How is your ball position?

FRIDAY, FEB. 17: The number one misunderstood problem in golf is ball position.

You probably know by now that ball position affects the trajectory of a shot. Unfortunately, many players have also been told that the longer the club, the closer to the left foot they need to address the ball and the shorter the club, the closer to the right foot. But look at what happens to the alignment of the shoulders when you play the ball in different positions.

When you play the ball back, the shoulders are aligned well right of the target.

The only way to hit an accurate shot from this closed position is to hook or pull it back to the left.

And the reverse happens when you play the ball forward.

This is why it’s important to play the ball between the middle and two inches inside the left foot for almost every shot.

Everyone that I see, positions the ball too far forward with three woods, causing them to lean towards their target.

This causes them to hit down into the ball, which is exactly the opposite of what they should be trying to do.

The key to hitting a good wood or long iron shot is to tee the ball fairly high and then lean to the right, almost as if you are hitting from off a ramp.

To be able to do this they need to actually move the ball position back in their stance, towards the middle, almost the opposite of what they have been told in all the books.

While playing a chip I see players position the ball too far back in the stance and then players lean to their right causing a scoop action which is a disaster waiting to happen.

However, when playing in the wind – Which is 90 per cent of the time in Bermuda – you have to play the ball back.

For such as for a knockdown shot be sure to check your shoulder alignment, or you’ll likely hit the ball right of your target.

Flex your knees a little more than normal to get down to the ball. Take more club and swing easy.

In summary it is difficult to know yourself exactly what is the correct ball position for the shot you are playing.

What you think you are doing and what you are actually doing may be completely different.

The only answer is to see your local PGA professional for a check up on your ball position.

This will lead to a better contact and the correct ball flight.

Paul Adams is the PGA director of golf at Rosewood Tucker’s Point.