Fundamentals Part 1: Ball Position

Many rumors fly around about the correct ball position in the golf swing. But in reality, the ball position only moves a total of about 4 or 5 inches depending on the width of your stance, assuming you are hitting a normal golf shot.

For all your shorter clubs the ball shouldn't be further back than the middle of your stance. As you move up to the driver, the ball should be teed directly in front of your left heel (for a right handed golfer). And all the other clubs will fall in between the wedge and driver position.

The above ball positions are for "stock" shots. If you have to play an extreme shot - low, high, or curving - these ball positions can change. Especially when chipping comes into play. On a standard pitch or chip, I like to see the ball position just back of center to make sure the player contacts ball first, then turf.

As for distance away from the golf ball, players should stand at a comfortable distance from the ball, and have enough room between the butt end of the club and their pants to swing their fist through without hitting anything.

Good Luck!