Do Training Aids Work?
Most golf training aids are sold with unrealistic promises. The honest answer: training aids can accelerate improvement when they provide clear, immediate feedback on a specific swing element. They cannot replace a golf lesson from a qualified PGA instructor. Used correctly, the right training aid + practice = faster improvement. Used incorrectly, they ingrain new bad habits.
Alignment & Setup Aids
Alignment is the most underrated fundamental in amateur golf — and the easiest to improve with simple tools. Alignment sticks ($15 for a pair) placed on the ground during practice align feet, hips, and shoulders to target. They're used by every PGA Tour player during warm-up for good reason.
Putting Aids
Putting represents 40-45% of strokes in an average round. Two categories of putting aids work well:
- Putting mirror: SKLZ Putting Alignment Mirror ($25) — reflects your eye position and putter face at address. Eliminates the most common source of putting inconsistency: misaligned setup.
- Golf putting mat: Putt-A-Bout ($70) — regulation speed, break simulation, 9 holes. 20 minutes per day on a quality putting mat produces measurable improvement in 4-6 weeks.
Swing Path Aids
Swing path (in-to-out vs out-to-in) is the primary determinant of ball flight curvature. The most effective path training aids:
- SKLZ Impact Ball: Soft ball held between forearms that teaches proper connection through impact. Used by PGA instructors. ~$25.
- Tour Striker Smart Ball: Similar concept, slightly larger, used at PGA teaching facilities.
Launch Monitors
Launch monitors measure ball flight data (ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance) and provide objective feedback. They've transformed home golf practice.
Garmin Approach R10 ($600): Best value launch monitor. Doppler radar, ball speed/spin/launch angle/carry distance tracking, connects to simulator apps (E6 Connect, Golf in Range). Accurate to ±1 mph ball speed. The most popular home launch monitor at this price point.
FlightScope Mevo+ ($1,500): Better accuracy, full ball and club data, tournament-legal for some events.
What Not to Buy
Training aids that generally don't deliver on their promises:
- Wrist hinges and rigid training clubs: Teach artificial wrist positions that don't transfer to natural swing
- Power swing fans: Build muscle strength but don't improve swing mechanics
- Putting glasses/prisms: Limited evidence for long-term improvement
- Most "as seen on TV" swing trainers: Marketing > function