The Tee Gate Drill (Fix Mishits & Find the Sweet Spot)
Welcome back to the Pivot Golf blog, where we deliver real-world drills that actually help your game. In this post, we’re focusing on one of the most effective drills for dialing in your ball striking — especially with your irons and driver.
The Tee Gate Drill
Goal: Improve center-face contact, eliminate toe/heel strikes, and promote a consistent swing path.
What You Need:
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Two tees
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Any club (driver, 7-iron, hybrid — it works for all)
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A few range balls
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Setup:
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Place a ball on the ground or a tee.
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Insert two tees just slightly wider than your clubhead. One near the toe, the other near the heel.
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The tees should form a narrow “gate” your club must pass through cleanly.
Pro Tip: Start with a slightly wider gate and gradually make it tighter as you improve.
Execution:
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Hit shots through the gate without disturbing the tees.
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A toe or heel strike will knock one tee loose giving you instant feedback.
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Focus on smooth tempo and staying centered through the swing.
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Why It Works:
The Tee Gate Drill is a ball-striking enhancer. If you struggle with inconsistency or mishits, this drill gives you an easy way to self-correct. The tees create a visual “pressure zone” that encourages better focus and face control.
Fixes:
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Shanks and toe shots
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Inconsistent contact
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Poor weight transfer or over-the-top swings
Make It Progressive:
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Use it with half swings to improve tempo and face awareness.
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Use it indoors with foam balls for practice at home.
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Combine it with video analysis or slow-motion replay for deeper insight.
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