Improve Your Golf Game: Uneven Lies

This article is the second in a new series of golf tips written by David Gerken, the PGA head golf professional at Kahili Golf Course.

Gerken has three tips for all uneven lies:

1. Always take a wider stance for balance and stability
2. Always apply pressure into the slope. Match shoulders with the slope
3. Always swing in control, usually 85%

Uphill Lie: Shots from an uphill lie tend to go higher and shorter, and travel to the left. Make sure to aim right of your target and take and extra club or two. Swing with the slope.

Downhill Lie: Shots from a downhill lie tend to go lower and to the right. Make sure to aim slightly to the left and swing with the slope.

Ball Above Your Feet: The angle of the slope makes the club longer so be sure to grip down on the handle. Take your stance first, then grip the club. Depending on the severity of the slope will determine how much to grip down. The more slope there is, the lower you need to grip down on the club.

Ball Below Your Feet: With the ball below your feet, the shot will tend to fly to the right and have less roll. Add a club and aim a little to the left. Maintain knee flex and posture for good contact.

Uphill Lie: Shots from an uphill lie tend to go higher and shorter, and travel to the left. Make sure to aim right of your target and take and extra club or two. Swing with the slope.

Downhill Lie: Shots from a downhill lie tend to go lower and to the right. Make sure to aim slightly to the left and swing with the slope.

Ball Above Your Feet: The angle of the slope makes the club longer so be sure to grip down on the handle. Take your stance first, then grip the club. Depending on the severity of the slope will determine how much to grip down. The more slope there is, the lower you need to grip down on the club.

Ball Below Your Feet: With the ball below your feet, the shot will tend to fly to the right and have less roll. Add a club and aim a little to the left. Maintain knee flex and posture for good contact.