Handling Undulating lies – 80% Rule
Have you ever played full shots from hanging lies with your ball above or below your feet and wondered why you duff, skull or even shank your shots?
The answers to this question are:
1. How hard are you swinging the club?
When making adjustments for hanging lies you need to consider that balance is your Number 1 key to success. If you swing at full speed on an uneven lie, it will be very difficult to expect good results unless you are gifted like Tiger or Seve Ballesteros !!
Try swinging at 80 percent or less power, and consider taking 1 club more will help you achieve a better strike on the clubface and allow your body to react to an uneven lie.
2. Are you adjusting your ball position or posture for the shot?
- Uphill lie – Move ball ball slightly forward in stance and swing up the slope – take at least one more club to allow for higher flight
- Downhill lie – Move ball slightly back in stance and take 1 less club to assist to get the ball airborne.
- Ball above feet – Grip slightly down and stand taller than usual and aim right and expect the ball to move from right to left for a right handed golfer.
- Ball below feet – Grip standard length – tilt more from hips and hang arms low – important to keep belly low through impact to assist a good strike. Aim left (right hand golfer) and expect the ball to move left to right
Mastering shots from undulating lies comes down to staying balanced, making small adjustments, and remembering the 80% rule. By slowing down, choosing the right club, and adapting your stance, you’ll give yourself the best chance to strike the ball cleanly and keep it on target.
Next time you’re faced with a tricky uneven lie, stay patient, trust your setup, and let the fundamentals do the work.
