Putting aids are very prevalent in the golf world today. All types of players from tour players to beginners use all different types of putting aids which include elaborate contraptions to homemade putting devices. Putting training aids are used to improve a player's putting stroke and improve the roll of the golf ball on the target line.

Here are some putting fundamentals that putting aids can help you with to improve your game:

1. Eyes over the ball - Yes you can drop a golf ball from the bridge of your nose to check this or you can use a putting mirror. Most of the putting mirrors on the market also have other lines on the mirror so you can also check the alignment of your shoulders. With these lines you can insure that you are the correct distance from the golf ball and insure that you are aligning yourself on the correct target line.

2. Start the ball on the correct line - Direction is one of the two most important parts of a putt. Direction is most important when we get down to the three and four footers and something is on the line. Obviously, all of us can stroke a putt that travels three of four feet so distance is not a challenge. The use of putting aids referred to as putting pegs allow you to work solely the direction that you are starting your putts. Putting pegs are pegs anchored into the ground and has a string that runs above the ground between the two pegs. Sometimes they are made with pencils and string or you can purchase pre-made pegs. This will allow you to make your stroke and follow the golf ball under the string. You will have automatic feedback.

3. Straight back and straight through stroke - One of the two popular putting theories was developed by Dave Pelz. The straight back and straight through theory also known as the Pelz theory is moving the putter head in a straight back and straight through motion. There are many manufacturers that offer putting aids to give you the sensation of the proper movement. The more bent over that you are when you address the putt, the more likely you are to use the straight back and straight through putting method.

4. Putting arc stroke - The other popular putting theory was developed by Stan Utley. With his theory, the putter travels in an arc around your spine. Again, many manufacturers offer different putting aids to allow you feel the correct sensation. Many times the decision of which theory that you use is determined by how you set up to the golf ball when you putt. The more upright when you address the putt, the more likely you are to use the arc putting theory.

5. Flat left wrist or bent right wrist at impact - Many players struggle with hitting solid putts due to breaking down of the left wrist during the impact position. This does not allow you to hit the golf ball in the same place on the putter face consistently. This leads to struggles with distance control and direction control, because you never hit the same place on the putter face two times in a row. Some putting training aids will keep your wrists in the proper position for impact.

As you can see, no matter the struggle that you have with your putting stroke, there are various putting aids available to help you improve your stroke.

Golf Training Aid #1: Callaway Golf X-Force Swing Trainer

The Callaway Golf X-Force swing trainer is designed to help you develop the feel for the pendulum sensation of the golf swing. The Callaway Golf X-Force swing is 2 times heavier than a standard golf club, so swinging it on a regular basis when you are off the course can help you develop proper golf musculature and general muscle tone. The impact feature helps to simulate actual outdoor ball striking.

Golf Training Aid #2: GolfGym Powerswing Trainer -Masters Edition

The GolfGym Powerswing Trainer is designed for the golfer looking for the finest in golf-specific training and conditioning for use in-season and/or in the off-season. Choose from 25 exercises designed to strengthen the muscles used in golf, including the rotator cuff region of the shoulder, hips, back and stomach muscles. Follow the golf exercise program of just 10 minutes a day, three times a week is all most golfers need to remain golf-ready. The Golf Gym Powerswing is a complete training kit containing the ProPerfect Training Grip with three PowerCords (light/lowest resistance, medium/standard resistance, heavy/strongest resistance), Quick Start DVD, Quick Start Manual and Storage Bag. This golf training aid is available Right & Left Handed.

Golf Training Aid #3: Swing Mirror by Izzo Golf

With the swing mirror by Izzo Golf you will be able to check your own posture, swing plane, grip, club face, finish position as well as your stance and ball position. The Swing Mirror will give you instant visual feedback so you can improve your very own golf swing or putting stroke.

Golf Training Aid #4: David Leadbetter's SwingLink

Developed by David Leadbetter, the SwingLink is a golf improvement tool that helps you achieve a more efficient golf swing in minutes. It keeps your arms and body working together as a single unit rather than allowing the arms to work independently. By keeping the body and arms in a good connection, you will use your bigger muscles and hit more consistent golf shots and lower your scores! Leadbetter has worked with PGA Tour Players such as Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Charles Howell and Nick Price.

Golf Training Aid #5 The Transfer Station

The Transfer Station is a three piece golf training aid that can be used to help you improve your full swing as well as your putting stroke. The Transfer Station will help your Full Swing by: Encourages the proper weight transfers Find the correct ball position every time you set-up Properly align your body to your target line The Transfer Station will help your Putting by: Promotes a straight back and straight through putting stroke Properly align your shoulders to the line of your putt In addition: Stores easily in your golf bag Made for indoor and outdoor use Will help all types of golfers men, women and juniors as well as right and left-handers.

No matter what skill level the golfer is you will be able to find something that will make any golfer that you know happy and improve their game.