Golf Ball Position - How Important is it Where to Place Your Ball?

Muscle memory is one of the most important aspect of learning the game of golf. The individual components of a swing are learnt by the player by using his muscle memory. Rather than having to remember each detail, the player after a time of practice automatically combines the individual parts to form the whole swing. The best swing is smooth and above all, CONSISTENT.  A great golfer can hit the same shot the same way over and over again. This is the main difference between a good golfer and the best golfer!
The question arises therefore, if consistency is so important, why would you interfere by moving the ball position for each club? Isn't it counter-intuitive to force you to setup differently depending on which club you're using?
There are of course good reasons why you choose to position the ball differently for each club.

• A driver is the longest club in your bag Imagine that you swing the driver in a sweeping motion, describing a wide and smooth arc. The ball is literally swept off the tee.
• Irons on the other hand are hit in a different way. Here, the ball is hit in a downward motion. Imagine a downward blow rather than a smooth arc. Hitting down on the ball will impart spin which is something all golfers aim to do.
• Irons are supposed to hit the ball at the bottom of the swing arc.
• Drivers should hit the ball on the upswing rather than in the middle of the arc. The result is great lift and distance.

So where should the ball sit exactly for each club?
This depends a little on your own personal style, but I would suggest the following:

• Driver and fairway wood: the ball should sit in line with your left toes. Use common sense depending on what feels best. I prefer the ball to sit outside my left foot. Use the same position for any club with less than 19 degree loft.
• 5 iron to 9 iron: Look at your heels when you position yourself. The ball should sit directly between your heels. You may even feel that your 9 iron could be put a bit more to the right (back in your stance). See how it feels.
• 2 iron to 4 iron: From the middle line, move the ball to the left ( forward in your stance) by maybe one ball width per iron. Woods and hybrids with more than 21 degree loft can be treated the same way. Again, use common sense.

Make a point of listening to the sound of the club striking the ball. You know when you've struck the ball well. You'll feel comfortable without any pain in your wrists or back. Your ball will fly true and far. To get to the perfect strike, pay close attention to ball positioning.