What Equipment Do You Need to Train With DRVN Golf?
Far less than you think. DRVN is built to run in any standard gym or home setup. Here is exactly what the system requires — and what it does not.
The short answer: far less than you think.
One of the most common assumptions about golf fitness training is that it requires a specialist setup — a simulator, a launch monitor, a fully kitted performance facility. DRVN is built on the opposite premise. The limiting factor in most golfers' performance is not access to equipment. It is access to a system. Here is what that actually means for your training environment.
The Honest Answer: A Standard Gym Is Enough
DRVN programming is designed to run in any well-equipped fitness environment. That means a commercial gym, a home setup with basic kit, or a dedicated golf performance facility all work. The system adapts to what you have — it does not demand a specific environment to deliver results.
The Golf Fitness Handicap™ assessment — the standardized movement evaluation that anchors all DRVN programming — uses bodyweight and basic resistance-based tests. No machines. No specialist golf equipment. Just a structured series of movements that reveal exactly where your body is limiting your swing.
The Golf Fitness Handicap™ does not need a launch monitor. It needs your body — and the willingness to train what it reveals.
What You Actually Need
To complete the Golf Fitness Handicap™ assessment and follow DRVN programming at the foundational level, you need:
- A smartphone or tablet to access the DRVN app
- Enough floor space to move through bodyweight exercises
- A resistance band (for mobility and activation work)
- A set of dumbbells or access to basic free weights
That is it for the entry level. Most people already have this — or can access it at any standard gym. The DRVN system does not require proprietary equipment, a golf simulator, or a dedicated training studio to get started.
What Additional Equipment Unlocks
As training progresses through the DRVN curriculum, additional equipment expands what is possible — but never becomes a hard requirement. Think of it as a spectrum:
Kettlebells
Useful for rotational power development and hip hinge patterns that transfer directly to the golf swing. A single moderate-weight kettlebell adds significant variety to lower and upper body programming.
Cable Machine or Resistance Band Anchors
Rotational cable work is one of the most direct training modalities for golf-specific power. A cable machine is ideal. A door-anchored resistance band replicates the movement pattern effectively for home or travel environments.
Stability and Balance Tools
Balance pads, Bosu balls, or similar tools support the single-leg stability and proprioception work that underpins a consistent, repeatable swing. These are low-cost additions that pay significant returns.
A Golf Club
Some DRVN drills integrate a club for movement pattern training and swing-specific mobility work. This is the one golf-specific item that genuinely enhances certain programming — and most golfers already own one.
What You Do Not Need
To be direct about what DRVN does not require:
- A launch monitor or TrackMan system
- A golf simulator or hitting bay
- A dedicated golf fitness facility
- Specialized machines or proprietary DRVN equipment
- A personal trainer present for every session
The DRVN app delivers coaching, programming, and progress tracking directly. The system is self-contained. A certified coach is valuable — and you can find one through the DRVN directory — but the app is fully functional as a standalone training tool.
Common Questions
Can I train with DRVN at home?
Yes. The foundational DRVN program requires nothing beyond a resistance band, basic free weights, and floor space. The Golf Fitness Handicap™ assessment can be completed at home. Many DRVN members train entirely outside of a gym environment.
Do I need a golf simulator to use DRVN?
No. DRVN is a physical performance system, not a swing analysis platform. It trains the body that produces the swing — which means the results show up on the course, not on a screen. A simulator is a useful tool for some coaching contexts, but it is not part of the core DRVN system.
Does DRVN work if I only have access to a basic gym?
Yes. Dumbbells, a cable machine or bands, and floor space cover the full range of DRVN programming. The system is structured around movements and progressions, not specific machines. A basic gym is entirely sufficient.
What if I want to train at a DRVN-licensed facility?
Licensed DRVN facilities are fully equipped for the complete system — including all assessment tools and progressive programming environments. You can find a licensed facility or DRVN Certified Pro™ near you at the DRVN directory.
Start With What You Have
The most important piece of equipment in your golf fitness program is not a machine or a monitor. It is a clear picture of where your body currently stands — and a structured system for improving it. That is what the Golf Fitness Handicap™ delivers, and it starts the moment you open the DRVN app.
Download DRVN, complete your Golf Fitness Handicap™ assessment, and find out exactly what your body needs to perform better on the course.
Related Articles

DRVN Apparel: Golf Fitness Clothing That Reps the Movement
Shop the DRVN merch collection — hoodies, tees, snapbacks, and gym gear designed for golfers who train. Here's what's available and why it matters.
ReadDriven Golf Fitness: Why We Built DRVN to Change How Golfers Train
DRVN stands for Driven — driven golf fitness built on a body-first methodology that connects physical training to swing performance. Here's the story behind the name and the system.
ReadWhere Can You Train With DRVN Golf?
DRVN is not a single facility. It is a performance system that runs inside gyms, golf training centers, and coaching studios around the world. Here is how to find a location and what to look for when you do.
Read