Why do I get so many questions about ball position within an open set up? Probably because my subscribers have an awareness of cause and effect in the golf swing. They know there is a relationship between golfer, ball, and target on every swing. And naturally, excellent golfing minds ask better questions. In fact, most of the questions I have received about the Open Stance have revolved around BP. Where to position the ball is just one of those questions.

But, if I don’t make assumptions about the readers, then what is the logic? It seems clear to me that ball position (BP) can help create an efficient golf swing within the set up or ruin a golf swing by fighting the set up. Choosing a philosophical path depends upon our underlying intent or lack, thereof. Understanding that BP determines things like contact, club path, and shot shape, we can plan it out with each club. Utilizing an Open Stance Philosophy is a deliberate, measured choice that leads to attentive indifference within the improvement process.

Ball position is also a choice. It can be changed a little or a lot depending on the intended shot. Let me advocate that you always intend to hit your ball absolutely perfectly on the clubface and straight at a very thin vertical window (Target). Such a specific intention requires a specific coordination and cooperation of body parts. By choosing to set up in an Open Stance, we can at least guarantee that our hands will beat the clubhead to an optimal ball position along the toe line.

The target line and toe line change our perspective on ball position. For instance, the ball moves forward in the open stance along the target line. The logical, adaptaptive choice is to move the ball backward along the toe line. If we do, it keeps the relative BP the same along the target line.

The set up and BP are measured by the target line. They are not determined by it. Use the target line (Alignment sticks/shafts) to determine where you are set up before the swing, so that you know how to measure your feedback post-swing. The process for changing BP is regimented. It is regimented so the swing can begin to adapt most-quickly.

The following video addresses the choice, the different perspectives, the underlying unit of measurement, and the process involved in adopting and adapting to a ball position choice.

John Wright – Founder
The Open Stance Academy