Training Aids

Pro In A Box

Behold the box. It’s not much smaller than the oblong carton in which you might ship your sticks somewhere. It’s covered in photos, big type and a slew of photo-tips that show in a glance what it’s really for. And it’s missing one corner of cardboard, close to an eighth of its total volume overall — a specially designed notch to help you groove your swing when placed in certain positions. You can turn it on its end, stack it, lean against it, chip with it, putt with it and, of course, practice every position of the proper full iron swing with it.

Did we mention The Swing Coach is just a cardboard box? No electronics or fancy attachments in sight? No GPS or built-in video or other such digital doodads?

That’s right. A box. It takes a few seconds to put together, and then it just sits there. Except when it doesn’t — when you’re moving it around to accommodate the seven full-swing drills and couple shortgame drills that it’s designed to facilitate, each of which is explained in great detail with the included full-color manual. In fact, it happens to be one of the most versatile training aids we’ve seen in a while, and as with Girl Scout cookies or potato chips, you probably can’t stop at just one.

The Swing Coach puts the basics of golf’s crucial psychomotor skills into three dimensions without the need for fancy technology, and it can be used indoors or out, on grass or with a mat (as we employed for our own tests), and with most of the clubs in the bag, especially irons. It’s not designed to use with fairway metals or a driver simply because those longer sticks bring different planes and swing widths into play.

In all, the Swing Coach works best in dialing in the elements that build a repeatable, powerful, balanced iron swing, with a couple interesting detours into chipping and putting. For our tests we concentrated on the irons, moving through each of a half-dozen-plus drills that break the swing down into easy-to-digest pieces. Drill 1 deals with the one-piece takeaway by training you to keep the clubhead low, slow and down the line when initiating the swing with the shoulders. Drill 2 concentrates on Position “A,” that all-important halfway-back spot where the hands have stayed low, the clubhead points straight up and the hips and legs haven’t yet moved from the address position. Then you move into Drill 3, which involves two Swing Coaches stacked end-to-end and behind you; employ too flat of a backswing and you’ll knock over the top box every time. This portion of the program was a problem for our tester, who has worked for years to flatten his move into something closer to Matt Kuchar or Jason Dufner than, say, classic upand- downers like Adam Scott. So, there our outliers, but with some repetition our guy was avoiding the box by bending over more at the hips and keeping the club “in front” of him — which is, of course, the goal. Score one for Swing Coach.

Drill 4 moves naturally into the forward swing; as in Drill 1, you position the Swing Coach parallel to the target line, with its “notched” end facing the target and set about halfway back in your stance. The idea is to swing down from in to out and, again, avoid banging the box. (If you still have a bit of a natural out-to-in move you can position the box slightly askew.) Drill 5 helps eliminate the dreaded “chicken wing” follow through as you place the box about a foot outside your left foot, down the line and a few inches in front of your toes; you must extend to avoid denting the Coach on the follow-through. For Drill 6, the box moves back behind you, weighted down by a few golf balls; back into it, take your address position and swing in full and see if your backside stays put. If not, you’ve probably lost your spine angle and lifted up, leading to thin or toe strikes. For the final full swing drill, you place a Swing Coach on either side of your feet and hips at address, then make your best move — which hopefully doesn’t include a sway, or, again, one of those boxes will bite the dust.

The putting drill involves finding a flat putt of at least 12 feet, extending a string back from the hole and making marks on which to line up the Swing Coach, plus three perpendicular lines — one behind your stance, two in front — to help you groove the proper, rhythmic short-backswing/extended follow-through feel. The simple chipping drill involves placing the Swing Coach parallel to your target line and hitting balls along its long edge with the goal of keeping the clubface square to that line for as long as possible while employing the “big three” keys to good chipping: Slightly open stance, ball opposite right instep or toe (for righties) and 90 percent of weight on left heel.

So, couldn’t you just rustle up a UPS carton and come up with your own Swing Coach? Perhaps, but this product’s designers have come up with the perfect dimensions, alignment marks and corresponding lessons to make this simple friend as useful and loyal as possible.

Yeah, in the end it’s just a box, but use Swing Coach regularly and, ironically, you’ll get out of the box of bad habits. You’ll be free.

