Sam Mellor of SM Golf Coaching explains how ball position influences club path, face angle, and start direction. By understanding how the club travels on an arc, golfers can manipulate their ball flight and shot shape simply by moving the ball forward or back in their stance without changing their actual swing mechanics.
A neutral stock ball position for right-handed golfers is generally directly under the left eye.
Moving the ball back in the stance creates a more 'in-to-out' path and keeps the face more open at impact.
Moving the ball forward in the stance shifts the path more to the left and gives the clubface more time to close.
Ball position affects the start line: further back starts the ball more to the right, while further forward starts it more to the left.
The forward ball position required for driver naturally makes the club travel more to the left, which is why hitting draws with a driver is more difficult.