Are you standing too far from the golf ball? This test shows you

Don’t let the distance between you and the ball cause horrendous shot results!

Getty Images

You can go through all the swing work, and get the best instruction, but at the end of the day, if you’re standing too far from the golf ball at setup, you’re going to see poor results during the swing. This was something that recently happened to me, so I figured getting some answers for other amateur players could prove helpful.

In my situation, anytime I used a fairway wood, video showed that I was reaching for the ball. My head dipped, my weight would fall towards the ball, and my posture would look crouched. It was no way to swing a golf club.

So I chatted with GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jim Murphy to help cure me, seeking answers to make sure I wasn’t standing too far from the ball. Below, Murphy provides a simple test to try before each shot to guarantee consistency.

How to check if you’re standing too far from the golf ball

“Your feels change everyday, so if your setup relies strictly on feel, then it’s never really going to be the same each time,” Murphy says. “But with a simple test, you can nail your setup and keep it consistent before every shot.”

First, Murphy says to focus on where the club position is at setup.

“When setting up to the ball, the butt end of the club should be pointed at the middle of the zipper on your pants,” he says. “This tells you how much you need to bend from the hips with each club.”

After setting the club in the proper spot and getting in good golf posture, Murphy says to do the following.


If you're struggling with your golf posture, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jon Tattersall suggests using these checkpoints to clean it up

Use these 3 checkpoints to dial in your golf posture, says top teacher

By:


Nick Dimengo



“To check your distance from the ball, simply take your trail hand off the club, reach it out in front of you [towards the ball], and make sure you have an open hands-length from yourself. If you have more distance than that, you need to move closer to the ball,” Murphy says. “When checking your distance, always make sure you’re doing it after you’re setup and have the proper balance — with the weight on the balls of your feet. If your weight is wrong, then you could be either too close or too far from the ball when reaching your arm out.”

Murphy says this easy test can be used for every club in your bag — so now you can see more consistency with each swing.

“Your setup is the same for every club, but your distance from the ball will be farther away with longer clubs because of the length of the club,” he adds. “So I encourage students to check if they’re standing too far from the golf ball by using this quick tip. Before they know it, a lot of their mishits often disappear!”


5050 2F13606408 2Fassets 2Fc5bb3acb c7ab 45c5 9b78 270db518347bTRGT700 IMAGE

Rukket Sports The Grid Golf Target

$59.99

The Grid helps golfers of all abilities visualize the target and aids in shot shaping by providing a 9 pane grid on one side and a crosshair target on the other. Developed by golf professionals, The Grid by Rukket Golf provides the visual needed to follow your fades and draws to help get the most out of at-home practice sessions.
Features

Reversible target system with 9 pane grid on one side and crosshair target on other side.
Adjustable straps to fit most golf hitting nets
Heavy-duty nylon fabric

Product Specs
5ft x 5ft golf target with adjustable straps
What’s in the Box
5ft x 5ft golf target with adjustable straps and clips
RUKKET FAIR PLAY GUARANTEE & LIFETIME WARRANTY: At Rukket Sports we know you came to win. We also understand that in order to win you need to train hard, so that’s why we’re proud to offer the Rukket Fair Play Guarantee & Lifetime Warranty for no-risk purchasing plus outstanding USA-based customer service!

View Product
generic profile image

Jim Murphy

Golf.com Contributor

nick dimengo golf instruction editor

Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Golf Products Review
Logo
Shopping cart