Irons · Tip
How to Hit From a Downhill Lie
Part of our irons programs for fat or chunked, uneven lies. Build a program with it
On a downhill lie, the ground falls away toward the target. That makes it easy to hit behind the ball. Tilt your shoulders to match the slope. Play the ball a bit back of center. Keep more weight on your lead foot the whole time. Swing down the slope and let the club chase the ball after impact. The ball will fly lower and roll more. So take a more lofted club.
Step by step
- Match your shoulders to the slope.
- Play the ball slightly back.
- Keep your weight on your lead foot.
- Chase the club down the hill.
- Use more loft and expect roll.
Why it works
On a downhill lie, the ground drops away toward the target. If your shoulders stay level, the club reaches the low point behind the ball and you hit it fat. Tilting your shoulders to match the slope, playing the ball back and keeping weight on your lead foot all move the low point of the swing forward. That lets the club meet the ball first, then the turf. The slope also takes loft off the club, so the ball flies lower and rolls more.
Common mistakes
- You keep your shoulders level and lean back to help the ball up.Tilt your shoulders so they run parallel to the slope, and keep your weight on your lead foot.
- You play the ball forward in your stance as you would on flat ground.Move the ball slightly back of center so the club reaches it before the ground.
- You stop the club after impact and try to lift the ball.Swing down the slope and let the club chase the ball toward the target after impact.
How you'll know it's working
- You strike the ball first and take a divot, if any, after the ball.
- The ball starts on your target line and flies lower than normal.
- Your weight stays on your lead foot through the finish, and you do not fall back.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Start with a short swing and a lofted club on a gentle slope so you can learn the tilt and the weight position.
Harder: Move to a steeper slope or a longer club while keeping the same shoulder tilt and weight on your lead foot.
Common questions
Why do I hit fat from a downhill lie?
The ground falls away, so a level-shouldered swing bottoms out behind the ball. Match your shoulders to the slope and keep your weight forward to move the low point ahead.
What club should I use from a downhill lie?
Take a more lofted club than you would on flat ground. The slope delocates loft, so the ball flies lower and rolls farther.
