How Close Do You Stand To The Ball?

[Hoganman1]

I've been playing for over 50 years and until recently maintained a single digit index. Having had some injuries and surgeries over the last couple of years my game has deteriorated. While I'm sure physical limitations are part of the problem, I think I've also developed the habit of standing to far from the ball. My misses seem to always be off the toe of the club and there's an overall loss of power. When I watch the pros in person or on TV I'm amazed at how close they are to the ball at address. Jim Furyk is a good example. He appears to stand only inches away.  Is there a drill or tip to help me get in the right position?

Edited August 25, 2017 by Hoganman1

[Patch]

Myself, I let where my hands naturally hang tell me where to stand. Using my hands takes care of the different lengths of clubs I will use. This is for all my full swings. 

Once set up, my hands are about 4-5 inches from my belly button. After that it is just placing the club behind the ball. 

[Piz]

I use the "drool rule".  If excessive salivation would land on the back of my top hand; I'm set up properly.  

[billchao]

3 hours ago, Hoganman1 said:

I think I've also developed the habit of standing to far from the ball. My misses seem to always be off the toe of the club and there's an overall loss of power.

I'm not certain hitting it off the toe automatically means you're standing too far from the ball. I stand pretty close to the ball and my miss is towards the toe.

[dchoye]

I bend over from the hips and with soft arms and play it from there. 

If im too far away I start feeling I will early extend and my butt moves to far in 

if Im too close my elbows start touching my chest too comfortably and I start moving my head backwards.  

It will be a feel thing there probably 2-3 inches that I can adjust for it doesn't have to precise but not 6-7 inches off 

[MarvChamp]

I think Lee Trevino (maybe others) said, It's possible to stand too close to the ball but no one does.  After I remembered that, I started standing closer, more "over" the ball. Jury's still out, but fewer misses so long as I stay in posture. -Marv

[Patch]

I know when I hit shots near the toe it's because I am raising up during impact.  

I also think releasing the club too early might cause a toe hit. Maybe a swing that is out to in can cause it too.

What ever the cause it's better than a shank...... 

[Hoganman1]

I actually found something else that may contribute to my problem. When I make poor contact off the toe it's because of a lack of proper knee flex. I think this started when I had my right knee replaced four years ago. When I stay flexed and maintain my spine angle;  voila': contact in the center of the clubface is the result.

[Midpack]

For me, (a little) too close is better than too far, though I have an uprightish swing. Too far and I'll hit off the toe and or thin much more often among other issues.

Edited August 31, 2017 by Midpack

[BallMarker]

I'll just say what my college coach told me 30 years ago.

"....as closest as you need to. But, not too close....."

[DaveP043]

I stand much too close to the ball.......after I hit it.  

In reality, I've made a little set-up change this year that puts me just a little further from the ball.  Me weight is a little more towards my toes, rather than back on my heels.  My knees are a little straighter, slightly more bend at the hips.  And all of this based on posting video in the My Swing area.  You might consider posting your own videos, I'm sure you'd get some good advice.