Welcome to Play Smarta regular GOLF.com game improvement column that will help you become a smarter and better golfer.
If you’re an avid golfer, the game can get expensive in a hurry. Between green fees, clubs, balls, equipment, clothing and everything else, your bank account takes quite a hit. That’s not to mention the investment you have to make for upgrading. The lessons aren’t cheap, and neither are the training aids that can guide your improvement.
Luckily for you, there are some creative (and cheap!) ways for you to improve without breaking the bank. Write the meter.
Over the past two years, there is not a single training tool that I have used more than a tape measure that I bought at a local hardware store. Here are three ways you can use a meter as an effective training aid.
How to use a meter as a training aid
Help with alignment
The first way I use a tape measure as a training tool is as a stretching aid. Just like you would with a range stick, all you have to do is place the measure along the line of your intended feet towards your target. As long as it doesn’t move on the ground, you can be sure you’re aiming correctly as you practice.
Controlling the position of the ball
I have wrote about this before, but a yardstick can also be a useful aid in checking your ball position. When I’m working out, I like to place the measurement on my feet with the midpoint (18 inch mark) in the center of my stance for a reference point. Then, I can manipulate my ball position based on accurate measurements, noting how it affects my swing path and my clubface at impact.
By doing practice
Finally, a tape measure can be a great help – especially if you need some practice at home in the winter. As long as you have a flat surface to set the putt on, you can set up the yardage and practice putting. If you can get your ball to roll from end to end the entire length of the measurement, you’ll know you’re starting your ball on line with some consistency.
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