[Yoda]

Just curious who first started using dowels for golf instruction. Also do many of you golfers spend a lot of time with dowels to practice and learn versus working with a actual club?

Dave

The original 'Dowel Magic' came through my personal training with Homer Kelley. I later learned a 'variation on the theme' from PGA Master Teacher Paul Bertholy. These two served as the inspiration for my own methods and their 'vigorish.'

I've got a post out there somewhere detailing Homer's applications in the Short Course (introductory training) and the Normal Course (Authorized Instructor training). If someone would find it and provide the link, I'd appreciate it.

Lately, my ideal 'kit' has evolved to two dowels (to illustrate Flying Wedge alignments) and three reflective markers (for Plane Line, Stance Line and Target Line alignments). The dowels are thicker -- more like the clubshaft -- and the markers don't warp (or break when hit as 'dead aim' targets). Each makes 'invisible' lines visible.

Lines of Body, Arms and Hands relationships.

Lines of Power Package Delivery.

Lines of Lag Pressure Thrust.

Personally, I would find it difficult to teach without these aids.

When headed to a PGA TOUR event, I travel light, so my first stop from the airport is the nearest Home Depot or Lowes. There I replenish my inventory of dowels and markers.

I have yet to take any home.