How to Hit Uneven Lies in Golf

How to Hit Uphill, Downhill, Below the Feet & Above the Feet Golf Shots

The dreaded uneven lies - uphill, downhill, below the feet and above the feet. As if golf isn't hard enough from the center of the fairway, uneven lies require a sort of mental math to ensure we take the best possible shot. It isn't easy, but then again, nothing in this game is, so why should it be?

This guide will help you navigate how to hit uneven lies in golf. Whether your ball is sitting uphill, downhill, below your feet or above your feet, after reading this guide you will know exactly what to do. We can't guarantee you'll flush them all, but you'll at least know how to put yourself in the best position to hit the green in regulation and look like a real golfer.

Above Feet Lie: How to Hit a Golf Ball Above Feet

For shots with the golf ball above feet you must avoid pulling the ball.

• Take a normal stance with your weight on the balls of your feet. Rest the club 4 inches behind the ball.
• Lean your weight into the slope until the club head sits behind the ball.
• You will feel more pressure pushing to the ground from your toes.
• Proper balance and weight shift into the slope will result in a much straighter ball flight.
• Poor balance on the slope will result in a pull and a ball flight to the left.

Below Feet Lie: How to Hit a Golf Ball Below Feet

For shots with the golf ball below feet you must avoid pushing the ball.

• Take a normal stance with weight on the balls of your feet. Rest the club 4 inches beyond the ball.
• Lean your weight into the slope until the club head sits behind the ball.
• You will feel more pressure pushing to the ground from your heels.
• Proper balance and weight shift into the slope will result in a much straighter ball flight.
• Poor balance on the slope will result in a push and a ball flight to the right.

Uphill Lie: How to Hit an Uphill Golf Ball Lie

For shots with the golf ball on an uphill lie you must avoid chunking the ball.

• Take a normal stance with weight on the balls of your feet. Rest the club 4 inches behind the ball.
• Lean your weight into the slope until the club head sits behind the ball.
• You will feel more pressure pushing to the ground on your left side.
• Shoulders will match the slope of the downhill and you will swing with the slope.
• Compensate for the slope by clubbing up to decrease loft.

Downhill Lie: How to Hit a Downhill Golf Ball Lie

For shots with the golf ball on a downhill lie you must avoid skulling the ball.

• Take a normal stance with weight on the balls of your feet. Rest the club 4 inches in front of the ball.
• Lean your weight into the slope until the club head sits behind the ball.
• You will feel more pressure pushing to the ground on your right side.
• Shoulders will match the slope of the downhill and you will swing with the slope.
• Compensate for the slope by clubbing down to increase loft.

Now that you know how to approach these 4 uneven lies, it's time to throw on a polo, grab a hat, and hit the course. Let us know how these golf swing tips work out for you and, as always, share your feedback in the comments section, below!