Do you have an extension club or two in your golf bag? If you don’t, you should. And if you do, do you know how to use them? Here’s how to use extension clubs in your golf practice to really get the most out of them.
Stretch line
The most obvious use for the extension stick is to place it on the ground parallel to your target line. You can use this as a guide to help adjust your body (hips, shoulders, feet) and club face.
Making sure everything is square with the target line will lead to more accurate shots. When you put the scope down, look down the line to make sure it is pointed correctly at the target.
Some golfers like two clubs on the ground: one behind the ball and one off the ball.
The swing path
With a very small adjustment, you can turn the alignment setup into a guide to work on the swing path. You will need two sticks: One on the outside of the ball and one just on the inside. Make sure there is enough space between the clubs for the club to swing.
You can use this setup to set your path to your standard photos. You can also turn the sticks around a bit and work on a more inside-out path.
Using the alignment clubs to create a line of the swing path should help your ball strike and accuracy. At first, you’ll keep the sticks wide enough to function primarily as a visual aid (you don’t want to make too much contact with them).
You can narrow the gap between the extension sticks as you improve.
Excessive prevention
If you swing the club “over the top”, an alignment stick can help correct the problem. For this exercise, placing a pool noodle on the extension stick can be helpful. If you hit the stick, you won’t do much damage.
Place the pitching stick on the ground at a 45-degree angle behind you, with it pointing toward the ball. Position it so you can hit the club if it overswings on the downswing.
This drill is one of the best ways for cutters to shallow the plane and create a more mobile inside-out path.
Swing Plane Guide
One of my favorite ways to use golf clubs for alignment is to work on the swing plane. I use this as a visual aid and checkpoint during training.
Place the club on the ground at the same angle as your shaft in the setup. For a driver, this will be a shallower angle than for a wedge.
As you take the club back, make sure you are following the plane. Stop again and check on the landing to see if everything is in the right place.
The alignment stick used as a swing plane guide is a really smart way to work on your delivery plane if you feel it is out of alignment.
Vertical stick shot formation
To improve the shaping of the shot, place one extension stick parallel to your target line on the ground and another vertically on the ground a few feet in front of you.
This vertical stick is used as a visual guide to practice shot shaping.
(Below is right-handed. Just reverse the process if you’re left-handed.)
Aim to launch the ball to the right of the club and swing it to the left to score a draw. For a fade, you’ll want to do the opposite. The best thing about this tutorial is that you will learn to do simple setup
adjustments and know what it’s like to work the ball to the left and right of your target.
Again, just make sure you place the sticks correctly from the start so they are properly aimed at the target.
Conducting practice with stretching sticks
If you are working on a straight/straight back putt, create a “track” on the putting green. Make a few strokes without touching the extension stick. You can also use extension sticks to eliminate excessive hand and wrist action on the putting stroke.
Another way to use stretch sticks in placement is to put a rubber band around the end of two stretch sticks.
Take the ends of the stretching sticks that are not tied together and place one under each arm.
Now, take a few strokes where you just lightly hold the end of the extension stick and feel the swing of the pendulum without involving your hands and wrists. When you get the feeling down, add the barrel to the drill. This works great for those who need to calm their body and create something more stable.
General best practices for using extension sticks
If you’re inspired to get those stretch sticks out of your bag when you practice today, here are some more tips and best practices.
- You need two: Having two sticks allows you to work on alignment and move the track simultaneously.
- Consider the attachments: Attachments that allow the sticks to stand at different angles can expand the range of exercises you can perform, making them even more versatile.
Amy Sport Alignment Professional adjustable
WHY Professional Golf Stretch Adjustable
- Consistency is key: Regular use of stretch sticks during practice helps you feel more confident on the course. You will have much more awareness of your club and organization.
- Get serious about your lines: Don’t place sticks down haphazardly – be intentional with your placement. Make sure you know they are correctly placed on your target.
Hopefully, these tips and drills will help you improve your golf practice. It’s nice to spend time on the range, but it pays to make progress while you’re out there.
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