Driving is the one of the biggest separating factors between different abilities of golfer. The gap in total distance between tour players and low handicaps, and then low handicaps to high handicaps, is huge (relatively speaking) and so increasing your distance output is one of the best methods of fast tracking your way to lower scores.
Achieving more distance could come from an ability to move the clubhead faster or strike the center of the face more consistently, or ideally both! One training aid that claims to help in both of these areas is the GFORCE Driver Swing Trainer.
(Image credit: Future)
This training aid consists of a 10°, 460cc driver head attached to a highly flexible yet robust shaft. Successfully hitting straight shots with this club requires precise tempo, rhythm, and timing by moving the body, arms and club in the correct order to deliver a better strike with more clubhead speed and power.
Our first impressions of this product aiming to be among the best golf training aids was a good one. The headcover has a premium look and feel to it and when removed, it reveals a similarly premium looking head with a simple but classic profile to it at address that I’m confident most golfers will enjoy. There the familiarity ends though…
(Image credit: Future)
While the feel of the flexible shaft was strange initially and it led to the first few shots missing a long way right of target, I quickly adapted to how it released and began to make squarer contact after just a few swings. This trainer helps golfers understand the necessary adjustments in how you move to hit straighter shots – leading with the body and letting the arms follow naturally.
After a while I was flushing high draws down the range shot after shot. This was no different when I tested the GFORCE 7-iron or the GForce Wedge trainer – you soon become accustomed to how it needs to be swung and these feelings can then be transferred to your normal swing with an orthodox club. I wouldn’t say I was able to hit drives with the GFORCE driver swing trainer anywhere near as far as my normal driver, but I enjoyed the feelings it engrained in my swing. In particular that feeling of releasing the clubhead as late as possible for maximum power.
(Image credit: Future)
Common issues like slices and hooks often result from a sharp pull at the top of the swing or a flick of the hands during impact. The GFORCE Driver Swing Trainer discourages these destructive moves through better body engagement and increased awareness of the clubhead position throughout the swing. The flexible shaft makes the head feel much heavier than a regular driver, therefore helping increase awareness of the clubhead throughout the swing, making it easier to feel the positions I needed to get into to make solid contact with the ball.
The GFORCE driver swing trainer is suitable for use on the driving range, and because it conforms to the Rules of Golf, it can also be used on the course or in competition. You can even use it as a speed trainer, with this club having the obvious advantage over its competitors in that you can hit balls with it. Making swings with headcover on is a good way to add some weight to the club to help build speed.
You can even purchase the flexible shaft without a head separately (£99.99) should you be a left-hander looking to reap the benefits or if you want to attach a more familiar clubhead to speed up your improvement.
Over time, I can say with confidence that this training aid will lead to a little more speed and consistency of strike for most golfers. The immediate feedback helps you understand exactly where you may be making a wrong move in your swing and helps you gain greater club face awareness and ultimately gets you hitting better shots. Priced at £159, the GFORCE Driver Swing Trainer is an effective and affordable tool for golfers looking to enhance their driving accuracy, speed and consistency.
