The World Is Not Flat! Playing Uneven Lies

The typical practice range does not reflect the conditions you find yourself in while playing. The flat lies presented at practice ranges make us feel “better” about our swing and ball flight because few adjustments need to be made. The reality, of course, is that adjustments should be understood with each uneven lie. Here they are:

BALL ABOVE FEET

• Sole the club level with the ground to establish your posture and the swing’s shape.
• Grip down on the handle, keeping the sole of club level with the ground.
• Ball placement slightly BACK of center.
• Stand with a straighter back (more upright) and knees flexed into the slope.
• Make a ¾ swing concentrating on maintaining balance.

BALL BELOW FEET

• Sole the club to establish your posture and swing’s shape.
• Stand slightly closer to the ball.
• Ball placement slightly FORWARD of center.
• Widen stance and lower backside into the slope.
• ¾ swing concentrating on maintaining balance.

UPHILL LIES

• Choose a less lofted club than the distance a flat lie would require.
• Flare out (turn out) your front foot.
• Tilt shoulders to match the slope.
• Ball placement slightly BACK of center.
• ¾ balanced swing, concentrating on swinging UP the slope.

DOWNHILL LIES

• Choose a more lofted club than the distance a flat lie would require.
• Flare out (turn out) your back foot.
• Tilt shoulders to match the slope.
• Ball placement slightly BACK of center.
• ¾ balanced swing, concentrating on swinging DOWN the slope.