Strike Gate Drill

Set two tee pegs beside the ball to create a narrow gate that gives instant feedback on strike location.

Set-up: Two tees pushed into the ground either side of the ball, just wider than the clubhead, with an iron, wedge or driver; swing through without clipping either tee.

Fixes: Wild swings, Distance loss.

The protocol

How to practise it

Push two tees into the ground on either side of the ball, leaving a gap just wider than the clubhead.

  1. Set up the tee gate Place two tee pegs into the ground on either side of the ball, leaving a gap slightly wider than your iron or driver clubhead.
  2. Swing cleanly through the gate Address the ball and deliver the clubhead through the channel without making contact with either tee.
  3. Build streak of successful strikes Hit shots continuously from the gate with the aim of achieving five consecutive clean passes.
  4. Narrow the gate for difficulty Begin with a wider gap for confidence, then move the tees closer to the ball to refine your strike location.

Common mistakes

What goes wrong

5 coaches

The coaches who teach this version

Each linked at the second they start.

  1. Good Golf Coaching: Great Front Nine, Disaster Back Nine? Here's Why (from 4:49). Place two tees slightly wider than the clubhead on either side of the ball to create a narrow gate that reinforces centered impact.
  2. AlexElliottGolf: I Wish I Learned This Iron Tip Sooner…” (from 0:04). Place two tee pegs just wider than the clubhead to create a narrow gate for the iron to pass through, providing instant feedback on strike location.
  3. AlexElliottGolf: I drive the golf ball straighter using this hack #golf #golftips #golfer #golfswing (from 0:11). Place two tees a driver head's width apart to create a narrow gate for the clubhead to pass through.
  4. Golfslump: SECRET HACK to hit Long Irons PERFECT more consistently! (from 3:34). Place two tees on the heel and toe side of the ball to monitor strike location and divot alignment.
  5. Georgia Ball Golf: Why 90% Of Golfers CAN'T Hit Their Driver Straight & Far (from 6:44). Placing two head covers or tees on either side of the ball to create a narrow channel, ensuring the clubface is square and the path is neutral at impact.
  6. Georgia Ball Golf: How To Hit PERFECT Iron Shots (from 11:35). Set two tees on either side of the ball to create a gate, ensuring the club path is square and the strike is centered.
  7. Georgia Ball Golf: How To Be More Consistent In Golf - The Easy Way (from 16:16). Place two tees to create a gate for the clubhead and a third tee in front of the ball to ensure a center strike and proper ball-first divot contact.
  8. Georgia Ball Golf: Stop doing these 3 HUGE driver mistakes... (from 9:47). Place two tees on either side of the ball just wider than the clubhead to ensure a center strike and consistent swing path.
  9. Peter Knight Golf: Popular Golf Advice Seniors Should Avoid (And What to Do Instead) (from 1:50). Place tees on either side of the ball to create a narrow gate, helping to develop the feel for hitting the ball out of the center of the clubface.

How wide should I set the tee pegs?

Set the tees just wider than the clubhead so there is a small gap on both the heel and toe side. Georgia Ball suggests starting slightly wider to get used to the feeling before narrowing the gate.

What does striking the outside tee indicate?

Alex Elliott explains that taking out the outside tee peg means you are hitting the ball off the heel. Georgia Ball adds that it can also indicate an over-the-top path or an open clubface.

Does this drill work for both irons and drivers?

Yes. Alex Elliott and Georgia Ball both teach this drill for irons and drivers, adjusting the width of the tee gate to suit the size of the clubhead.

How many clean swings should I aim to complete?

Alex Elliott recommends attempting to hit five drives or iron shots in a row without making contact with either tee peg.