Instructional Video
Equipment Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
On a mat or short grass, push two tees into the ground just outside the toe and heel of your iron at address. The tees should be a clubhead's width apart, forming a 'gate' around the clubhead. (Position them so there's just a small clearance on either side of the iron.)
Place a ball in the middle and set up normally. The goal is to hit the ball cleanly without touching either tee.
Make a swing and focus on a smooth, center-face strike. If you hit one of the tees, it indicates a heel or toe mishit (shank or toe hit). Adjust your swing path or balance and try again.
Continue practicing until you can reliably hit shots that pass between the tees without disturbing them. This means you're striking the ball with the center of the clubface consistently.
Professional Endorsement
This drill (sometimes called the contact gate drill) is widely used by instructors. Even pros like Justin Rose emphasize centered contact in practice; drills like this ensure their strike stays pure.