Birdie Balls and Divot Board

As a self taught senior golfer (66), over the years I have tried about every golf aid known to man - some good and some bad. Many of them work for some and not for others just due to how they are designed and what you might be trying to accomplish. But my two favorite training aids I think can benefit all golfers.

Birdie Balls are by and far away my favorite training aid. They are a limited flight practice ball, (well not a ball really but look look more like a napkin ring) that feel like hitting a golf ball and fly pretty much like a golf ball as well - you can draw and fade them too. When struck properly they make a unique whirring sound too so you know it was a clean shot. You can feel when you hit fat and thin too - not so much on the heel or toe though. Nothing replaces hitting a golf ball for sure, but these do come close enough so you know if you are making a good swing, getting solid contact and taking a divot. I use them mainly for iron practice since they go about 50 yards max or so and work well in my large back yard. I also have a Net Return Pro, which it probably the best practice net you can buy, a Monster Mat and a GC3, so I can go from hitting Birdie Balls to real balls pretty quick and know, from years of using them, that Birdie Balls work and give good feedback. If you are hitting them well, it usually translates to real balls with about 95% accuracy.

My second favorite training aid, which Tom endorses as well, is the Divot Board. There is really nothing like it for learning to hit the ball first and take a divot - other than going to the range or tearing your lawn up. You can use it with or without a ball really and it works real well with Birdie Balls too. It is a little pricey, although refills are not too bad, but it does last a good long time before the pad needs to be replaced.

I have no vested interest in either of these products. I am just someone who loves to practice and do almost every day and like the convenience of being able to practice at home when I want without having to drive to the range.