How We Test & Review
Golf Products
Since 2011, we have been testing and reviewing golf products ON THE GOLF COURSE.
Take a look inside Independent Golf Reviews and our testing process.
Independent Golf Review’s Core Mission is to provide the most in-depth golf product and equipment reviews on the internet.
Millions of annual readers trust us for unbiased information based on our personal testing.
We aren’t just product testers; we’re real golfers with a passion for the game.
Our passionate team of golfers personally tests every single product we review, both in our indoor facility and on the golf course, to help you find the best equipment to improve your game.
Our Testing Facility & Tools
We’re committed to rigorously testing each product with the most advanced technology available.
At our head office in Arizona, we have an indoor testing facility with a top-of-the-line golf simulator.
Using this golf simulator we are able to get accurate data on ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, distance and more.
This data provides a scientific, data-driven foundation to accurately quantify the performance of each golf club.
But testing on the golf simulator alone is not enough.
On-Course Testing
We believe in the importance of real-world testing ON THE GOLF COURSE.
The golf simulator is incredibly useful and valuable, but nothing matches the real-world experience of testing on the course.
That is why after our initial testing in our indoor golf facility, we take every product we review on the golf course for multiple rounds.
The golf course provides the most authentic and unfiltered test of a golf club.
Nothing can compare to testing on the golf course because it introduces natural elements like wind, turf conditions, elevation changes, and more.
On-course testing also helps assess the feel, control, and versatility of a club in situations golfers face during actual play, which is exactly what our readers want to know.
Over 1400 Products Tested To Date
We’ve reviewed more than 1400 golf products during our 10+ years serving golfers like you.
We believe that the more products we review, the greater our authority becomes in offering informed opinions on golf equipment.
Having built a catalog of over 1,400 reviews, we are equipped to make meaningful comparisons and offer comprehensive insights into each product’s performance.
More so than almost anyone else in the industry.
In addition to that, since we started testing and reviewing in 2011, we’ve had the unique opportunity to witness the evolution of golf technology unfold in real time.
By tracking these developments, we have a valuable insight into how they have impacted club performance over time and keep tabs on latest trends and advancements in the game.
Types of Products We Review
How We Test Golf Clubs
At Independent Golf Reviews, golf clubs are our primary focus, and they require the most extensive testing and evaluation process.
However, they are the most crucial piece of equipment for any golfer and our readers main interest.
Our testing of golf clubs begins with a thorough inspection of the specs and quality upon arrival.
Our reviewer will then attempt to use everything stock in our indoor golf facility or the golf range, taking enough swings to get a good feel for the club and its data.
If the stock set-up is not working well or to its full potential, we will re-shaft, re-grip, bend or do whatever we can to make it a better fit for our game.
After that, we will play a minimum of 5 rounds on the course with the clubs, more if possible.
We will then review and include all the data from our simulator or from our Flightscope Launch Monitor from the range sessions so that you can see the exact numbers.
Finally, we will write our in-depth review that covers both positive and negative aspects of the clubs and make the effort to answer any questions that come from the review.
How We Test Golf Balls
In our testing and reviews of golf balls the main things we will look for are:
- Composition
- Design and Structure
- Cover Material
- Softness vs. Hardness
- Dimple Pattern
- Compression Rating
- Spin
- Durability
- Ball Trajectory
- Performance in Various Conditions
- Target Player Profile
- Price Point
Since every golf ball is designed for different types of players and swings, our goal is to identify which player profiles are best suited for each specific golf ball.
How We Test Golf Accessories
We have reviewed just about every type of golf accessory you can think of.
Here’s a quick list:
- Rangefinders
- Launch Monitors
- Bags
- Push Carts
- Grips
- Headcovers
- Training Aids
- Watches
- Towels
- Tees
- And much much more….
Our philosophy for testing golf accessories is very simple.
We use the accessory hands on in a real-life scenario on the golf course, using it as intended.
Our review is based on the quality of the product, our first-hand experience testing it, and it’s effectiveness in fulfilling its intended use case.
How We Test Golf Apparel
When evaluating and testing golf apparel, these are the several important factors that influence both performance and enjoyment on the course:
- Style and Design
- Fit and Comfort
- Construction Quality
- Materials
- Durability
- Warmth or Breathability
- Water Resistance
- Value for Money
This is what we will test and review for all our golf apparel reviews.
We cover both men’s and women’s golf apparel, with our expert Leah Gruber specializing in women’s wear, bringing her keen eye for style, fit, and performance to every review.
Our Ethics & Principles
All of our golf product reviews are 100% independent.
We aren’t paid or affiliated with the product manufacturers for any of the reviews we provide.
This means that you can trust us to give you unbiased information based on our years of golfing experience and consistent testing techniques.
100% of the products reviewed on our site have been tested by us on the course.
This means you’re getting honest, firsthand assessments that truly reflect how each piece performs in real golfing conditions.
We will always be honest in our opinions.
We strongly believe in providing honest and unbiased reviews of golf products. For this reason, we have always been 100% forthcoming in our opinions, even the negatives.
We love the game and want you to get the most objective information possible. Making you a more informed and better golfer is our ultimate goal.
This means we’re going to tell you exactly what to expect with each product and explain how it measures up to the competition.
Our History
Independent Golf Reviews was started in 2011 by our founder Ryan Heiman who still writes most of our reviews.
We’ve built a strong reputation after 10+ years and over 1400 products used on the golf course.
Our goal & mission has never wavered:
To test every single golf product and provide a consistent, independent opinion across all of them so they can be easily compared.
More about Our Founder
Ryan Heiman’s love for golf began in childhood. He has played on over 600 courses and tests every product he can get his hands on.
Ryan’s passion led to the creation of Independent Golf Reviews in 2011. He prides himself on providing honest and insightful reviews for golfers of all skill levels.
Currently living in Tucson, Arizona, Ryan enjoys golfing all year round and testing equipment in our golf facility.
To learn more about Ryan and what he carries in his bag, Click Here.
Related
➜ Read our about us page to learn more about the website and Independent Golf Reviews team.
➜ Read our full disclosure to learn how this site is supported