Your Authentic Ball Position
Nothing seems to lead to more bad golf swings than poor ball position. Much too often, players spend time trying to correct swing mechanics when in fact their problem is a result of ball position. Bad ball position is any position that does not allow the clubface to approach the ball squarely.
Before you find the ball position that works best for you, you must decide what type of ball striker you want to be. Do you have a tendency to fade the ball (a shot from left to right)? Or do you want to draw the ball (a shot from right to left)? Based on your natural golf swing, for example, your best approach may be to hit a fade shot from a position far back in your stance.
Many golf books and magazines recommend a universal ball position that is played off your left heel for woods and a few inches back for irons. When I’ve watched tour players on the driving range, however, I’ve noticed their ball position of choice conflicts with this universal standard. For example, several years ago while watching Davis Love hit balls on the driving range at Muirfield Village during the Memorial Tournament, I noticed his ball position was in the middle of his stance with his driver. And I’ve also noticed this with other good players.
The bottom line: Don’t count on a universal ball position. Each player has a different body type and unique swing, and you have to find the ball position that fits your swing and allows your club to approach the ball squarely. Remember: Don't adjust your golf swing to a ball position, but adjust your ball position to the way you swing the club.
