The post InsideGOLF Exclusive: Martin Chuck shares tips to turn a training aid concept into sales and success appeared first on Golf.

The post InsideGOLF Exclusive: Martin Chuck shares tips to turn a training aid concept into sales and success appeared first on Golf.

Tour Striker Golf Academy’s Martin Chuck shares his best practices to turn a training aid concept into sales and success.

The post InsideGOLF Exclusive: Martin Chuck shares tips to turn a training aid concept into sales and success appeared first on Golf.

The post How the pandemic’s golf boom inspired one woman to take up the game — and invent a new swing aid appeared first on Golf.

The post How the pandemic’s golf boom inspired one woman to take up the game — and invent a new swing aid appeared first on Golf.

Until a couple of years ago, Doreen Raftery had no interest in golf.

As a wife and mother, Raftery’s days were filled with family obligations and the responsibilities of running a cafe and catering business in her home state of Massachusetts.

But after 20 years serving customers, the pandemic forced her business to close. Around the same time, Raftery’s husband, Steven, retired from the fire department after 32 years.

“It left me with a lot of time on my hands,” Doreen said of the shakeup during a recent chat on the phone. But, she said, she believed that from every bad comes good. And for the Rafterys, the good turned out to be an introduction to golf.

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“We took up golf like three million other Americans in 2020, and we decided to hit the links,” she said with a laugh. “The only problem was I was an awful golfer.”

Doreen discovered that she struggled to keep her eye on the ball through impact. In an effort to practice at home, she searched online for a suitable training aid but found the selection to be minimal.

That’s when Doreen decided to take matters into her own hands.

“I grabbed a pair of ladies’ nylons, a golf ball, and a spike, and I put it into my backyard. I stuck it in the ground. And I would use that every day to help me keep my head down, to focus, to swing,” she said. “Everyone thought it was just the greatest thing.”

Doreen’s invention enabled her to take full swings hitting a real golf ball without having to worry about where the ball was going. The spike anchored the nylons, and Doreen found she was able to focus on the ball through impact instead of feeling the need to lift her head to look up too soon.

Doreen continued to make tweaks to her prototype, and ultimately produced KlockItGolf, which hit the retail market in January and is currently available for purchase in GOLF’s Pro Shop.

“I go out and I try to take a few swings every day. And I do have to say it has improved my game,” Doreen said of KlockIt. “I no longer whiff the ball. My game is completely different. And now at least I have the confidence to get out on the golf course.”

One of Doreen’s favorite aspects of her product is its potential for multiple uses. Golfers of any level can benefit from it, and it can be used as a warm-up tool as well. The fact that the KlockIt features an actual golf ball, as opposed to a plastic or whiffle-style ball, is another detail that Doreen believes sets the product apart.

KlockItGolf is now a full-time gig for both Doreen and Steven, who already have another game-improvement product in the pipeline. The new product is similar to KlockIt, but suitable for indoor use.

“We didn’t want to be a one-hit wonder,” Doreen said.

Given the momentum the Rafterys are currently riding, it appears that’s highly unlikely.

The post How the pandemic’s golf boom inspired one woman to take up the game — and invent a new swing aid appeared first on Golf.

The post One week with this training aid increased my driving distance by 15 yards appeared first on Golf.

The post One week with this training aid increased my driving distance by 15 yards appeared first on Golf.

The Power SwingFan is renowned for increasing distance by producing maximum resistance at impact. GOLF’s Game Improvement Editor Luke Kerr-Dineen took it to the next level, making 500 exhausting swings in one week. The speed boost was worth the pain.

The post One week with this training aid increased my driving distance by 15 yards appeared first on Golf.

The post Improve tempo, boost lag and gain distance with the Lag Shot Lady appeared first on Golf.

The post Improve tempo, boost lag and gain distance with the Lag Shot Lady appeared first on Golf.

Welcome to Gimme That, a GOLF.com column where we’ll highlight one notable item we think you might like. Whether it’s an article of clothing, an intriguing electronic device or anything in between, we want to share these items with you because they’ve generated a bit of chatter by our water cooler (or, these days, on our Slack channel). So sit back, scroll down and keep up with the latest gear golf has to offer.

We’ve raved about Lag Shot training aids in the past, and now we have the women’s version in stock: the Lag Shot Lady. Essentially, this is a 7-iron with a super flexible, whippy shaft just like the regular Lag Shot, but slightly lighter in weight. The idea is that the flexible shaft will help you get a better feel for tempo and boost lag, so you can gain distance and consistency. It’s set apart from similar whippy training aids because it’s actually meant to hit a golf ball. For the cost of a one-hour lesson, you can get this training aid that you can easily store in your bag and practice with on your own time. If you can hit the ball well, you’re doing it right, if not…keep trying — immediate feedback!

The post Improve tempo, boost lag and gain distance with the Lag Shot Lady appeared first on Golf.

The post Why this training can improve your tempo and give you more power appeared first on Golf.

The post Why this training can improve your tempo and give you more power appeared first on Golf.

