Leone’s Lessons: Periodically we’re faced with an uneven lie
during a round; the ball is above or below your feet, uphill or
downhill. The most common mistake we make is not allowing enough
room for the curvature of the ball flight. You need to adjust for
these situations.
Periodically we’re faced with an uneven lie during a round; the ball is above or below your feet, uphill or downhill. The most common mistake we make is not allowing enough room for the curvature of the ball flight. You need to adjust for these situations.
For example, depending on the severity of the slope, if the ball is above your feet, for a right-handed golfer, you need to aim more to the right of the target. The more severe the slope, the more the ball will curve. This promotes a flatter swing path, resulting in a right-to-left ball flight.
Conversely, if the ball is below your feet, you need to aim more to the left. This type of a setup produces a more vertical swing path. To help reduce some of the curvature of the ball, you may choose to open the face with the ball above your feet and close the face with the ball below your feet.
To hit these shots, make sure you’re balanced so you won’t rock back and forth during the swing. Stand taller when the ball is above your feet, and bend more from the hips when the ball is below your feet. Be careful when the ball is below your feet; the tendency is to sit on your heels too much. This will cause your weight to rock forward during the swing resulting in a mishit or shank.
With most uneven lies, swing within yourself, maintaining your balance and minimizing your body motion. You may find it difficult to practice these shots. I find the best time is late afternoon when the courses are not so crowded and no one is behind you. Take a couple of extra balls and practice hitting shots from various slopes.
