Practicing on a wide-open driving range makes it almost impossible to tell whether your ball actually started three yards right of your target or three yards left. Without a narrow visual reference downrange, start-line training is pure guesswork.
GOLFTEC Director of Instruction Joe Stago places the pathpal three to four feet directly in front of the golf ball with an alignment stick in the 50-degree slot to create a tour-style start-line post for dialing in push draws.
See the full step-by-step station on the The Target Line Gate Drill page, or watch Joe demonstrate the setup below.
The drill
Joe Stago (Center Manager, Director of Instruction at GOLFTEC Dublin; 2019-2020, 2024-2027: Golf Digest Best Teachers in State, 2019: National Center Manager of the Year at GOLFTEC) uses the pathpal training system to give golfers immediate physical and visual feedback on every repetition.
Created by Joe Stago, Director of Instruction at GolfTEC, this highly versatile outdoor drill replaces messy range ropes with a sleek, professional setup. By utilizing the 50-degree slot on the pathpal, you insert an alignment stick directly on your target line to create a powerful visual gate. It is the ultimate way to dial in your starting direction, track your ball flight, and confidently execute intentional push draws.
Setup
- Place the pathpal training aid roughly 3 to 4 feet directly out in front of your ball position to ensure your follow-through won't hit it.
- Insert an alignment stick into the 50-degree angle slot on the pathpal, pointing it directly along your target line.
- Pro Tip: Wrap the alignment stick in electrical tape beforehand so that if a stray shot makes contact, you won't get fiberglass shards in your hands.
How to run the drill
- Address the ball and look down the line, using the angled alignment stick as a strict visual guide for your starting path.
- If your goal is to hit a push draw, focus on starting the golf ball just to the right of the vertical rod.
- Commit to your swing path, letting the ball launch out to the right of the stick and draw back toward your target line on the left.
- Practice continuously to gain full control over your initial launch window and starting direction.
To hit a true push draw, the ball must launch just to the right of the 50-degree target rod and curve back across the line. The upright rod makes your initial launch window unmistakable on every swing.
Watch the drill
View the full guided drill on pathpal →
Why it works
Tour professionals frequently string elevated range ropes down the target line to see their exact start window relative to the flag. Setting up range ropes isn't practical for everyday golfers, which leaves most players guessing at their face-to-path relationship.
Replace messy range ropes with a 50-degree visual post three feet ahead of the ball to own your start window.
By setting the pathpal three to four feet directly ahead of the ball on the target line (well clear of your follow-through) with a rod in the 50-degree slot, Joe Stago gives you an instant visual divider. You can train starting the ball right of the post for a push draw or left of the post for a pull fade.
Who this is for
- ✓Golfers who struggle to aim accurately or control their initial start line on the range
- ✓Players learning to start the ball right of the target and draw it back to the flag
- ✓Anyone whose push-draw attempt turns into a double-cross pull-hook left of the target
- ✓Golfers who want a clean, portable alternative to elevated range ropes
Try it
Place the pathpal three to four feet directly ahead of your ball on the target line and insert a padded Arrow stick (or taped alignment rod) into the 50-degree slot.
- Set the pathpal 3 to 4 feet directly in front of your golf ball on the target line (safely out of reach of your follow-through)
- Insert The Arrow padded alignment stick (or a taped alignment rod) into the 50-degree slot pointing down the target line
- Hit 10 mid-iron shots focusing on launching the ball into the window just to the right of the angled rod
- Hit 10 additional shots shaping a push draw that starts right of the rod and curves back across the target line
This drill uses the pathpal magnetic 14-angle training station and alignment sticks. Shop pathpal, pair it with The Arrow padded alignment sticks, or explore the Complete Training System with Free U.S. Shipping.
Related drills
If this drill matches what you are working on, these three guided drills build on the exact same movement pattern:
The Setup Consistency Drill
Taught by Janean Murphy. Achieve a Repeatable Stance and Perfect Ball Position. View drill →
The Takeaway Check Drill
Taught by Ed Doherty. Eliminate the Inside Roll and Master Your Backswing. View drill →
The pathpal Takeaway Blocker
Taught by Matt Tindale. Stop Ripping the Club Inside and Achieve a Direct Takeaway Path. View drill →
About Joe Stago
Frequently asked questions
How far in front of the ball should I place the pathpal for the Target Line Gate Drill?
Place the pathpal roughly 3 to 4 feet directly out in front of the golf ball along your target line so your club follow-through never comes close to touching it.
What angle slot does Joe Stago use for the visual post?
He inserts the alignment stick into the 50-degree slot pointing directly down the target line, creating a tall visual divider downrange.
Why should I use The Arrow padded stick or wrap a fiberglass rod in tape for this drill?
Because the rod sits 3 to 4 feet directly in front of the ball, using The Arrow's protective foam sleeve (or wrapping a standard fiberglass rod in tape) prevents splintering if a stray low shot makes contact.
Which side of the stick should the ball start on for a push draw?
For a right-handed golfer hitting a push draw, the ball must launch just to the right of the alignment stick and curve back left toward the target.
Can I use this setup to practice fades as well?
Yes. Simply commit to starting the ball in the window just to the left of the rod (for a right-handed player) and letting it fade back to the target line.
Ready to stop guessing and build a repeatable swing?
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