Using Alignment Sticks for Better Golf Swings
← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Swing Mechanics & Fundamentals
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Quick Answer
- Lay down one stick pointing directly at your target, lined up with your ball.
- Place a second stick across your toes, parallel to the first, defining your stance line.
- Use these as visual cues to ensure your aim, feet, hips, and shoulders are square to the target before and during your swing.
Who This Is For
- Any golfer, from beginner to seasoned pro, looking to lock down their aim and make their pre-shot routine rock solid.
- Players who suspect their swing path is off, or their clubface is consistently opening or closing, leading to those frustrating hooks and slices.
What to Check First
- Target Line Stick: This is your primary guide. Ensure it’s pointing precisely at your intended target. I like to pick a specific blade of grass or a tiny divot out there.
- Foot Line Stick: This needs to be perfectly perpendicular to the target line stick. It should feel like a railroad track, with your target line being the main line and your foot line crossing it at a 90-degree angle.
- Ball Position: Double-check that the ball is positioned correctly in relation to your stance and the target line stick. For most shots, it should be slightly forward of the center of your stance.
- Body Alignment: Before you even think about swinging, make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are all parallel to the foot line stick. This is crucial for a good swing plane.
Step-by-Step Plan:
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.