If you haven't used alignment sticks to help improve your golf game, it might be time to get some for yourself. Not only are they easy to use (and conveniently fit into your golf bag), but they're super versatile, allowing you to use them for many different areas.
In today's lesson, top golf instructor Tina Tombs explains how alignment sticks can help you master chip shots, giving you the proper feels to make center-face contact with each swing.
How to use alignment sticks during short game practice
Tombs first sets up a drill using the alignment sticks, positioning one behind her and one out in front of her. The image below shows how it should look at address.
After getting setup, Tombs explains how using four sticks can help improve your wedge game.
"I have two black alignment sticks on the ground, which basically help with alignment towards the target," she says. "The two in the ground are setup for the swing path."
Tombs then describes a common error she sees with amateur golfers when setting up for chip shots.
"I tend to see many players with their front hip [too far forward], which then sets the upper body too far back — which will create an in-to-out club path," she adds. "Once the club follows that path and the body is behind the ball, we're going to hit behind the ball [which is why you chunk your chip shots]."
But Tombs says the alignment sticks will serve as a guide for better results.
"[With the sticks setup], move your front hip back, allowing your nose and sternum to be over the ball. This allows the hands to be a lot more neutral, too, versus having them too far in front.
"I'm going to aim my clubface to the target first. Once I do that, I now place my feet," she adds.
Now that you're setup properly at address, Tombs instructs players to avoid hitting the alignments sticks that are stuck in the ground, which ensures you're on the right swing path.
"If you find yourself hitting either one of the poles, that means you're swinging in-to-out," Tombs adds.
By practicing this drill with some alignment sticks, you'll build a more consistent club path and improve your chip shots.
Tina Tombs is the Director of Instruction at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club in Phoenix, Ariz., and is recognized as a top golf instructor by GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest. You can discover more about Tina on her Instagram account.