Improving Your Golf

When I lived in a region with rolling hills of Scotland, I’d occasionally play golf on a course that was on the side of a large hill. Besides a one or two holes, the majority of them were either directly uphill or downhill. It was these holes with downhill slopes that gave me probably the most problems.

For all those of you which have played a course like that, you almost definitely understand how difficult hitting from a downward lie can be. It is principally tough for weekend golfers, that have not much experience hitting from this kind of lie. Hitting off a downhill slope is basically a matter of making the right changes. Listed below are a few modifications which will allow you to play from a downward slope.


Consideration for the Down Slope Shot

In essence, you have to position the ball back in your position, swing with the slope, and chase the golf ball down the slope. There are 2 things to keep in mind when faced with a downhill lie; a shot from a downward slope tends to fade right plus the slope will affect your club choice. Even if you contact the ball cleanly, it’ll tend to fade right, thus learn to deal with it by aiming somewhat left of the target.

Golf Club Selection for the Downward Slope

A downhill slope influences the balls distance and height, so you’ll want to make adjustments with your club selection. A downward slope will lessen the loft in the club so that the ball flies lower and more. When you’d usually hit a 6-iron for the distance to your target, test hitting an 8-iron. The quantity of adjustment, or how much less club you will need, depends upon the inclination of the slope. Just personal practice can tell you how much more club to hit.

Alter Your Set Up

To successfully strike a golf ball from a down slope, you will need to make several modifications. One of the most important thing to undertake is keep your balance; that implies ensuring your spine is vertical with the slope plus your weight is on your leading foot. As a result, your shoulders and hips will lean downward to equal the lie of the land.

The set-up position for a down slope is achieved by moving your forward foot down the hill so the ball position will be further back than usual. An additional matter with down-hill lies is the swing path; to get more height, hit down and across the angle of the slope, as if you’re chasing the ball down-hill. Also, don’t let the transfer of weight get beyond limit at impact. Stay as balanced as possible by taking a shorter than usual swing, and close using a smooth follow through. Clear your left hip as you swing down and through the ball helps with the follow through also. These adjustments will guarantee clean contact with the ball.

Up Hill Lies

These modifications in your set up and swing mirror those needed for uphill lies. With uphill lies, the weight is on the rear foot, the ball is positioned forward in the position, and the inclination is to pull the ball left. You will have to take less club on an uphill as the ball will fly higher plus a shorter distance. No matter whether uphill or down-hill, you’ll want to control your weight transfer and you want to swing down and with the slope.

Take these issues into account the next time you are playing a undulating course. Almost all courses have slanting fairways even if they don’t seem to be particularly hilly. So, it’s a good idea to practice hitting off slopes, whether down-hill, uphill, or side lies.

Mick Euan Tait has golfed for more than 35 years but he did not start to improve his game until taking some Golf Instruction Online. Today, there is no excuse not to improve with so many golf resources online; so read his Golf Apprentice Program Review for more details.

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