Geoff,

I was reading the post below on motor learning and training aids and must say I was intrigued. I am interested not only in the learning process of putting, but in golf and life in general. As such, I know you are an expert on the topic and was wondering what you thought of Mike Bender's MEGSA (Most Efficient Golf Swing Attainable) PPE (Perfect Practice Equipment). Here is the link: http://www.megsappe.com/>.

There is a full swing machine and a putting machine. I have personally used this equipment, but I am having a hard time discerning the difference between what distinguishes good training aids from poor ones, and under what category you would place these. I hope you get a chance to comment on both. Thanks!

Chris

Dear Chris,

I would not comment on the Mike Bender MEGSA swing apparatus, other than to note it is a health-club style apparatus mostly designed for the college golf team or golf school setting.



The putting apparatus appears to be mostly an after-thought. There are three digital movies on the website demonstrating the aparatus, and none of them even shows the putting apparatus. I found these two pictures buried on the website:





From these photos, the apparatus appears to be a stroke track, plus a leg fixer, plus a hand-sliding rail, plus a head fixer. The stroke track is essentially identical to a TruePlane trainer oriented vertically, which is good! The rest of the apparatus looks like standard, not-too-good stuff. In particular, the head fixer looks horrible, as it appears to train getting the eyes over the ball with a down-the-nose, forehead-up gaze. The overall cumbersomeness and visual business of the apparatus also is very unattractive as a training device, as this sort of comprehensive surrounding of the golfer bombards the golfer with artificial cues that will not be around when he plays on the course, and which mask the real cues from the golfer's learning.

Pass.

Cheers!

Geoff Mangum
Putting Theorist and Instructor
Geoff Mangum's PuttingZone
http://puttingzone.com
Golf's most advanced and comprehensive putting instruction.

Over 1,240,000 visits and growing strong ...

518 Woodlawn Ave
Greensboro NC 27401
336.790.8176 home
336.340.9079 cell

As a former teaching pro that has used Mike Bender's MEGSA Perfect Practice Equipment I would like to add a counter opinion to Geoff's. While Geoff makes some very valid observations, what he couldn't see from the pictures is the flexibility of the devices (both putting and full swing). I certainly would not call the putting device an after-thought! There is great flexibility in the setup and stroke (for an PILS or ARC stroke). This is an excellent practice device (which is what it is intended for), providing the golfer feedback to develop a consistent, simple stroke.

Counter-opinions to me or anyone are specifically and enthusiastically welcome! Whoever makes the most sense wins!

Cheers!

Geoff Mangum
Putting Theorist and Instructor
Geoff Mangum's PuttingZone
http://puttingzone.com
Golf's most advanced and comprehensive putting instruction.

Over 1,250,000 visits and growing strong ...

518 Woodlawn Ave
Greensboro NC 27401
336.790.8176 home
336.340.9079 cell