As you know, most golf courses are not flat and it’s only a matter of time before your golf ball comes to rest on a slope. The ball may be below or above your feet; or it may be halfway up or down a slope. These positions are called side hill lies and there are minor pre-swing changes that you can make that will dramatically improve your shot making ability. The common denominator in all these shots is the relationship between your shoulders and the slope.

Uphill Lie

Adjust your body to the slope; including your shoulders, hips and knees. Adjust your weight into the slope without putting all of your weight on your trail leg as this may cause you to fall back.

How to Play the Shot

Shorten the length of the golf club by holding down on the handle. Take a practice swing with a quiet lower body – brush the grass while maintaining balance. The ball will fly higher than normal because you will be swinging up the slope, so use a less lofted club, one less is usually enough but you will have to make that judgment based on the steepness of the slope. Use a ball position that is slightly back in your stance.

Downhill Lie

On a down slope, shift your weight in the opposite direction, more on your lead leg. Just like in the uphill lie, adjust your body to the slope; be certain to include your shoulders, hips and knees. Be careful not to put too much weight on your lead leg as this could cause you to lose balance during the swing and miss hit the shot.

How to Play the Shot

Use a more lofted club than you would normally use for the distance as the down slope will effectively de-loft the club, usually one less club depending on the severity of the slope. Use your standard Natural Hold on the club and use a ball position that is slightly back in your stance. This will make it easier to hit given the contour of the slope. You can find the proper ball position by taking a few practice swings while keeping your lower body quiet and on balance. You can expect a lower shot as the ball will have a tendency to follow the contour of the slope and then rise.