TUTORIAL
Downhill
Lie
In my opinion the downhill lie is one of the most difficult shots to
master, although that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. By improving our
understanding of how the slope affects the ball flight and by making
some simple alterations at set-up, we can quickly turn bad shots into
mediocre shots and mediocre shots into great shots.
Firstly, we must recognise that if we are hitting the ball from a downslope
then the ball flight will be lower and the ball will have a tendency to roll
out more on landing. These factors combine to produce increased distance.
To ensure that my ball doesn’t travel too far I tend to select a more lofted
club (e.g. if its 5 iron distance switch to a 6 or 7 iron)
Secondly, I will have a clear picture in my mind of any curve that I can
expect in my ball flight as a result of the slope. Most of the time you will
find that hitting from a downslope will produce a flight that curves left
to right (for right handed golfers). This is due to the set up being angled
down the slope and your body not being able to turn as well as it usually
does, therefore producing a more upright, steeper swing path.
One of the biggest problems I find with my pupils trying to hit from a
downslope is that they try and force the ball up in the air and give it lift.
This is the worst thing we can do as it will cause you to lean back on the
shot and create a poor quality strike. Try to swing with the slope and
always finish with a nice, balanced, composed followthrough.
Perfect Practice Series
Understanding Awkward Lies, Part 2
CRAIG WADDEL
PGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL
golf
& yacht club
By: Craigbywaddell,
Golf Professional,
Dubai Creekdubai
Golf creek
& Yacht
Club
uphill
Lie
Key Points
n The correct club must be
taken to compensate for the
downslope. Take a more lofted
club as the ball will take a
lower ball flight with more run.
For many golfers uphill lie shots tend to be slightly easier
than those on a downhill lie. However, we must still take
the time to understand the rules prior to executing shots
from an uphill lie.
n Aim slightly to the left (for
right handed golfers) as the
ball may take a more left to
right flight. This is due to you
not being able to turn and
rotate your body as much as
you usually would.
Firstly, as the ball sits on an upslope the ball is effectively
on a launch pad and creating additional loft to the clubface.
This will give the ball some extra flight and cause it to go
higher and shorter than usual. To compensate for this I always
recommend that you use a lower lofted club. (e.g. If its 7-iron
distance take a 6 or a 5).
n Your weight must be on
the front foot to help promote
a slight shoulder tilt whereby
your shoulders will be parallel
to the ground or your spine
angle is perpendicular to the
slope.
As with the ball on a downslope I also should have a clear
picture in my mind what curve the ball flight may take. As
your body is tilted up the slope it will produce a flatter swing
path and a more shallow angle as you strike the ball. This
usually produces a right to left flight for right-handed golfers,
creating a touch of hook spin.
n Swing with the slope and
do not try to lift or force the
ball into the air.
Key Points
n Take a lower lofted club as the ball will
take a slightly higher flight.
n Aim slightly right of target (for right
handed golfers) as the ball will fly with more
right to left spin.
n Your weight should be towards your
trailing foot to help promote the shoulders
being parallel to the ground or the spine angle
being perpendicular to the slope.
n Swing with ease and do not change your
swing. Let the clubhead follow the slope of
the path and maintain balance throughout.
Ladies Lessons at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Suitable for all levels of golfer from beginners to experienced players
38
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• Eight weeks of group lessons (8 hours), AED 995 per player
• All equipment is provided
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For more information call +971 4 295 6000 or email [email protected]
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