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The Setup - Step by Step to the Proper Golf Setup Position

From Michael Lamanna

Ball Position

Setup - Ball Position
Photo by Kelly Lamanna; used with permission
The ball placement varies with the club you select. From a flat lie:

• Play your short irons (wedges, 9-iron and 8-iron) in the center portion of your stance. These clubs have the most upright lie angles and they must be swung at the steepest angle, and you should take a divot in front of the ball.

• Your middle irons should be played one ball toward the target-side foot from center (a ball left of center for the right-handed golfer). These clubs have a slightly flatter lie angle and you should take a slightly shallower divot than with the short irons.

• The correct ball position for the long irons and fairway woods is two balls toward the target-side foot from center (two balls left for the right-hander). With these clubs, the ball should be struck directly at the bottom of the swing arc with very little divot.

• The driver is played farthest forward (three balls left of center for the right-hander) to strike the ball on the upswing.

Video: Correct ball position

  1. Alignment
  2. Foot Position
  3. Ball Position
  4. Balance
  5. Posture - Side View
  6. Posture - Face View
  7. Arms and Hands
  8. The Final Setup Positions

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