Keep it in the Black Review

Not all training aids for short game are created equal. 

This Keep it in the Black review will show you how this tool can lower your scores quickly. Because let’s face it, who doesn’t want to lower their handicap and beat their friends on the golf course? 

After attending the 2023 PGA Show I was overwhelmed with the amount of training aids. Even though there are already hundreds of golf training aids for the average golfer, a lot of new ones were coming. Some were great and felt like I could use a lot… while others weren’t quite as useful.

Keep it in the Black is a product that I was impressed with and wanted to share it to help you improve your game.

Keep it Black Review 

No matter how great a ball striker, the short game is crucial. The average golfer spends the majority of their time on the driving range. instead of the chipping or putting green. But I’ve found that one of the reasons this is because most golfers don’t have great tools for feedback. 

Keep it in the Black has many great features. Before getting into all the reasons we love this aid, let’s first discuss the product itself. It’s a 41” x 41” target to help you get more chips, pitches, and putts inside a three foot circle. The device provides great visual feedback to see just how close you’re getting shots to the cup. 

Remove it from the bag and place it on your putting/chipping putting green. Insert a golf tee in each corner. This will keep it from moving, and you can use it to improve your short game during every practice session. 

Key Takeaways 

• This training aid will improve your short-game practice dramatically.
• It’s small and convenient so you can easily keep it in your bag for regular use. 
• This training aid is great for both putting as well as chipping. It will help you become a better golfer. 

Learn why we like the short game tool.

Improve Your Short Game 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a 20 handicap or a scratch golfer, the closer you are to the hole, the more likely you are to make putts. The make rate on the PGA Tour from 8-feet is only about 50%… while it’s closer to 90% for putts of four feet. Inside three feet and it’s almost 100%.

It is obvious that the closer you get to the hole with chips and putts the more likely you will be to save shots and make the putt. This device is great for assessing each shot visually and determining if it was within the 3-foot circle. 

Easy to Use 

The difficulty in using some of the new products I saw on the PGA Show has been one of my biggest complaints. Don’t get me wrong, I think almost every product I saw had value but some were very difficult to use. 

I’ve always said that the bigger and more complicated a device is to use, the less likely you are to use it. Which results in a lot of golfers wasting money on products that don’t help them hit their golf goals. 

But this product doesn’t have that issue. Simply pull it out of the bag, lay it down on the green, insert tees so it stays down and you’re ready to go. 

Works for Chipping and Putting

Most training aids are only effective for a single aspect of your game or swing. Keep it in Black will help you with both chipping/pitching as well as putting. This makes it more useful than many other gadgets which only work in a single area. 

Use for Competitive Practice 

This visual aid helps you see if you have reached your goal. You can also play competitive games with it when practicing alone or with a friend. I like playing the following game, and using this scoring system.

• In the hole = five points
• Inside the black circle = three points
• On the green portion of the aid = 1 Point
• Not on the target = zero points

Play 11 or 21, with a buddy, to make your practice more competitive. 

Compatible with other training aids 

It is also great that you can use this tool with other devices. For example, you could stand on a Why Golf Pressure Plate to help you with your chipping fundamentals and hit toward a target, Or, use it with long putts and the Back to Basics Putting mirror to dial in your putting technique and give yourself a goal of hitting it inside a three-foot circle. 

FAQs on Improving Golf Practice 

Do you have any questions about this short-game aid? Continue reading to find out some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers.

How often should I practice short game in Golf?

I’m not sure if you can ever work on your chipping, pitching, putting and bunker shots enough! Your short game is a crucial part of the game that can directly impact your scores. 

I suggest you spend at least half of your time in the first 100 yards. It will help to lower your scores quickly. Even if you have a poor ball striking, your short game will help. 

Where can I buy this product?

At this time it’s only available on their Website and not in any golf stores. 

Who should use the product?

Any golfer that wants to save practice shots and make each session more effective. This device is great whether you’re a beginner, senior, or advanced golfer. 

What other devices can be used to improve practice?

There’s no shortage of gadgets and aids to help your game. We think all golfers can benefit from having a roll of impact tape, a launch monitor (like the Voice Caddie SC300), and a tripod to record your swing. 

My Experience 

I love tools that make practice sessions and games easier. This product is easy to use, small and simple. It also comes at a good price. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced golfer, there’s no doubt this product can do wonders for your game. The only downside is that it’s a little steep in price ($49) for a simple device. 

Final Thoughts 

The better your short game is, the more likely it is that you will shoot lower scores. Remember that the closer your lag putts, chips/pitches, or putting attempts are to the hole, you have a greater chance of making the putt. 

Keep it in Black is an excellent tool that will help you to practice hitting more shots within the circle. When you do this, you’ll have more tap-ins. And shorter putts will help you shoot lower score more consistently. 

Keep It in the Black: Click here to learn more. 

Don’t forget to check out more short game articles below:

• 12 Great Practice Drills
• How to Hit a Wedge 50–75 Yards
• Why You Should Putt on the Fringe
• Chipping vs. Pitching – What’s the Difference?