Christmas is just around the corner and you might be looking for ideas on gifts for your family and loved ones. But trying to choose the perfect gift can be something of a challenge, especially if you are not really sure what you are looking for.

You could opt for some sort of novelty item related to golf, but is it really worth spending your money on that sort of thing? At Golf Swing Systems we are experts in many different forms of golf training aids and items, and we think the golfer in your life would much prefer something that they can genuinely use and enjoy out on the course.

Here we look at some fantastic products that would be fantastic for any golfer, whether you are interested in stocking filler, a wonderful Christmas gift or something truly special.

Stocking fillers

When you think of stocking filler-style gifts for golfers, things come to mind like novelty ties and socks, or perhaps a golf-themed coffee mug. But it can actually be much better to opt for something that the gift receiver can use. There are plenty of golf practice aids available at low prices but can still be used on a regular basis.

One great choice is Tour Rodz Alignment Sticks which can be used by golfers of all levels to help them develop a correct and consistent alignment on their shot. Another option could be the Aim-Mate, a product designed to help golfers get a better sense of how to aim their shots correctly and develop a more natural swing path.

A gift for a golfer

If you’re looking for something that the golfer in your life is going to really treasure, it can be done for a very reasonable price. If you know that they are intent on analysing their game and improving, there could be nothing better than a portable launch monitor which allows them to track their shots and learn as they go.

Some fantastic options include the ES12 and the Swing Caddie SC100, both of which are light and easy to transport. These devices are becoming indispensable for golfers who want to improve their performance.

Something special

If you really want to splash out this Christmas and choose something very special for someone close to you, there are fantastic golfing options for that too. If you have the space and the budget, an Optishot Golf Simulator is one of the ultimate gifts that any golfing enthusiast could wish to receive. Similarly, a SkyTrak launch monitor and simulator is a dream gift for many golfers.

If you would like more help choosing the right gift for the golfer in your life, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our friendly team would be happy to offer advice and guidance to help you make the decision.

Are you buying a gift for a golfer in 2018? Perhaps it is your partner’s birthday coming up, or you just feel like treating them. Of course, (whisper it) Christmas is on the way too and it will be here sooner than you think. In any case it is good to get an idea of what you are going to buy them. If you are buying for a keen golfer or someone who has expressed an interest in taking up the game, there is truly an almost unlimited variety of options to choose from – so how do you know if you are making the right choice?

As a golf product specialist, we provide a full range of products, so we know exactly what golfers really want. Here is our list of some of the most popular golfing gifts throughout 2018. It can help you make the decision of which gift is going to be perfect for you.

GPS gifts

Undoubtedly one of the most popular items of the year has been the Shot Scope V2 golf watch. Smart watches are a must-have for golfers and this is one of the most impressive models, with smart GPS and automated performance tracking, allowing you to learn more from your experience out on the course. Simply attach to your wrist and set up in five minutes.

Alternatively if you are looking for greater functionality it could be worth opting for a Golf Buddy VTX hand held GPS. With voice audio and Bluetooth connectivity, this handheld device is filled with a fantastic variety of features.

GPSs, whether in the form of watches or handheld devices, are perfect for highly experienced golfers and beginners so this could be a good choice no matter who you are buying for.

Working on the game

One thing that every golfer has in common is that they would love to improve their overall game. Of course, there are many ways to do this, but it is important to be utilising the right tools to make meaningful changes to form and consistency.

The Orange Whip Swing Trainer is a favourite practice aid that could make a wonderful gift for keen golfers. It replicates the feel of swinging a golf club using a counterweighting system. This helps you to work on your natural swing motion. It has the additional benefit of functioning as an excellent golf fitness aid, as it strengthens the core and the muscles needed to play the shots.

For a simple but practical practice aid, SKLZ Pro Rods are an easy and convenient way to help a golfer improve their putting. The short game is often overlooked, but almost all golfers could do with boosting their technique and consistency. The rods utilising marking that help golfers improve their ball alignment and striking.

Golf mats and nets

On the subject of improving your game, golf mats are a great option if you want to get better at home. The Tee Turf golf mat has been extremely popular across 2018 as an option for those golfers who would like to work on their handicap. Alternatively, you could opt for something from the TrueStrike range which have been consistent sellers.

These mats can be useful in a huge range of situations, either to create a realistic looking surface for a simulator, or in conjunction with a golf net in the garden. If you were interested in investing in the whole packaging, many golfers have opted for a Foldaway Deluxe golf net to allow them to practice away from the course.

