When Faced with Uphill, Downhill and Sidehill Shots
When Faced with Uphill, Downhill and Sidehill Shots
Your Stance:
When playing golf, your stance must be adjusted when faced with shots that are not on level ground. You could be hitting uphill, downhill or sidehill shots. Although these lies can affect the results of your shots, you should always try to maintain your balance during your swing. There are five factors to consider when hitting from these lies:
1. Ball Position
2. Club Selection
3. Trajectory
4. Ball Flight
5. The Swing
Uphill lie: (your stance using a #5 Iron)
Ball Position: opposite the left heel or towards the higher foot.
Club Selection: may need a lower lofted club depending on the angle of the slope.
Trajectory: the ball may stop quicker upon landing depending on the angle of the slope.
Ball Flight: the ball may tend to travel from right to left (draw or hook) from an uphill shot so you should consider aiming slightly right of the target.
The Swing: try to ensure that you swing the club parallel to the angle of the slope and not into the slope.
Downhill lie: (your stance using a #5 Iron)
Ball Position: middle or slightly behind middle of your stance (towards the higher foot).
Club Selection: may need a higher lofted club depending on the angle of the slope.
Trajectory: the ball may roll more upon landing depending on the angle of the slope.
Ball Flight: the ball tends to travel from left to right (fade or slice) from a downhill lie so you should consider aiming slightly left of the target.
The Swing: again try to ensure that you swing the club parallel to the angle of the slope and not into the slope.
Ball below your feet: (your stance using a #5 Iron)
Ball Position: inside of left heel similar to the same shot from level ground.
Club Selection: use the same club as if you were on level ground.
Trajectory: same as a shot from level ground.
Ball Flight: the ball may tend to travel from left to right (fade or slice) from a sidehill lie when the ball is below your feet so aim slightly left of the target.
The Swing: in order to reach the ball with the correct posture, you will have to flex your knees more and maintain that degree of flex through contact with the ball. The angle of the swing will tend to be more upright (vertical) because the ball will be closer to your feet.
Ball above your feet: (your stance using a #5 Iron)
