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Create Perfect Ball Position

Knowing where your nose is can help you position the ball perfectly for every club

By Michael Breed
GOLF MAGAZINE Top 100 Teacher
Published: November 01, 2006

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The Fault

Countless bad shots are caused by poor ball position, something you might take for granted.
Position your ball based on the club you're using

The Fix

The ball should never be left of your left shoulder or right of your nose, regardless of which club you're using. And within this small area, there's an easy way to remember exactly where to position the ball for every shot.
The ball in the left photo is in exactly the same position as the ball on the right, but my incorrect weight distribution in each photo changes the position of the ball in relation to my head. This underlines the need for even weight distribution.

Ball Position
The correct ball position for each club:

DRIVER
Driver: Even with the outside of your left shoulder
HYBRID/FAIRWAY WOOD
Hybrid/FW Wood: Even with your left arm pit
LONG IRONS
3- through 6-irons: Even with your left ear
SHORT IRONS/WEDGES
Short Irons/Wedges:Even with your left cheek
PUTTER
Putter: Even with your nose
Once you have your ball position set for the particular club in your hand, focus on two things at address: your weight distribution and shaft position. For standard full swings with every club, spread out your weight evenly over both feet, and press the shaft slightly forward by moving your hands toward your target (be careful not to move the clubhead forward as well). This combination gives you the best chance to create ball-first contact and solid strikes.