These products are popular for a reason – they are useful and beneficial to golfers whether they are just starting out or they are fine tuning aspects of their performance. If you are looking for a gift that will be actually genuinely useful for its recipient, any of those listed above would make a fantastic choice.

If you need more help or are looking for something specific, contact the experts at Golf Swing Systems and we can provide you with advice and guidance.

Playing golf at the course is a lot of fun. But for many golfers, it is not always possible to get there to play regularly. Thankfully, however, there are plenty of ways that you can have the golf experience at home.

A practice mat for perfect putting

If you want to enjoy golf at home as well as getting some practice in for your next time on the course, a putting mat is a great place to start. With highly realistic artificial turf, you can work on your putting skills to help ensure that your short game up to scratch in your next round. This a part of many golfers’ games that they love to work on, so the chance to do it at home makes it a fantastic choice.

A chipping net to work on skills

The true joy of golf comes in mastering many different shots. One that is often neglected is the chip. Learning to chip more effectively can make a huge difference to your overall game, and the best part is that it can easily be done at home by making use of a chipping net. These practice aids are inexpensive and can be used anywhere in your home. Practicing chipping can be a great way to relieve stress and have fun with some time to yourself.

A practice net for driving

A sturdy outdoor practice net can be a great way to bring the golf course to your home. A strong net gives you the opportunity to train on a variety of different shots. You no longer need to go to the driving range to get practice in on power shots. You only need to have a garden with enough space in fit in the net along with a range mat.

A golf simulator for the true experience

If you are looking for the closest possible experience to golf that you can have at home then it is time to invest in a golf simulator. You might be surprised how easily you can have a genuinely life-like simulator installed in your home. You simply need a room with enough room to swing a golf club along with a couple of metres of space.

Physical fitness is an important aspect of your golf game – but it is also underrated. Many casual players don’t take their fitness seriously and this can lead to weaknesses and flaws in their play. This can be easily corrected with the use of fitness aids and devices designed for golf. Here are four that can help you improve your golfing fitness.

Orange Whip Swing Trainer

Perhaps the best form of golfing fitness aid is one that serves a purpose other than purely getting in shape. A great example of this is the Orange Whip Swing Trainer. The primary function of the Orange Whip is to help a golfer to work on their swing as it replicates the feel of swinging any club that you own.

But the Orange Whip also functions as a fantastic fitness device. Using the Whip provides a workout for the core muscles – this will help to ensure that your swing is more consistent and powerful, leading to improvements on the course.

Trainer Ball

If you are purely interested in a tool that is used for improving golfing fitness, the Trainer Ball is a great choice. The ball is pumped up and then can be used for 16 different exercises designed by personal trainers. This is a durable product that will withstand a lot of use, so if you want to get to work on your fitness for a prolonged period of time it can be very beneficial.

The exercises are designed to improve your core strength as well as your flexibility, and instructions for how to perform the exercises are printed on the ball.

SKLZ Trainer Mat

Another golf fitness tool that be enormously valuable is the SKLZ Trainer Mat. With a total of 24 exercises with clear instructions printed onto the mat, golfers can use it as a tool in their pre- and post-round routine, as well as a general fitness aid throughout the year.

One of the biggest advantages of the Trainer Mat is that it helps to reduce the risk of injuries and builds the muscles useful in attaining a powerful swing.

4 in 1 Chipping Net

A Chipping Net is not necessarily seen as a fitness aid but many golfers will see a lot of benefit from using one. It’s not just the case that using the net on a regular basis can help to work on their chipping skills, but the fact that it allows you to get active and work those golfing muscles on a day-to-day basis ensures long-term fitness gains.

If you are serious about improving as a golfer there are many different tools that you can utilise to help you to achieve your goals. But overall, you will see the most benefit by choosing technology that will work on the consistency of your game. This is why it can be a very wise investment to purchase a laser distance finder. Let’s look at the kind of distance finders there are available and what they can do for you.

What is a laser distance finder?

Rangefinders have become increasingly used by golfers in order to get a good idea of the distance to a specific target – often the flag. They measure the distance of the target from the position of the observer using a GPS satellite system in that same way as a car satnav does.

Understanding the distance can help you to hit a shot more accurately and to develop a stronger feel for the kind of technique and power you need to use in order to play effectively.

Do you need one?

A distance finder can be an absolutely vital practice tool. While it is usually the case that GPS distance finders are not allowed to be used in any kind of competition, they can be extremely valuable while you are getting your practice in.

