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TheSocialGolfer
Handicap: 36
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 782
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Dear All,
I had an interesting debate earlier in the week about the future of Golf Mags and would like to know the thoughts of other TSGers.....
- Are they still relevant in today's market?
- Would you rather see local news or celebrity features in these mags?
- Do you think the hard copy is dead, as people begin to switch to Online, Mobile and iPad versions?
- If publishers switch to digital versions - will you spend as much time reading them?
I have my own views but would like to know what everyone else thinks!
Regards
Ian
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Roger Marsland
Handicap: 36
Hampshire
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 41
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My own perspective.
I LOVE golf.
I play 2+ times a week.
I watch on TV 10 hours a week.
I follow numerous players/correspondents on Twitter.
I use many websites.
I pick up free mags from my club.
....but I do not BUY any mags.
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David Pipe
Handicap: 36
Surrey
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 57
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The only time I buy golf magazines is when I'm traveling ... Something to read on the plane.
Otherwise, it's mostly online reading for me.
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Greg Butler
Handicap: 18
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 77
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All leisure pursuit magazines, sold via newsagents, are far too expensive to buy, speaking for myself i don't wish spend my money on a product where it seems every other page is advertising. Magazines, when i used to get them infrequently, seem to repeat some info, (how many different ways can you show someone the correct grip...for example), If i need to find instruction, course guides or any other golf related subject i can now find it on-line. 
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Steve Goss
Handicap: 19
Kent
Pro Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21
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i like Mags and get Golf Monthly and Todays golfer sent through each month i like to read Mags papers etc as all this on line stuff does my head in if i didn't buy them id spend the money on either more Golf stuff i don't need or more lottery tickets i know what you mean about the Adverts but i like the forum's and views put across and especially the write ups and course info it give's me an insight into Visiting places the other Half and kids can go to whilst i pop out for golf holidays to try and even the balance out.
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Bernard Potter
Handicap: 28
West Sussex
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I buy about 2 mags per month, Todays Golfer, Golf World or Golf Monthly. I enjoy reading the practice tips, and news about courses played by other people. I do find the equipment reviews rather manufacturer biaised in their content - much of it seems to be just lifted from their advertising! I would like to see more challenging reviews and some independent testing. I agree the mags are rather expensive, but I do keep mine for quite a while - then pass them on to my son, who is also a keen golfer.
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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I usually have several magazines - mostly the free ones like Golf News, National Club Golfer, Essex/Kent Golfer and I occasionally get Todays Golfer or Golf Monthly.
I always spend more time reading the magazine rather than online, but I'm not a fan of those 'ebooks' either! Websites are useful for the latest pro news and tournament scores, but for an interview, instruction or reviews,etc, I would prefer the printed copy.
My view is that I look at a screen enough, so it would be a sad situation if the 'hard' copy wasn't available.
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Kathy Hylton
Handicap: 36
MO, United States
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I used online for readings. I only buy magazine when I'm traveling.
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Lyndon Samuel
Handicap: 29
Suffolk
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I tend to use magazines while travelling or on holiday - I can access all articles, interests and golf equipment online with other users ratings.
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TheSocialGolfer
Handicap: 36
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 782
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Thanks for all your feedback.....with these comments and email we have received, the general consensus seems to be:
- Glossy mags are a luxury and based around a 'time' factor/travelling
- Online/websites are a good resource for product
- Twitter is great for day to day tips and following 'The Stars' and latest news
- Free local golf mags are well read and are relevant
- There's little interest in digital mags
- Facebook...hmmmm.....didnt even get a mention!!
Thanks TSGers.
Ian
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