Heel-drag exit drill

Eliminate Early Extension and Improve Club Delivery

Sticks: 1
Config: Together
Focus: Full Swing

Drill Objective

This drill helps golfers combat early extension by encouraging the sensation of the club's heel "dragging" through impact, leading to a lower club exit, more open body, and proper club delivery for better contact and power.

Set-Up

  1. Position the pathpal: Place the pathpal on the ground directly in line with your target. Its primary function in this drill is to provide tactile feedback if your club handle stands up too much. The specific angle isn't stated, but it should be positioned to interact with the club if early extension occurs, so it should be just above your hands when at address.
  2. Assume Address: Take your normal full swing address position

Instructions

  1. Focus on Heel Drag: As you swing through impact, mentally focus on the feeling of the club's heel dragging along the ground, or feeling like it's leading the clubhead through the impact zone. This encourages a lower exit path for the club.
  2. Open Up: Work on opening your body more through impact, allowing your hips and shoulders to rotate towards the target.
  3. Avoid Early Extension Triggers: Consciously try to prevent the common early extension flaws:

Toe Digging: Avoid letting the toe of the club dig into the ground.

Handle Standing Up: Prevent the club handle from rising sharply ("standing up") through impact. This is where the pathpal would provide feedback if struck.

4. Embrace Feedback: If you feel the club (especially the handle area) hit the pathpal, it's instant feedback that you're likely extending early or the club is standing up. Use this to refine your motion.

Benefits

Better Impact Position
Reduce early extension
Jacob Tilton
Jacob Tilton
Junior Golf Leader
Ansley Golf Club
  • 2024: Golf Digest Best Young Teachers in America
  • 2023: Georgia PGA Section Champion
  • 2020: Georgia PGA Youth Player Development Award

""This is my favorite tool of 2025""

Shawn Koch
Shawn Koch Director of Instruction, Athalnta Athletic Club

""The reason I like [the pathpal] is because it's super versatile""

Cody Carter
Cody Carter Head of Player Development, Druid Hills Golf Club

""Countless how many applications you can use for it""

Jake Reeves
Jake Reeves Director of Instruction, Fox Den Country club