$29.95 | www.swingcoachbox.com

Impact Snap Trains Proper Hand Release

Invented by Kelvin Miyahira and developed by Marty Nowicki, lead instructor at Turning Stone Resort near Syracuse, New York, ImpactSnap was designed to train the wrists and forearms in three different motions that occur in a proper release of the golf club during a full swing — cocking and unlocking of the lead wrist, flexion (bowing) of the lead wrist and supination or rotation of the lead wrist and forearm without sacrificing the integrity of the flexed lead wrist. As Ben Hogan wrote, using the wrist and arms properly is a must if you want to play great golf. Once you’ve got the proper grip and pressure in place on the ImpactSnap’s specially designed flat grip and take the address position, the attached ball will be positioned below the lead forearm; by lowly moving the ball so it touches the inside part of the trailing forearm, the wrist will accomplish all three moves. Start out slowly, when the ball is near the inside or the under part of the trail arm, swing the unit back to waist high where the wrists will start to cock; the trainer’s sliding weight will will load and the yellow ball moves away from the forearm. Move both forearms forward, leaving your wrists in the loaded position; once the hands pass the center of your body, slowly unlock and move the yellow ball so it touches the trailing forearm. The correct follow-through position finds the barrel of the unit pointing to your ball/target line about 10 feet past your body. After a few slow swings, if pressure is in the correct places, the wrists will start to free up and move correctly. ImpactSnap ingrains what a full speed release feels like and trains motor skill patterns. It doesn’t take long to get the “snap” of it.

$89 | www.impactsnap.com

ARCCOS Gets A Handle On Your Game

When it arrived on the scene in 2014, the Arccos system was unlike anything in consumer golf technology, giving every club in the bag an active and vital voice in the instant-feedback process thanks to 14 sensors that attach to the grip end of a club, including the putter, and pair via Bluetooth with the company’s free iPhone app. PGA Tour star Billy Horschel quickly jumped on board to sing its praises, and he’s not alone. Just one round with Arccos, at the Journey at Pechanga in Southern California — one of more than 20,000 U.S. courses in the app’s GPS-mapped arsenal — had us walking away in wonder.

The round actually began a couple weeks earlier, minutes after opening the box. We were presented with a handsome array of sensors that come alive during the initial registration, login and installation process on the ARCCOs app and Web site. Each sensor gets its own digital identity that matches it with the club at hand, and the app doesn’t forget, even after days on the sidelines, in the trunk of a car or stashed in the garage; the setup and follow-up are amazingly seamless and straightforward.
Once we got to Pechanga Resort, opened the app and hit the first tee, Arccos kicked into quick and focused gear, finding the course’s GPS coordinates in a few seconds, and posed the age-old invitation via a button at the bottom of the iPhone’s screen: “Start a Round.” So we did, and that’s when Arccos really shows its stuff in real time. Shot to shot and hole by hole, the system maps, measures and records every shot taken, automatically capturing critical data on club distances, putts per round, greens hit in regulation, driving accuracy and more to help players identify patterns and refine strategy. Pull a stick (holding it by the recommended “head up” so the Bluetooth can pick it up, and keeping your phone on your person — a hip pocket, for instance), and you’ll get the message, “8-iron detected.” After you’ve hit the shot, put the club away and found your ball, Arccos will give the exact distance the ball traveled, and how much is left to the center of the green and various other course landmarks. So it’s a sweet rangefinder, too.

But it’s in the accurate racking up of shot values and averages where Arccos really shines. Our tester has a tendency to hit fairways with his driver but spray iron shots and leave putts short, and on those fronts and several others, he got the feedback he needs to dial in practice points and, hopefully, shave some shots the next time out. And the more complete rounds played with Arccos, the richer the data gets — again, easily accessed via the “Player” button. It logs scoring — eagles, birdies, pars, bogeys and doubles+ — plus average distances and personal best with each club (such as longest drive), fairways hit and the quadrants thereof (left or right), greens in regulation, approaches missed and in what direction or distance (left, long, right, short), average distance to pin, chips and up-and-downs, and putts per hole. It’ll even offer club recommendations based on your track record. For numbers junkies it’s pure heaven, but for even the average weekender with a general idea that he or she wants to get better and take a few more bucks off his buddies, it’s a data-driven godsend, right there in living color.

If you happen to be rocking an Apple Watch, the free Arccos app is among the first golf-specific offerings available for that gadget. Our review had just one issue: Follow specific stat-building and keep tabs on his performance during the round — a possible card-wrecking distraction for some — or wait until the 19th hole to review them over a beer. It all depends on what gets you in the zone you’re looking for out there on the links — numbers compiled and revealed instantly as if by magic, or the simple and satisfying knowledge that they’re there for you down the road, when you need them.

