Quick Picks: Best Training Aids at a Glance
Best Overall
Alignment Sticks
Simple, versatile and ideal for improving alignment, ball position and swing path at the range, making them a go-to training aid for golfers of all skill levels.
Best for beginners
Golf Grip Trainer
An easy-to-use training aid that helps beginners develop a correct, repeatable grip, reducing common faults and building confidence from the very first practice sessions.
Best Budget Option
Impact Tape
A simple and affordable way to see exactly where the ball strikes the clubface, helping golfers make quick adjustments and improve strike consistency at the range.
Alignment Sticks
Alignment sticks are one of the simplest yet most effective training aids you can use at the driving range. They help golfers develop proper alignment, ball position and swing path awareness without overcomplicating practice.
Why it works at the driving range:
- Improves alignment and setup consistency
- Helps correct swing path issues
- Suitable for all skill levels
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Best for: Beginners learning proper setup, intermediate golfers refining swing path, and anyone wanting more structured practice at the range.
Grip Trainer
Golf grip trainers are a simple but effective way to reinforce correct hand placement and grip pressure, two fundamentals that influence every shot. Even at the highest level, players like World No 1 Scottie Scheffler are regularly seen using grip trainers during practice to maintain consistency, making them a valuable tool for golfers of all abilities at the driving range.
Why it works at the driving range:
- Encourages proper hand positioning on the club
- Helps prevent common grip-related swing faults
- Easy to use during warm-ups or focused practice
- Suitable for beginners and low-handicap golfers
Best for: Golfers looking to reinforce correct grip fundamentals, improve consistency, and maintain solid hand positioning during regular practice sessions at the driving range.
Portable Launch Monitor
Portable launch monitors give golfers immediate, detailed feedback on their swing and ball flight, typically providing more actionable data than the basic launch monitors built into many driving ranges. By tracking metrics such as club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin and swing direction, they help golfers understand performance more accurately rather than relying on limited on-screen summaries or feel alone.
Why it works at the driving range:
- Provides more detailed shot data than many range-installed systems
- Encourages more structured, data-led practice at the range
- Provides instant measurable feedback on shot performance
- Many models are compact and easy to set up at the range
Best for: Golfers who want deeper insight into their ball flight, players working on distance control and shot consistency, and anyone looking to get more meaningful feedback from their driving range practice sessions.
Impact Tape
Impact tape is one of the simplest ways to understand what’s really happening at impact, giving golfers instant visual feedback on where the ball is striking the clubface. By clearly showing contact patterns, it helps identify mishits and strike tendencies that can be difficult to spot using feel alone during a busy driving range session.
Why it works at the driving range:
- Clearly shows strike location on the clubface
- Helps diagnose common issues like toe, heel or low-face contact
- Provides immediate feedback without relying on technology
- Affordable, lightweight and easy to use between shots
Best for: Golfers looking to improve strike consistency, players working on contact awareness, and anyone who wants quick, visual feedback during driving range practice without relying on screens or data.
Get More From Your Driving Range Practice
Training aids can speed up improvement, but practising at the right facility or with the right guidance makes an even bigger difference. Explore local driving ranges and instructors to get the most out of your practice sessions.
How to Choose the Right Training Aid for the Driving Range
With so many training aids available, it’s easy to buy something that doesn’t actually suit how you practise. Subtely and portability are also a factor, not every golfer wants to lug around some huge piece or apparatus nor wants the attention of everyone at the range.
The best training aid for the driving range depends on what you’re trying to improve, how often you practise, and whether you prefer visual feedback, physical guidance or data-driven insights.
Focus on fundamentals and setup
Use: Alignment sticks or a grip trainer
If you’re working on alignment, ball position or grip fundamentals, simple physical training aids are often the most effective. They’re easy to use, don’t distract from the swing itself, and help reinforce good habits during every practice session.
Improve strike quality and contact
Use: Impact tape
Golfers struggling with inconsistent contact benefit most from tools that provide immediate visual feedback. Impact tape highlights strike patterns clearly, making it easier to identify mishits and adjust setup or swing path without relying on technology.
Track key metrics and consistency
Use: Portable launch monitors
If your goal is to really fine tune angle of attack, shot dispersion, spin or consistency, a portable launch monitor can be a valuable addition. Many offer more detailed and repeatable feedback than range-installed systems, helping you track progress over time.
Consider portability and practicality
Driving range practice is most effective when it’s simple. Choose training aids that are easy to carry, quick to set up, and suitable for the facilities you regularly use. Tools that feel awkward or time-consuming often end up left in the bag.
In most cases, combining one low-tech aid with one feedback-based tool is more effective than using multiple gadgets at once. Keeping practice focused and purposeful is usually what delivers the biggest improvements.
FAQ
Are training aids allowed at driving ranges?
Most driving ranges allow common training aids such as alignment sticks, grip trainers and impact tape. However, some ranges may restrict certain items during busy periods, so it’s always best to check local rules if you’re unsure.
Which training aid is best for beginners?
Beginners usually benefit most from simple tools that focus on fundamentals, such as alignment sticks or a grip trainer. These help establish good habits early without overwhelming practice sessions with too much information. Grip and alignment are the key foundations of any golf swing, get these consistent and correct and you’re setting yourself up for success.
Do portable launch monitors work at all driving ranges?
Most portable launch monitors work well at outdoor driving ranges, but performance can vary depending on lighting conditions, space behind the hitting area and range setup. Always check the manufacturer’s requirements before use.
Can training aids actually improve my golf game?
There’s a reason why pros use them!! Training aids can be very effective when used correctly and consistently. The key is choosing aids that match what you’re trying to improve and using them with purpose, rather than switching between too many tools in one session.
How many training aids should I use during a practice session?
In most cases, using one or two training aids per session is enough. Focusing on a small number of specific goals helps keep practice productive and avoids information overload.
Final Thoughts
A productive driving range session isn’t about using every training aid available, but about choosing the right tools for what you’re trying to improve. Whether you’re working on fundamentals like alignment and grip, refining strike quality, or using data to track progress, the right combination of practice aids can help make your range time more focused and effective.
Start simple, practise with purpose, and build from there.
Take Your Practice Further
If you’re looking to put these ideas into action, practising at a well-equipped driving range or working with a qualified instructor can make a real difference.