Many players feel that where you position the golf ball in your
stance isn’t very important. But believe me, something so minor as
ball position has a major impact on how you strike the ball.
Many players feel that where you position the golf ball in your stance isn’t very important. But believe me, something so minor as ball position has a major impact on how you strike the ball.
Think about your car. If you get into it and someone else has adjusted the seat, you know immediately because reaching the pedals just isn’t as comfortable. The same thing is true with ball position. You will not strike the ball clean if it is out of position.
To start with the basics, all short irons (sand wedge to 7-iron) should be played in the center of your stance and the club’s shaft angled toward your front hip.
With the mid irons (4-, 5- and 6-irons) the golf ball should be a ball’s width forward of the middle of your stance. Again, keep the shaft of the club angled toward your front hip.
For long irons, hybrids and fairway woods, the ball should be positioned just two to three inches inside the heel of your front foot. This position will allow you to sweep the ball off the turf and strike the ball at the bottom of the arc of your swing. The iron positions enable you to strike the ball on the downswing.
Lastly is the tee shot. For this, the ball should be positioned in the instep of your front foot with your hands right over or slightly behind the ball. This set-up allows you to hit the ball on the slight upswing. The driver is the only club you want to hit this way.
So next time you hit the range, check your ball position. It may really help.