$299 (app is free)
www.arccosgolf.com

Putt Zepp In Your Practice Step

ZEPP is a range rat’s dream. It relies on a Bluetooth connection and a cozy relationship with your trusty sticks to get the job done, and what a fine job it is — notching, in real time, truly illuminating details about your swing from club to club. If you didn’t have a clue what your “hand plane” was, or couldn’t successfully gauge your swing speed through the bag without visiting a high-tech pro shop and getting hooked up to a state-of-the-art machine, you will now. Every move is captured by a nifty little motion sensor that hooks onto your glove’s Velcro strap and offers decent power efficiency between USB charges. Sure, you can just stick the free app on your iPhone and still enjoy access to a myriad of swing tip videos, record your own move and even compare it to Tour players like Michelle Wie, Keegan Bradley and Brendan Steele. But drop an extra $150 on the sensor and Zepp really comes alive as a full-fledged digital teacher. It takes just a few minutes to set up an account online, go through the bag and match up your clubs with Zepp’s database (or go generic if your model isn’t there). Our first practice tee session with a new iPhone 6S on board was a revelation — open the app, set the device in a safe spot next to the ball-feeder or tee marker, and start swinging. Remember to choose the proper corresponding club on the app as you work through the bag and you’ll get accurate figures on tempo (shown as a backswing-to-forward swing ratio), backswing position (in degrees), club and hand plane comparison and clubhead speeds for driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons and wedges. The app’s Lab Reports and Insights sections offer side-by-side comparison of all the numbers. Then record your swing in 3D and seeing how the feedback and practice are working for you. Nothing beats the well-informed eye of a living, breathing swing coach to get a bead on your current faults, but Zepp is an amazing, intuitive and fun-to-use tool.

$149.99 (app is free)
www.zepp.com/en-us/golf/

Get A Virtual Lesson Right At Home

SkyTrak LLC, a joint venture of SkyGolf and SportTrak, has announced that WGT Golf has completed the integration of its popular mobile golf game with the revolutionary SkyTrak Personal Launch Monitor to offer golfers everywhere the freedom to play WGT Golf with their own clubs in a stunning, high-definition virtual environment.

The WGT Golf app allows its over 14 million golfers worldwide playing WGT Golf to play the game with their own clubs and balls for the first time on iconic courses such as Kiawah Ocean Course, Bandon Dunes, Wolf Creek and many others. Watch a short demo at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F4kVdmHVY8.

The SkyTrak Launch Monitor is a complete Practice, Play and Entertainment System for golf at home. “SkyTrak accurately captures thousands of data points from a golfer hitting balls with their own clubs into a net to simulate practice and play as if you were on the course or practice tee. Now with WGT Golf, golfers can experience and test their skills on some of the world’s most famous 18-hole courses with their own clubs at their own pace.”

The WGT Golf integration includes two game modes for time and practice flexibility. _ÊThe Closest-to-the-Hole game challenges golfers with nine different approach shots that are scored in proximity to the pin on WGT’s famous courses. Or, golfers can opt for Full Stroke Play on courses around the world with the ability to select different tee boxes, course conditions, green speeds and wind conditions. Players will also have the ability to enter tournaments, challenge other golfers, improve their games and work their way up the leaderboard.

“SkyTrak delivers commercial quality ball flight simulations that reflect a golfer’s actual performance for game improvement and entertainment at a price far below comparable alternatives, and provides an accurate and realistic in-home golf experience that both entertains and makes you a better golfer,” said Richard Edmonson, SkyGolf CEO. “The addition of WGT Golf to SkyTrak allows us to add more ways for golfers to practice, play and be entertained on some of the world’s most famous golf courses.”

While entertaining, SkyTrak is a serious tool that accurately reflects the golfer’s actual skill level and shot results to provide year-round practice, play and game improvement without ever leaving home. Combined with an App and iPad, the Wi-Fi enabled SkyTrak captures the actual ball speed, launch angle, back spin, side spin and side angle to project the ball flight over a vivid 3D practice range and virtual golf course. It’s easy to use, compact, totally portable with no wires required, and highly accurate, so improvements the golfer sees in their swing at home are improvements they can take to the course.

SkyTrak users also have the option to upload their practice and play data to the SkyGolf 360 cloud service for storage, analysis and sharing with friends via the new SkyGolf 360 App, and enjoy the benefits of being part of the fast-growing online community of passionate golfers via integration with popular social networks. The ability to share with friends will make the interactive platform the centerpiece of a consumer’s in-home golf practice and entertainment experience.

www.skytrakgolf.com | www.wgtmedia.com.

Homemade Training Aids

Here at Golf Tips, we’re big believers in golf training aids. And we think the ones we feature in the pages of this magazine are worth both your time and money. That said, there’s something we particularly like about homemade training aids–you know, common objects and household items that sometimes double as tools that can help your golf game. So we put together a short list of our favorite homemade training aids, with the intent to help you improve your golf game using stuff you probably already have.

