TaylorMade Golf recently sent over the TR3 True Path training aid for THP to review. This product is made to promote a better putting stroke and TaylorMade is saying that their Tour staff is using it. I don’t share many similarities to the pros, but improving with the putter is definitely something on every golfer’s mind.
Information from TaylorMade
The TR3 True Path putting trainer was designed after years of studying the putting strokes of Tour players, top PGA club professionals as well as top amateurs. The TaylorMade putting lab data of thousands of strokes was analyzed to determine common faults and the best techniques of some of the best players in the world.
The benefits include:
• Consistency in putting stroke path
• Instant putter face alignment feedback
• Improved muscle memory for proper putting stroke path
• Improved putting tempo
• The TR3 True Path can be used indoors or outdoors
• Can be used with one rail, two rails, and with or without the base
• Is lightweight and portable, fitting easily into a golf bag pocket
Initial Thoughts and Setup
One thing I’ve always appreciated about TaylorMade training aids is that they come in slick packaging and are usually easy to transport. The True Path comes apart and is put together easily. It also comes in a handy little carry-bag so you can keep the pieces together if you decide to take it out and about. It may seem like a small thing, but it’s appreciated when you don’t have to worry about losing pieces.
Speaking of pieces, there are three that make up the True Path; a base and two arms. Conveniently, they attach to each other with magnets and are adjustable to account for different sized putters. One arm is straight and the other is slightly curved. The arms can be put on either side, which allows the True Path to be used for arced or straight strokes. Also, you can use the arms without the base on the putting green by placing tees in well-placed holes. I’ve also seen pictures where only one of the arms was used, so there are quite a few options for you to try out.
The True Path is a pretty simple device, which is one of its best assets. All you need to do to use it is set in the ground, put a ball down at the front of the base, and let the heel of your club run along the arm that is closest to you as you take your stroke. It’s an easy way to see and feel a correct putting stroke and you can follow that up by actually putting the ball towards a hole.
Did it Help?
First of all, I think evaluating training aids in the short-term can be difficult. Many of them take a good deal of time and work before we start seeing results. However, I felt like I saw some pretty fast improvements after using the True Path. I putt with an arced stroke, but I am constantly guilty of using too much arc. I’m your classic “if a little works, a lot is probably better” golfer, so I can really over-exaggerate my putting stroke if I’m not careful. After just a few putts using the True Path I felt like I had a good grasp, both visually and mentally, of where my stroke really should be. Interestingly, I realized that I was much more relaxed using the more ‘natural’ arc that the True Path promoted. It was very helpful and I ended up seeing some improvements on the course, including matching my lowest number of putts in a round for the season.
I also think the True Path could be a useful long-term training tool for many people. I tend to slide back into bad habits every now and then and I’ve already grabbed it just to refresh myself on what I should be doing. That makes this a pretty versatile training aid. It can be useful out of the box and a year down the road. In my opinion, that makes it a worthy investment.
One thing to remember is that the True Path does work for the straight back, straight through style of putting as well. I talked quite a bit about my own putting stroke, but it can be set up either way.
Final Thoughts
It was easy to like the True Path. It’s very simple, fairly small, and it doesn’t take much thought to use. Better yet, it worked well for me very quickly. I’m a fan and it’s something I plan to continue to use to keep my putting stroke sharp. I’d definitely recommend checking it out if you are looking for a little more consistency on the greens. If you are thinking of trying out the True Path, I’d recommend talking to our friends at Blind9 Golf. As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read and best of luck on the course this year.
Ryan H.
I just got one of these as Well Ryan and I am loving it. Just like you, I tend to suck the putter head too far inside and this leads to an open face and pushing putts right for me. I used this on the putting green the other day and I was making quite a few 10 footers after practicing with it for only an hour. I think this is an outstanding aid. Thanks for another great review!
Nice review Ryan! This appears to be a well thought out and affordable training device derived from PGA tour player study and feedback. I really like the portability factor and the fact that you could use it on the putting green at your course or at home in your living room.
Very nice review Ryan, this looks like a great putting training aid, I have see others that are somewhat similar, but much more expensive and much less portable, TaylorMade got this one right for sure.
Nice review! This seems like an aid that could really work for a lot of people!
Nice review Ryan. Training aids like this are nice to see from TM. Shows that they are more versatile and not just a club/ball manufacturer. Definitely a product that many golfers would benefit from IMO.
Nice write up! Like hearing that you saw quick improvements with the training aide, it’s always nice when you notice a change right away. I would imagine putting this together with the RST alignment can really get your putting stroke in a nice groove!
Great job hawk, sounds like the real deal. Never owning any type of putter training aid I find myself thinking this could help level out my stroke quite well. Thanks!
Nice work buddy, I have been thinking a lot about one of these especially since I’ve started my winter time daily putting practice. I think I now need 2 things, 1. a new indoor putting green and 2. a TM TR3 True Path. Thanks!
Thanks Ryan, that was an insightful review. Haven’t seen these yet but it looks promising.
Thanks for the review Ryan, this is an area of my game where I need a lot of help, and I believe this aid could give me what I need.
Nice review Ryan. As always, the video is a great addition.
Nice review Ryan, enjoyed it. I like the simplicity of this device. Putting is probably the one part of my game that I’ve been open to trying training aids to assist, and the simple repetition involved here looks pretty good. Not too much to think about, just set it up and go.
Thanks Ryan! I like the looks of this aide. I also like the Eyeline Golf products putting aide’s. This one is about $50 at Blind9 and Eyeline prices range from $40 to $100 depending on your choice.
Either way, if getting any one of these aide’s causes you to enjoy quality practice of your putting, they are worth it.
Nice review buddy. It sounds like this might be a pretty good and simple but solid training aid for anyone struggling with the putter.
Very nice writeup Ryan! I would love to pick one of these up to use over winter and on the practice green, seems like it would really help the stroke.
Nice review. I am interested in if this product helps people with different kinds of putting paths. It would seem to, and it seems like a smart design. Thanks for the info!
I use a drill like this with a couple of folded golf towels. I like the idea that it has a bag to keep all of the parts together.
I like this review and this training device. I think I’m a pretty natural putter – I’ve never had the yips or even spent too much time fiddling with my grip – and I think I device like this would help me hone that natural stroke of mine.
I should probably use these training aids more often, but I don’t. This one seems like it would be adequate for helping with putting issues.
Good review Ryan. I have a natural arc stroke. I use a “putting arc” and like it. But this one is interesting as well.
I just got the true path but I’m confused. I can’t figure out which rail is straight and which one has the arc. There are no labels to help me figure out. Can anyone help?
Nice review hawk. How often do you still use this? Putting is by far the wort part of my game. I putted well at the beginning of the season last year but then went to crap once the weather changed and I didn’t work on it any longer.