There are many different kinds of finders available and they can serve a variety of purposes so there will almost certainly be something that could benefit you. Many systems have in-built tracking facilities, allowing you to monitor your own performance on the course.

The benefits of a laser distance finder

There are many reasons that you might be interested in using a rangefinder or GPS system and they are available in varying degrees of sophistication. Here are some of the benefits of using one out on the course.

• You will no longer be estimating distances, and you can play with precision
• Gain insight into how far you hit each ball – this can be a vital element of working on your game
• As you improve over time you can easily track your progress
• You can understand more easily which club you need to use for each shot
• It can help you to develop a more consistent game
• As a result of these factors your overall game will improve and you will reduce your handicap

Options to consider

There are a number of different GPS systems available, and choosing the right one for you will come down to your needs and requirements. An innovation in wearable technology means that GPS watches are now available for less than £150. Alternatively, you can choose an upgraded version such as the Shot Scope V2 which will automatically track your performance. This makes it easy to use and enjoy the benefits of your laser distance finder.

Are you looking to get better out on the course? Improvement can be a slow process in golf, so it is important that you put in the time and find ways to grow as a player. Not everyone has easy access to a course and even fewer have the time to have lessons. But there are some things that anyone can do to up their game. Here are three things that every golfer can do to improve their performance.

1 – Strengthen your core

An aspect of the game that many golfers overlook is their fitness. Golf is, after all, a sport and the professionals keep themselves in good shape for tournaments. If you are lacking fitness it can mean that your game is inconsistent and it can even mean you will struggle to perform shots correctly. It is definitely worth putting in the time to strengthen your core with exercises. Taking yoga classes and pilates sessions can be a great way to do this.

Another option is the fantastic Orange Whip Swing Trainer, which has the dual benefit of strengthening the core while you improve your swing.

2 – Get some putting practice in

Putting is an aspect of your game that you can work on almost anywhere, so it is surprising that it is also sometimes an area where golfers clearly haven’t put in the time. There really is no excuse to lack precision with your putting. Even if you can’t get out to the course due to poor weather you can do it from your home. Putting mats are easily accessible and you simply need to put in the time to get the benefits.

Unless you are truly the perfect putter it is worth investing in practice aids and spending some time on your short game. There is nothing worse than doing all the hard work only to mess up a hole with poor putting performance.

3 – Work on your mental game

There’s no doubt that some golfers could benefit from working on the mental side of your game. For example, ask yourself: do you find yourself planning ahead before you even tee off? It can be a real mistake with golf to get too far ahead of yourself. If you are putting preparation into future shots you aren’t focussing on the task at hand.

Other golfers may find that they get dejected after a few bad shots and this tends to affect them throughout the rest of the course. It is important that you should treat each shot individually. Don’t worry about what has happened before or plan on future holes. Just play the shot.

Whether you are looking for ways to improve your own game or you are trying to find the perfect gift for a golfer in your life, practice aids can be a fantastic choice. Every golfer, from complete beginners to highly experienced players, would love to get better and practice aids are a brilliant way to help with this.

But with such a huge range of aids available on the market, how do you choose what will be right for you or (even harder) someone else? The truth is that this can be a very personal thing and choosing the right practice aid will differ from person to person, however there are some options that are always well received. Here are three great ideas for practice aids that every golfer will love.

1 – Alignment Pro

The brainchild of former professional golfer Matt Baird, the Alignment Pro is a tool for improving your alignment. There are plenty of alignment practice aids out there, but this is the first 3D alignment tool – it is hinged which means there is a much broader array of practice options. In fact you can use the Alignment Pro for more than 50 drills.

This is an important part of a golfer’s game that can often be overlooked, yet it can make a huge difference to the handicap.

2 – Eyeline Golf Groove Putting Laser

The Eyeline Golf Groove Putting Laser is an aid for putting. This is a skill that every golfer could stand to improve and this could be the ideal product to do so. The laser is attached to the putter and provides you with a visual indicator as to the path that your ball will follow. Put in plenty of practice with the laser and you will find that you will naturally build up your feel for putting.

One of the best aspects of the Eyeline Golf Groove Putting Laser is the strength of the light. Some laser guides look great indoors but are very difficult to see outside. This product works perfectly even in bright sunlight.

3 – Orange Whip Swing Trainer

Simultaneously providing you with a great workout tool and a way to work on your swing, the Orange Whip Swing Trainer mimics the shape and feel of a golf club to help you work on the weaknesses of your swing. This is a tool that you can use anywhere that you have the room to swing it, so it is even possible to be working on your game from the comfort of your home.