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Effect of unflat lies on shots


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Are there any easy ways to remember the effect of unflat lies on golf shots?  I'm not sure I even know what the effect of those is going to be.

For example, if the ball is above my feet.  That is, my feet (if I were to stand with them straight ahead) are facing uphill, I think the effect is that the ball will go left (I'm right handed) and if the ball is below by feet (more downhill than I am), it'll go right.

Similarly, if the line from my ball to my target is uphill, so it's a sidehill lie going uphill, I think the effect is it'll be shorter than the stock flat shot for this iron, and the opposite for downhill, even after accounting for the difference in target distance.

I could be way wrong about these and have never really confronted or tested my assumptions.  I also feel like I saw an instructional article on this on this site a while back, but I was unable to find it in either obvious forum to check. 

(Note to moderators:  I debated putting this in "golf talk" or "instructions and playing tips."  Since I'm seeking the latter, I figured it belonged here.  I hope that's okay.)

-- Michael | My swing! 

"You think you're Jim Furyk. That's why your phone is never charged." - message from my mother

Driver:  Titleist 915D2.  4-wood:  Titleist 917F2.  Titleist TS2 19 degree hybrid.  Another hybrid in here too.  Irons 5-U, Ping G400.  Wedges negotiable (currently 54 degree Cleveland, 58 degree Titleist) Edel putter. 

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Hit a dozen each off various uneven lies, and you will know, and remember. Based on your post, you seem to have the right idea on ball flights. 

For a right a ball below the feet will tend to fade. Above the feet, the ball will tend to draw. How much left or right the ball moves will depend on the golfer, and the distance required. 

Another way to look at it is a ball above the feet makes the club face look a little close. Below the feet, a little open. 

Down hill lies the ball tends to come out lower than normal. Uphill lies the ball tends to come out higher than normal. Club selection is more important for distance required. Again practice gives the golfer the info the golfer needs for these shots. 

Our course has a 5' foot high mound, where I can practice these types of shots. Perhaps other course do too, but are not utilized for these practice shots. 

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1 minute ago, Patch said:

Our course has a 5' foot high mound, where I can practice these types of shots. Perhaps other course do too, but are not utilized for these practice shots. 

Thanks for the reply.  I don't know where I can practice and my home course (and most courses in my area) are way too busy to pick a spot and hit a bunch of shots.  Maybe one of my summer desert courses I'll find a spot and pause and hit a bunch.  Or I'll be more diligent in recording my shot outcomes when I encounter it.

-- Michael | My swing! 

"You think you're Jim Furyk. That's why your phone is never charged." - message from my mother

Driver:  Titleist 915D2.  4-wood:  Titleist 917F2.  Titleist TS2 19 degree hybrid.  Another hybrid in here too.  Irons 5-U, Ping G400.  Wedges negotiable (currently 54 degree Cleveland, 58 degree Titleist) Edel putter. 

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Busy courses do present a problem for practicing specific, types of shots. We have a practice bunker that no one uses which seems strange to me. The 5' foot mound is next to the bunker. 

Maybe if you get on the course, and find yourself all alone, you can find a hillside  for a few uneven lie shots. They are not hard shots to hit. You just have learn how to adjust your aiming point, and use proper club selection. 

 

In My Bag:
A whole bunch of Tour Edge golf stuff...... :beer:

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Generally, simple rule

Uphill or ball above your feet, ball goes left.

Downhill or ball below your feet, ball goes right.

Degree of spray depends on severity of the terrain.

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Note: This thread is 2131 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

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