Proper Golf Ball Setup :: Golf Tips ::

Golf is considered to be the world's most expensive game. A golfer also has to shell out a lot of money (compared to other sports) on the equipment and also on the training. The game of golf is not just about hitting a ball as far as possible, but demands accuracy and involves a lot of calculations. It is very important for the golfer to be in a right position and swing his arms the right way to get a perfect shot. This routine most golfers have to perform before they hit a shot is known as a "Setup".

Here are a few tips a golfer can use to set up a ball:

Alignment

Alignment of the whole body to get the right posture is the basic. The feet, knees, hip, shoulders, forearms and the eyes have to be properly aligned with the ball. The body should be parallel in position with respect to the target line. Remember that the body does not have to be on the target line it is the ball that is on the target line. At 150 yards a golfer will appear to be standing 8 to 10 yards away from the ball.

Feet Position:

The feet should be placed apart from each other. The distance between the feet should be the width of the shoulder. In other words the inner side of the heels should be in line with the outside of the shoulders. This stance is for the middle irons. For the long irons the feet should be 2inches wider, while for a short iron the feet must be 2inches inside. The back foot should be at a 90 degree angle with the target line, while the front foot should be flared at 20 to 40 degrees.

Ball Position:

The position of the ball varies depending on the selection of the club.

Short irons: These include the 9-iron, the 8-iron and the wedges. For these irons, the ball must be positioned in the center of the stance. The clubs are placed almost straight and the golfer needs to swing at a steep angle, taking a divot after hitting the ball.

Middle iron: The 7-iron, 6-iron and 5-iron fall in this category. The ball is placed closer to the front foot from the center. The irons are placed at a much flatter angle and the club should strike the ball at the bottom of the swing arc.

Long iron: These include the 3-iron, 4-iron and fairway woods. Here the ball is placed two balls closer to the center of the front foot. In this position the ball has to be struck at the bottom of the swing arc.