Action, reaction
Swing problems don't exist in isolation; a flawed action almost always leads to a flawed reaction. A weak grip, for example, will encourage golfers to come over the top in an effort to square the face. Yes, coming over the top is usually a problem. But is it the root problem? No, that's the grip. Identifying and fixing the actions first, rather than the reactions, will save you a lot of energy.
"Think of it like an airplane," Hardy says. "If it's coming down too steep the pilot has to pull the controls much more back than he usually would."
Trust your divot and ball flight
In an age full of video cameras and instantaneous data, it's easy to overlook some of the old, reliable metrics. Take the time to analyze your divots -- where they are pointing, for example, or how deep they are -- and your ball flight. That stuff can tell you practically everything you need to know, all you have to do is ask it.
"The golf swing is like the scales of justice,"
A towel, a water bottle, an umbrella; the only thing training aids are good for is to help get you in the position you want.