Best Golf Tour Sticks Drills

Golf tour sticks – those simple alignment rods – are one of the most versatile training aids in the game. Whether you're a beginner struggling with consistency or a low-handicapper fine-tuning your swing, the right drills can transform your practice sessions. In this article, we'll cover the best golf tour sticks drills, focusing on alignment, swing path, contact, and follow-through. These are the same techniques used by tour pros to build repeatable mechanics.

What Are Golf Tour Sticks and Why Use Them?

Golf tour sticks (also called alignment sticks or swing sticks) are typically 48-inch fiberglass or plastic rods. They are used during practice to set up visual targets for alignment, swing plane, ball position, and more. Their low cost and portable nature make them a must-have in any golfer's training bag. Unlike high-tech gadgets, tour sticks force you to feel the correct positions rather than rely on sensors. They are ideal for both on-course practice and backyard net sessions.

Key Drills to Improve Your Golf Game

Tour Aim Golf Drills for Better Alignment One of the most common mistakes amateurs make is poor alignment. Use two sticks: place one along your target line a few inches outside the ball, and another parallel at your feet. Practice hitting shots while keeping your body parallel to the foot line. This is a classic tour aim golf drill that ingrains square stance without thinking. For drivers, set the sticks to align with your shoulder tilt – many pros do this on the range.

Beginner Golf Swing Drills with Tour Sticks If you're new to the game, start with basic swing plane work. Insert a stick in the ground at a 45-degree angle (or use a foam wedge) to represent your shaft plane at address. Then make slow-motion swings, keeping the clubhead on the same plane. This beginner golf swing drill teaches the correct takeaway and downswing path. Another simple drill: place a stick on the ground at your toe line and practice taking the club back along it. This prevents an overly flat or steep swing.

Golf Contact Drills to Eliminate Fat and Thin Shots Striking the ball solidly is the key to consistent distance. Set up a stick just behind the ball (about an inch back) and try to swing without hitting it. This forces a descending blow for irons. For drivers, place a stick a few inches ahead of the ball to encourage a slight upward hit. These golf contact drills also help with low point control. Another effective method: put a stick under your trail arm and hold it there during the swing – this stops chicken-winging and improves arm structure at impact.

Follow Through Golf Drills for Full Finish A complete follow-through is often overlooked. Lay a stick on the ground a foot behind the ball, parallel to your target line. After impact, focus on finishing with your belt buckle facing the target and the stick still visible in your peripheral vision. This follow through golf drill ensures you rotate through the shot rather than stopping short. For even more feedback, stick a rod in the ground just outside your back heel to feel the hip turn – many tour players use this to prevent sliding.

What to Consider Before Buying Golf Tour Sticks

When shopping for golf tour sticks, keep these factors in mind:

• —Material: Most are fiberglass or plastic. Fiberglass is more durable but can splinter if stepped on. Plastic is lighter and safer but may bend over time. Decide based on how often you travel with them.
• —Length: Standard length is 48 inches, which works for most drills. Some sets come in 36 or 60 inches – longer sticks are better for plane work, shorter for alignment.
• —Portability: Look for telescoping or segmented sticks that fit in a carry bag. Many come with a carrying tube for protection.
• —Brand vs. Generic: Name brands like SKLZ, ProActive, or Tour Sticks offer reliable quality, but generic versions on Amazon are often just as functional for a fraction of the price.
• —What's Included: Some sets include a carrying case, instructional booklet, or even a bonus putting rod. Decide if extras matter to you.
• —Price: You can find a simple two-stick set for under $10, but specialty kits with multiple sticks and accessories cost more. There's no need to overspend; even basic sticks work.

Always check customer reviews on Amazon for real-world feedback on durability and performance. Avoid sticks with visible thin spots or poor paint – they may break quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use PVC pipe instead of golf tour sticks? Yes, but PVC is heavier and less flexible. It can work for alignment drills but may not be safe for swing plane drills near your head. Store-bought tour sticks are designed to bend on impact, reducing injury risk.

2. How often should I practice with tour sticks? Ideally, use them every practice session for at least 10–15 minutes of focused drills. They are most effective when you integrate them into your warm-up routine on the range before hitting balls.

3. Do golf tour sticks help with slice or hook? Absolutely. Alignment sticks help correct an open stance (a common cause of slices) and can train the correct in-to-out swing path for draws. Combining stick drills with video feedback is even more powerful.

Get Started Today

Golf tour sticks drills are simple, cheap, and proven to lower scores. Whether you want to fix your aim, improve contact, or complete your follow-through, these drills deliver results. Visit Amazon to find a set that fits your budget and start practicing like a tour pro.