Want to improve your driving immediately? Position the ball correctly in your stance and stand the correct distance from the ball. Where you play the ball and how far you are from it are key setup factors. If these are off, the rest of your setup is off, leading to trou-ble.
Positioning the ball too far forward sets the shoulders open to the target and leads to a slice producing, out–to-in swing. Standing too far from the ball forces you to make a stand-up move through impact to compensate, which also leads to trouble.
Below are five keys to setting up correctly with the driver:
1. Spread your legs about shoulder width apart
2. Line up the ball with the logo on your shirt
3. Narrow the width of your stance for shorter clubs
4. Place the club’s butt end six inches away
5. Move the right hand away then back onto the club
Start by spreading your legs about shoulder width apart. You want the inside of your shoes in line with your shoulders. Next, tee up the ball so that it is in line with the logo on your shirt or just inside your front heel. (Narrow the width of your stance for shorter clubs, which keeps the ball centered relative to your body.)
As for distance from the ball, place the club’s butt end at address about six inches from your body. Check the club’s position by first setting up to the ball and then taking away your right hand (left hand for lefties) from the grip. Move it about a foot to your right. If you feel like you have to reach out to put the hand back on the club, you’re too far away.
Don’t take your setup for granted. Where you position the ball at address and where you stand away from it are key checkpoints. Get them right and you’ll improve your driving immediately.