I have given thousands of lessons and hundreds of lectures and the three questions always asked are the following.

How far should you stand from the ball?

The hands should hang down at the address position. That applies to all clubs; the club length determines the distance you stand from the ball. Limit how far you stretch your arms out; the hands should be at their lowest point.

Where should you play the ball in your stance?

Wedges through the five iron you should play the ball in the center of your stance.

How wide should your stance be?

With longer clubs such as the driver, three wood and long irons, the shoulders should be even with the insides of your feet. For all the other clubs, the outside of the feet should be even with the outside of the shoulders.

Please pay attention to the basics. It will help you enjoy this great game called golf.

Rick Musselman, a golf author and professional, owns Musselman’s Golf in Williamsport.