Golf involves many aspects of pointing, such as driving the golf ball, hitting the irons from the fairway, chipping around the green, and putting. In fact, 40% of all golf shots are putts. Improving your putting can have a significant impact on your score.
There is a wide range of training aids for golfers of all skill levels. They help you with your grip, read the terrain, and provide information that helps you practice the correct techniques to putt more in future rounds. For its innovative design and ability to work the course you play, the best putting practice aid is the Dave Pelz Putter Tutor training aid.
What to know before buying a putting training aid
What are your challenges?
The putting challenges you face determine the best training aids to consider.
- Regularly missing short putts requires aids that improve body alignment and aiming control.
- Always short, no matter the distance may benefit from weighted golf balls or putting mats with distance guides.
- I have trouble reading greens consistently missing left or right is aided by digital green readers that retrain your brain to read the subtle ripples of green.
- Long putts that rarely go near the hole need putting mats with printed viewing aids and ball return. Lag putting, meaning getting a long putt close enough for an easy tap-in, is an important skill to develop.
What are the different types of putting aids?
Some of the most popular put on training aids are affordable and easy to move.
- Aiming mirrors keep your eyes focused on the ball during short putts. They are simple to use and inexpensive. Line up the mirror, place the ball on it and start putting.
- Pressure trainers use gravity or electricity to return the ball to you after sinking a putt. They make the practice effective and encourage you to stay in the rhythm.
- Field mats are portable windrows of artificial turf intended to simulate a putting green. They require a flat surface to rest on to remove the bumps.
- put doors are adjustable props that create different levels of challenge to get through the opening.
- Weighted putting balls are excellent for golfers who have difficulty putting the ball in the hole. It develops muscle memory and encourages you to give the ball a chance to hit the hole.
- Digital Putting Aids Work with the face of the putter to provide instant feedback on your alignment at the start and throughout the swing. It maintains the angle of the putter before and after contact with the ball.
What to Look for in a Quality Training Aid
artificial grass rake
Dirt and debris can accumulate in your putting mat. Use an artificial grass rake to clean your carpet and keep the surface smooth for best results.
golf tees
Although they are most often used on the tee box to support the ball for the driver, you can also use them with certain putting aids as aiming points or to closely control your alignment during practice.
Impact bag
Impact bags, also called smash bags, are soft bags designed to stop the putter on impact. It helps golfers see where the putter is positioned before hitting the ball. This helps with alignment once you’re ready to putt a real golf ball.
How much you can expect to spend on a putting training aid
Aiming mirrors and wrist aligners are available between $5 and $15. Between $15 and $40 there are aim assists, putting mats and alignment correctors, while for $40 to $120 there are digital players and specialized equipment.
FAQ on setting up training aids
Are there online training videos?
A. The internet has many training videos related to putting. Not all coaches are qualified to give putting advice, so make sure you have checked the coach’s credentials. Look for professional golfers or coaches who are used to helping pros and amateurs alike.
Is a mat the same as a real putting green?
A. Putting on a mat can help with overall technique, but to master the feel of a round of golf, look for greens at local golf courses. Many greens are open to the public at no charge, but you should check with each course to verify. Look for greens with a speed similar to the courses you play most often. If you practice on a slow green but play on a course with fast greens, you will be challenged to assimilate speed before the round is over.
What is the best putting training aid to buy?
Top putting training aid
Dave Pelz Putter Tutor Training Aid
What do you want to know: This option works on any course you play to help you read the greens and improve your putting technique.
What you will love: You can place it on the green with a sight line that goes through the opening where the putter will swing. It has three skill levels: standard, pro, and super pro. It was developed by professional trainer Dave Pelz and superstar golfer Phil Mickelson.
What you should consider: It is not intended for the practice of distance putting.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick Sporting Goods
Top putting training aid for the money
What do you want to know: This is an affordable putting aid designed to maintain your eye area while putting.
What you will love: Made of polycarbonate, the mirror is shatterproof and scratch resistant. It has visual aids on the mirror to help with distance. The rubber base has spikes to hold it in place on real putting mats and greens.
What you should consider: There was concern that the thickness of the mirror would interfere with the putt.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick Sporting Goods
Worth checking out
PuttOut Premium Pressure Putt Trainer
What do you want to know: This compact trainer has multiple targets and can be easily transported to different practice locations.
What you will love: The throwing target has three forward aiming points – left, center and right. The golf cup is designed to be the same size as a standard hole. The center target is easily visible when opened and closed. It is made from a sturdy thermoplastic blend.
What you should consider: It can be difficult to get the ball into the trainer’s smallest target.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick Sporting Goods
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Steve Ganger written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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