We met Mark, who is based in Bethlehem, PA, earlier this year when we were exhibiting at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show in Florida.  Mark purchased several Aim-Mates from us at the show and has had great success using them throughout the golf season. The Aim-Mates have been well received by all his students — they like the simple and visual validation they provide.  Mark’s junior golfers especially enjoy using Aim-Mates.

Because of Mark’s creative approach to coaching and his dedication to improving his clients’ golfing skills, he continues to discover new ways to use the Aim-Mate. The Aim-Mate helps demonstrate and clearly communicate key messages to his students.

How Mark uses Aim-Mate with his students

Whether I’m teaching putting, chipping or the full swing, I use Aim-Mates to reinforce the correct club head path. I also use them to promote a full swing draw, fade or straight path through impact.  I place them in key positions, and if the Aim-Mate is struck during the swing, it provides immediate feedback to the golfer that control has been lost.

When I teach putting, I emphasize that missed putts should be long and on the high side of the cup. No putt should be left short. I place Aim-Mates on the LOW side of the cup so students can visualize the area that they should avoid (see photo below). No putt should cross over the Aim-Mates on the LOW side.

I also use Aim-Mates to encourage speed control while putting.  I create a target box just behind the hole, and if the ball is struck too firmly it will roll over the Aim-Mates. I have students to try and nuzzle the ball up against the Aim-Mates from varied distances. If the ball does roll over the Aim-Mate, it should stop within a foot of it.

Putting uses

1. 1a and 1b: The Aim-Mates are used to encourage correct setup — a square club head. They demonstrate the path of the ball and create a desired target area for the ball if the putt is not made.
2. Putting (through the gates) with 2 Aim-Mates promotes a square path and also a slight upward blow into the ball. Students should not hit any part of the Aim-Mate during their swing path. Hitting the ball too level will also catch the Aim-Mate, demonstrating an incorrect putting arc.
3. Creating a “target box” behind the hole: the Aim-Mate is the perfect length for missing a putt past the hole and on the high side (pro side).

Chipping and Pitching uses

4a and 4b:  Displays the proper set-up for a chip shot. The Aim-Mates show the ball position is back in my stance and my hands and weight are positioned forward. My hands are forward of the club head which promotes positive shaft lean which encourages a downward blow into the ball. I then position other Aim-Mates showing body alignment and swing path goals.  Finally, I place a Aim-Mate a few inches behind the ball. If the student hits up or scoops the shot then they will hit the Aim-Mate. The objective is to hit the ball, NOT the Aim-Mate thus promoting a crisp downward blow.

5: Aim-Mates are angled to encourage a draw swing path. Many students swing “over the top.” Placing an Aim-Mate on the matt or grass to the right of the ball (for a right-handed player) promotes an inside to out path. I have them swing and miss the Aim-Mate to feel the different path.

6: Aim-Mates are set parallel to encourage a shot down the line.  The object is to miss the Aim-Mates and instead make the club head pass through them.

7: Holding an Aim-Mate against your club’s grip, helps you visualize where your hands are relative to the ball.  Hands need to be forward to create a downward strike.

To learn more about Mark’s coaching programs, his philosophy or to contact him directly, check out his website at   www.lehighvalleygolfpro.com

We at Aim-Mate would like to thank Mark for providing this excellent coach’s perspective on how he uses Aim-Mate.  If you are coach or a user of Aim-Mate please drop us a line and share your experiences.