When the Lie Matters

In order to increase both the caliber and enjoyment of one’s golf game, it is necessary to do more than walk up to the ball and take a swing at it.

If you utilize the following information, thereby improving your golf course awareness, you will be amazed at the increased satisfaction you will get by thinking and reacting like a professional.

We will cover several situations based upon the swing of a right-handed player.

DOWN HILL LIE

Right foot is higher than the left foot

Ball Flight Pattern – Left to right.
Club Selection – Greater lofted club face.
Balance of the Body – Shoulders level to the hill (right shoulder higher than left),weight towards the left foot.
Ball position – Closer to the right foot.
Body Alignment – Starting target is to the left of the final destination.
Club Face – Allow it to follow the contour of the land.

UP HILL LIE

Left foot is higher than the right foot

Ball Flight Pattern – Right to left.
Club Selection – Less lofted club face.
Balance of the Body – Shoulders level to the hill (left shoulder higher than right), weight towards the right foot.
Ball position – Closer to the left foot.
Body Alignment – Starting target is to the right of the final destination.
Club Face – Allow it to follow the contour of the land.

SIDE HILL LIE (DOWN HILL)

Golf ball is below the feet.

Ball Flight Pattern – Left to right.
Club Selection – Less lofted club face.
Balance of the Body – Weight equal on the heels of the feet.
Ball position – Closer to the left foot.
Body Alignment – Starting target is to the left of the final destination.
Club Face – Allow it to follow the contour of the land.

SIDE HILL LIE (UP HILL)

Golf ball is above the feet.

Ball Flight Pattern – Right to Left.
Club Selection – Greater lofted club face.
Balance of the Body – Weight is forward on the balls of the feet.
Ball Position – Closer to the Center.
Body Alignment – Starting target is to the right of the final destination.
Club Face – Allow it to follow the contour of the land.

Under these circumstances, in order to find the proper point of contact with the earth, make a rehearsal swing fitting the appropriate lie with the balance of your body to replicate your actual swing shape, to solidify your impact.