Golf Ball Position - How Important is it Where to Place Your Ball?

When learning the game of golf, players are taught how important it is to develop muscle memory. The individual components of a swing are learnt by the player by using his muscle memory. Rather than having to remember each detail, the player after a time of practice automatically combines the individual parts to form the whole swing. Consistency and smoothness are the hallmark of the best swing. A great golfer can hit the same shot the same way over and over again. This is the main difference between a good golfer and the best golfer!

So why would you then mess with the routine and move the ball position for each club? It doesn't seem to make sense to setup differently every time you change club?

There are of course good reasons why you choose to position the ball differently for each club.

- A driver is the longest club in your bag Imagine that you swing the driver in a sweeping motion, describing a wide and smooth arc. The ball is literally swept off the tee.

- Irons are used in a different way. Here, the ball is hit in a downward motion. Imagine a downward blow rather than a smooth arc. Hitting down on the ball will impart spin which is something all golfers aim to do.

- With the irons, you generally aim to hit the ball at the bottom of the swing arc.

- Drivers should hit the ball on the upswing rather than in the middle of the arc. This will result in the ball being lifted high and flying far.

So what exactly is the position of the ball for each given club?

This depends a little on your own personal style, but I would suggest the following:

Driver and fairway wood: the ball should sit in line with your left toes. Use common sense depending on what feels best. I prefer the ball to sit outside my left foot. You can apply this for any club with less than 19 degree loft.

5 iron to 9 iron: Look at your heels when you position yourself. The ball should sit directly between your heels. You may even feel that your 9 iron could be put a bit more to the right (back in your stance). Try it and see how it feels.

2 iron to 4 iron: From the middle line, move the ball to the left ( forward in your stance) by maybe one ball width per iron. Woods and hybrids with more than 21 degree loft can be treated the same way. Again, use common sense.

When you practice at the driving range, listen to the sound of impact. You know when you've struck the ball well. You'll feel comfortable without any pain in your wrists or back. Your ball will fly true and far. To get to the perfect strike, pay close attention to ball positioning.

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