How to tell if you’re standing the correct distance from the golf ball

Pre-shot fundamentals can be boring to practice, but they are absolutely essential for consistent golf. If you don’t have a consistent setup, you won’t be able to make consistent swings. It’s why you see pros constantly checking their fundamentals on the range. They know that a solid swing starts with nailing the basics.

One such fundamental is your stance. Specifically, how far away from the ball you are standing at address. It might seem trivial, but the distance you stand from the ball can have a huge impact on your contact.

When’s the last time you monitored the distance you stand from the ball? If you’re like most recreational players, it’s likely the thought has never even crossed your mind.

If you find yourself in that camp, check out the advice below from GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mark Durland. He has a test you can use to make sure you’re standing the correct distance from the ball.

Are you standing the correct distance from the golf ball?

If your ball-striking feels inconsistent — some shots off the toe, others off the heel, and none quite solid — the problem might not be your swing. It could be your setup, specifically how far you’re standing from the ball.

Most golfers overlook this detail. They’ll tweak their grip, try to shallow their transition, or even buy new clubs before considering whether they’re simply standing too close — or too far — from the ball. But poor spacing can throw off your posture, balance and swing before the club even moves an inch.

So how do you know if you’re too close, too far or just right? There’s a simple, intuitive check that gives you immediate feedback — and chances are, you’ve never been taught it.

The right-hand drop test

This feel-based calibration isn’t an exact science, but it’s surprisingly effective at dialing in your spacing.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Set up to the ball as you normally would, with both hands on the club.

2. Let your right hand drop naturally off the grip.

3. Observe where it falls:
— If your hand swings inside the grip, you’re likely too far from the ball.
— If it falls in front of the grip, you’re probably too close.
— If it drops back near the grip, you’re in a neutral, balanced setup.

Why this drill works

Your body has natural balance points. When you’re in an athletic, relaxed posture, your arms want to hang straight down. This drill uses that natural positioning to help you find a setup that promotes a free, efficient swing.

Try it before your next round

The right-hand drop test takes just a few seconds on the range or tee box — and it can dramatically improve your consistency. Don’t overlook the basics. Small changes at setup often lead to big results in ball-striking.

GOLFFOREVER Swing Trainer

The first golf training tool to combine golf fitness, cutting-edge warmup techniques and guided video content to maximize your flexibility and rotational power — at home, in the gym, or at the course.

 
Ignite your game with the same training tool and routines that over 40 PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players use to play their best golf – including 2022 major champion, Scottie Scheffler, who used it during his meteoric rise to World No. 1!
The dual-purpose GOLFFOREVER Swing Trainer and accompanying app combine asymmetrical bar training and an optimized weighted warmup club with guided video instruction to help you gain flexibility, strength and clubhead speed.
At HomeUse the flexibility and strength fitness tool by attaching the resistance cord and door anchor anywhere in your house — and follow along with the GOLFFOREVER app’s expertly-guided rotational power, speed and pre-round warmup drills.
At the CourseUse the optimized weighted warmup club without the resistance cord by attaching one of two included weighted balls — one with a D3 Swing Weight that mimics the dynamic feel of your driver but 2.5x heavier, and an overloaded one to feel more head weight. 
Stop wasting your time at the gym!Your best golf starts with a tool designed specifically for golf fitness – one that guides you with routines from the game’s top doctors and trainers. The GOLFFOREVER Swing Trainer is your compete at-home golf training system, and the ONLY golf-specific exercise and warmup tool you’ll ever need.

View Product