Hitting Chip Shots From Downhill Lies
Not all chip shots go your way, some chips don't fall on a pleasant, level ground. Other times, your ball will be sitting on a downhill slope for your next shot. This newsletter will assist you concerning how to handle chip shots on a downhill slope. If your fundamentals and shot techniques are already up to scratch then these chips don't have to be far too much of a challenge for you. There are however one or two chipping tips for you to follow so you can have one or two little tweaks to enable your putts to be sufficiently close to the hole as possible.
Effects
Two unavoidable things will occur when your ball is on a downhill slope. First is that your balance will be off a little bit. That is because of your front foot being below your back one. The other effect is that the golf ball will not have the same flight path and angle once it hits the green. Here is how we deal with these effects.
Setup
With your set up forcibly in effect we only need to make a few minor changes. The 1st will be to broaden your position so that you can enhance your stability. Then you want to lean forward so that your hips and shoulders are parallel to the ground and almost all of your weight will be applied to the front foot. This position will ensure you that your swing path is even with the ground and you make solid contact with the ball. You still need to play the ball back in your position.
Execution
With your stance now fully adjusted and your weight now moving forwards, the club will be de-lofted. This is going to make the ball come out low and hot. Due to the extra roll, you won't need to hit the shot as tough as you would have from an even lie. You may wish to make a restructuring on what club to chip with. If you would routinely utilize a 7-iron, then you could need to go to an 8, 9, or even a pitching wedge in order to get the ball to land where you wish to on the green.
One or two practice shots chipping from a downhill lie is all that you must be in a position to execute these shots with as much success and consistency as from a flat lie.
Effects
Two unavoidable things will occur when your ball is on a downhill slope. First is that your balance will be off a little bit. That is because of your front foot being below your back one. The other effect is that the golf ball will not have the same flight path and angle once it hits the green. Here is how we deal with these effects.
Setup
With your set up forcibly in effect we only need to make a few minor changes. The 1st will be to broaden your position so that you can enhance your stability. Then you want to lean forward so that your hips and shoulders are parallel to the ground and almost all of your weight will be applied to the front foot. This position will ensure you that your swing path is even with the ground and you make solid contact with the ball. You still need to play the ball back in your position.
Execution
With your stance now fully adjusted and your weight now moving forwards, the club will be de-lofted. This is going to make the ball come out low and hot. Due to the extra roll, you won't need to hit the shot as tough as you would have from an even lie. You may wish to make a restructuring on what club to chip with. If you would routinely utilize a 7-iron, then you could need to go to an 8, 9, or even a pitching wedge in order to get the ball to land where you wish to on the green.
One or two practice shots chipping from a downhill lie is all that you must be in a position to execute these shots with as much success and consistency as from a flat lie.
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