Walk down a tour practice range and you’ll see alignment rods everywhere. This week, I saw dozens of them while walking the range at the 2026 FM Championship. They’re among the most popular training aids used by the game’s best players — and for good reason: alignment rods provide simple, immediate feedback on where you’re actually aimed.
As GOLF Top 100 Teacher Kellie Stenzel explains, incorporating an alignment rod into your practice routine can help sharpen both your aim and alignment. But there’s more to using one effectively than simply laying it on the ground. In fact, there are two common mistakes that can undermine your aim and alignment.
The first is how you position the rod. Many amateurs set their alignment rod down pointing directly at their target. However, Stenzel explains that the rod should actually be parallel to the target line — not pointing directly at it. Instead, find an object about five yards left or right of your intended target (depending on whether you’re a righty or lefty) and aim the rod at that. This creates a proper reference for where your body should align, while the clubface is aimed at the target.
The second mistake is the order in which you aim the club and your body. Many amateurs instinctively set their body first and position the clubface second. Stenzel says the proper order is the opposite: clubface first, body second.
Start by setting the clubface behind the ball. Use the leading edge to make your clubface perpendicular to the alignment stick. The leading edge is a more reliable aiming reference than the top line, which Stenzel explains can look different depending on the club’s loft.
Once the clubface is set, build your stance around it. Position your feet so your toe line is parallel to the rod, with your knees, hips and shoulders generally matching that line.
Finally, use the rod to train your eyes, not just check your setup. Look at the target, return to the ball and pay attention to what proper alignment looks like. With enough repetition, your eyes begin to recognize the correct picture — and that’s when alignment becomes a skill you can take to the course.
