8 Best Short Game Training Aids to Save Shots Quickly

If you want to lower your handicap fast, you need to improve your short game — period. It’s no secret that shots inside 100 yards make up nearly 60% of all strokes in a round. 

Yet most golfers spend way too much time on the driving range and not nearly enough time practicing chipping, pitching, and putting. And don’t even get me started on the lack of training on bunker play. 

If you’re serious about saving strokes, here are the best short game training aids that can completely transform your scoring game.

Best Short Game Training Aids 

After writing about golf since 2017, attending three PGA shows, and trying endless training aids, I want to show you the ones I use (and recommend) as a plus handicap. 

1. WhyGolf Putting Thing

If you're serious about putting, the WhyGolf Putting Thing should be part of your training arsenal. It made my list of the best putting aids because it’s transformed my practice sessions (indoors and outdoors). 

This brilliant tool builds a square, consistent stroke by promoting the right shoulder and arm motion through impact. It's easy to use indoors or outdoors, packs flat, and teaches you how to eliminate the dreaded "wrist flip" that causes so many putts to start offline.

Since using the Putting Thing, my stroke feels more repeatable, my confidence has soared, and my short putt percentage has dramatically improved. You can read my full breakdown here to see why I believe it’s one of the most effective putting aids on the market. 

2. Tour Tempo Total Game App 

The Tour Tempo Total Game App is easily one of the best investments you can make — not just for your short game, but your entire golf swing.

I use this app almost every single practice session to fine-tune my tempo. It’s helped me groove a 3:1 tempo in the full swing, which adds distance and improves ball striking. But where it really shines for short game practice is dialing in a 2:1 tempo for chips, pitches, and bunker shots.

Short game shots require a smoother, more pendulum-like motion. The 2:1 tempo ensures you don't decelerate or jerk through the ball — both of which kill consistency. With a few minutes of practice using the short game mode, your contact will get cleaner, your touch will sharpen, and your confidence will skyrocket around the greens.

If you are not already using Tour Tempo, trust me, you’re leaving strokes on the table. This app is a no-brainer addition to your golf routine.

3. WhyGolf Chipping Plate 

The WhyGolf Chipping Plate is another genius invention that should be in every serious golfer’s toolbox.

If you tend to chunk chips or thin them across the green, this aid forces you to clean up your low point and maintain proper shaft lean through impact. It’s simple, portable, and brutally honest — you'll know immediately if your technique is off.

In just a few sessions, you’ll start making more crisp, Tour-style chip shots. The Chipping Plate is a game-changer for anyone who wants better contact and more up-and-downs.

4. PrimePutt Indoor Putting Mat

I’ve tried nearly every putting mat in the golf world and no doubt PrimePutt is my favorite. 

If you want a true roll at home, the PrimePutt Indoor Putting Mat is one of the best options available.

It’s built with a premium surface that rolls at a true 10–11 on the stimpmeter, providing tournament-quality speed and feel. Unlike cheaper mats that develop grooves and bumps, PrimePutt stays smooth and flat over time, making it perfect for serious practice.

The built-in cup system also allows you to hear the ball drop into the hole — a small but powerful reinforcement for building putting confidence. If you're serious about sharpening your stroke indoors, PrimePutt is absolutely worth the investment.

5. WhyGolf Alignment Mirror 

The WhyGolf Alignment Mirror (read my full review here) is another sneaky good short game training aid. Not to mention it works phenomenal for your full swing too and one of the best training aids under $100. 

It’s hands-down better than traditional alignment sticks for building a consistent setup. Plus, it works for short game practice too.

Here’s why it’s wicked smart approved:

• Easy to use — works indoors or outdoors.
• Ensures your feet, shoulders, and clubface are all properly aligned.
• Helps you check ball position, weight distribution, and setup angles instantly.

This mirror has become part of every structured practice session for me. It's simple, powerful, and gives immediate feedback on your setup without needing a coach watching you.

Far more effective than a few alignment rods thrown on the ground!

6. Chipping Buckets 

If you want a fun, competitive way to sharpen your wedges, chipping buckets are a must-have.

Simple but effective, these targets force you to dial in your carry distances, trajectory control, and feel around the green. 

Set up multiple buckets at different distances and turn your short game practice into a scoring challenge. This is one of the easiest ways to make practice more intentional — and way more fun. Paired with a net + mat, you can practice golf at home with ease. 

7. Keep it In the Black (Putting/Chipping Tool)

Another fantastic short game tool is the Putt for Dough Mat from Keep It in the Black Golf.

This training aid sharpens your short putting under pressure by giving you very specific zones to aim for. Instead of mindlessly rolling putts, you’ll work on holing out or leaving putts "in the black" to simulate real-world pressure. It’s great for competitive players who want more structure and accountability during indoor putting practice.

This mat builds a clutch mindset and trains your eyes to focus on speed and line — not just mechanics.

8. Bunker Mate by WhyGolf

Want to improve your sand game but can’t get to the course enough (or your course doesn’t have a good sand trap to practice form)? WhyGolf solved the problem with their newest training aid - the Bunker Mate. 

This short game aid is easy to use and can help you improve your technique even if you practice indoors. If you have an at home studio, this is one of the best ways to upgrade an indoor practice facility. 

Closing Thoughts 

Training aids can be powerful tools to sharpen your short game — if you use them the right way.

Especially during the offseason, aids like these help build better habits without the pressure of upcoming rounds. But as big tournaments approach, it’s important to shift your focus back to fundamentals: grip, tempo, setup, and confidence.

Use training aids to guide your practice — not dominate it. Stick to simple, easy-to-use tools that seamlessly fit into your routine. Complicated devices often get left in the garage after a few sessions.

These short game aids are trusted by competitive players, coaches, and even Tour pros. If they use them to stay sharp... you should too.

Want more smart practice strategies?
👉 Check out Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula to learn how to practice smarter, manage the course better, and unlock your true potential.