I'm sure you've been made familiar with the popular golf instruction aids and tutorials that you've seen in the pro shops, online at bookstores like Amazon and on specialty sites all over the web. You might even be suffering from golf overload! While your first inclination might be to give that new product a try, you need to keep certain things in mind before making an impulse purchase.

First of all, let's keep something in mind. My goal here isn't to bring you down to earth or to try and stifle your dream of playing exceptional golf. However, the odds of a certain golf instruction program suddenly transforming your game from part-time amateur to a full-time golf virtuoso is somewhere between slim and none.

There are many programs and aids available that can help you improve your game in one form or another, but nothing is a substitute for good old-fashioned practice, whether that be on the course, at the driving range, or simply in your backyard. Anywhere where you can be free to make mistakes and learn from them is a good place to practice, and eventually, your game will thank you for it.

I would liken it to learning to play a musical instrument. If you've ever learned how to play piano, guitar, violin or another instrument, you'd know that even though you might have had a stellar teacher, failure to practice on a consistent basis means the lessons you're being taught will be completely meaningless. The same can be said for golf instruction. You can spend hundreds of dollars on professional golf instruction or $47 for an e-book and DVD set, but without the proper amount of practice, you will not improve your game. Period. That said, here are some things to look at when researching the latest golf instruction products and tutorials:

1. What ails your game the most?

What is it about your game that you think is the most lacking? I'm sure you can think of one thing you're consistently doing wrong on the course, whether it be slicing the golf ball, or not getting enough power on your drives, etc. Jot down one or two of these problems that you'd like solved and look for specific products to help those elements of your game the most. And since many problems in golf tend to stem from one underlying issue, odds are you will correct a number of parts to your game just by implementing a strategy or unlearning a bad habit that you might have unknowingly picked up on.

2. What credentials does the author/manufacturer have?

Does the author of that book teach amateur golfers on a regular basis? How have his students done? Do a Google search for his or her name and try to track down some of the individuals that they've tutored. People are always willing to give out reviews and opinions, and the golf world is no different. If the instructor has experience or connections with some of the PGA professionals or has a successful track record teaching amateurs, then its likely that you've found someone you can trust.

3. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.

If their product is worth checking out, the author or instructor will always be readily available to answer any questions you might have about the product before you make a purchase. Never hesitate asking questions directly to the source up front before making your decision.

Taking the time to thoroughly research the web before purchasing a golf instruction tutorial or aid will save yourself a great deal of frustration and should help your golf game moving back in the right direction.