Different Ball Positions

MYTHCONCEPTION

There are different ball positions for every iron.

BUSTED

Moving the ball closer or further from your forward heel will change the ball position in the arc of your swing. Therefore the further back you play the ball (closer to back leg) the more open the face would be in relation to the target at impact. Similarly if you were to move it forward in the stance, the club would be closed in relation to the target.

We swing the golf club up and down on an arc. Ideally, we want to play the ball approximately 2 inches before the bottom of that arc. In other words, we want to hit the ball prior to making contact with the ground. This is how we compress the ball, trapping it between the ground and the club face. The ball is then forced up the face of the club, with loft and the club head speed determining the lift or distance.

This is why irons lean towards the target. Even as the club becomes longer you are simply moving away from the low point of the arc and are not changing the ball position laterally. You will however want to progressively widen your stance for more stability as the clubs become longer. The ball position remains the same distance from your front foot for all the irons.

Now, where is that ball position relative to your lead foot? Well this depends on your ability to get all your weight to the front foot at impact.

TRY THIS

Here’s a great way to find out where the ball should be for you. Put two clubs perpendicular to the target line on the ground, with about a 10” space between them (see picture). Take a stance with the clubs equal distance from either foot (middle of stance).

Now take some swings letting the club hit the ground and finish in balance on your forward foot. Repeat a number of times until you become consistent with your balance and contact with the ground. Take notice of where your divots consistently start. You want to play the ball just before that point. The better the swing the closer the divot’s start will be to your forward heel.

Have fun and hit the ball first!

Ernie Fairles
Core Golf Academy Instructor
Piper’s Heath Golf Club, Milton Ontario

May Also be of Interest:

• Down the Target Line
• Meet the MYTH [BUSTERS]
• Fast Swing Means Long Ball
• Impact – The Key to Consistency
• Reader Question 4