Use of Alignment Sticks

Stick to This

I have noticed from my time in Santo da Serra and where I worked in Ireland at County Sligo Golf Club that alot of players have recently added a set of alignment sticks to the bag. It is great to see people using them when practising because it is a great way to make sure that you are aiming correctly at your target  and I would recommend every golfer to carry them in their bag, they are not expensive to buy roughly 18 euros and they are very light.  Alternatively you could easily invent something very similar yourself . So often you see a golfer on the driving range hitting balls in any direction and not picking an actual target to align themselves towards. The great thing about the alignment sticks  are that they can be used for so many different purposes when practising not just for alignment. In this months article I will show  useful ways to use this tool so that you can really benefit from your practise sessions.

1. Swish the Stick

This an excellent drill for someone who lacks clubhead speed, it will allow you to move your arms and wrists freely without getting that feeling of tightness which can happen so often. Try first by making one-handed swings with the cane switching over and back from your left hand to your right hand. When you start to hear the sound of the swish at the bottom of your swing you are beginning to free your arms and wrists correctly. This also ensures that you achieving effecient clubhead speed and the feeling of releasing the clubhead correctly.



2. Correct Posture

Picture 1

Picture 2

This is a common fault with most golfers and is often left neglected without realising its importance. A good posture will allow you to rotate freely and maintain good balance when you swing. Start by positioning an alignment stick along your spine. It should touch your back in three different points, the back of your head, middle of your back, and the base of your spine (picture 1). Once you have tried this using the aid of a mirror preferably you simply tilt forward from your hips while keeping the three points of contact unlock your knees ( picture 2). By using this drill you are setting yourself in the correct posture position allowing you to swing powerfully and more freely.


3. Chipping Set-Up &  Downward Strike

Some golfers feel they have to tilt their shoulders away from the target, which encourages an upward strike. By holding a cane across your shoulders and feeling like the front end points down helps achieve the correct set-up position and also and very importantly promotes a downward strike.

When chipping, place a cane behind your back foot. your angle of attack will automatically improve. The cane causes a barrier behind the ball which makes you strike the ball steeper while also allowing the shaft to lean forward. This will improve your strike while also promoting a downward blow.

Until next time..... happy golfing