I used to think the pickaxe thing is a meme, but it isn't. Golems are not just weak, they are "very weak" and take double damage from picks – which totals to quadruple damage when they are staggered.

Just make sure you parry their faster attack and counterattack after that, it seems like their heavier attack, while possible to parry, doesn't allow them to become staggered for as long time. You may not have enough time to swap between shield set and pickaxe (and back) in time with the shorter animation.