3-Wood Ball Position Explained: Why This Holds The Key To Better Strikes

Finding the correct 3-wood ball position is crucial if you want to strike this versatile club well, and our top tips can show you how to master it.

The setup is a key fundamental of the golf swing, and the perfect ball position is arguably one of the most important aspects of this. In this video and article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Katie Dawkins explains everything you need to know in order to find the ideal 3-wood ball position.

3-Wood Ball Position: Assess The Lie

The first thing you need to do is assess the lie you are given. If the ball is perched up, like it has been placed on a small tee, you will need the ball position to be about a club inside your front heel.

This fortunate lie will allow you to sweep up on the ball more, giving you maximum flight and distance. This is also the case for hitting a 3-wood off the tee. In this scenario, you can can create a shallower angle of attack. It's also important to consider how far to stand from the golf ball, and ensure your sternum is just behind the clubhead. Get these two basic elements right and you will be on the right track with your setup.

Conversely, if the lie if tight or there's not much fluffy stuff under it, the ball should move further back in your stance. In this scenario, aim for the ball position to be around a clubhead forward of centre in your stance, similar to if you are trying to play a shot with a hybrid.

This will encourage a more downward angle of attack - guaranteeing a good strike. This is a great rule of thumb to encourage you to hit the ball first and is something I recommend if you are someone who can often thump the ground before the ball or top it. If the ball goes back a touch, you’ll connect with it first - makes sense right?

The Main Trap To Avoid

I see so many golfers placing the ball way too far forward in their stance and wondering why it takes so much effort to get the ball airborne. They take a position that looks like the image below - almost as if they are hitting a driver.

This can cause major problems, most notably tops and thins, as the club bottoms out too early. Every golfer should check to make sure the ball isn't creeping too far forward!

Tension is something else that can scupper your chances of 3-wood success, as squeezing the life out of the club is a killer on fairway wood shots. It is one of those tips every golfer forgets - if you squeeze the club too hard you are limiting the chances of making contact with what is under the ball resulting in topped shots.

For success with fairway woods you must remember to complete your swing, as follow through is so important. So get posing for the cameras and finish!

If the ball is lying in a really grim spot and you have a good old bunch of yards to go then take your medicine and opt for a more lofted 5-wood or even hybrid, sometimes going for glory can take it’s toll on your card and bring in the big numbers.

Focus on mastering your 3-wood ball position, as this simple element will go along way to improving your game.