The number of golf training aids has gotten out of hand. It seems like there are hundreds of gimmicky training aids being promoted on social media. I’ve purchased a lot of them, unfortunately.
There is one thing I’ve noticed when it comes to golf training aids: the simpler, the better.
Don’t get caught up in the gimmicky training aids. Stick to the simple golf training aids that actually work.
- Foot Spray and Dry Erase Markers
- A Small Ball
- Alignment Sticks
- Swing Trainers
- Putting Mats
- Smartphone Camera
Do Training Aids Really Help?
Golf training aids are used to address a specific problem with your swing. They are very effective for solving a specific problem, but they can also create problems with your swing.
There is nothing inherently wrong with each of the training aids, but it shouldn’t be used instead of golf lessons or a proper club fitting.
Tempo trainers, such as orange whip, are effective in helping your transition, release, and overall tempo. I think swing trainers are the most expensive training aid you should purchase.
Everything else should be simple tools to help with alignment, ball striking, and putting.
Here are the simple training aids every golfer should use:
1. Foot Spray and Dry Erase Markers
Using foot spray on your club face is the ultimate hack to learning your strike pattern. You will be able to see the exact location of your strike and work to correct it. It’s simple, inexpensive, and effective.
Perfect for covering the face of your golf club in a fine powder. You'll learn your strike pattern quickly.
Foot spray works really well with your driver, but you might have some issues with your irons. The turf from your divot can take the foot spray off the iron’s face, rendering your efforts useless.
That’s where dry erase markers come to the rescue. Just take a dry erase marker and color the back of your ball before your hit it. It will leave a nice colored mark on your iron where the ball strike occurred.
It’s not a pretty as the foot spray powder, but it still gives you the feedback you are looking for.
Use a dry erase marker on the back of your golf ball to learn your strike pattern. The marker will leave a clear strike location on the face of your club.
2. A Small Ball
Consistent ball striking comes from proper sequencing of your arms and body. If your arms are working independently of your body, you’ll end up with fats, thins, pushes, and pulls.
If you can get your body and arms synced up, you’ll be a great ball striker.
You might already have a small ball somewhere in your house, especially if you have kids. Place it between your forearms and keep it there throughout your swing. You’ll be amazed how well you compress the ball.
Keep your arms connected and synced up with your body. A simple ball will work wonders for your golf swing.
3. Alignment Sticks
Alignment sticks are the most versatile golf training aid on this list. There are countless drills you can do to correct a variety of issues.
The most common use is placing them on the ground parallel to the target line to align your feet, hips, shoulders, and club face properly. You can then angle the sticks to create the swing path you are looking for.
Alignment sticks are a priceless tool to have in your training arsenal.
Alignment is what helps you achieve elite ball striking. Sticks are the simplest way to ensure you are lining up correctly.
4. Swing Trainers
Swing trainers are essential for any golfer who struggles with tempo or rhythm. They are flexible and weighted so you can’t rush any part of your swing. You’ll be feeling like Fred Couples when you get done.
They are my favorite warm up tool before a round of golf and can also be used as an exercise tool to increase speed.
The patented, counterbalanced, flexible shaft swing system provides the necessary feedback to train your swing to stay on plane, balanced, and powerful. Swing it next to other swing trainers and you can feel the difference immediately.
This lag trainer will help you develop a more consistent tempo in your swing producing more consistent ball striking and more distance.
PGM straight stick golf training aid can help you to improve your golf swing tempo, build your muscle strength, swing plane with the heavy head and slightly flexible shaft to deliver more consistent golf shots off the tee.
5. Putting Mats
Putting matts will never feel like a real putting green. After you get over that fact, they are a great tool for practicing your putting stroke and alignment. They come in various lengths and surfaces to simulate different green speeds.
If you can’t putt well on a putting mat, you will struggle on the golf course. They make a good office decoration, too.
Dial in your putting skills with a high quality putting mat. They will never feel like a real green, but they help with your putting stroke.
6. Your Smartphone Camera
I love using my smartphone and a tripod to film my swing. I feel like I’m doing one thing with my swing, but I’m really doing something completely different. It’s frustrating, but getting a video helps you figure it out.
A friend can film you, or you can get a telescoping tripod to hold your phone. Either way works.
What you feel and what your do are very different. Recording your swing will help you identify any issues and correct them.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to golf training aids, simpler really is better. If you are still struggling after using the simple training aids, I’d suggest getting a few lessons to figure out your swing. There’s no sense in spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on complex training aids.
Jacob is a Professional Engineer, professional gym-goer, and golf enthusiast. He is obsessed with golf-specific fitness, golf simulators, and hitting long drives.