Uneven Lies – What to Expect From an Uphill Lie

“WHAT IF?”  My ball comes to rest in the fairway on an uphill lie?

First determine the distance to your target.  In making your club selection you will want to choose a longer club with less loft.  Because of the slope the ball will fly higher and travel shorter than normal.

Play the ball position toward your uphill foot.  To determine how far forward the ball position should be, take a practice swing under similar conditions and watch where the club starts to hit the ground.  The ball position should be placed where the divot begins.

Because weight transfer is so difficult with this shot, turn your front toe to the outside of your heel.  Pointing your foot to a 10:00 position will help you with any weight transfer.

Match your shoulders hips and knees with the angle of the slope. They should be parallel with the hill.  The right shoulder, hip and knee will be lower than the left shoulder, hip and knee.  Your weight will be on your back foot. Do not lean to your front leg and attempt to level yourself.  This will cause you to swing into the hill.

Swing with the slope of the hill. If you have any weight transfer with this shot it should be minimal.  This shot also promotes the ball moving more left of your target so adjust your alignment at setup accordingly.

Qs for this shot:

• Determine your distance to the target.
• Select a longer club than you would normally choose.
• Move the ball position to your forward/uphill foot.
• Flare out your front foot for better weight transfer.
• Match your shoulders, hips and knees parallel to the ground.
• Put most of your weight on your downhill foot.
• Adjust your alignment right of intended target.
• Swing with the hill with as much balance as you can.