pathpal Golf Drill Vault

The Target Line Gate Drill

Q: How do I know where my golf ball is actually starting at impact?

Most golfers rely on where the ball finishes, which is a combination of start line and spin. The only way to isolate start line — which is primarily driven by where your clubface is pointing at impact — is to create a reference point in front of the ball. Joe Stago's Target Line Gate Drill does exactly this: place the pathpal 3–4 feet ahead on your target line at a 50° angle, so you have an unmistakable visual gate to read every shot against.

Q: What is a push draw in golf and how do I practice hitting one?

A push draw starts to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer) and curves back left due to a slightly closed clubface relative to the swing path. To practice it intentionally, you need a reference point for your start line. In this drill, Joe sets the pathpal rod on the target line and focuses on launching the ball just to the right of the rod — then letting the draw spin bring it back. Without a visual gate, it's nearly impossible to train this shape consistently on the range.

Q: Why does Joe Stago wrap the alignment stick in electrical tape?

Standard alignment sticks are made of fiberglass. If a mishit ball strikes the rod and fractures it, the stick can splinter and send sharp fiberglass shards toward your hands. Wrapping the stick in electrical tape keeps the rod intact on impact, containing any fracture so it pulls out cleanly. Joe calls it out specifically because the pathpal's slot positions the stick in the target-line corridor — precisely where a low pull could catch it. A simple wrap takes seconds and eliminates the risk entirely.

Q: How far in front of the ball should the pathpal be placed for the gate drill?

Joe recommends 3 to 4 feet in front of the golf ball. Close enough that you get a clear, immediate read on where the ball launches relative to the rod, but far enough that a normal follow-through won't contact the pathpal. This distance also ensures the visual reference appears in your natural focal zone at address — you can see it clearly without shifting your gaze off the ball.

Q: Can I use the pathpal outside on the driving range, or is it only for indoor use?

Joe specifically says this is his favorite drill to do outdoors, and that he actually prefers it outside over indoors. On an outdoor range, real ball flight gives you immediate, unfiltered feedback on start line — you see exactly where the ball launches relative to the rod and how much it curves. Indoors, screen data can mask subtle start-line errors. The pathpal's design — stable base, built-in rod slot, variable angle settings — makes it just as effective on grass as in a bay.

Master Your Starting Direction and Visualize the Perfect Push Draw

Sticks 1 Config Together Focus Full Swing

Drill Objective

Created by Joe Sego, 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.

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Practice Plan

Set it up. Run the drill. Know what to feel.

Use the steps below to build the same station every time, then make focused reps with clear feedback.

Set Up

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.

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.

Proof From Practice

What golfers are saying

Real feedback from golfers and coaches using this drill in practice.

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

"Countless how many applications you can use for it"

"This is likely the greatest training aid I have used. Versatile and well thought out."

Drill FAQ

Questions About This Drill

Get clear answers on setup, swing feel, common mistakes, and how to get the most out of this pathpal drill.

DiagnosisHow do I know where my golf ball is actually starting at impact?

ShotmakingWhat is a push draw in golf and how do I practice hitting one?

SafetyWhy does Joe Stago wrap the alignment stick in electrical tape?

SetupHow far in front of the ball should the pathpal be placed for the gate drill?

VersatilityCan I use the pathpal outside on the driving range, or is it only for indoor use?

Ready to train it the right way?

Use the pathpal to make the feel visible, repeatable, and easier to practice on the range or at home.

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Prefer to read it? Full Video TranscriptOpen the transcript to review the complete drill walkthrough in text form.

Joe Stago — Director of Instruction, GOLFTEC Dublin, Ohio

I really love this drill. I like to do it outside more than inside — but it definitely helps my students and myself with alignment and starting direction.

Here's the setup:

I run an alignment stick through the pathpal's built-in rod slot — which is a really cool feature of the unit.
I set the pathpal at a 50° angle, directly in line with my target line.
I place it 3 to 4 feet in front of the golf ball, so my follow-through clears it cleanly.

The goal is to give yourself a visual. When you set up to the ball, what does it look like? Where does the rod sit relative to your intended start line?

For example, if I want to hit a push draw, I'm going to start the ball to the right of the rod and draw it back to the left.

In the past I used rope for this outside — but I didn't want to be the guy on the range always fussing with a setup. The pathpal solves that completely.

One important safety tip: If you insert an alignment stick into the slot, wrap it in electrical tape first. If you ever catch it with the ball and pull it out, the tape prevents fiberglass shards from splintering into your hands.

Fantastic drill. Try it outside. The pathpal is very versatile — you'll definitely enjoy it.

Transcript lightly edited for clarity.

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The Target Line Gate Drill

Drill Objective