The Best Free Golf Video Lessons565 Free Golf Lessons from the Best ProsOver 120,000,000 views
565 lessons from professionals, selected and summarizedOver 120,000,000 views across all videos
Ball Position by Club All clubs Beginner ⏱ 5 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Ball Position Workshop: Three Sticks, Three Balls

Amateurs change their ball position from shot to shot; good players never do. Paul Lambersens sets up a simple station at the driving range—three sticks and three balls—to place the ball in the same spot with each set of clubs.

▶
Paul Lambersens
Paul Lambersens · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.
Schedule · Step 2 of 7Hit Your Irons Pure in 7 StepsWhen it's considered a good shot: You place the ball in the right spot for a 7-iron, a 9-iron, and a hybrid without hesitation.
Step 3 →

To be continued

5 minSame problemBall Position and Backspin: The Why ExplainedQuentin Rachinel · Beginner8 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

Paul Lambersens starts with an observation: for amateur golfers, the ball position varies greatly even within the same club, whereas for scratch players and professionals, it remains constant. Their reference point is not the middle of the feet but the center of the swing, located at the front shoulder (the left shoulder for a right-hander). On the ground, a center line marks this point: place your front foot flush against this line, which will then be aligned with the center of your swing. Three balls placed slightly back serve as markers.

Short clubs (pitching wedge): Position the ball three backhand shots from the center. Mid- and long-iron clubs (iron 7): two balls back. Long clubs (hybrids, wood, driver): one ball back. The stance width increases as the club gets longer. The final check: at address, The sole must rest flat, with the grip slightly angled toward the left eye. If the sole is no longer neutral, the ball is positioned incorrectly.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. At your driving range station, place a center rod perpendicular to the line of play, with two rods in front of you.
  2. Position your front foot flush with the center line: it should be facing your swing center.
  3. Line up three balls behind this wand to use as markers.
  4. With a pitching wedge, place the ball three balls back.
  5. With an 7-iron, two balls back, and your feet spread a little wider.
  6. With a hybrid, a wood, or a driver, position the ball back a bit and take an even wider stance.
  7. Before each shot, make sure the sole of the club is flat on the ground, with the grip facing your left eye.

Key Takeaways

A consistent ball position makes golf easier.
The reference point is the center of the swing, at the front shoulder, not the middle of the feet.
Pitching wedge: three balls to the right of center.
7-iron: two balls back; hybrid, wood, and driver: one ball.
The stance widens as the club gets longer.
A flat sole and grip toward the left eye confirm the correct position.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Change your ball position from one shot to the next using the same club.
  • Focus on your feet rather than the center of your swing.
  • Keep the same stance width with all clubs.
  • Position the grip toward your left eye while the sole is no longer flat.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Set up the station with three sticks and three balls for each session
  2. One set per club family: wedge, 7-iron, wood
  3. Check the sole of your shoe before each shot
  4. On the course: Use the front shoulder as a reference point to position the ball

Your Questions

Why use the front shoulder as a reference point rather than the feet?

According to Paul Lambersens, the center of the swing arc is located at the level of the front shoulder. The center club, facing the front foot, marks this point, and ball positions are measured from it.

What are the three balls on the floor for?

These are the settings: three notches back for short clubs, two for mid- and long-iron clubs, and one for hybrids, woods, and the driver.

How can you check that the ball is positioned correctly without the device?

At address, the sole of the club should lie flat, and the grip should be tilted slightly toward your left eye. If you have to lift the toe or heel to achieve this tilt, the ball is positioned incorrectly.

Learn More

All videos on “Ball Position by Club” →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. Ball Position and Backspin: The Why ExplainedThe ball's position relative to the club is determined by the angle of attack and the desired amount of backspin: the more precision you want, the further back the ball is placed. Ball Position Relative to the Club Sole: Two TestsLet the club dictate the ball position (sole flat, grip toward your left eye) and check the distance by releasing your right hand. 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.

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros