Tommy Fleetwood's Club in Front drill

Prevent Getting Stuck and Maintain Clubhead Position

Sticks: 2
Config: Together
Focus: Full Swing

Drill Objective

This drill, popularized by golfers like Tommy Fleetwood, uses the pathpal to help golfers avoid getting the club stuck behind them on the downswing, promoting a more "in front" clubhead position for better contact and control, especially for more experienced players.

Set-Up

  1. Set the Angle: Adjust the pathpal to a 65-degree angle. This angle is chosen to roughly match the shaft plane of an iron (e.g., an 8-iron). You might adjust this slightly based on the club you're using.
  2. Place another alignment stick on the ground pointing towards the target
  3. Position the pathpal: Place the pathpal on the ground directly in line with your target, positioned slightly outside your lead foot. The pathpal should stand upright, leaning slightly towards the target. The idea is for the shaft of your club to be able to pass easily on the target side of the pathpal.
  4. Confirm Alignment: Take your address position. Imagine your club's shaft plane. The pathpal should be positioned so that if your club gets "stuck" behind you (too far inside/flat), it will hit the stick. If you maintain the club "in front," you'll clear the stick.

Instructions

  1. Focus on maintaining the clubhead "in front" of your hands throughout the downswing.
  2. The goal is for the club to easily clear the pathpal without hitting it.
  3. If you get the club "stuck" behind you or too far inside, your club will likely hit the pathpal, providing immediate feedback.
  4. Continue to focus on keeping the clubhead in front and swinging down without hitting the pathpal.
  5. Pay attention to the feeling of your arms and club remaining "connected" and working in front of your body.

Benefits

Improved Club Path
Improves contact
Prevents getting stuck
David Potts
David Potts
Director of Player Development and Instruction
Country Club of the South
  • 2024-2025: Golf Digest "Best Teachers"
  • 2007, 2008: Golf Digest "Best Teachers in Georgia"
  • 2011: Georgia PGA Assistant Professional of the Year

""[the pathpal has] really improved my teaching and it's really helped my students a lot""

Jason Kuiper
Jason Kuiper Director of Instruction, Bobby Jones Golf Course

""There's a million ways to use this""

Jacob Tilton
Jacob Tilton Director of Instruction, Ansley Golf Club

""This is my favorite tool of 2025""

Shawn Koch
Shawn Koch Director of Instruction, Athalnta Athletic Club