1. Rubber Bands: Rubber bands are particularly useful. Take two, and wrap them on both sides of the sweet spot of your putter. As you practice, you’ll get instant feedback on whether or not you’re mis-hitting your putts or not. We also like this trick for short chips with wedges.

2. D Battery: In a pinch, and don’t have a putting training aid nearby? Grab a D battery and practice putting with it. The goal is to putt it in a straight line, and avoid hitting the edges of your battery. This does wonders for improving your direction control.

3. Road Poles: You can find these in your local hardware shop, and they work great for helping you with your alignment and ball-position practice. There’s no need to plop down $20 for a couple poles that should cost less than $5.

4. A Hammer: What? Yes, a regular hammer can help you get a better feeling for how the wrist (particularly your right wrist) should hinge in the golf swing. If you’re not convinced, give it a try and hammer a few nails into a board. Think of your golf swing as you do it, then make a few golf swings, thinking of the hammer. You’ll see what we mean.

5. Your Towel: That towel on your golf bag can help your swing. The next time you hit balls, tuck that towel in your left underarm. Hold it there as you swing, and don’t let it fall. This will help you stay connected with the upper body and your arms. There are endless possibilities you can try with a towel.

6. A Door Hinge: Try placing a hinge under your right foot. This should help prevent you from swaying too far off the golf ball.

7. A Basketball: Well, it doesn’t have to be a basketball–just about any ball this size will do. One of our favorite tips with a basketball is to place it between your knees as you putt. This makes it easier to have a solid lower body, since it really locks up the legs and holds them still. Other uses for sport/activity balls include placing one between your arms.

8. Hula-Hoops: Hula-Hoops make great targets for chipping and pitching. They take the focus off the target (which in short shots can be a good thing) and get you focused on where the ball should land.

9. A Broken Shaft: Remember the last time your clubhead broke off at the neck? Well, don’t throw away that broken shaft. Instead, use it as a training aid. We suggest using the broken shaft with a headcover as a tool to help get you back on plane. We’ve seen Tour players do this, by the way.

10. Your Phone: We know, we know. Phones don’t have much place on a golf course, but on the practice tee, they can be incredibly useful. Record your swing, analyze it, pause it–the things you can do with your phone and your golf swing are pretty incredible. Who would’ve ever thought we’d have HD cameras in our pocket? Imagine if Ben Hogan had had that.

Training Aids 2008

When it comes to training aids, it’s important to know that they must be used properly and with regularity for improvement to take place. Most importantly, though, is choosing the proper aid for your particular problem. Like a fitted set of golf clubs, the right training aid can bring significant improvement–if it’s right for you. To make sure you choose the one that’s best suited to your problem, it’s a good idea to consult with your pro and discuss his or her feelings regarding what your needs are and what aid would be most helpful.

Align-Drive
Align-Drive Golf Alignment, Ltd. | Alignment, Stance | $29.95

Description: Two of the most common and misdiagnosed problems facing today’s golfers are poor alignment to the target and incorrect ball position in the stance. The Align-Drive is designed to help cure both of these ailments. To use it, simply pick out an intended target, assemble the Align-Drive by inserting the shaft in the hole corresponding to the club you’re using, and place the Align-Drive on the ground pointing slightly left of the target (for right-handed golfers). Place the ball on an imaginary line four to six inches away from the tip of the shaft, and place your feet in the respective positions for the club you’re using.

Special Features: Results with the Align-Drive are immediate. Align-Drive works equally well for both men and women, as well as for right- and left-handed golfers.

Contact: (800) 495-2921 (access code 02), www.align-drive.com.

The Putting Arc, Models T3, MSIII, and Deluxe
The Putting Arc, Inc. T3 – $35.95 ; MSIII – $69.95 ; Deluxe – $89.95

Description: The Putting Arc is the original training device that teaches the pendulum, inclined plane stroke used by over 95% of the modern day touring pros. It has been used by over 650 touring pros for almost 400 pro wins since its introduction in 2003, and it has also been used by the top ranked amateur, junior and college golfers in the USA. The arc itself is based on the 2300 year old math formulas of Apollonius of Perga, and it is patented and carries a money back satisfaction guarantee.

Contact: 800-898-0701, Sales@theputingarc.com, www.ThePuttingArc.com

The Swing Glove
Dynamics Hi-Tech, Inc. | Correction | $37.95
Description: The Swing Glove guides the wrist to the proper cock angle at the top of the swing, helping to prevent the wrist from bending at all the critical points of the swing.

