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Set up with a 5 – iron
(ball on the ground) |
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Set up with a driver
(ball on a tee) |
- When preforming a full golf swing the ball should be positioned approximately 2 inches inside the front heel when the ball is on the ground and even with the heel when it is on the tee. When striking a ball on the ground, the club meets with the ball at the bottom of the swing. When striking a ball on a tee, the club meets with ball after passing the bottom of the swing and hits it on the way up.
- When practicing, it is better to concentrate on swinging well rather than hitting balls. The ball simply gets in the way of a good swing.
- Ball position doesn’t change as much as width of stance. For example: when addressing the ball with a pitching wedge, the feet may be anywhere from 12 – 16 inches apart with the ball 2 inches inside the front heel; when addressing the ball with a 4 iron, the feet may be anywhere from 16 – 20 inches apart with the ball 2 inches inside the front heel. There is an optical illusion that the ball is closer to the middle of the feet with a shorter club and closer to the front foot with a longer club. In actual fact, the ball is always closer to the front and the back foot is stepped further away from the front foot for longer clubs.
- The various lengths of various clubs will determine how far to stand from the ball. The club acts as a measuring stick during the set up.
- Altering the ball position can change the trajectory of the shot. To elevate the ball (trajectory), elevate the stance (move the ball forward in the stance). To hit a lower shot, move the ball closer to the centre of the stance.
Divots: Sometimes, golfers are hesitant to make divots. Divots are an essential part of striking the ball when it is on the ground – especially with shorter irons. If a divot is replaced or filled with divot mix immediately, it will repair itself in short order. Divots can also be a tell tale sign of improper aim or swing path. Standing with your freshly made divot between you and your desired target, you will see if you have swung the club on the proper path or aimed yourself in the correct direction. It’s fine to make divots, so long as they are replaced or repaired.
