Proper ball position important to set up

Greetings Golfers. This week’s question comes from Eric in Mountlake Terrace and he wants to know about proper ball position. Ball position is a very important part of the set up. It is one of those variables that need to be done the same way every time.

A small change in ball position can have a major impact on ball flight. There are differing thoughts on what is the proper ball position. Some think that the ball should be played from the same ball position for every club including the driver. Some also believe that the ball position should change with the club. For example, when hitting a wedge the ball should be in the middle of your stance and forward for a 3-iron. My feeling is the ball should be placed slightly forward of center of stance for every shot off the ground (including tee shots with irons or hybrids).

When teeing off with driver or fairway woods, the ball should be positioned off the front heel. This method is simple and easy to repeat. The reason for the change of ball position when using a driver relates to the swing arc that the club travels. A proper swing arc will contact the ball slightly forward of the center of your stance then enter the ground and take a divot. The divot will end approximately near your front heel.

When hitting the ball off the ground, you need to hit the ball first with a descending blow, hence the ball positioned slightly forward of center of your stance which correlates with the swing arc. With a driver you want to hit the ball at the bottom of the arc or slightly on the upswing which will coincide with the ball being positioned of the front heel.

As with most swing fundamentals the number one priority is consistency. You must decide on what you are going to do and then make sure you do the exact same thing every time. Remember this, perfect practice makes perfect.

Please send your questions to tyroneh@ballingerlakegolf.com. Tyrone Hardy is the Director of Golf at Ballinger Lake Golf Course in Mountlake Terrace.