Special Features: The Swing Glove corrects fundamental swing flaws immediately. From the shots, to fairway, approach, and putting, the Swing Glove delivers a consistent swing for lower scores. It also helps maintain the correct wrist position throughout golfer’s swing for improved distance with greater accuracy.

Contact: (866) 469-4568, (562) 696-5500, www.swingglove.com

Amazing Assist Swing Trainer
Gibas & Matzie Golf Products | Full Swing/Strength | $70

Description: The patented ASSIST, with its weighted head and precision bent shaft, exaggerates the release to teach the correct hand release for longer, straighter shots. Plus, it eliminates slicing.

Special Features: The Amazing ASSIST is guaranteed to lower the scores of the 20 million golfers in the United States who can’t break 100! Just swing the Amazing ASSIST a few minutes each day and watch your scores get lower! It’s ideal for pre-game or pre-practice warm-up. Included is a mini instructional DVD.

Other Information: Hundreds of thousands are now in use by PGA, Senior PGA and LPGA touring pros, as well as golf schools, universities and amateurs of all skill levels. Available in right-handed and left-handed men, women and juniors.

Contact: Customer Service (800) 783-2255 Ext.22, for a list of retailers in your area, www.matzie.com.

Impact Bag
Golf Around the World, Inc. | Full Swing | $39.95

Description: Designed by PGA Master professional Dr. Gary Wiren, Impact Bag freezes the golf club at impact, creating a tangible, repeatable feeling of a correct position at impact. You’ll develop a strong turn into the shot while preventing the collapse of your leading wrist. Eliminate common flaws and hit the ball straighter than ever before. Impact Bag is a sure cure for any slice!

Special Features: The Impact Bag helps golfers where it matters most–the moment of impact. With the Impact Bag, golfers are able to get an exact feel of where their hands, arms, legs and feet should be at the moment the club meets the ball. Enables golfers the opportunity to fine-tune their impact position. Available at your local golf retail store.

Contact: GAW Staff, (800) 824-4279, (561) 848-8896, FAX (561) 848-0870, info@golfaroundtheworld.com, www.golfaroundtheworld.com.

Inside Approach
Sowerwine Golf Solutions | Distance/Slicing | $59.98
Description: The Slice Correction Trainer rids your golf swing of the over-the-top approach which causes a slice. Watch the BONUS instructional DVD featuring Jack Nicklaus and Jim Sowerwine, then begin training with the Inside Approach Slice Correction Trainer. Place the ball under the cushion and take your natural swing. A correct swing path (in-to-out) will miss the cushion. An incorrect swing path (out-to-in) will hit the cushion and cause it to safely breakaway. Snap the cushion back on for your next practice swing. It’s simple, it’s easy to use and it’s going to help golfers of all levels. -Jack Nicklaus.

Special Features: This Jack Nicklaus-endorsed Slice Correction Trainer is Golf Digest’s Editors’ Choice for the #1 Swing Trainer in 2004 AND 2005! Guaranteed to Cure Your Slice and Increase Your Distance 22.3 yards on average in 6 swings or less. Useful with every club in your bag. Works for right- and left-handed golfers of all levels. Inside Approach is used by players on every PGA tour as well as by weekend golfers.

Contact: (888) 947-9464, www.insideapproach.com.

Qolf
Bonfit Sport| Stroke Saver/Accuracy |$39.95
Qolf

Description: Popular in South Africa, QOLF is a cross between golf and croquet that offers a fast paced, fun and easy-to-learn alternative to the links. QOLF comes with three color-coded arches (orange, blue and red) that are utilized as frames. The objective of the game is for each participant–utilizing a golf pitching wedge–to hit a specially designed plastic QOLFball through each of the frame arches within a minimum amount of strokes. Players can earn bonus points by hitting the ball through a specially designed target hole above the frame arch.

Special Features: QOLF provides a test of accuracy, touch and skill, which makes it an ideal tool for short game training. Golfers can hone their chipping skills and hand-eye coordination, whether in the backyard or indoors. QOLF is also an ideal way to introduce children and newcomers to the game of golf.

Contact: (888) 426-6348, www.qolf.com.

PowerSwing Fan Golf Around the World, Inc. |Full Swing |$59.95

Description: One of the easiest and most effective products for increasing distance and control on the market today. Simply pick the PowerSwing up and swing it 20-30 times a day, and you’ll be on your way to better technique, longer drives and lower scores.

Special Features: There’s no wrong way to use the PowerSwing. The fins discourage casting. You’ll learn to drop the club into the slot, a position that allows an inside-to-square approach to the ball. The harder you swing the PowerSwing, the more air resistance you’ll feel. Dynamic resistance is what builds your hands, wrists, forearms and rotary muscles, and will help you power the ball past your friends – guaranteed!

