READER HELP: HOW FAR SHOULD I STAND FROM THE BALL?

 

If you're wondering about the right distance to stand from the ball in golf, we've got you covered. Golf Australia reader Nick Thompson sent us an email, seeking advice on HOW FAR SHOULD I STAND FROM THE BALL. He's been having trouble shanking his iron shots, and we want to help him out.

The distance you stand from the ball is crucial for making solid contact with the clubface and swinging confidently. Here's a simple way to find the ideal distance: Take your bottom hand off the club when addressing the ball and see if the butt end of the club is about a hand span away from your front leg.

This little trick will help you get the right swing plane and ensure you're not too close or too far from the ball. Adjusting the distance using the hand-span drill will bring you closer without crowding the ball.

When you're in the correct position, your arms should hang vertically, and the grip end of the club should point at or near your belt buckle, just like Adam Scott demonstrates (see the picture on top). Once you've got it right, you'll feel confident in your free-flowing swing, knowing you're at the perfect distance from the ball.