Best training aids of 2022: 11 tools to help take your game to the next level

Welcome to GOLF’s 2022 edition of the Best of Everything, where we’re providing you with the, well… best of everything! In this edition, we take a close look at our favorite putting training aids. Check out our picks below or browse more items in our Pro Shop.

Golf is a game that always leaves room for improvement. No matter your skill level, you can always get better.

Lacking the ability to achieve perfection makes for a frustrating sport, but it also gives golfers motivation for improvement every time out. Actually doing so every time out is unlikely, but the possibility is always there.

Chasing the high of a well-struck shot is something that every golfer can relate to, but few know how to achieve that consistently. That’s where training aids come in. These devices are designed to improve your game from top to bottom, and with it bring your scores down.

Below, we’ve highlighted 11 of our favorites from 2022. Check them out below, or head over to GOLF.com’s Pro Shop for even more options.

Bunker Mate

Practicing bunker shots is important to a well-rounded game, but lots of golfers don’t have access to a proper sand trap. Enter the Bunker Mate. This device from Why Golf simulates the feel of hitting out of the sand, without the need to actually be in a bunker.

Bunker Mate

$69.99

Bunker Mate is designed with a top layer custom developed by WhyGolf to mimic the feel and ball flight of sand, an internal “bounce” layer with just the right amount of resistance to digging, and a bottom rubber layer for weight, traction, and durability.

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Putting Mirror

Eye alignment is key to a consistent putting stroke, and this mirror will help you dial it in. All you need to do is set up the mirror, stand over the ball and roll putts. You’ll quickly figure out the proper eye alignment for your stroke.

Short Game Gains Signature Stainless Steel Putting Mirror

$89.99

Your golf practice just got way more effective! The Signature Stainless Steel Putting Mirror is made of high-strength stainless steel and gives you picture-perfect clarity (no weird distortion!) when you look down at the ball. It has an included ruler for measuring stance and setup, and the ruler doubles as a shoulder alignment mirror when you flip it over. Genius! It’s double-sided. plus it comes with adhesive silicone protection strips to keep your putter from scratching the surface without affecting the roll of the ball. With slots in key points to make your own tee gates, you can work on setup, path, eye line, start line, and more at one single station. Indoor Practice? No problem. Use the included marbles for start line work in the off-season.  

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GPOD

Do you struggle to find someone to film your swing when at the range? If so, the GPOD is perfect for you. The GPOD is easy to stake in the ground behind you so you can mount your phone and get a good look at your swing.

GPOD CARBON FIBER

$89.99

Introducing our new GPOD CARBON FIBER…it’s the easiest way to mount and film your golf swing. Just stick the GPOD into the ground and stick your phone to the magnet! What we love about the new revamped GPOD is its ultralight carbon fiber body and adjustable head. The magnetic mount has 360 degree adjustability to capture all different angles. This is the first product you can film your putting stroke overhead perspective view! We made this with 6 Rare-earth Neodymium magnets, giving you extra confidence your device won’t fall off. It’s strong enough to even hold up your iPad (tablet). You can use it to film, view Trackman data, or stream your favorite sports games and/or tv shows.  The magnetic head is attached by a universal 1/4″ screw, which makes the GPOD Carbon compatible with all cameras including GoPros.  FEATURES AND COMPATIBILITY Works with any smart phone and tablet up to 3.5 lbs. Cradle-free design for one-handed use. Ultra light and strong carbon fiber body. 10x stronger than steel! 360 degree adjustable mount. Compatible with all camera accessories with 1/4″ thread. Compatible with GoPro. Use your device in Portrait or Landscape mode by simply rotating your device. Silicone cover protects your gear. The magnets are 100% safe for your electronics. Film/photograph unique angles and on different terrain in practice and on the golf course. Extremely stable vs. flimsy alignment sticks, won’t sway in the wind as much. Fits into your golf bag just like a club, except it weighs only 8oz. INSTALLATION Screw the Magnetic head to the ball head screw clockwise. Lock the magnetic head by twisting the black cylinder (on the ball head) against the magnetic head. Stick the GPOD into the ground. Stick the protective film then metal plate to the outside of your device/case or place it in between your device and its case (for maximum magnetic hold, place the metal plate to the outside of your device). Adjust the magnetic head to your preferred angle by twisting the knob.  Stick your device to the magnet and film! WHAT’S INCLUDED (1) Carbon Fiber Pod, (1) Adjustable Ball Head, (1) Magnetic Mount, (2) Metal Plates, (1) Protective Film PATENT PENDING  

