Tim Mahoney on the Correct Ball Position for Drives (Video)

I talk about ball position a lot. This video from Troon Golf instructor Tim Mahoney is yet another of my attempts to make sure you pay attention to it!



The basic principle is this:

• If the ball is too far back in your stance, you'll tend to hit it with the face open.
• If the ball is too far forward in your stance, you'll tend to hit it with the face closed.

Notice that I didn't say playing the ball back causes a fade and playing it forward causes a draw. You may find that to be true, but it depends on how you use your hands during your swing and how you align yourself to the shot. For example, if you have very active hands at impact, a "back" position might give you a draw and a "forward" position would give you a duck hook.

You'll need to experiment a little to find out how ball position affects your game. But as a general rule, if you struggle with a slice you should try moving the ball forward first. And if you struggle with a hook you should try moving the ball back first. That's good advice from Mahoney.

However, I'm going to take slight issue with his statement that the correct ball position is always two inches inside your lead heel. I agree that's a good place to begin experimenting with ball position FOR A DRIVE, but there are too many different swings out there for only one position to work. If everybody needed the same ball position, then ball position wouldn't be an issue!

Also, bear in mind that in special driving situations you'll need to change the ball position. For example, if you want to hit a low stinger, you'll probably need to move the ball back a bit in your stance and tee it lower.

I write about ball position a lot because it can make or break an otherwise good swing. Take some time to practice with the ball in different positions so you can learn where you get the best results. And once you find them, write them down so you'll remember them! Proper address position can knock strokes off your score faster than almost any other change you can make.