As a bit of a training aid geek, I’ve always found that my favorite devices are the ones that allow you to hit balls, and give you feedback about what you’re doing right (or wrong) without actually having to think too much about it.

The lag shot, as you see me review in the video above, checks all those boxes, and that’s why I’m a fan of it. The product comes in three different forms: A driver, 7-iron and wedge. They’re all standard length equipped with a grip and clubhead. But the shaft, which is both heavier and more flexible than ordinary shaft, is what’s key.

The combination means forces you to make a smooth transition from the top of your swing that properly “loads the club,” according to the company. And once you do make that transition, the flexible shaft means the club will lag behind you. Release the club too early and you won’t be able to make clean contact; the only way to hit the ball straight is to avoid early extending by turning your body through the shot, and releasing all that stored up energy efficiently into the ball.

I’d suggest starting slowly, with small swings, before working your way up to longer shots. It’ll feel strange at first, but it won’t take you long to adjust. And once you do, you’ll like the results.

The post Why this training can improve your tempo and give you more power appeared first on Golf.

The post These iconic-colored alignment sticks are the perfect training aid appeared first on Golf.

The post These iconic-colored alignment sticks are the perfect training aid appeared first on Golf.

Welcome to Gimme That, a GOLF.com column where we’ll highlight one notable item we think you might like. Whether it’s an article of clothing, an intriguing electronic device or anything in between, we want to share these items with you because they’ve generated a bit of chatter by our water cooler (or, these days, on our Slack channel). So sit back, scroll down and keep up with the latest gear golf has to offer.

Talking about becoming a better golfer won’t actually make you a better golfer. Practice will make you better. Yeah, we’re talking about practice. And if you’re going to practice, you might as well do it right. There’s no better practice accessory to bring with you than these alignment sticks from Hazy Sticks. 

It’s important to properly use your alignment sticks if you want to practice effectively. “Establishing the target line is really important for your alignment sticks,” says Top 100 Teacher Jonathan Yarwood. “Most people don’t establish a target line.”

All you need to do is place one alignment stick behind the ball in the direction of your desired target. After that, place the other alignment stick parallel to the first in front of your stance. Before taking a swing, remove the alignment stick behind the ball. It’s as simple as that. 

On top of that, you can also use alignment sticks to correct your swing path in a variety of ways through different setup positions. There are endless possibilities on how these sticks can improve your game.

Instruction

So, why should you put Hazy Sticks in your bag? For starters, they are made of 100% genuine hickory. There are a lot of poorly manufactured alignment sticks out there. You don’t need to worry about that with Hazy Sticks. The gloss protective finish and nickel end caps will have these looking sharp for countless practice sessions.

And lastly, don’t you want everything in your golf bag to look good? I can’t guarantee you’ll play better because Hazy Sticks are in your bag, but you will look good. This white, green, yellow, and red color scheme is hard to beat. 

Look good, practice good.

The post These iconic-colored alignment sticks are the perfect training aid appeared first on Golf.

The post Save strokes on the green with these 9 putting training aids appeared first on Golf.

The post Save strokes on the green with these 9 putting training aids appeared first on Golf.

If you’re hoping to play better golf in 2022, the green is often the most obvious place to start.

Why? Even in a perfect regulation round, half of your shots are putts, and that number tends to be even higher for less-skilled players. So, it makes sense to focus on that area of your game if you’re looking to make an immediate impact.

Luckily, there are plenty of products out there that are devoted to helping you hone your stroke — and you can even use many of them at home.

Check out nine of our favorite putting training aids below, and while you’re shopping, make sure to click through the rest of the items on offer in GOLF’s Pro Shop. From the latest apparel, shoes and clubs to special-edition releases and more, you can find everything you need for your game, all in one convenient place.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2022? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.

The post Save strokes on the green with these 9 putting training aids appeared first on Golf.

The post Want to add some serious speed to your swing? Try this training aid appeared first on Golf.

The post Want to add some serious speed to your swing? Try this training aid appeared first on Golf.

What do you get when you pair a biomechanics professor with PING’s vice president of performance?

Swing speed. Lots of swing speed.

Dr. Sasho MacKenzie and PING’s Marty Jertson are two of the brightest minds in golf today. Thank them and their research for the distance gains realized from the Tour on down the past decade. If you’ve missed out, no problem. The pair teamed up to invent the Stack Speed System ($349; thestacksystem.com). This training club is designed to provide auditory feedback while five different weights (30 combinations in total) allow you to train at your own pace.

The Stack

This dynamic speed training formulated by Dr. Sasho MacKenzie will make you faster in no time.

$349 from Fairway Jockey

Accompanying the club is an app, which uses a proprietary algorithm to guide you through personalized speed-training workouts, produce metrics and help you set goals. Put in the work and the ball won’t know what hit it.

Ready to overhaul your game? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.

The post Want to add some serious speed to your swing? Try this training aid appeared first on Golf.

The post The practice matrix: Here’s how to find the perfect training aid for your game appeared first on Golf.

The post The practice matrix: Here’s how to find the perfect training aid for your game appeared first on Golf.

