Golf training aids are always a source of curiosity and can also be a way to improve your game.

Every issue of every golf magazine mentions new training devices that have just come on the market.

One of the most highly advertised training clubs is the Power Hitter. I happen to own one and find that hitting 15 or 20 balls every other day with the driver does build strength, stamina, and add clubhead speed. The only drawback is that your feel with your regular club is drastically different after you practice with the Power Hitter, and it takes a little time to get back to your normal swing .

Hank Haney has come out with the Smart Path that appears to be a swing path trainer with mirrors and rubber tees. You can see it at smartpathgolf.com.

The SwingWave is supposed to give you a “powerful new golf swing in just 10 minutes.” The SwingWave utilizes a water flow in a high-tech chamber to make it easier to learn the proper motion of your ultimate golf swing and teaches you load, retain, and release.

The Explanar swing plane system appears to be a takeoff on the old circular PVC swingplane groover.

You swing the club in a circle around the “plane fin” and use the “power roller” to train and retrain your golfing muscles and create a more dynamic and athletic swing.

There is also a “radial stance mat” that lets you practice drawing and fading the ball at will. Go to explanar.com for further details.

On the golf club side of things, Louisville Golf has come out with a set of fairway woods that replace the two through eight irons. The clubs are made of persimmon, that is wood, real wood, and are made to launch the ball better than any fairway metal wood.

You will have your purchase price refunded if you are not completely satisfied. Find them at louisvillegolf.com.

The Dutch Hollow Ladies Invitational was held last Thursday and was won by the team of Lorraine Gardner and Joan Adams with a fine best ball net score of 57.

Second place went to Sue Myers and Kathy Kusnierczyk with a 61. Judy Goodsell and Colleen Hamilton were third, followed by Robin Denero and Bonnie Sherlock, Carol Kannus and Ellie Hislop, Kathy Jo Champion and Kristy Weber, Nancy Lorentzon and Eileen Weathers, Patti Labacz and Irene Nelson, Sue Giltner and Joann Kubly, and Kerry Hogan and Jen Ryan. Sixty-one two woman teams competed in this years' event.

Mike Lesch shot a great final round 66 at Highland Park last week to win the 2007 edition of the Cayuga County Men's District Championship for his second title. Brian Walker finished second with a final round of 71 with birdies on three of the last four holes.

Mark Salomon shot a 73 and finished third, followed by Matt Steigerwald and Jeff Catalfano.

Tom Costello won the first flight, followed by Ed Krickovich Sr., Bob Butera and Matt Hoey. Second flight winners were Art Luke, Mike Carter, Dan Mahoney and Kyle Lamphier.

Tom Hoey Sr. won the third flight, followed by Jeff Bouley, Jim Fedyshyn and John Donovan.

In watching some of the first round this year, you couldn't help but notice the absence of Jimmy Dorsey, who played in this tournament every year, and was a fine ambassador for the District and the game of golf.

I kept looking for Jimmy every so often, being used to seeing him out there around this time every year. His competitive spirit, sportsmanship, and passion for the game will be missed.

Many thanks to Mark Salomon for his input.

See you on the links!