When learning the game of golf, players are taught how important it is to develop muscle memory. The individual components of a swing are learnt by the player by using his muscle memory. Remembering each little details is very difficult - instead, a player learns to combine the various parts of his swing automatically through practice. Consistency and smoothness are the hallmark of the best swing. A great golfer can hit the same shot the same way over and over again. This is the main difference between a good golfer and the best golfer!

The question arises therefore, if consistency is so important, why would you interfere by moving the ball position for each club? Isn't it counter-intuitive to force you to setup differently depending on which club you're using?

There are of course good reasons why you choose to position the ball differently for each club.

• A driver is the longest club in your bag Imagine that you swing the driver in a sweeping motion, describing a wide and smooth arc. You literally sweep the ball off the tee.

• Irons are used in a different way. You should actually hit the ball in a downward motion, less a smooth arc, more a downward blow. Hitting down on the ball will impart spin which is something all golfers aim to do.

• Irons are supposed to hit the ball at the bottom of the swing arc.

• Drivers should hit the ball on the upswing rather than in the middle of the arc. This will result in the ball being lifted high and flying far.

So what exactly is the position of the ball for each given club?

This depends a little on your own personal style, but I would suggest the following:

• Driver and fairway wood: position the ball in line with your left toes. Use common sense depending on what feels best. I prefer the ball to sit outside my left foot. Use the same position for any club with less than 19 degree loft.

• 5 iron to 9 iron: Look at your heels when you position yourself. Put the ball directly on the middle line between your heels. You can even put the ball back in your stance (to the right) when using your 9 iron. See how it feels.

• 2 iron to 4 iron: For each iron, move the ball forward in your stance (to the left) by one ball width. Woods and hybrids with more than 21 degree loft can be treated the same way. Again, use common sense.

Make a point of listening to the sound of the club striking the ball. You'll hear when you've hit the ball well. You'll feel comfortable without any pain in your wrists or back. Your ball will fly true and far. To get to the perfect strike, pay close attention to ball positioning.