This essay discusses “vanity sizing” as a phenomenon exemplified by modern golf equipment, arguing that manufacturers misleadingly relabel club lofts to make golfers feel more accomplished. The author, Miles Mathis, uses his personal experience with golf clubs and his decision to buy older, less expensive equipment to illustrate this point. He contrasts his use of traditional clubs with the modern trend of “super clubs” that boast lower lofts and are often associated with professional golfers like Bryson Dechambeau. Mathis critiques the marketing of these clubs, suggesting it preys on golfers’ vanity and leads to inflated equipment costs. He extends the concept of vanity sizing to other areas like clothing and shoe sizes and discusses the role of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and technological advancements in modern professional sports, particularly golf and tennis. He argues that these factors have diminished the purity of sports and calls into question the achievements of modern athletes, contrasting them with historical figures like Jack Nicklaus. The author also touches upon the societal pressures on men and the importance of self-assurance versus vanity. He concludes by criticizing Tiger Woods for his role in the commercialization and perceived degradation of golf.
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The essay, titled “Vanity Sizing” by Miles Mathis, discusses the phenomenon of vanity sizing in various contexts, primarily focusing on modern golf equipment. Mathis uses his personal experience of buying older golf clubs from Ebay to illustrate his argument. He contrasts his older clubs, such as Wilson Staff Dynapower irons from around 1967, with modern clubs that have significantly altered lofts. For example, a modern 5-iron can have the same loft as a 3-iron from his era, and Bryson Dechambeau’s pitching wedge is compared to Mathis’s 7-iron. This change in labeling, Mathis asserts, is driven by vanity, as golfers prefer to use clubs with lower numbers, implying greater distance.
Mathis also critiques the equipment used by professional golfers, mentioning Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Adam Scott. He speculates that advanced technology and potentially PEDs contribute to their long drives, rather than just training. He references Tiger Woods, calling him largely responsible for the rise of technology obsession and increased equipment costs in golf, and questions his claim to be the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). He contrasts this with Jack Nicklaus, whom he considers the true GOAT of golf.
The essay touches on other sports, mentioning Jimmy Connors, Björn Borg, John McEnroe, and Roger Federer in the context of equipment and athletic prowess. Mathis criticizes Wilson’s T-2000 tennis racket, which Connors used. He also brings up Lance Armstrong in relation to PED use.
Mathis also references personal experiences and locations, including his Austin home, Lubbock Country Club, and The Manor in Atlanta. He mentions specific clubs like a Titleist 975J driver and a Ben Hogan putter. He also discusses the concept of “influencers” and critiques Youtube’s advertising and content, including videos featuring Bryson Dechambeau and Grant Horvat. He also mentions Phil Mickelson playing with an Odyssey putter.
Finally, the author touches upon broader societal issues, including the “manufactured war against men and boys,” the suppression of male self-assurance, and the potential toxicity of professional sports. He also notes that golf courses themselves may be poisoned, leading to health issues like cancer and Parkinson’s.