Contact: (800) 824-4279, (561) 848-8896, FAX (561) 848-0870, info@golfaroundtheworld.com, www.golfaroundtheworld.com. (Source Key GT0407)

Swing Speed Radar With Tempo Timer
Sports Sensors|Speed | $149.95

Description: The Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer is a small, inexpensive microwave Doppler radar velocity sensor that measures the swing speed and tempo rhythm for golfers of all ages and skill levels. The Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer is endorsed by Jim McLean, who says, The Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer is the most affordable, portable instrument available for measuring clubhead speed and actual tempo time. We use it at all of our golf schools to provide golfers immediate feedback on their swing improvements.

Special Features: Two instruments in one, featuring simple one-button operation, it provides unmatched utility in a single device. It assists players in developing/optimizing their swing with immediate feedback of actual tempo time from club takeaway to ball impact, as well as the swing speed of the clubhead as it approaches the ball.

Contact: P.O. Box 46198, Cincinnati, OH 45246-0198, (888) 542-9246, Al Dilz, adilz@cinci.rr.com, www.swingspeedradar.com.

The Z Factor Perfect Putting Machine
Z Factor Sports, LLC | Putting/Consistency | $389.95

Description: The Z Factor Perfect Putting Machine dictates perfect path, face angle and pendulum swing during a putting stroke. The Perfect Putting Machine is adjustable between square-to-square and four arcing strokes. In addition, the system allows the user to create a consistent stance, ball position and rhythm.

Special Features: This is the putting trainer you have seen on PGA Tour telecasts! The Perfect Putting Machine’s patented design allows for a user to find the putting stroke that is right for him or her and practice it consistently. The Perfect Putting Machine works great indoors or on a putting green, and the user can actually stroke putts using his or her own putter. Best of all, it does not require the user to apply heel or toe pressure against an inclined or curved surface as other training aids do. Such pressure can actually cause improper muscle memory. The Perfect Putting Machine has been purchased by more than fifty players on the PGA Tour.

Contact: (208) 342-4514, sales@perfectputtingmachine.com, www.perfectputtingmachine.com.

Training Aids

A plethora of training aids are available today to help improve various elements of the golf swing. From building golf muscles to learning the proper swing plane to adding flexibility, it’s all covered, even putting. When it comes to training aids, it’s important to know that they must be used properly and with regularity for improvement to take place. Most importantly, though, is choosing the proper aid for your particular problem. Like a fitted set of golf clubs, the right training aid can bring significant improvement–if it’s right for you. To make sure you choose the one that’s best suited to your problem, it’s a good idea to consult with your pro and discuss his or her feelings regarding what your needs are and what aid would be most helpful. Align-Drive
Align-Drive Golf Alignment, Ltd. | Alignment, Stance | $29.95

Description: Two of the most common and misdiagnosed problems facing today’s golfers are poor alignment to the target and incorrect ball position in the stance. The Align-Drive is designed to help cure both of these ailments. To use it, simply pick out an intended target, assemble the Align-Drive by inserting the shaft in the hole corresponding to the club you’re using, and place the Align-Drive on the ground pointing slightly left of the target (for right-handed golfers). Place the ball on an imaginary line four to six inches away from the tip of the shaft, and place your feet in the respective positions for the club you’re using.

Special Features: Results with the Align-Drive are immediate. Align-Drive works equally well for both men and women, as well as for right- and left-handed golfers.

Contact: (800) 495-2921 (access code 02), www.align-drive.com.
The Putting Arc, Models T3, MSIII, and Deluxe
The Putting Arc, Inc.
T3 – $35.95 ; MSIII – $69.95 ;Deluxe – $89.95
Description: The Putting Arc is the original training device that teaches the pendulum, inclined plane stroke used by over 95% of the modern day touring pros. It has been used by over 650 touring pros for almost 400 pro wins since its introduction in 2003, and it has also been used by the top ranked amateur, junior and college golfers in the USA. The arc itself is based on the 2300 year old math formulas of Apollonius of Perga, and it is patented and carries a money back satisfaction guarantee.

Contact: 800-898-0701, Sales@theputingarc.com, www.ThePuttingArc.com

The Swing Glove
Dynamics Hi-Tech, Inc. | Correction | $37.95
Description: The Swing Glove guides the wrist to the proper cock angle at the top of the swing, helping to prevent the wrist from bending at all the critical points of the swing.

Special Features: The Swing Glove corrects fundamental swing flaws immediately. From the shots, to fairway, approach, and putting, the Swing Glove delivers a consistent swing for lower scores. It also helps maintain the correct wrist position throughout golfer’s swing for improved distance with greater accuracy.

