Finding the right distance from the golf ball can make or break your swing — but most amateurs are just guessing. This week, Darren deMaille from QuickFixGolf.com shares a drill to help you dial in perfect spacing, just like the pros.
Why Setup Distance Matters
Standing too close or too far from the ball creates tension, poor contact, and erratic ball flight. You might not even realize your setup is off — but your scorecard probably does.
Look at Keegan Bradley: often cramped and low in his setup. Then there’s Mike Weir, who tends to reach. Both are elite players, but their setups aren’t ideal for most amateurs. Enter Kevin Kisner — his arms hang naturally, a setup Jack Nicklaus called fundamental to consistent golf.
The Butch Harmon & Tiger Woods Drill
To find your correct distance:
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Set up to the ball as you normally would.
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Drop your trail hand and let it hang naturally.
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If your hand is reaching or scrunched, your spacing is off.
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Reposition your body incrementally until your arms hang comfortably from your shoulders.
That’s it — a quick check that ensures better balance and more repeatable contact.
Get It Right Before You Swing
You can practice this drill anywhere — at the range, before your round, or even in your backyard. It takes less than a minute and can fix one of the most common setup flaws in amateur golf.
Watch Darren explain it in this week’s video:
