Setting the Stage at Formby Golf Club

In a unique 9-hole stroke play challenge at the prestigious Formby Golf Club, a fascinating experiment unfolds to test whether newer golf clubs can truly enhance performance. The video features a competition among three players, each using golf clubs from different eras as a form of handicap. Rick Shiels swings with clubs from the late 1990s to early 2000s, James Robinson tackles the course with gear from the 1980s, and Guy Charnock benefits from the latest 2024/2025 equipment. This setup aims to explore the impact of technological advancements in golf equipment on actual gameplay.

Breaking Down the Equipment Eras

The disparity in equipment is stark as the trio navigates the iconic Formby Golf Club. Around the 2:30 mark, the video highlights how the 1980s clubs used by James feature smaller clubheads and less forgiving materials, making precision and control more challenging. In contrast, Rick's late 1990s/early 2000s set offers slightly better technology with improved weighting, though still lagging behind modern standards. Guy, equipped with cutting-edge 2024/2025 clubs, benefits from larger sweet spots and advanced materials designed for maximum distance and accuracy, as showcased near the 5:15 timestamp.

Performance on the Fairways

As the challenge progresses, differences in performance become evident. Early in the match, around the 8:40 mark, James struggles with consistency due to the outdated design of his 1980s clubs, often resulting in less predictable ball flights. Rick manages better control with his slightly newer set, though he notes limitations in distance compared to modern equivalents at the 12:20 point. Meanwhile, Guy capitalizes on the forgiving nature of his contemporary clubs, achieving longer drives and more consistent shots, particularly evident during a key moment at the 15:35 mark on a challenging par 4.

Analyzing the Impact of Technology

The video meticulously captures how each player adapts to their respective equipment. By the midway point, near 20:10, it’s clear that while skill remains a critical factor, the technological advantages of newer clubs provide a noticeable edge in terms of ease of use and error correction. Guy’s ability to recover from off-center hits contrasts sharply with the punishing feedback James receives from his older set. Rick’s performance sits in between, suggesting that while incremental improvements in club design help, the leap to the latest technology offers a more substantial benefit.

Course Challenges and Player Reactions

Formby Golf Club’s demanding layout tests all three players, with tight fairways and strategic bunkers amplifying the equipment differences. At the 25:50 mark, a particularly tricky hole reveals how modern club design aids in navigating hazards more effectively for Guy, while James and Rick face steeper challenges with their older gear. Player reactions throughout the round underscore the frustration and occasional surprise at how much—or how little—equipment impacts their game, providing valuable insights into the balance between skill and technology.