From 'Reijeopeoteo' to 'Sonmok Gyojeonggi'... The Mysterious World of Golf Training Equipment

Golf Population Surpasses 5.6 Million...Attention Focused on Golf Practice Equipment

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] As the number of golf players in Korea surpassed 5.6 million last year, showing a rapid increase, various golf equipment aimed at amateur golfers are flooding the market.

According to the 'Leisure White Paper 2022' published by the Korea Leisure Industry Research Institute, the number of golf players in Korea was approximately 5.64 million last year. It increased from 2.93 million in 2009 to 4.7 million in 2019, and with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it surged by 940,000 compared to 2019. According to the statistics, one out of every ten people in the country enjoys golf.

As the number of golf beginners increases, interest in practice equipment is also growing. According to the golf-related design application trends announced by the Korean Intellectual Property Office earlier this year, the number of design applications for golf practice equipment increased by 74.7%, from 95 cases in 2018-2019 to 166 cases in 2020-2021. In particular, during this period, design applications related to swing posture correctors and putting trainers accounted for 53 and 52 cases respectively, making up 63.3% of the total.

A 33-year-old office worker, Mr. A, who has been golfing for two years, said, "I received various advice about my swing, but it was hard to get a feel for it. Through a posture corrector introduced by an acquaintance, I received great help in finding the correct swing feel."

Here are various practice equipment that can help golf beginners with their swings.

Laser Putter That Helps Alignment

Laser Putter [Image source: Shelton International Co., Ltd.]

As the saying goes, "The driver is for show, the putter is for dough," the decisive factor in lowering golf scores is actually short game and putting skills. Most amateur golfers lose strokes because they fail to finish even after difficult par-ons. Especially in putting, a 0.1-degree deviation in direction at a 3-meter distance can cause an error of more than half a cup.

The laser putter emits a laser beam from the head that acts as a guide line, helping you align the putter face at a 90-degree angle to the target line of the aiming point. Practicing with the help of the guide line can help beginners correct one of the common mistakes: incorrect aiming.

Wrist Corrector

Hinge holder wrist brace worn.[Image source=AteenH]

One of the most frequently heard tips during golf lessons is the importance of the 'hinge.' The hinge refers to the motion of bending the wrist backward toward the back of the hand. However, even if you understand it intellectually, it is difficult to know whether you are doing it correctly or to recognize the exact feeling. If this swing becomes fixed through incorrect practice, it is not easy to correct.

The Hinge Holder wrist corrector is a device that lets you know whether you are swinging correctly even when practicing alone. The usage is simple. Wear the corrector on your right wrist and swing naturally. If the ball stays in contact with the back of your hand throughout all stages of the swing, it is a correct swing; if the ball separates from the back of your hand, it is an incorrect swing.

Impact Stick

Impact Stick [Image source=Daesang International]

The impact stick is equipment designed to help you check your swing posture and impact zone by yourself while practicing. When swinging with the correct posture, a 'click' sound is heard at the moment of impact. If the posture is inaccurate, no sound is made or the 'click' occurs outside the impact zone, allowing you to self-diagnose your posture with every swing. Also, using a short impact stick enables you to practice your swing anytime indoors.

Square Swing Guide

Square Swing Guide wearing appearance. [Image source=AteenH]

There is a saying, "The best long shot is a solid hit." The most important factor in hitting a solid shot is 'square.' In golf, 'square' means that the clubface is at a 90-degree angle to the target line connecting the ball and the aiming point. However, for golf beginners, maintaining the clubface square at every stage of the swing is not easy.

The Square Swing Guide is a product that informs you whether the head is square during the swing process. It is also suitable for training to prevent scooping.

The usage is simple. Place the clubface square, attach the device to the end of the club grip, and use it so that it sticks to your left arm during the swing. If the swing guide detaches from your left arm during the swing, it means the square has been lost.