enormous amount of time testing shafts for this purpose. How does the golf instructor, the Pro get together with the ClubMaker- Fitter? How do we know if it’s the golfer's swing or the equipment giving the golfer problems? Optimizing ones ability in custom fitting golf clubs or repairing ones golf equipment is where we can help the Pros perform their job as instructors with less difficulty. Think about it, if all negative variables and guessing in equipment fitting are eliminated, the only thing left to correct is the swing. These days our technologies, such as Trackman™ can even help the Pro to detect the severity of the player’s angle of attack if it is a concern. Let’s face it , technology never replaces proper practice and flaws in the golf swing that a good teaching Pro can point out, however if the equipment is optimized and any variables removed from the equation, the swing and thought process is the only thing left to work on. What is the best technology these days for value given? Where should we golfers spend our time and money when deciding on improving our game? Again, educating yourself is key, such as the info sessions mentioned earlier. Find out what is Tour proven and Tour testimonial, without the product paying for the endorsement. Make sure the product has evidence or verification of the process. Also equally is essential and the person assessing and performing the work is competent with credentials. Does the club maker have the respect of the local Pros and abroad. Has he/she stayed up with the innovations and knowledge to perform the necessary work? You want a Doctor who stays up with modern technology, to optimize and prolong your health. Golf equipment is no different- someone you trust, skillful in their craft. The most advance technology to date for club fitting is three fold- TrackMan™ for total accurate optimization information; SST PURE® for optimal shaft performance and Tour caliber golf components and repair equipment. All of the latter are Tour Proven/ Tour Testimonial and data verified. Do Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson do all this? They are not on the list of SST PUREd? They have a tight circle around them and we know work is done for their sponsors- do we know for a fact they are PUREd®- No, however it would not make any sense not to PURE®, especially at their level. In my opinion, they are no different in seeking a competitive edge than any other Touring Pro. What are some of the things we recreational golfers should be on the lookout for? In other words, what do you see daily when working on clubs that the average person would not know or see? Ferrule abuse- the collar part that fits at the end of the shaft by the club head. It’s an important part of the golf club assembly and if not properly fitted can lead to significant problems down the road, sadly many times the industry cuts corners. Lead or weight slugging- lead is put in the bottom of the shaft to cover up a swing weight problem. This is 1937 technology and we have had the knowledge for many years that this is incorrect, yet it goes on far too frequently today. They have conveniently sacrificed playability over the look of the club, as well as improper swing weight distribution. Improper lie and loft adjustment far beyond recommended rates, altering the club with no respect to the performance issues, such as inverted soles, which promotes a digging action at impact.
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