When golfers think of the Golf Digest Hot List, they think of one thing: the gold standard in equipment testing.
Each year, Golf Digest brings together a select group of dedicated players and industry experts to evaluate the newest drivers, irons, wedges, and putters — helping shape the gear choices of golfers everywhere.
For the 2026 Hot List Summit, one of those testers came from a place that might feel familiar: The Rapsodo Golf Community.
Meet Tim Linn, a passionate golfer, dedicated gear enthusiast, and now, first-time official Golf Digest Hot List tester.
A Rapsodo Community Member on Golf’s Biggest Testing Stage
Tim’s invitation to the Hot List Summit wasn’t random.
He was selected through the Rapsodo community, identified by the Rapsodo Golf team, and then successfully passed Golf Digest’s formal screening process to become one of the official player panelists for 2026.
That journey reflects what the Rapsodo community is all about:
- Golfers who love the game
- Players who care about performance
- People who want real feedback backed by real data
Tim’s story is proof that today’s most engaged golfers understand the importance of accurate data in helping them evaluate their performance and achieve their goals.
Q&A: Tim Linn on His Golf Journey, the Hot List, and Why Data Matters
Q: Tim, tell us a little about your golf journey.
Tim Linn: “I’ve always loved the game, but like a lot of golfers, I reached a point where I wanted more than just playing — I wanted to actually improve. I’m around a 15 handicap, and my goal is to keep lowering my scoring average. That means I need to understand what my swing is doing, where I’m losing strokes, and what changes actually make a difference.”
Q: What motivated you to focus on getting better?
Tim Linn: “I think once you get that taste of shooting a really good round, you want to chase that feeling again. For me, improvement isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency. Hitting more fairways, controlling distances better, and turning big numbers into bogeys instead of doubles.”
Q: How did Rapsodo and MLM2PRO become part of that process?
Tim Linn: “MLM2PRO was a game-changer because it made practice feel purposeful. It’s not just hitting balls — it’s seeing real numbers. Ball speed, launch angle, spin… things you can’t guess just by feel. As a mid-handicap golfer, feel can lie to you. Data doesn’t.”
Q: What’s the biggest difference it’s made in your game?
Tim Linn: “Honestly, it helped me understand my patterns. I used to think I was hitting a good drive, but then I’d look at dispersion or spin rate and realize why it wasn’t going as far or staying in play. It’s helped me practice smarter and make adjustments that actually translate onto the course.”
Q: What was it like being selected as a first-time Hot List tester?
Tim Linn: “It was surreal. The Hot List is something every golfer knows about, so to be part of it was a huge honor. I was selected through the Rapsodo community, and then Golf Digest has their own screening process, so it felt really meaningful to be chosen. It made me proud — not just personally, but to represent everyday golfers who care about the game.”
Q: What surprised you most about the Hot List Summit experience?
Tim Linn: “The scale of it. You’re hitting so many different club models, across categories, and you realize how much work goes into doing this the right way. It’s not just ‘this club feels good.’ It’s feedback, performance, comparison — it’s very detailed.”
Q: How important is launch monitor data in an environment like that?
Tim Linn: “It’s everything. When you’re testing clubs at that level, you need more than opinions. You need numbers you can trust. That’s why having MLM2PRO there was so cool — it’s the same device I use in my own practice, now being used at the biggest equipment testing event in golf.”
Q: What was the hardest part of the Hot List testing?
Tim Linn: “The toughest part was the volume and focus required. You’re hitting so many clubs back-to-back, and you want to give each one a fair, honest evaluation. It really challenged me to stay consistent and pay attention to the details in both feel and performance.”
Q: What were the biggest learnings after being an official Golf Digest Hot List tester?
Tim Linn: “I learned just how much goes into equipment testing at the highest level. It’s a blend of subjective feedback and objective data, and the process is incredibly thorough.
It also reinforced how important reliable metrics are when you’re comparing clubs — because small differences really matter.”
Q: What is your favorite feature of the MLM2PRO?
Tim Linn: ““One of the biggest things for me is just how much I trust what I’m seeing. Knowing that MLM2PRO combines both camera and radar measurements gives me confidence that the numbers are real — and that matters when you’re putting time in on the range and trying to improve. Once I know I’m working with the right data, the video features take it to another level. Being able to see multiple views of my swing, along with the impact camera, helps me understand how I’m setting up, how I’m turning through the ball, and where I’m actually making contact on the club face. That kind of feedback makes practice feel way more productive, because you’re not guessing — you can actually see what’s happening and make the right adjustments.”
Watch Tim’s Experience at the Golf Digest Hot List Here: A Day in the Life of a Hot List Tester | GolfDigest.com
Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level?
Tim’s journey from a dedicated mid-handicap golfer to an official Golf Digest Hot List tester is proof that improvement starts with passion — and is powered by the right tools.
Whether you’re chasing lower scores, more consistent ball striking, or simply more confidence on the course, Rapsodo MLM2PRO gives you the data, feedback, and insight to practice with purpose — just like Tim did.
Join the growing community of golfers who are turning everyday range sessions into real results.
Because the next breakthrough in your game could start with your very next swing.
Learn more about MLM2PRO and become part of the Rapsodo Community today.
