Most golfers learn to swing the club on a golf range and are unused to the different type of shots they encounter on the course. Some of the most difficult shots in golf are from sidehill lies. By understanding what is likely to happen when facing a shot with the ball above, or below the feet, you will be able to adapt the stance to help keep balance and hit better shots.
Side Hill Lies – Ball Below Feet
- Stand closer to the ball than normal and rather than bending over to reach the ball, you should lower yourself by bending the legs more. This keeps the spinal angle closer to what you are used to.
- Keeping balance is vital on a side hill lie and whether the ball is below or above the feet, take more club than normal and swing easy.
- On a shot where the ball is below the feet the swing plane is automatically steeper and the ball will cut or slice in the air. Make sure you aim left to allow for the slice spin.
- Have a curtailed follow through particularly if the slope is severe. Trying to force the body through can hurt the back.
- Above all you must swing within yourself by taking more club than necessary.
Ball Above Feet
- The shot will automatically take off left when the ball is above the foot level so you must aim to the right. The more loft on the club the further right you have to aim.
- When the ball is above the feet very often a golfer takes up their stance with the toe of the club touching the ground. Make sure at address the club head is lying flat on the grass by adjusting the hand position.
- Make sure you swing within yourself and keep balance by taking lots of club.
Do not Fight the Slice
It might be that you have spent time trying to stop slicing. When you hit a shot with the ball below your feet, and it slices away, you may well think old faults are coming back. It is essential yo realise that a slice is inevitable and even the top pros cut the ball of a similar lie.
Allow for sidespin from sidehill lies – don’t fight the slope. If you have enjoyed this article please read How to Start Golf, Learn the Golf Stance, this is a series of articles that will help you learn to play golf.
John Hoskison - John is a class 'A' member of the British PGA and author of the acclaimed book 'Inside - One Man's Experience of Prison'.
