How to Use Golf Alignment Sticks

May 25, 2025 Charles C. Elliott

How to Use Golf Alignment Sticks is a question many golfers ask, and for good reason. Alignment rods are some of the cheapest and most versatile tools you can own, and they can do wonders for your game. These sticks can be used for alignment, swing path, ball position, and really everything else, whether you’re new to the game or just looking to sharpen your skills. In this article, I will help you learn the fundamentals of using alignment sticks effectively.

What are Golf Alignment Sticks?

They are used for practice purposes and are long thin rods, usually made of fiberglass or plastic. Alignment sticks on their own assist golfers to visualize and preserve their alignment, swing paths and ball positions. This is why so many players use them in their practice routine – they are easy to hit and get an instant result.

Also Read: How to Hold a Golf Club Correctly

Setting Up to Align Correctly

Step 1: Set up your line of Target

Put one alignment stick in the ground, pointing directly toward your target.

Step 2: Position Your Feet

Set a 2nd stick parallel to the first (shoulder-width apart) to help place your foot.

Having your feet, hips and shoulders aligned with the target this way makes it easier to hit shot after shot consistently.

Also Read: How to Fix Your Golf Slice

Improving Your Swing Path

Swing Plane Drill

Place an alignment stick into the ground at a 45-degree angle behind you, the same angle as the shaft of your club at address.
Let your club go on the same path as the angle of the stick as you take your backswing for a proper swing plane.

You eliminate all those problems such as slicing etc – this drill facilitates an inside-out swing path.

Perfecting Ball Position

The “T” Drill

There’s one wooden stick you should place on the ground pointing straight to your target.
Take a second stick and lay it perpendicular to the first creating a “T” shape.
Place the ball in the intersection of the sticks.

It helps you to always have the ball in the right position in your stance (which changes depending on the club that you are using).

Improve Your Short Game

Chipping Drill

Put an alignment stick on the ground, a few inches behind the ball.
Chip and hit it — but do not hit the stick — from the ground first to hit the ball.

This promotes clean, crisp chips and makes it difficult for the ball to hit behind.

Putting Your Putting Stroke Together

Putting Path Drill

Place two alignment sticks on the ground, side by side, to create a tunnel leading to the hole.
Drill some putts on this line with a straightener, more controlled stroke.

This is a great drill to keep your putting stroke consistent and to help with accuracy.

How to Practice More Efficiently

Use Them Regularly: It is important to apply the muscle memory of proper form; therefore use them regularly in your practice.
Multiple Sticks – You must have a minimum of two sticks in order to do a good variety of drills that will focus on different parts of your game.
Have a Purpose: Set up your sticks with a purpose when creating a practice; it will always add depth and value to what you are working on.

Including alignment sticks into your practice will develop a strong foundation for your game. A great training aid for golfers looking to improve because of their simplicity and versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are alignment sticks?

Ans: Practice tools for alignment and swing drills.

2. What are they made of?

Ans: Fiberglass or plastic.

3. Who should use them?

Ans: All golfers, especially beginners.

4. How many do I need?

Ans: At least two.

5. What’s the main benefit?

Ans: Improves alignment and consistency.

6. How do I align correctly?

Ans: Use two sticks—one for the target line, one for the feet.

7. What is the swing plane drill?

Ans: Stick the ground at 45° to guide the backswing.

8. How to fix slicing?

Ans: Use the swing path drill for an inside-out swing.

9. What is a T drill?

Ans: Two sticks in a T shape for ball position.

10. How to improve chipping?

Ans: Avoid hitting sticks placed behind the ball.