Uphill Downhill

Just back from a weekend of Golf on a very good, but hilly course. A par 72 playing more like 75, it was very tough both physically and mentally.

Almost every shot was from a very pronounced uphill or downhill. lie. Teeing off then having to walk 230 yards uphill to your second shot took its toll both on my fitness (which is pretty good) and often left me playing a shot neither physically or mentally ready.

I'd love to get some feedback on approaching uphill & downhill lie type shots. I was putting the ball back in my stance on the downhill and forwrd on uphills - was I on the right track? Either way approaching a shot not being sure never helps the outcome.

Sparky,

I always play uphill back in my stance and downhill up in my stance to get a cleaner hit and my regular distance. I adjust my stance for each shot. On an uphill shot, I stand with the hill but at address I kick my back knee in a little more than normal. This help the shot to follow the hill angle more and not bury it in the side of the hill.

On a downhill shot, I preset my weight more to the left side and put my right foot more behind my left. I chase my hands down the target line more and turn to a full low hands finish.

The key to an uphiller or downhiller is to take a few practice swings and a divot to see where the club is contacting the ground. The ball should be at the back of the divot, just adjust your stance and swing with confidence.

There are other ways to play these shots, this is just one variation.

GolfBald

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The guy in the white hat!

I'd take an up hill or down hill lie any day rather than a slide slope. The trick is not to try and fight the slope with your stance; try and keep your body at 90* to the slope.

On downhill shots I always choke down the club a bit and if it's in a bad lie, say a divot, I always "turn in" the club head a little at address. Make sure you don't pop-up too and keep trying to follow the slope of the lie - let the club do the work so you don't worry about getting the ball airborne.

Paul

And when your done, put some sand in the divot!!!!!!!!!!!!