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Sidehill lies are uncomfortable. Most stock swing thoughts and feels get thrown out the window when the ball is substantially above or below your feet. Not to mention it’s difficult to replicate these lies on the range, so our lifetime reps are limited.
There are general principles such as the ball will fade when below your feet and draw when above your feet, but other than that, do you know other tweaks in your stance or swing that should be made?
If not, that is okay. We are here to help! Learn how to manage these awkward lies with the following video tips from GolfPass instructors who will break down the mechanics and mindset needed to hit quality shots.
1. Rory on sidehill lies with mid-irons
Rory McIlroy has hit some amazing shots from sidehill lies in his career. In this tip from Ask Rory, he details a few focus points when hitting from uphill and downhill lies. Think about grip location, club selection and weight transfer to minimize the impact of the slope on the flight of the ball.
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2. On course strategy for a ball below your feet
Martin Chuck tackles a variety of situations in this episode of Breaking Bad Habits: On the Course. Martin thoroughly explains the technical challenges presented when the ball is below your feet and how your strategy should match slope severity. Side bend and choked down practice swings can help!
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3. On course strategy for a ball above your feet
Let's switch it up to the ball above your feet, or the uphill lie. Martin moves a little closer to the hole in this episode and covers a mid-range iron shot. How much should you adjust your aim vs. technique from sidehill lies? Watch and find out!
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4. A sidehill lie tip from the Golden Bear
Our last sidehill lie iron tip is appropriately an extra credit segment from School of Golf. Martin Hall and Blair O'Neal tap into advice from the great Jack Nicklaus on how to hit these shots. Make two small setup changes and slow down the swing to make solid contact when the ball is below your feet.
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5. Joel Dahmen on sidehill wedge shots
Even short distance wedge shots can be altered a good amount from sidehill lies. Joel Dahmen teaches a couple strategy and swing tips to make sure they are still a solid scoring opportunity. Solid contact is the first priority!
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BONUS LESSONS: How to handle sidehill lies around the green
6. In the bunker
Depending on the fluffiness of the sand at your home course, the ball sometimes stays near the edge of the bunker leading to downhill or uphill lies. In this episode of Golfer's Guide: Bunker Play, Nathalie Sheehan provides useful techniques for both situations.
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7. Pitch shots
It's jarring to aim away from your target on pitch shots, but Martin Hall says it's a must! Hear about that and other aspects of hitting pitch shots from uphill lies in this tip from Build A Better Short Game.
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