Irons · Lesson
Simple Rules for Sidehill Lies
Part of our irons programs for weak contact, uneven lies. Build a program with it
Off the tee box, flat lies are rare. Slopes change your strike, your curve and your distance. Here's the simple version. Ball above your feet: grip down, stand taller, and aim right, because it'll curve left. Ball below your feet: widen your stance, bend more from the hips, and aim left, because it'll curve right. In both cases, swing at about 80 percent. Adjust your aim. Don't fight the slope.
Step by step
- Above your feet: grip down and stand taller.
- Aim right for a right-to-left curve.
- Below your feet: widen and bend more.
- Aim left for a left-to-right curve.
- Swing at 80 percent and stay balanced.
Why it works
A slope changes the angle of the swing plane and the lie of the club at impact. With the ball above your feet, the plane is flatter and the toe points down, so the face tends to point left and the ball curves left. With the ball below your feet, the plane is steeper and the heel tends to point down, so the face tends to point right and the ball curves right. A shorter, balanced swing keeps the strike central, so you only have to adjust your aim for the curve.
Common mistakes
- Aiming at the target and hoping the ball goes straight.Aim right when the ball is above your feet and left when it is below, so the curve brings the ball back to the target.
- Swinging hard to make up for the awkward stance.Swing at about 80 percent so you stay balanced and strike the ball in the middle of the face.
- Standing up out of your posture on a ball below your feet.Widen your stance and bend more from the hips, then keep that bend through impact.
How you'll know it's working
- You hit the middle of the face on both slopes, with no thin or heavy strikes.
- The ball curves the way you expected and finishes close to the target.
- You finish the swing in balance and can hold your finish without stepping.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practise on a gentle slope with a short iron and a smaller swing until the balance feels steady.
Harder: Move to a steeper slope or a longer club, and pick a specific target for each shot.
Common questions
Which way does the ball go when it is above your feet?
For a right-hander, it tends to curve right to left. Aim to the right of the target to allow for it.
Why should you swing easier on a sidehill lie?
The slope makes balance harder, and a full swing makes you move more. An easier swing at about 80 percent helps you stay steady and strike the ball cleanly.
