Why this common setup mistake kills your driving consistency

If you’re struggling with consistency off the tee, the fix might be as simple as adjusting your ball position. 

According to Tom Stickney, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher alum, one of the biggest mistakes he sees golfers make with their driver is playing the ball too far forward in their stance. 

“When the ball is too far forward in the stance, you have to reach to go get it,” he says. 

This small change causes a ripple effect in your swing. 

When you reach for the ball at address, Stickney explains that your trail shoulder naturally comes forward and your shoulders open up to the target. This sets you up to swing on an out-to-in swing path—usually resulting in a pull or slice. 

Ball position: inside lead heel

Instead of playing the ball where you normally would, Stickney says to shift your ball position back — so it falls in line with your inside lead heel.

Then, make sure that your shoulders are square with your target.

“From there, the club can transition from the inside and you’ll eliminate that big miss,” Stickney says. 

Once you get this feel of an “inside-out” swing, you’ll be able to eliminate your slice — and maybe even hit a draw. Give it a shot.