Contact: (866) 469-4568, (562) 696-5500, www.swingglove.com
Amazing Assist Swing Trainer
Gibas & Matzie Golf Products | Full Swing/Strength | $70
Description: The patented ASSIST, with its weighted head and precision bent shaft, exaggerates the release to teach the correct hand release for longer, straighter shots. Plus, it eliminates slicing.
_Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê
Special Features: The Amazing ASSIST is guaranteed to lower the scores of the 20 million golfers in the United States who can’t break 100! Just swing the Amazing ASSIST a few minutes each day and watch your scores get lower! It’s ideal for pre-game or pre-practice warm-up. Included is a mini instructional DVD.

Contact: 16182 Gothard St., Suite I, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, (800) 783-2255, FAX (714) 842-7460, www.matzie.com. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
Arm_© Super Wrist Roller
Crown Fitness | Full Swing/Strength | $39.95 _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
Description: The Arm_© Super Wrist Roller is designed to build and strengthen the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders, with specific emphasis on developing the wrists and encouraging proper wrist action during the swing. Use of the Wrist Roller will help the user achieve a stronger hold of the club, greater overall control and wrist-snapping action through the hitting zone. The Wrist Roller has been a staple on the professional tours for over 40 years. It has a patented center trap with a flat web strap.
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Special Features: The Arm_© Super Wrist Roller is a snap to use; simply twist your wrists to roll the weight up to the Wrist Roller handle. Use a palms-up or palms-down grip to emphasize different muscle groups in the arms and hands. Recommended use is one to two times a day, three to four days a week.

Contact: Crown Fitness, P.O. Box 494, Excelsior, MN 55331, (800) 214-6042, FAX (208) 730-5506, www.armeheadquarters.com. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
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Brush-T 4-pack
Brush-T | Long Drive | $9.95 _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
Description: The highly acclaimed Brush-t is designed with a proprietary nylon bristle cup that enables the flexibility of the bristles to allow the ball to be struck with a minimum of resistance and deflection. The ball is supported largely by air, which means that the speed of the clubface at impact is concentrated so perfectly on the ball, that the sheer kinetic energy helps create a longer and straighter shot.
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Special Features: Providing consistent height for ideal trajectory, the long-lasting Brush-t Assorted 4-pack includes a 2-inch/3-wood tee, perfect for any fairway wood or hybrid club; a 2.2-inch/driver tee, a standard-length tee that is preferred by better players due to its initial lower take-off trajectory; a 2.4-inch/oversized tee, designed for the woods and drivers (200cc to 400cc) thus enabling the ball to be struck in the center of the large sweet spot; a 3.125-inch/XLT, the longest bristle tee on the market, which is engineered to complement the size and launch angle of driver heads over 400cc.

Contact: (800) 526-6348, www.brushtees.com. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
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GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer
GolfGym LLC | Strength/Accuracy/Balance | $39.95 _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
Description: The Original GolfGym_¨, since 1987. Deceivingly simple. Ingeniously designed. Incredibly effective. GolfGym PowerSwing Trainers are portable, golf-specific training and conditioning tools for developing muscle memory, strength and flexibility. Choose from two versions–the Masters, with three PowerCords (light, medium, heavy) or the Personal, with your choice of one PowerCord. Both units include a quick-start DVD with a special feature hosted by GolfGym partner Katherine Roberts.
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Special Features: GolfGym PowerSwing Trainers help you improve club control and shot accuracy, develop proper swing habits and muscle memory, and build strength and develop better balance to add distance to your shots. Each package also includes a quick-start DVD that expertly demonstrates each of the key exercises.

Contact: (877) 446-5349, (714) 437-1299, www.golfgym.com. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
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Impact Bag_ã_
Golf Around the World, Inc. | Full Swing | $39.95 _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
Description: Designed by PGA Master professional Dr. Gary Wiren, Impact Bag freezes the golf club at impact, creating a tangible, repeatable feeling of a correct position at impact. You’ll develop a strong turn into the shot while preventing the collapse of your leading wrist. Eliminate common flaws and hit the ball straighter than ever before. Impact Bag is a sure cure for any slice!
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Special Features: The Impact Bag helps golfers where it matters most–the moment of impact. With the Impact Bag, golfers are able to get an exact feel of where their hands, arms, legs and feet should be at the moment the club meets the ball. Enables golfers the opportunity to fine-tune their impact position. Available at your local golf retail store.

Contact: GAW Staff, (800) 824-4279, (561) 848-8896, FAX (561) 848-0870, info@golfaroundthe world.com, www.golfaroundtheworld.com.

