When using the 5 wood, where should the ball be positioned? Similar position as for a 5 iron? or nearer the left foot?

I try and keep the ball position constant throughout the swing with every club in the bag, unless I am playing a punch shot, where it goes back in the stance a little and the hands move forward.

With a 5-wood, a little forward of centre is about right...experiment with it for the best and most consistent flight if you can.

If you have the ball too far forwards in your stance, what shape of shot does that result in generally?

I was at the driving range this lunchtime and was quite pleased with my 5 wood off the mat. Most shots were straight, although slightly to the right. One of the shots was a bad hook, but I can't be expected to hit a good shot every time, can I?

At the driving range off a rubber tee I seem to be able to hit my 5 wood consistently well. Off the fairway, however, I sometimes get a hook, any reason for this guys?

I have the same problem converting driving range form to that on the course. Last summer particularly I had the problem that you describe above Alan, so I'm looking forward to the answer!

mid to front

I play my 5 wood about 2 inch behind where i play my driver,i set my stance up the same as the driver and just move the ball back 2 inch,i get the feeling that i am stable on my feet and get a good contact on the ball with a full swing.