04/10/2026
One of the easiest setup mistakes in golf is treating your driver like it’s just a longer iron.
It isn’t.
With an iron, you generally want the ball positioned forward of centre, but still far enough back that you can strike the ball before the ground. Your sternum stays more centred over the ball, helping you deliver the club with a descending angle of attack.
Driver is a different story.
The ball moves much farther forward, usually around the inside of the lead heel. Your upper body also tilts slightly away from the target, which puts your trail shoulder lower and your head a little farther behind the ball.
Why does that matter?
Because you’re trying to create two very different strikes.
With an iron, the ideal contact happens while the clubhead is still travelling downward. That’s why good iron shots often produce a divot after the ball.
With a driver, you’re hitting a ball sitting on a tee. There’s no need to trap it against the turf. For most golfers, setting up correctly makes it easier to catch the ball as the clubhead is travelling level or upward, helping produce better launch conditions.
Same golf swing fundamentals, but two noticeably different setups.
If you’ve been struggling with both clubs, check your address position before rebuilding your swing.
Sometimes the problem starts before the club even moves.