10% off all items using ‘GolfTips’ at checkout
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SwingView Pro 5_ã_
Swing Technologies | Full Swing/Short Game | $899 _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
Description: Attention teachers. Swing Technologies’ latest analysis program includes a built-in e-mail program, PDF file generation, CD-burning program with free student viewer program, and the best support in the industry. Advanced features like automatic motion-based video capture and drawing animation helper make this program second-to-none. Plug in a DV cameria (via FireWire) and get ready to impress.
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Special Features: Includes three programs in one. SwingView Pro features swing, drill and screen-recording modes, dual-camera capture, side-by-side and overlay comparison and extensive drawing tools. By purchasing SVP version 5, you will also receive SwingWatch Live and SwingCoach Live free of charge. Your students can download SwingCoach Live from: www.swingcoachlive.com. Call us to have your questions answered and get a fully functional demo.

Contact: Golf Around the World, Inc., (800) 824-4279, Request a free download link: svp@golfaroundtheworld.com, www.swingtechnologies.com. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
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Line-M-Up Pro
Green Keepers, Inc. | Stroke Saver | $9.49 _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
Description: Used by touring professionals to save strokes from tee to green, Line-M-Up Pro fits on any golf ball to draw a multitude of different marking options for your preferred visual alignment. Use the marking to establish your aim line. Confident of the line, you are free to concentrate on stroke and speed.
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Special Features: Serves as both a playing and training aid. As a training aid, Line-M-Up Pro gives you a visual guide to determine when a square stroke is made. When struck well, the line on the ball will appear straight. When poorly struck, the line will appear to wobble. As a playing aid, Line-M-Up Pro conforms to USGA rules and will help improve your score.

Contact: (800) 317-2663, info@gkspikes.com, www.gkspikes.com. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê

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Inside Approach
Sowerwine Golf Solutions | Distance/Slicing | $59.98 _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
Description: The Slice Correction Trainer rids your golf swing of the over-the-top approach which causes a slice. Watch the BONUS instructional DVD featuring Jack Nicklaus and Jim Sowerwine, then begin training with the Inside Approach Slice Correction Trainer. Place the ball under the cushion and take your natural swing. A correct swing path (in-to-out) will miss the cushion. An incorrect swing path (out-to-in) will hit the cushion and cause it to safely breakaway. Snap the cushion back on for your next practice swing. It’s simple, it’s easy to use and it’s going to help golfers of all levels. __Ò Jack Nicklaus.
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Special Features: This Jack Nicklaus-endorsed Slice Correction Trainer is Golf Digest’s Editors’ Choice for the #1 Swing Trainer in 2004 AND 2005! Guaranteed to Cure Your Slice and Increase Your Distance 22.3 yards on average in 6 swings or less. Useful with every club in your bag. Works for right- and left-handed golfers of all levels. Inside Approach is used by players on every PGA tour as well as_Ê by weekend golfers.

Contact: (888) 947-9464, www.insideapproach.com. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
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The Golfer’s Footprint_ã_ Swing Trainer
The Golfer’s Footprint, Inc. | Full Swing | $32.50 _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
Description: Set up for success with this simple-to-use hitting mat that helps you standardize your practice station and practice routines. Hit right off the plastic surface and learn to align to the target line, square your clubface and develop the inside power swing that the pros use. Keep it simple–just follow the arrows to take control of the ball and your swing. Now available in left- and right-handed models.
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Special Features: Made of high-impact plastic, the hitting board focuses on the fundamentals and helps you learn how to control the ball the first time you use it. Hitting a draw or fade is easy when you follow the colored arrows. The GFi Swing Trainer works in backyards, on driving ranges and for pre-game warm-ups. It is a professional golf lesson that goes anywhere!

Contact: The Golfer’s Footprint, (866) GOLF-113, gfi@golfersfootprint.com, www.golfersfootprint.com. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
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Swing Speed Radar_ã_
Sports Sensors | Speed | $149.95 _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
Description: The new Swing Speed Radar_ã_ with Tempo Timer lets you measure your actual swing tempo, from takeaway to ball impact, and your clubhead speed. Use it on the driving range or during practice to achieve your best distance, control, accuracy and consistency. It’s the ideal portable tool for professional clubmakers and instructors, as well as serious golfers of all ages!
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Special Features: Put an end to your golf tempo tantrums. Optimize your ballstriking performance with your own personal radar velocity sensor for immediate swing feedback.

Contact: Sports Sensors, Inc., P.O. Box 46198, Cincinnati, OH 45246-0198, (888) 542-9246, www.swingspeedradar.com. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
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