Maybe you’re working on your setup. Or perhaps you’re looking to pick up a few extra mph of clubhead speed. There’s a training aid for everything and everyone. The question is, how do you choose the right one? The answer: Take a spin around the grid. And remember, the best training aid out there is the one you’ll actually use.

Simple & low cost

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to use these aids, and they won’t break the bank.

Tour Sticks

It doesn’t get any easier for improving your alignment. Seriously.

$14 from toursticks.com

Callaway Swing Easy

Slip this unique band on and swing away to develop a connected arm/core motion.

$15 from callawaygolf.com

TruSwing Pro

Set your wrists properly and prevent casting the club through impact. And it fits in your golf bag.

$20 from truswingaids.com

SteadHead

Making it easier to do what more golfers ought to do — keep a steady and level head during the swing.

$25 from rdgolf.net

PuttOUT Premium Pressure Trainer

Dial in the perfect putting ball speed to make more putts. Only perfect putts count as “made.”

$40 from puttout.golf

RainDrop Putting String

No more homemade string and tee setups — the RainDrop makes it easy to work on stance, eye and ball position on the practice green.

$60 from perfectpractice.golf

The PRO

Developing a better swing rhythm and tempo can be difficult — but it’s not with The PRO. Simply adjust for your size and start swinging.

$80 from swingthepro.com

Speed Trap 2.0

You’ll get instant feedback if your swing path is cockeyed or if you’re bottoming out before contact with the ball.

$100 from eyelinegolf.com

Complex & low cost

These products require a little higher golf IQ, but they still won’t hurt your wallet too much.

Total Golf Trainer V2

Helps you develop the proper lag and clubface position at impact. It can be adjusted to fix other swing flaws as well.

$60 from totalgolftrainer.com

theHANGER

Makes it easy to work on developing a flat lead wrist and to see exactly where the clubface is positioned at any point in the golf swing.

$70 from hangergolf.com

Short Game Indoor Performance Pack

Comes with everything you need to improve your putting including a laser, putting gate, mirror and more.

$95 from shortgamegains.com

GBox

Peel and stick the boxes when and where you need to improve your rotation and perfect your swing path.

$100 from thegboxes.com

Simple & high cost

These aids are easy to use, but you’ll nee to pony up a little more cash to get them.

Orange Whip

A classic trainer for loosening the swing muscles and developing a smooth, rhythmic tempo

$109 from orangewhipgolf.com

The Lag Shot

A hittable 7-iron with a whippy shaft to help improve lag and build a simpler, more consistent golf swing.

$119 from lagshotgolf.com

Rypstick

A progressively weighted system for increasing swing speed now available as a single adjustable tool. Very popular on driving ranges, at PGA Tour events and with long-drive competitors across the country.

$189 from Rypstick.com

Pure2Improve Practice Net

Like a car-window shade or a small tent, this practice net pops up and is ready to go in seconds. No tedious assembly required, and it’s also just as easy to fold up and put away.

$200 from pure2improve.com

Complex & high cost

Make sure you know what you’re doing if you purchase these aids. They won’t be cheap.

The Inertia Wave

These tubes help you strengthen your core and develop stronger muscles to hit more bombs.

$120 from inertiawave.com

The Plane Mate

Want to develop a Tour-like swing and finally feel what it’s like to shallow the swing? This is the tool you need to do just that.

$163 from tourstriker.com

The Perfect Putting Mat

Roll it out at home and start putting with alignment lines and two cups; one standard sized and one smaller for more focused practice.

$170 from perfectpractice.golf

The Stack

Designed solely to help you increase swing speed by biohacking your ability to swing faster. It comes with an app and can be used in conjunction with swing-speed radars.

$349 from thestacksystem.com

Rapsodo Launch Monitor

Allows you to convert an iPhone or iPad into a full-fledged launch monitor, replete with instant video replay and active shot tracker.

$500 from rapsodo.com

Optishot Golf-in-a-Box

Comes with a net, mat and training simulator system with 15 courses to choose from, and it can be used by four players at once.

$800 from optishotgolf.com

Mevo+

Both a launch monitor and an indoor golf simulator that, crazy enough, fits easily in your golf bag.

$1999 from flightscopemevo.com

Ready to get your game dialed in? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.

The post The practice matrix: Here’s how to find the perfect training aid for your game appeared first on Golf.

The post How you can use a frisbee to improve your ball-striking appeared first on Golf.

The post How you can use a frisbee to improve your ball-striking appeared first on Golf.

Sometimes you can find training aids for your swing in the unlikeliest of items. Exhibit A: the iconic Frisbee.

Hold the disc in your hands so it mimics the clubface, then get into golf posture. Slowly take the Frisbee back as in a real backswing and pause at the top (1). As you start back down (you can do this in slow motion), note how the disc changes its orientation (2) and stop at impact. The disc — and your left wrist — should return to the same spot as if at address, with the flat top of the Frisbee facing the target. 

If you can take these clubface principles to the course, the quality of your contact will skyrocket — sort of like that Frisbee. 

Mike Perpich teaches at RiverPines Golf in Johns Creek, Ga.

The post How you can use a frisbee to improve your ball-striking appeared first on Golf.