Golf alignment sticks make it easier to see what the body, club, and target line are doing during a practice session. The best setups are simple enough to rebuild quickly and clear enough to check without interrupting every swing.
These three golf alignment stick drills focus on aim, ball position, and swing path. They can be used at a driving range, on a practice mat, or in a simulator space.
1. Build a parallel target line
Place one alignment stick on the ground a short distance outside the ball, pointing directly at the intended target. Place the second stick parallel to it near the toes.
The outside stick shows the target line. The closer stick gives a visual reference for foot, knee, hip, and shoulder alignment. The two sticks should look like railway tracks rather than meeting at the target.
- Choose a clear target.
- Aim the outside stick at that target.
- Place the second stick parallel to the first.
- Set the feet along the closer line and make a few controlled swings.
Move the sticks away from the ball before hitting if their position could interfere with the club.
2. Check ball position with a T setup
Keep one stick parallel to the target line. Place the second stick across it to create a T shape, with the cross stick pointing toward the ball.
This makes ball position easy to repeat. Move the cross stick forward or back for the club being practised, then set up with the same reference for several swings. The drill is useful when a session starts to feel inconsistent and the setup needs a quick visual reset.
3. Create a swing-path gate
Place the two sticks on the ground to form a narrow channel through the hitting area. The channel should follow the intended start line and leave enough room for a safe, comfortable swing.
Make slow rehearsal swings first. The goal is not to strike the sticks. The channel simply gives a visible reference for how the club approaches and leaves the ball.
Start with a wide gate and narrow it only when the movement stays controlled. A wider setup is usually more useful than one that forces the swing.
Keep the practice setup easy to repeat
A good drill should take less time to arrange than to use. Pick one setup, hit a small group of balls, then step back and decide whether the reference helped. Reset the sticks whenever the target changes.
ATT Makes produces made-to-order hand-painted hickory golf alignment sticks on Etsy. Each set includes two 122 cm sticks with a choice of two or three colours.