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Ball Position by ClubAddress Posture / Stance at Address All clubs Beginner ⏱ 3 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Ball Position Relative to the Club Sole: Two Tests

Where should you place the ball between your feet, and how far apart should you stand? Paul Lambersens suggests two tests that require no calculations: let the club, resting flat on its sole, indicate the ball’s position, then release your right hand to check the distance.

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Paul Lambersens
Paul Lambersens · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

9 minSame problemDriver Ball Position: The Sternum CheckpointLewis Wallace · Beginner / Intermediate8 minSame problemBall position for each club: from the wedge to the driverGood Good · Beginner / Intermediate3 minFrom the same pro4 Exercises to Improve Swing Speed in GolfPaul Lambersens · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Before looking for reference points on the feet, Paul Lambersens examines how the club is designed: balanced flat on its sole, its handle isn't vertical, but slightly leaning forward. This is intentional, to ensure that the clubhead makes contact with the ball with the hands ahead of it and to strike the ball on the downswing. At address, you shouldn’t fight this tilt: keep the sole flat, with the tip of the shaft pointing toward your left eye. With a wedge, a mid-iron, or a 3-iron, this single adjustment yields three different ball positions—not to mention “one ball to the left, two balls to the left.”.

As for distance, the test is just as simple: in the starting position, Let go of your right hand from the club. If it moves backward, you’re too far from the ball; if it moves forward, you’re too close. The correct distance is where your hand remains directly in front of where it was holding the club.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Get your grip and your stance right.
  2. Place the club flat on its sole behind the ball.
  3. Let the handle tilt forward, with its tip pointing toward your left eye.
  4. Adjust your feet to this position rather than moving the club.
  5. Let go of your right hand and see where it lands.
  6. Move back or forward until your hand is aligned with its proper position on the grip.
  7. Repeat the test with a wedge, a mid-iron, and a long iron to see the three positions.

Key Takeaways

When a club is laid flat, its shaft is angled forward by design.
Keep your feet flat and the tip of the shaft pointing toward your left eye: the ball will naturally settle into position.
Each club thus has its own ball position.
There's no need to count the balls from the middle of the feet.
Right hand released and moving backward: too far; moving forward: too close.
The right distance: the hand remains opposite its position on the grip.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Straighten the shaft so it's vertical and fight against the club's tilt.
  • Determine the ball's position based solely on its relationship to your feet.
  • Staying too far away: the right hand, once released, moves backward.
  • Stick to the ball: Let go of your right hand and move forward.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Three clubs lined up: flat sole, shaft toward the left eye—compare the positions
  2. Check that the right hand is released before each set
  3. A few balls per club, keeping these two guidelines in mind
  4. On the course: a quick check of your right hand if you're unsure

Your Questions

Why does the handle have to point toward the left eye?

Because that's how the club is designed when it rests flat on its sole. Paul Lambersens explains that this helps you return to impact with your hands ahead of the clubhead, so you strike the ball on the downswing.

Does this guideline apply to all clubs?

Yes. In the video, he demonstrates a wedge, an iron, and a 3-iron: with the same setup, you get three different ball positions, each suited to the club.

How can I tell if I'm too close or too far from the ball?

When assuming the stance, let go of your right hand. If it moves backward, you’re too far away; if it moves forward, you’re too close. It should remain directly in front of where it was holding the grip.

Learn More

All videos on “Ball Position by Club” →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Stance / Address Posture” →Find the lesson that's right for you Too Close or Too Far from the Ball: The Arm TestThe correct distance from the ball is achieved by letting your arms hang down: they should fall below your shoulders, not onto your thighs. Driver Ball Position: The Sternum CheckpointBall too far toward the left foot: sternum in front of the ball, shoulders open; reposition it inside the left heel, with the sternum at 12 o’clock or even 1 o’clock. Bending Your Knees at the Address: Use the Shoelaces as a GuideBending your knees too much restricts rotation: two guidelines—the club held at the tip of your knee should fall in line with your shoelaces, and the grip should point toward your navel. Paul LambersensAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Paul Lambersens). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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