Kyle Voska Golf

Tip-of-the-Month January ’10: Uneven Lies

UNEVEN LIES

One of the reasons golf is so difficult is because almost every lie is different.  When we practice at a driving range, hitting off a mat especially, it can become monotonous because the lie is pretty much the same each time.  After perfecting your driving range swing, it can be difficult adjusting to the different lies on the course.  I’m sure many of you have had the feeling of hitting good shot after good shot on the range only to find yourself struggling once you reach the golf course.  Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Today, I’m going to give you some tips on how to play these various lies.  In order to improve at this game you must be able to adapt to different situations that arise during your round.  Learning how to set up correctly for these awkward lies will vastly improve your chances of hitting more good shots on the course.  There are 4 different types of uneven lies I’m going to go cover.  After reading this article, I recommend printing out these tips and putting them in your bag for future reference.

Uphill Lie – This shot will tend to fly higher and shorter due to the increased loft of clubface caused by the uphill lie.

1. Set your body to match the slope by leaning back/tilt shoulders to match slope
2. Move the ball back in your stance so it’s in line with the center of your body
3. Take more club
4. Swing up the slope, not at the ball
5. Aim a little right because the ball will tend to go left due to the lack of turning of your body through the shot

Downhill Lie – This very difficult shot will fly much lower than your normal shots.  The goal here is to advance the ball up the fairway.  Try not to get too greedy with this shot.

1. Set your body to match the slope – more weight on your forward foot/tilt shoulders to match slope
2. Place the ball in the middle of your stance
3. Hit a higher-lofted club because the downslope will deloft your club
4. Swing down the slope
5. Swing easy without trying to lift the ball (if you try to help the ball up you will duff it)

Ball Above Your Feet - This shot will tend to curve right-to-left (for right-handed).

1. Stand taller at address
2. Aim a little to the right
3. Ball placement towards the back of your stance
4. Swing more around your body – a lower, flatter swing so you sweep the ball off the slope

Ball Below Your Feet – This difficult lie will tend to veer off to the right (for right-handed).

1. Stand closer to the ball
2. Much wider stance with a lot more knee bend – I recommend wide knees
3. Ball placement is back in your stance
4. Aim a little left
5. Swing a lot more up and down
6. Swing easy and keep your knees bent throughout the shot

All of these lies can be difficult, but hopefully my tips will help to improve your results for these shots.  I would recommend practicing these lies at a place that has uneven lies like Meadow Links Golf Academy in Cincinnati.  When I teach these shots I either go out to the target greens on my driving range or I go on the golf course.

My last tip for these shots is if you’re in doubt on what to do, take a couple of practice swings to feel the difference in your swing and to see where your club is hitting the ground.  You’ll want to place the ball close to where your club is first striking the ground.  Also, swing in control for these shots.  They’re trouble shots.  Remember:  when you’re in trouble, your first goal is to get out it.

January 16, 2010 - Posted by Kyle Voska | Golf Tips, Scoring Lower, Tips-of-the-Month, UC Class Notes | difficult lies, Golf Tips, hilly lies, improvement, swing tip, Tip-of-the-Month, uneven lies