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Trouble Shots: The Secret to Side Hill Lies Revealed for Duffers

Do you have trouble with side hill or uneven lies? Many of us do. This is the second in a series of articles on trouble shots addressing uneven lies. There are specific methods you can learn here to help you be better able to handle these shots beginning with your next round.

Uneven lies are an ordinary part of any round of golf. Since most golf courses are not built on flat land it is very common to find your ball in an up hill, down hill or side hill lie. A golfer must be able to execute these shots to lower their scores and improve their handicap

This article will focus on side hill lies where the ball is above or below our feet at address. We discussed up hill and down hill lies in an earlier article.

The primary cause of these errant shots in this situation is the loss of balance caused by improper or no adjustments and an overly aggressive swing. Remember the goal is to gain as much from this shot as possible without creating more trouble for ourselves.

When the ball is above our feet we often lose balance as we take the club up on the backswing because the action of the swing pulls our weight slightly backwards as the swing reaches the top. Our bodies self protection mode causes an unconscious correction in the opposite direction so we won't fall. As a result we move forward or closer to the ball on the downswing, our club path is moved as well and we strike the ground behind the ball creating a fat shot.

The opposite is often true when the ball is below our feet. We lose balance forward as we begin the swing, correct ourselves by rising up and back on the downswing which again changes the club path as we have moved up and away from the ball with our upper body. The inevitable result is that we strike the ball north of its equator creating a thin or topped shot.

Dooley Duffer is the best in our group from hilly lies. It wasn't always the case. He had to learn how to make the correct adjustments. So many duffers struggle with hilly lies, repeatedly hitting behind the ball and such. Today he shares his tips with you.

Dooley says when playing from side hill lies you need to make a few adjustments to your normal set up. He suggests you do the following:

When the Ball is Above Your Feet

Club selection: Use more club than distance indicates to account for being closer to the ball than normal
Stance: Stand a bit taller with less forward lean than normal. This swing will be flatter than normal.

Grip: Since you are closer to the ball with a longer club you will need to choke down on grip. Move your hands down enough to establish space for a comfortable swing.

Alignment: Align your self left of the target. This shot tends to hook.

Ball position: Move the ball back slightly to compensate for the tendency to hit this shot fat.

When the Ball is Below Your Feet

Club selection: Use more club than distance indicates club to make it easier to reach the ball which is further away than normal.

Stance: You will need to squat down to establish the proper distance from your chest to the ball. Be careful not to allow your knees to move further forward than normal. Just over the shoelaces is recommended. This swing will be more upright than normal.

Grip: Since you are farther from the ball with a longer club you will need to choke down on grip. Move your hands down enough to establish space for a comfortable swing.

Alignment: Align your self left of the target. This shot tends to hook.

Ball position: Move the ball back slightly to compensate for the tendency to hit this shot thin.

Balance is crucial on either shot; don't allow the swing to upset your balance. You are not trying to get the full distance for this club, so use a three quarter swing. Take what the lie gives you.

Once you make the proper adjustments, swing smoothly and in tempo and allow the club to do the work of creating the proper ball flight.

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