Downhill Shot

[leezer99]

I'm having a real tough time keeping the ball flying straight on downhill shots. Any tips out there?

[DriverTees]

Err. Take less club, because your 8 iron will turn into a 6 iron because of the slope. And do you lift your left foot on the backswing?

You want to keep most of your weight on your front foot, but make sure you use more than your arms. Most people with issues with downhill shots come over the top and slice it, or don't complete the backswing and drive their lower body through too much... What's your typical miss?

[leezer99]

My miss is typically a hook on downhill shots and I don't think I lift my left foot but for all I know it could be. I knew about taking less club and typically estimate about one less club per 10 feet of downward elevation change. It's just getting that darn ball to fly straight! Aaarrgggg.

[DriverTees]

In that case:

-Keep your tempo. Don't ever try to "go at it" from the rough. Don't slow down, either. Just swing with a nice rhythm.

- Swing your arms, not your hips. Do you always hook it or? I think you are keeping your arms too quiet, and driving your lower body through too much. Can't be sure though, give it a try ;)

[pjsnyc]

Whenever the downward slope is enough to make me feel uncomfortable at address, I definitely focus on keeping it simple - first stabilize your base and try to get your shoulders level with the slope (yes this means weight forward). Shorten your backswing and focus on solid contact at a slower swing speed. Not sure what would cause the hooks though - might be because you're releasing the club too early? I always figured a downward slope would encourage the opposite.

[leezer99]

Thanks guys, I'll give that a shot this weekend... or maybe today after work if I can get out.