Alignment Stick Start-Line Drill

Lay one alignment stick (or a spare club) on the ground pointing at your target, just outside the ball along the target line. Lay a second stick parallel to it along your toes, forming a railroad track. A third stick stuck in the ground a few feet ahead on the target line gives you a start-line gate to start the ball over.

1. Set your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the toe-line stick — remember the clubface aims at the target, your body aims parallel-left of it (for right-handers).
2. Pick a small, specific target in the distance, not just 'out there' — a tree, a yardage sign, a distant bunker.
3. Hit shots trying to start the ball directly over your forward target-line stick.
4. Every few shots, step back and check that the sticks still point where you think — eyes drift, and your aim drifts with them.
5. Remove the sticks for a few swings and try to recreate the same square setup by feel, then put them back to check yourself.

15–20 shots with the sticks down, checking aim regularly. About 12 minutes.

Common mistake: aiming the body at the target instead of parallel-left of it, which actually points you right and encourages an over-the-top pull-back to compensate. Instead, think 'railroad tracks' — the ball is on the outer rail to the target, your feet are on the inner rail running parallel. Square aim makes a good swing produce a good shot.