I’ve been working on my alignment and ball position at setup with various clubs. After purchasing a few training aids, I thought it might be useful to do a review of them. Let’s take a look.
Callaway Alignment Rod
Here is my old standby for alignment and ball position. It’s a Callaway alignment rod.
At first I simply wrapped electrical tape around it at positions that fit my putting stroke.
Recently, I added the color with acrylic paint pens.
This is “my” putting setup. In other words, I play the ball off my left heel.
This would not be appropriate for everyone.
I use this alignment rod mostly in the winter with my putting simulator.
Frankly, I have a pretty good memory on the correct backstroke length for up to 60 footers. I even had a two putt from 70 ft last time out.
The thing about all these alignment and ball position tools is that you probably will have to move them if you are taking divots on grass.
That can be a deal breaker for me.
This alignment rod isn’t bad. It’s easy to move.
I also use it for foot position during full swings.
In this case, I move my feet.
WhyGolf Alignment Mirror
I really like this one of the three I purchased.
It comes with a case and the sticks detach so the whole kit fits in your bag and it’s very light.
The convex mirror allows you to view your setup for all your clubs. This product is in my bag.
It’s like a putting mirror for your full swing alignment.
The sticks and mirror aren’t hard to move on grass.
This means it’s made for right or left handers
From WhyGolf:
WHAT’S INCLUDED
– Alignment Mirror
– Alignment Rod
– Custom Training Videos w/ In-Depth Instruction
– Exceptional Customer Support
– 99 Day Money Back Guarantee – Not happy? Send it back for a full refund
BENEFITS
– Use the gridlines and mirror feedback to dial in ball position, stance width, shoulder alignment, and more — for a consistent setup you can trust.
– Convex shape gives you a full-field view of your posture and alignment, helping you train your eyes to recognize correct positioning at address.
SwingPlate stance Towel
I wouldn’t say this is a towel myself. It’s nylon or something like that.
It’s usable. The flip side is for putting alignment and ball position.
I can see it blowing away in the wind and it wouldn’t be my choice if I had to move it as I mentioned above.
This might be a winter training aid in the house. Just to repeatedly setup.
I’m still not sure about the putting side. I can adapt, but it’s clearly made to locate the ball in the middle of your stance.
From SwingPlate:
Features and Compatibility:
- Work on Ball Position, Feet Position and Alignment
- Improve your Stance for Putting, Chipping, Pitching and Full Swing
- Develop a More Consistent Putting Stroke using the Corresponding Backswing / Follow thru boxes
- Clips onto your bag as a Golf Towel – premium microfiber waffle design
- Ideal for the Practice Range
- 4 corner eyelet holes to tee it down incase it’s windy
- Right & Left Handed Golfers (Please choose RH or LH version)
- R&A and USGA Course Legal (Rule 4.3)
STANCE CADDY
I’m not going to bad mouth this. It is made well and works as described.
I made a mistake buying this. It’s not right for me.
This is really Ben Hogan’s setup.
I played like this for years only I moved my rear foot in a straight line backward or forward.
The idea with this device is the ball stays in the same place. You move your rear foot to open, straight or closed.
Your front foot stays in the same place and is flared open.
I just can’t do that any more at my age. In fact, I started to realize that back in my forties.
From Stance Caddy: Bad Stance. No Chance.
Stance Caddy, the 2022 PGA Show Innovation Award winner, is designed to employ the fundamental principles outlined in “Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons”.
Stance Caddy golfers eliminate any uncertainty regarding their stance, enabling them to establish a consistent stance width, ideal foot and ball positioning, as well as, perfect alignment for every club in their golf bag.
Consequently, golfers can concentrate their efforts on improving other vital elements of their swing.
Conclusion
I’ve been looking for something that I can easily carry and that will help me hone my alignment and ball position.
Frankly, putting some electrical tape on an alignment rod is pretty simple and handy.
I really like the WhyGolf alignment mirror. It’s like a putting mirror, but for your full swing.
The other two items. Well we will see. They might end up in the next garage sale.