Practice Equipment Guide
The golf training aid industry is a $500M market built on the false promise of an overnight fix. 90% of training aids belong in the garbage. Here is the 10% that actually changes mechanics.
| Tool | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Alignment Sticks | Essential | Used for aim, swing path gates, and body lines. Buy $5 driveway markers at Home Depot, not $40 branded ones. |
| Impact Bag | Essential | The only way to safely practice impact dynamics (shaft lean, square face) indoors. |
| Hinged Clubs | Avoid | Promotes an artificial, jerky tempo. The hinge mechanism rarely matches a real swing sequence. |
| Putting Mirrors | Essential | Instant feedback on eye position over the ball and shoulder alignment. |
| Swing Shirt/Straight-Jacket | Avoid | Restricts natural athleticism. Use a simple towel tucked under the arms instead. |
The "Snake Oil" Test
Before buying any training aid, ask yourself: Does this force me to move correctly via a physical constraint, or does it just try to 'guide' me? True improvement comes from constraint. If you can physically make a bad swing while using the aid, it's not a good aid.