[6bmike]

Actually, sd, Home Depot cratered last year when I abandoned the now outdated dowel technology in favor of relective marker poles. Since Home Depot stores in Atlanta don't carry the particular model I favor -- they do in Virginia, Washington, DC, and New Jersey -- that business went to Lowes (which fact was immediately reflected in the market price of their shares).

Why did I make the switch? First of all, the product is nonbreakable and pointed and thus makes a good intermediate 'target' to insert a few yards down the target line as an aid for "taking dead aim" (or to start 'right of' or 'left of' when practicing fades and draws). Also, the pointed end makes it great for establishing the Plane Angle and forward leaning Clubshaft angle. It doesn't warp, so it makes for accurate Plane Line tracing -- works great with the Taly on the inside of the right forearm -- and identifying the Angle of Approach.

The recommended Yoda Starter Kit includes five markers in two different colors (to further differentiate Plane Line, Stance Line and Target Line). In Georgia, the markers sell for $1.99 apiece, so you can buy a complete set of five for $9.95. Caveat emptor: The price varies by region, so expect to pay up as you move north of the Mason-Dixon Line. I found that out the hard way last week in New Jersey as I loaded up for my Barclays Academy and was held hostage at $2.68 apiece! So, for the 25 markers I bought, I had to ante up an additional $17.25. Outrageous, I know, but in the end, well worth every penny.

I remember when we got badminton rackets, too! Glad I still have some of the old wooden dowels- they still work great assembling the flying wedges and finding the magic of the right forearm approach.