Downhill lies

One of the most common golf mistakes involves not using enough
loft on downhill lies.
One of the most common golf mistakes involves not using enough loft on downhill lies.

On long fairway shots try using a 5-wood instead of a 3-wood, for instance. Because of the downhill situation, the loft of your club will be reduced so your 3-wood becomes a 2-wood. You may not be able to get the lift that you want.

Around the green with a downhill lie, use your sand wedge or lob wedge and follow the contour of the ground in taking your stroke.

Do not try to change directions and help the ball into the air. You’re just asking for more trouble when you do that. Play the ball back a little in your stance. Take more loft and stroke down the hill. The club will do the rest. If you still have problems with these shots, see your local PGA or LPGA golf professional.

-Pat Larkin is a PGA Class A golf pro based at San Juan Oaks Golf Club.