While on the driving range with a friend a couple of weeks back, we started a discussion about where the ball should be position in your golf stance. Immediately, I mentioned that the position changes depending on whether he was playing a short iron, mid iron, long iron, or wood. I have always used this method and until now, I never realize that there was a second method.
Ted Norby, Director of Instruction for the National University Golf Academy, explains the relationship of ball position to your body position is the real reason for ball placement in your stance. His explanation was excellent and easy to understand. Because of the relationship is between the ball and body, there are actually two methods to determine the correct position of the ball within your stance. Norby explains below:
As stated by Norby, the other method is to pick a position within your stance and widen or narrow your feet as required. This is not something I have tried, however players like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods position their ball in this way.
If you are trying to decide the best method for you, I recommend you hit the range and try each one. One particular method of position your golf ball might feel natural for your swing. Regardless, make sure it is best for you!
Personally, I have no challenges with my current method of moving the ball within my stance, but will try the other method at the range because I want to remain open to all ideas that might help me attain my goal of being a scratch golfer.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Pingback: Top Golf Articles of 2015 from The Grateful Golfer | The Grateful Golfer
Jim,
Thanks for sharing the video, that was an interesting explanation! Currently I take the same approach as you do with ball position, it’s the most intuitive and comfortable for me. My only concern with the widening of the stance with longer clubs is that people may end up with a stance that is too wide, and for many (particularly the older crowd) that can hinder their flexibility and ability to make a good turn. I’ll stick with our method, but it’s always interesting to hear other ideas. And like you said, everyone needs to find what works for them!
Cheers
Josh
LikeLiked by 1 person
Josh,
I agree that our method is the most versatile. Glad you o
Like the video! Keep hitting them long, chipping them close and putting them true!
Cheers
Jim
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jim,
Playing on a links course I constantly have problems with ball position because it is rare to have a flat stance. I seem to be always on a slope, ball below your, feet, ball above your feet, uphill or downhill. Worst of all is the downhill hill lie, ball below your feet needing to get the ball up quickly to get over the next hill, into a strong wind. Does this sound familiar to you at all ?
Pete
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pete,
I completely understand what you are talking about. Playing on uneven ground is always a challenge. Trying to get the ball up fast from a down hill lie is extremely difficult.
Convention suggests to follow the slope with your swing and too club up one if required to get over the next hill. This generally will leave the ball short on an approach shot, but in play.
What I do is to select the right club for distance, move the ball back in my stance a little (about one club distance, so a 7 iron in the 8 iron position), choke down on my club about an inch. Then swing away. The key is to ensure your weight shift remains the same as if you were on a flat lie.
I will look into this further for a future post. Hope this helps.
Cheers
Jim
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jim thanks for your comments, greatly appreciated, will let you know how it goes.
Pete
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is good advice, I too move ball position based on club. Always good to hear another perspective and think a little different about the way you set up. I just started following your blog and I am anxious to read through more articles and see what you post in the future!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Josh
Welcome, I hope you enjoy what you read. I to enjoy learning about different ways to play golf. I believe there are always multiple solutions to ant golfing challenge and by talking about it will help find the right solution for our game. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Cheers
Jim
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think ball position is one of those things that you can actually change on a day to day basis. If I am having a problem striking the ball, sometimes I will move my driver position even back to the middle of my stance, and all of a sudden I am striping the drives again. I may even do the opposite, and move it toward my toe and again start hitting it well. Changing ball position during a round is one of the best quick fixes I have ever done..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vet, thanks for the input. It just goes to show everyone that there is no one way to fix challenges with your golf swing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I appreciate it.
Cheers
Jim
LikeLike