Fore Inventors Only - Golf Gadget Reality Show

Golf Gadgets - Inventors And Makers Of Golf Gadgets

The Golf Workstation

Inventors: Babe and David Bellagamba

Cost: $295

Web site/contact: www.golfworkstation.com; (813) 948-4407

How it works: Made from PVC pipes and Velcro. The golfer wears a belt with Velcro on the back. The belt sticks to a mat set up on the PVC pipe. A bar behind the right knee keeps the leg from moving on the backswing. The golfer takes a backswing with the Velcro shifting to the right side, then follows through with the Velcro shifting back to the left side.

Benefit: Claims to properly align the body at address, create flexibility in the muscles used during a swing, prevent swaying back and forth, going up on the toes or a reverse pivot.

Drawback: Unless the PGA or USGA changes rules, it is illegal to take the Golf Workstation onto the course.

The Universal Alignment A-1 Alpha Golf Ball

Inventor: Matthew Chute

Cost: $49.95 for one dozen (comes with instructional video)

Web site/contact: www.universalalignment.com; (727) 521-1795

How it works: The horizontal line makes the ball even with the ground. The vertical line aligns with the middle of the fairway or the hole. The slanted line represents the swing plane. The lines act as a visual aid to assure that the golfer is lined up properly.

Benefit: Once a golfer understands the concept, Chute said, it will guarantee 18 perfect tee shots and 18 perfect putts.

Drawback: At about $50 a dozen, don't knock them in the water or the woods. And it doesn't help you line up your fairway shots, unless it's lift, clean and place.

Wrist Firm

Inventor: Richard Trammel

Cost: $49.95

Web site: www.shotsavers.com

How it works: For a right-handed golfer, a specially made glove with a metal piece stitched in is placed on the left hand. Vice versa for the left-handed golfer. The glove prevents the wrist from cupping, or bending, at the top of the swing.

Benefit: By keeping the wrist straight, it allows for more distance on drives and iron shots. It puts the ball on a lower trajectory, which helps with distance.

Drawback: Because the Wrist Firm stretches almost to the elbow, it takes some getting used to.

Krutch Putter

Inventors: Mark Cokewell, Stephen Wegzyn

Cost: $179-$199

Web site/contact: www.rosemarkgolf.com; (813) 991-5192

How it works: The putter rests on the armpit as the golfer looks straight at the hole. It is swung like a pendulum as the golfer stands on one side of the putter.

Benefit: Based on the theory golfers have one dominant eye. By looking straight at the hole, most golfers will have a better look at the hole and not be dictated by the dominant eye.

Drawback: It is designed to have only one hand on the club, so it will take practice to get a steady hand.

Grip Loose Finger Sleeve

Inventor: Allen Webb

Cost: $24.95 (small, medium, large)

Web site: www.griploose.com

How it works: The finger sleeve is a neoprene stretchable mesh fabric that fits over any finger and beeps when the club is gripped too hard. A snap on the bottom of the device has a sensor, powered by a triple-A battery. It goes off when too much pressure is applied.

Benefit: It forces golfers to grip the club loosely, which should allow for a smoother swing and cut down on injuries a tight grip may cause. It can be used in tennis and baseball.

Drawback: It could be distracting to hear a beep in your backswing.