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The Alignment Ball

This training aid is as simple as is it effective. The Alignment Ball is a sphere that, when opened, contains 20 feet of retractable cable. All you have to do is stake one end near the hole and the other behind your ball and you have the perfect training aid to work on your start line on the green.

The Alignment Ball

Close to 20 feet of retractable cable! The Alignment Ball will help you work on start line easily and quickly on the putting green. Built in spokes make setup easy and efficient.

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TheStack

If you want to add some serious speed to your swing — and in little time — look no further than the Stack Speed System training aid. This dynamic speed training formulated by Dr. Sasho MacKenzie will make you faster than ever.

TheStack

The perfect speed training aid.

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Garmin Approach R10

If you’re serious about improving your game, you’ll need a launch monitor to get all your numbers. For that, check out the Approach R10 Launch Monitor from Garmin. This launch monitor is portable, easy to use and will give you instant feedback on your swing so you can fix all your flaws.

Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor

$599.99

Lightweight and portable, the Approach R10 Launch Monitor from Garmin will help improve your golf game at home, indoors, or on the driving range! Featuring internal radars, the Approach R10 watches you swing and hit the golf ball, then processing radar data to communicate your key metrics with the Garmin Golf App. Key Metrics the R10 shows are: club head speed, club face angle, club path angle, face to path, attack angle, ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, spins, apex, distance and many more!

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Perfect Putting Mat

Winter is coming, but that doesn’t mean your game has to suffer. If you want to practice your putting indoors all winter long, give this mat from Perfect Practice a try. By the time the Masters rolls around, you’ll be putting as well as the pros (results may vary).

Perfect Putting Mat – Standard Edition

$144.99

Trusted & Used by Over 100+ PGA Tour Pros!

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Chippo

This training aid is perfect for adding a little fun to your practice routine. Chippo combines your golf practice with a game of cornhole. Best of all, it uses foam practice balls so you can get some practice done in the comfort of your own home — just watch out for the lamps!

Chippo

$151.99

The Glorious Lovechild of Golf and Cornhole   Bring your wedge — and competitive edge — to the backyard, beach or tailgate with Chippo. Described as “the glorious lovechild of cornhole and golf,” it’s the perfect mix of competition and fun.   Chippo includes: 2x Chippo turf-covered, netted target boards 2x turf & rubber chipping mats 6x high-density foam balls  

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Lag Shot

Want to smooth out your swing? Look no further than the Lag Shot. This product is designed to be almost impossible to hit — until you have proper fundamentals. Once you start hitting the ball well with the Lag Shot, using a normal club will be a breeze.

Lag Shot 7 Iron Golf Swing Trainer

$101

#1 Golf Training Aid in 2021! Unlock Your Best Golf Swing and Add 20+ Yards Effortlessly! Returns are not applicable after 30 days. 

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Arccos

Tracking stats for your game can be an arduous task, but with Arccos, it’s easy. All you have to do is hook up the system to your clubs and you’ll have shot-by-shot data to show you where you need to improve.

Arccos Smart Sensors

Shot-tracking system to improve your game.

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Rukket Sports Tri Turf

If you want quality, at-home practice, you need a good mat to hit off. Look no further than the Tri Turf from Rukket Sports. This portable mat comes with turf emulating both the fairway and the rough, so you can practice every type of shot you’ll need on the course.

Rukket Sports Tri Turf

$49.99

The Rukket Mat Attack Tri-Turf portable golf mat is the perfect mat for the quick setup, on the go golfer. The mat size is 40×62 cm, with 16mm fairway turf, 35mm rough turf, 35mm tee turf, and only 2mm rubber base. The ball will not be sitting too high so you will not have to choke down on your golf club nearly as much as competitors mats.

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