Golf has appeal because of its continuous challenge. A player can work his entire life to maintain outstanding skills in one area, such as putting, or to improve in another, such as driving or hitting wedges. Players can find training aids for every aspect of the game because each golfer has individual needs for improvement. The best way to lower your golf scores using a training aid is to determine exactly where the trouble spots are.
Step 1
Analyze your game for your biggest weaknesses. Chart your game on your scorecards to include where you miss your tee shots and approach shots. Count how many putts you take per green, and whether you miss putts to the left or right. Track how successful you are getting up and down on pitches and bunker shots near the green. Mark down your penalty shots and whether they occurred from the tee or on the approach to the green. Note what clubs you use for each approach shot during the round.
Step 2
Apply the data from your scorecard analysis. Look for the areas where practice will make the biggest difference. Start with a look at putting and the short game; more strokes in a round happen in these areas. Look for patterns in your long game, such as missing fairways and greens constantly to the right because of a slice ball flight.
Step 3
Try an alignment board or laser guide to improve your putting. If your swing is inconsistent, test alignment boards and putter-path aids to help you swing your putter either straight back and through or with the swinging-door method in which the face opens on the backswing, squares at the ball and closes on the follow-through. Use laser guides and mirrors to help you build a proper stance and alignment.
Step 4
Train with a weighted or light club to build swing speed. Swing a club no more than 12 percent heavier or lighter than your normal club. Build strength and flexibility by using resistance bands and stretching in your workouts.
Step 5
Practice with a grip trainer to help tame a slice or hook. Hold the club properly by learning with a molded plastic grip that forces you to take a neutral grip on the club. If your ball-striking continues to be poor because of a bad swing path, try a hinged club that breaks down if you swing too hard or off plane. Practice with the club until you can do a full swing without the club breaking down.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't be afraid to try a lesson with a PGA teaching professional. It's a PGA pro's job to help players enjoy the game, and a teaching pro might be able to speed your progress, particularly if you're new to the game.
- Golf aids don't magically fix every player. One aid that helps fix a slice may seem best for you but fail to work. Keep experimenting until you find a cure.
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