On your journey to a lower handicap, you’ll quickly learn that dialing in your driver is just a small piece of the larger puzzle at hand. In fact, some of the most challenging shots in golf happen after your tee shot lands safely in the fairway.
Whether you’re conquering the dramatic slopes of Augusta National or your local muni, uneven lies are a true test for any player. They require adaptability, a bit of knowledge and a whole lot of commitment. All you need are a few simple adjustments to succeed from even the most severe lies.
Below is everything you need to know to navigate uneven lies. From core principles that will raise your golf IQ to step-by-step instructions for specific lies, with this quick guide, you can master some of the trickiest shots in golf.
Core principles for uneven lies
When tackling these uneven lies, there are four keys you should always remember:
1. Match the slope (align your shoulders and hips with the ground to maintain balance)
2. Adjust your weight (shift your weight to counter the slope’s pull)
3. Modify ball position (tweak your ball position for clean contact)
4. Anticipate your ball flight (expect curves and plan you aim accordingly)
Now that you know the basics, let’s tackle the four main types of uneven lies and how to hit them.
Ball above your feet
For right-handed golfers, hitting a shot with the ball above your feet often leads to a leftward shot. That’s because when the ball is above your feet, the angle of the lie naturally aims the clubface to the left. The more loft on the club, the more pronounced this leftward alignment becomes.
To counteract the leftward tendency, try experimenting with one (or more) of these three strategies: adjusting ball position, aiming right, or slightly opening the clubface. Here’s how you can make each adjustment work for you:
1. Move the ball back: Shift the ball slightly back in your stance—toward the center or just behind. This adjustment helps square the clubface at impact, reducing the hook and bringing the shot back on track.
2. Aim right: Set up aiming 10–20 yards right of your target, depending on the slope’s severity, to account for the natural draw or hook that will result.
3. Open the clubface: Slightly open the clubface at address to offset the closed face caused by the slope. Be subtle with this—overdoing it can lead to a push to the right.
You’ll also want to adjust your setup to counteract the hill. Standing a little taller and choking down on your club will increase your control. Try to keep your weight slightly on your toes to maintain balance throughout the swing. Lastly, try to make a smooth, controlled swing. This will help you avoid over-exaggerating the leftward curve.
Pro tip: Consider taking one more club (e.g., a 6-iron instead of a 7-iron) to offset any loss of distance caused by the hook or draw. For steeper slopes, you can even combine multiple strategies—like aiming right and opening the clubface—to dial in your control and consistency.
Ball below your feet
When the ball is below your feet, it often feels like you’re reaching for it, and the shot tends to fade or slice to the right for right-handed golfers. This happens because the lie naturally aims the clubface to the right.
To counter the rightward tendency, experiment with three strategies: closing the clubface, adjusting ball position, or aiming left. Here’s how:
1. Close the clubface: Slightly close the clubface at address to counter the slope’s tendency to open the face. Be subtle with this adjustment to avoid hooking the ball.
2. Move the ball forward: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance to encourage a squarer clubface at impact, reducing the fade or slice.
3. Aim left: Set up aiming 10–20 yards left of your target (depending on the severity of the slope) to accommodate for the natural fade or slice.
For your set up, you’ll need more bend in the knees and hips to reach the ball comfortably. Keep your weight slightly on your heels to maintain balance and stability during the swing.
Pro tip: Consider taking one more club (e.g., a 6-iron instead of a 7-iron) to compensate for any distance loss. For steeper slopes, you can use multiple strategies at once like to regain better control of your shot.
Uphill lies
Uphill lies can feel like you’re climbing a mountain. The slope pushes your weight back, making it easier to hit fat or topped shots, and it adds loft, causing the ball to fly higher than usual. Below are a few adjustments you can use to offset the effects of the slope.
1. Lean forward: Shift about 60-percent of your weight onto your front foot to counteract the slope and stay balanced during your swing.
2. Move the ball back: Position the ball slightly back in your stance to improve contact and help avoid the tendency for the ball to go left off this lie.
3. Match the slope: Tilt your shoulders to match the angle of the slope, ensuring your swing stays on plane and you don’t lose control.
Pro tip: Opt for a club with less loft (e.g., a 7-iron instead of an 8-iron) to offset the additional loft provided by the slope. You should also consider making a draw-bias swing—or a more in-to-out swing path—to help the clubhead navigate the ground and avoid striking the turf too early.
Downhill lies
Downhill lies can feel like you’re sliding toward the ball, often leading to low, skidding shots or thin contact. To cancel out this uneven lie, try some of the adjustments below:
1. Lean downhill: Align your shoulders with the slope at setup to maintain proper posture and balance during the swing.
2. Ball slightly forward: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance to promote cleaner contact and prevent hitting too thin.
3. Club choice: Select a club with more loft (e.g., a 9-iron instead of an 8-iron) to counteract the delofting effect caused by the slope.
4. Aim left: Aim slightly left, as the ball may fade off the downhill lie.
Pro tip: Try a fade-bias swing— or an out-to-in swing path—to steepen your swing and promote better contact and control.
While most golfers don’t have access to a practice range that offers uneven lies, you can always drop an extra ball here or there during a round to work on these challenging shots. Knowing how to handle uneven lies will help you hit more accurate approach shots and ultimately lower your scores.
