Address the Golf Ball

Now that you've got a well balanced stance and a good grip on the golf club you are ready to make a swing, right? Not so fast. If you really want to get the most from your golf swing you'll need to learn how to address the golf ball properly. And we don't mean put a stamp on it and send it to your mother.

Addressing the golf ball has to do with how you are positioned in reference to the ball. Should the golf ball be forward in your stance? Back? Or somewhere in the middle? This all depends on the type of golf shot you wish to play and what golf club you are going to be swinging. GolfSpyder can help you sort it all out and help you learn where the best address position is for each type of golf shot.

Driver & Fairway Woods

Proper Driver & Fairway Wood Address The golf ball should be positioned just inside your front foot for shots with the driver and fairway woods. The driver and fairway woods are the longest golf clubs and thus need the golf ball to be positioned furthest forward from center to ensure that you are striking the ball at the lowest point of your golf swing.

Long Irons

Proper Long Iron Address The long irons (irons numbered 1 through 3) should be played about an inch or two behind your front instep. For many golfers the long irons are the most difficult golf clubs to hit consistently well. Part of the problem could lie with ball position. Addressing the golf ball forward in your stance, but a bit behind where you'd position the ball for the woods, will help get those long irons to attack the golf ball at the proper angle.

Mid Irons

Proper Mid Iron Address The mid irons (irons numbered 4 through 6) require a ball position about two inches forward of center to ensure striking the ball at the lowest point of your golf swing. The mid irons are a bit shorter than the long irons and will generally be at the lowest point in the swing a few inches ahead of center.

Short Irons

Proper Short Iron Address The short irons (irons numbered 7 through 9) are generally the easiest golf clubs for the average golfer to swing consistently well. Part of the reason for this is that the lowest point of the swing path for these clubs is at the center of your stance. Addressing the golf ball in the middle of your stance will reduce the number of poorly hit shots and help keep your approach shots on target.

Wedges

Proper Wedge Address The wedges are the shortest golf clubs and should be played about an inch or two behind your front instep. Wedges are your scoring clubs. You want to be able to maximize accuracy and consistency when targeting the green. Addressing the golf ball a little back in your stance will help ensure that the wedges are striking the ball at the bottom of the swing, allowing the wedge's design to lift and spin the golf ball properly. This will help give you maximum stopping power on the greens, resulting in shorter putts and lower scores.

Remember, a good golf shot starts with a good golf stance. Get your body in position to make the best golf swing possible each and every time.

Many novice golfers make the mistake of addressing the golf ball in the middle of their stance for each and every golf shot.
Address the golf ball in the proper position for the type of shot and club you are swinging.
Consistently placing the ball in the proper position for each club will increase your accuracy and reduce your number of poorly hit golf shots.
Remember, you want the golf club to strike the ball at the lowest point of the swing.
Improper ball position makes it difficult to hit the golf ball squarely.