Have personally hunted with Goldens for 40 years and would match their nose and desire to any dog. Where I hunt (SD) the grass and crops are so high, you have a difficult time seeing the dog point - and the pheasants are usually on the run well before a dog arrives.
My Goldens pointed birds too stupid to fly or run, otherwise they were busy flushing. This is especially true in foot-deep snow.
And a final note: I believe the retriever breeds excel in finding cripples and retrieving same.
That's my story...