Alignment sticks are among the cheapest and most useful training aids in golf. These simple, flexible rods help you check aim, ball position, swing path, swing plane, hip movement and putting stroke. Most good players and coaches use them regularly. Here are ten of the best drills, and how to use them effectively.
Setting up the basics
- Target line stick: place a stick on the ground pointing at your target, just outside the ball.
- Foot line stick: place another stick parallel to it, along your toes.
This "railway track" set-up is the foundation for most drills. Read golf alignment: how to aim.
1. Aim check
Set up with both sticks. Check that your feet, hips and shoulders are parallel to the foot-line stick. Place a club across your shoulders and hips to check them too.
2. Ball position
Place a stick perpendicular to your foot line, pointing at the ball. Use it to check the ball position for each club. Read golf ball position.
3. Swing path gate
Lay a stick on the ground angled slightly right or left of your target line, through the ball position. Swing along it to train an in-to-out (draw) or out-to-in (fade) path. Read how to hit a draw and a fade.
4. Over-the-top fix
Push a stick into the ground just outside the ball, angled along your shaft plane at address. Swing under it on the downswing. Read golf swing plane explained.
5. Hip sway check
Push a stick upright into the ground just outside your trail hip. Turn in the backswing without bumping it. Read golf weight transfer.
6. Early extension check
Push a stick upright just in front of your hips (between you and the ball). Keep your hips from bumping it in the downswing. Read how to fix early extension.
7. Shaft lean and wrist hinge
Slide a stick into the grip end of your club so it extends past your lead hip. Make slow half swings: at impact, the stick should pass outside your lead hip, not hit it, showing the hands are leading.
8. Start line for putting
Place two sticks on the ground either side of your putting line, just wider than the putter head, to create a channel. Stroke putts without touching the sticks. Read putting stroke: arc vs straight back.
9. Chipping landing zone
Lay a stick across the green as a landing line. Chip balls to land just over it, with different clubs. Read how to chip in golf.
10. Tempo and balance
Push a stick into the ground as a target on the range. Make swings at 70% effort, holding your finish and checking you're still aligned. Read golf tempo and rhythm.
Tips for using alignment sticks
- Use them regularly in practice, so your eyes learn what correct alignment looks like.
- Check them from behind to make sure they're pointing where you think.
- Use one drill at a time.
- Film your swing with sticks in place. Read golf swing video analysis.
The rules
During a round, you may not place an alignment stick or any other object on the ground to help you aim or swing. Use them only in practice. Read conforming golf equipment.
Frequently asked questions
What are alignment sticks used for?
To check aim, ball position, swing path, swing plane, hip movement and putting stroke.
How many alignment sticks do I need?
Two is enough for most drills; three gives more options.
Can I use alignment sticks on the course?
Not during a round to help you aim or swing.
Are alignment sticks worth buying?
Yes. They're cheap, versatile and used by golfers of all levels.
The bottom line
Two or three alignment sticks can transform your practice. Use them to check aim and ball position, train your path and plane, control hip movement and sharpen your putting and chipping. For more ways to practise, read golf practice games and our driving range practice plan.