There are hundreds of golf training aids on the market, with a new one coming out every week. Can they really improve your driving distance? I’ve been researching this type of golf improvement equipment for over 10 years, and I’ve only come across a handful that I truly think can help any golfer hit longer golf drives.

What I look for in a product is first and foremost, is it really golf swing specific? Can you actually hit balls using the device? That’s really important, so you can transfer your muscle memory from the product to the real thing. Which is hitting a golf ball as straight as you can for 18 holes. Another important factor for me, is does it allow a conventional technique to use it? Can you make a sound, mechanically simple swing with it? This is also important, as most golfers want to simplify it, not make it more difficult to execute.

As a golf trainer, I look for training aids that will strengthen and stretch golf muscles. This in my opinion is what the older golfer needs desperately. With a declining physical status, the only way to stop it and enjoy years of golf is to face it head on. Realize you aren’t as strong and as flexible as you use to be, and do something about it.

With the plethora of products out there, I want to see golf clubs that are a little heavier than standard, so you can swing it both in the off season, as well as during the season to keep your golf swing muscles strong and limber.These typically are called weighted golf clubs. And lastly, I like golf training aids that help you execute proper golf swing mechanics. That give feedback and feel to how the golf swing should be. This will enhance and speed up the corrective process golfers need who are struggling with golf swing technique.

If your golf game needs a little fine tuning, a golf training aid might just be the answer. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out, or if you have been playing for years, you can find a training aid for the part of your game that needs work. There are very affordable devices that specialize on all aspects of the game, whether it is putting, driving, chipping or improving your swing. Some golf pro shops do sell training aids, but the majority of them all sold over the internet because of the ability to compare prices. Online auction sites are an excellent resource for locating used devices for a lot less than retail. The sellers on these auction sites have usually gotten all they can out of the training aid and are willing to let go of it for a lot less than they paid for it.

Professional golfers are known for being able to fully extend their lead arm during the swing process. If you are having problems with your elbow breaking down during a golf swing, there is a golf training aid called the Elbow Tac-Tic that can help you correct this problem. It is basically an hinged elbow brace that fits over the upper and lower arm. If your elbow were to break down during the swing, the device will make a clicking sound to alert you of this. It is very comfortable and can be worn whether you are hitting balls on the driving range or out playing a round of golf. You will make small adjustments to your swing every time you hear the clicking sound the elbow tac-tic makes. Before long, you will no longer need to wear the device because you will have corrected the swing flaw by swinging naturally with your lead arm. You’ll then have to decide whether to keep it in case your swing starts breaking down again or selling it to recoup some of your money.

If your short game needs working on there are some things, thanks to modern technology, that can assist you. A variable shaft weight wedge is new on the market. It has an adjustable shaft to head weight ratio and can duplicate the arc in which you are attempting to strike the ball. Getting out of the rough or a bunker has never been easier. With available angles of 52, 56, and 60 degrees, it will have you hitting nice, arcing shots all over the golf course. You will be able to see a big change in your short game by the scores you will be posting. Once you are really comfortable with this wedge, you’ll confidently be chipping like a pro. To really get the hang of the variable weight ratio, try it out on the driving range to test your length and accuracy. Experiment with all of the different angles, if you can. Just a slight change in the angle can have profound effects on your accuracy and the arc of the shot.

As you can see, a golf training aid just might be the golden ticket for your game. There are literally thousands of these devices to choose from, not just the two mentioned here. The elbow tac-tic costs about forty dollars while the variable weight wedge can be purchased for around one hundred dollars.The best place to find these items is usually online, since you’ll have the ability to compare prices right from home. All you have to do is identify the weakest part of your golf game, and then find the golf training aid designed to help correct that weakness. Once you do, your scores will slowly start coming down while your game steadily improves.