3 Cool Golf Gadgets to Improve Your Game

Last week, Golf for Beginners reexamined some of our top-rated blogs; the previous week, we reviewed a few must-have techie golf game improvement gifts. For the final week of 2018, we look at some of the gadgets we have tried and how, if at all, these accessories can make a difference in our game.

1. In an article entitled, "New Ways to Mark Your Golf Ball", Stacy Solomon reviewed Tin Cup metal ball markers which cradle your ball so that you can get a straight line.

In addition to the line, Tin Cup aficionados can also customize their golf ball with anything from an initial to a logo. The importance of marking your ball cannot be understated; aside from the obvious aspect of being able to identify your ball, adding a line can help you align your golf ball while on a tee pointing to a specific target and can help you to visualize your target on the green. Plus, you will be making a creative statement!

2. For those with wood floors and a decent-sized hallway, the Maxfli Automatic Putting Mat will keep you rolling out putts through the winter. Keep your stroke consistent while practicing on a realistic-feeling mat with markings for eight, six four and two-foot distances.

3. Snow or cold weather should not stop you from stepping outside for a few minutes to hone your swing - the Orange Whip can help you to "swing in rhythm while maintaining balance."

For only five to ten minutes per day, and according to the website, this swing trainer says a golfer "will quickly see noticeable improvements in their golf swing such as increased flexibility and strength, enhanced coordination, and a perfectly balanced tempo." The key to gaining the improvement, however, is by using the product - if it just sits in the garage, you can expect no benefits (currently where my Orange Whip resides but it will get dusted off this week!)

We hope you have enjoyed our golf blogs this year! We will continue to provide you with a terrific learning experience in 2019. Happy New Year from the staff at Golf for Beginners!

New Ways to Mark Your #Golf Ball

Did you know that the USGA Rules of Golf state, "Each player should put an identification mark on his/her ball"? Although there is no limit on the amount or type of marking, it should be unique to you.

So, how do you mark your golf ball?

Does your mark have a psychological meaning behind it such as with Jordan Spieth who places a "Z" on the blank side of the ball to remind him to "zero in" on his target? Or, do you have a more artistic flair and draw a smiley face like me to remind you that golf is just a game and it is a beautiful day so have fun!

Marking your golf ball should probably have some sort of intent attached to it. Whether it is solely for recognition or brings your mind into focus, just like every shot should have a purpose, so should every marking on a ball offer your mind an objective.

TheGrint.com says to consider creating a golf mark for one of these three uses:

1. Alignment
2. Instruction
3. Inspiration

That being said, while walking the aisles at the Myrtle Beach World Amateur Golf Tournament's 19th hole, I came across companies that are offering players more choices when it comes to creating a unique look for that tiny orb which we hopefully will smack down the middle of the fairway.

GolfDotz is a type of transfer that bonds with the skin of the ball when pressure is applied.

According to the company, these "stickers" do not affect the flight or roll of the ball, have a long, sticky life (probably longer than your ball will stay with you) and have the USGA seal of approval.

If you are really creative, try adding a few dotz to your golf club too (as seen in the photo above). The average package costs approximately $5.99 and comes with twenty-four dotz on two sheets. 

Tin Cup Ball Markers are just what the name implies; these small, semi-circular, metal ball markers cradle your ball so that you can get a straight line (with your initial) or create custom designs and colors using a Sharpie; you are limited only by your imagination.

Tin Cup gives companies and tournaments free reign with their ability to engrave any design from logo to special sayings like "Low Gross Winner". Average price for a single Tin Cup is $19.95.

We once asked on Golf for Beginners, "Where Do You Place Your Golf Marker" when not in use. We now ask what special markings do you place on your golf ball to differentiate it from your playing partners?

Tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners with photos and feel free to comment below on our golf blog.