Padraig Harrington used this aid at the PGA. Here's how it could help you

Why it works

This training aid works, Curdt explains, because it gives golfers fast feedback for one of the most important positions in the swing: the P3 position — or the point in the swing when the lead arm is parallel to the ground.

“By the time the lead arm is parallel to the ground, players will check to see if the butt end of the grip is pointed down to the target line of the ball or the ball line, and they will reference the pitch of the shaft and make sure that it’s matching the angle of the alignment rod in the ground,” Curdt says.

That “checkpoint” matters because even small mistakes at that point can derail everything.

“If that position is too upright or too flat, that can start to shift the entire swing plane,” Curdt says. “Then, the body will then have to make compensations to reroute the club and get it back on plane.”

Those compensations often show up in ball flight. When the club gets too far off plane, shots typically start offline or curve excessively, making it difficult to produce a consistent shot pattern.

Driving

golf.com game-improvement editor zephyr melton swings a driver and hits ball left

The rod also helps golfers sync up their wrist hinge and leverage patterns. Curdt says this device can help ensure the pitch of the club is at the same angle as the alignment rod, helping players maintain an efficient, repeatable motion.

It’s important to note that the setup changes slightly depending on the club. When setting up this device for a driver swing, it will require a flatter rod angle, while irons and wedges will be more upright.

Should you use it?

The short answer: probably.

“I think this is one of the most accessible DIY swing training aids,” Curdt says. “All you need is an alignment rod.”

While it may help to work with a coach initially to fine-tune the setup for this device, the beauty of this tool is its simplicity. Once the rod is positioned correctly for your desired swing plane, it creates a clear visual for how the club should move back and through.

“This is really helpful for players who are dissatisfied with the curvature of their ball and the start line of their shots,” Curdt says. “This is an awesome drill to start developing the motor patterns to bring the golf club back on a neutral plane.”

And the benefits aren’t limited to the backswing.

“It certainly does wonders for the downswing too,” she says. “You can unconsciously work on this piece without crashing into the alignment rod.”

A drill that Curdt demonstrates in the video above is especially helpful for golfers who struggle with coming over the top.

So, not only is this training aid effective because of its simplicity, it’s also easy for everyday golfers to set up and understand. More importantly, it teaches players how to swing on plane — which typically means fewer compensations, more centered contact and a more neutral ball flight.

In other words, the same training aid Harrington trusted at the PGA Championship can help golfers like you.

Two long, white canes with black grip sections and black end tips—reminiscent of the iconic flagsticks seen at the PGA Championship—are laid out diagonally on a white background, serving as essential mobility aids for individuals with visual impairments.

Pro Stix Alignment Poles

Pro-Stix Alignment Poles help golfers of any skill level to improve their game. Proper use of these lightweight, fiberglass poles as a regular part of your training routine can help you spot problems and improve your form and stance.

$15.99 from PGA TOUR Superstore

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