Alignment sticks, impact bags, putting mats and what's actually worth buying.
Training aids range from genuinely useful, cheap tools that give instant feedback to expensive gadgets that solve a problem you don't have. Here's how to tell the difference before you buy.
Genuinely useful, low-cost aids
Alignment sticks ($10–15 for a pair) are the highest value-per-dollar training aid in golf. Use them to check body alignment, ball position, and swing path — problems that are otherwise very hard to self-diagnose without a mirror or a second set of eyes.
Impact bags give immediate physical feedback on hand and body position at impact, which is difficult to feel on a normal swing where the club moves through impact too fast to consciously register. Excellent for short game and iron contact work.
Weighted or foam practice balls let you take full swings in a backyard or small space without needing a net, which matters a great deal for golfers with limited access to a range.
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Where to be skeptical
Any device that promises to "fix your swing automatically" or claims dramatic distance gains without addressing your actual swing mechanics deserves scrutiny — read independent reviews, not just the manufacturer's own testimonials, and be wary of aids that only work while you're wearing/holding them rather than training a repeatable motion you can take to the course.
Matching the aid to your actual problem
The most common training aid mistake is buying based on marketing rather than diagnosis. Identify your specific issue first (see our drill library organized by swing fault) and then look for an aid that targets that exact issue — a putting mat won't help an over-the-top swing path, and an alignment stick won't fix distance control on chips.