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Address Posture / Stance at AddressPre-shot routine All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 8 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Finding Your Distance to the Ball in Golf

Many golfers think their lack of consistency is due to their swing. According to The Art of Simple Golf, the cause is often something else: the distance between the golfer and the ball. The video offers a simple pre-shot routine to help you maintain that distance on every shot.

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Alex Fortey
Alex Fortey · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

14 minSame problemBryson DeChambeau's Swing: Grip, Triangle, RotationBryson DeChambeau · Beginner / Intermediate18 minSame problemTiger Woods Corrects Amateur Swings: His TipsTiger Woods · Beginner / Intermediate5 minFrom the same proGolf step drill: a shorter, rhythmic backswingAlex Fortey · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

According to the coach, The distance to the ball affects the rest of the swing. If you stand too far back, you swing too far inside; you’ll either rise up to compensate or stand up too early, losing your balance on your heels, and the ball will fly off the toe. If you stand too close, the swing becomes more vertical, rotation is more difficult, and you’ll feel cramped. One or two inches is enough to change the way we do things.

His solution: to use the club as a measuring tool. First, take your grip; place the club flat behind the ball, just as you would at impact, then build your stance around it without moving it—whether you’re using a wedge or a driver. Clubs that are too flat force you to raise your hands. He advises against moving too much or waggling repeatedly, as this is a sign that you’re searching for a comfortable position. To find your balance point, he recommends the “Goldilocks” test: too far, too close, then just right.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Get your grip on the club before you approach the ball.
  2. Place the club flat behind the ball, just as you would at impact.
  3. Build your stance around the club without lifting it.
  4. Stand a little farther away on purpose and hit a ball to feel the difference.
  5. Try again by standing too close, with your weight on the balls of your feet.
  6. Finally, find the position where you feel balanced and free to turn.
  7. Repeat this pre-shot routine with each club, including wedges and drivers.

Key Takeaways

The distance to the ball determines everything else about the swing.
Too far: swing too far inside, compensations, weight on the heels, balls on the toes.
Too close: a more vertical swing, restricted rotation, and a feeling of being cramped.
The club, held flat behind the ball, serves as a guide for establishing the stance.
Too many waggles or small movements change the distance to the ball.
A "too far," "too close," and "just right" test helps you find your balance.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Position your feet first, then the club.
  • Stand a little too far back and compensate during the swing.
  • Raise your hands at the address, causing the club to move from its horizontal position.
  • Do more waggles and small movements over the ball.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Pre-shot routine, club in a flat position, stance before each shot
  2. "Too Far, Too Close, Just Right" Test
  3. Same pre-shot routine with a wedge, a 7-iron, and a driver
  4. Practicing at Home Without a Ball

Your Questions

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

According to the video, you're swinging too far inside, you're standing up to compensate, you're on your heels, and the ball is coming off the tip of the club.

What if I'm too close?

Your swing becomes more vertical, the rotation becomes more difficult, and you feel cramped at impact.

How do you find the right distance?

Grab your grip, place the club flat behind the ball, and build your stance around it. The "too far, too close, then just right" test helps you find your balance.

Is the waggle technique not recommended?

The coach believes that too many waggles or small movements indicate a desire for comfort and alter the distance to the ball.

Learn More

All videos on “Stance / Address Posture” →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Pre-shot routine” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Bryson DeChambeau's Swing: Grip, Triangle, RotationDeChambeau breaks down the basics of his swing (a comfortable grip, arms locked in a “triangle,” and chest rotation) and then demonstrates how to apply them to a beginner. How Rory McIlroy Hits His Irons: Technique and AimRory contrasts irons and driver: more tilted, ball toward the middle, he covers the ball with his chest and aims at the widest side of the green. Tiger Woods Corrects Amateur Swings: His TipsTiger comments on a dozen swings by fans and points out a flaw and a simple cue for each one: left buttock back, left arm against a window… Alex ForteyAll of his lessons

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

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros