It was great getting back to the PGA Merchandise Show after a 5 year hiatus and seeing all the innovations in golf training aids. Training aids that helps golfers develop feel for a balanced and fluid swing motion can be of benefit. This includes swing development, swing conditioning and physical conditioning tools. Some of the simplest products can have the most profound impact helping golfers improve an understanding of their golf swing.
There were three categories of training aids of interest to me at the PGA Show:
Swing Improvement:
The PivotPro is a product designed to help golfers learn to effectively turn or coil against their right or trail side during the backswing, thus eliminating the swaying motion many players struggle with that can cause a myriad of swing faults and problems. The user straps their trail foot onto an angled piece of plastic that forces them to brace against the right or trail leg thus encouraging a coiling motion against that leg, hence encouraging the creation of torque or loading of the trail side during the backswing. A rod inserts into the PivotPro brace and extends vertically to the golfer’s right or trail hip, further discouraging swaying. The old teaching image of turning into the backswing like you are standing in a barrel is what the rod is designed to help the user accomplish. Working with the PivotPro, golfers will most certainly develop the feel for coiling or loading the trail side without swaying. MSRP for the PivotPro is $79.95. To order go to www.pivotpro.net.
Swing Conditioning:
The GolfStick, while a simple weighted stick, has a very unique twist. Created by the inventors of the HeavySwing used by major league baseball players and teams, the company has turned its sights on the golf industry creating a stir among major teaching professionals and coaches. The majority of today’s weighted golf trainers focus weight on the end of the club or throughout the entire shaft, which can cause an unwanted “casting” of the hands and arms. Golf- Stick positions weight high up in the grip area.
Thus GolfStick helps golfers reproduce the hands positioning through the swing motion they covet. The GolfStick, set to release this spring at an MSRP of $139, comes in weights of 50, 60 70 and 80 ounces with lighter weights for juniors and women golfers. Go to www.heavyswinggolf.com and stay posted on the release date.
Golf Conditioning:
Super Flex Bands is the name of the product and overall swing conditioning is its mission. Thanks to the simplicity of the Super Flex Bands, golfers can simply attach them to the door of a closet, follow the recommended exercises and be on their way to building, stretching and conditioning the muscles needed for an effective and consistent golf swing. The Super Flex Bands are used by many to warm up and stretch before a round of golf as they are versatile enough to travel with and attach almost anywhere.
While you can purchase individual Flex Bands individually, I would recommend the Super Flex Bands package that includes a golf conditioning DVD. The kit retails for $145 but can be purchased for $89.95 on the company website which is www.superflexbands.com
About Steve Riggs
30+ year Teaching Professional, retired. Originally from Central Ohio. Co-host professional of 41st USGA NATIONAL JUNIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT, Yale Golf Club in '88. College golf at Indiana University, Bloomington. Golf Facility Consultant in U.S. and Caribbean. Producer/Host of mynegm LESSON TEE radio/internet show. Golf writer and member of the GWAA, (Golf Writers Association of America).
