Downhill Lies Require More Loft

Downhill Lies Require More Loft

“WHAT IF?”  My ball comes to rest in the fairway on a downhill lie?

First determine the distance to your target.  In making your club selection, you will want to choose a shorter club with more loft, as the ball will fly lower and travel further than normal.  If you must carry a hazard that is between you and the target, be certain your club choice will have enough loft and distance.

Play the ball position toward your uphill foot (for right-handed golfers, this will be your right foot). To determine how far back the ball position should be, take a practice swing near the ball and watch where the club soles out to the ground. The ball position should be placed where the divot begins.

Next, put most of your weight on your front foot. Match your shoulders hips and knees with the angle of the slope. They should be parallel with the ground.  Adjust your alignment to aim left of your target.  The ball will move to the right because of the downhill lie and ball position.

Use the wrists on the backswing to bring the club up the angle of the hill.  The follow through will be low with the slope of the hill.  If there is any weight transfer, you will follow through as if you are walking down the hill.

 

Qs for Downhill Lies:

  • Determine the distance to your target.
  • Select a shorter club than normal.
  • Move the ball position to your back or uphill foot.
  • Match your shoulders, hips and knees parallel to the ground.
  • Put most of your weight on your downhill foot.
  • Adjust your alignment left of your intended target.
  • Swing more steeply on the back swing and low on the follow through.


Nancy Quarcelino School of Golf

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