Greens are often surrounded by banks, mounds and hollows, so many short-game shots are played from sloping lies. A slope changes your balance, the club's effective loft, the direction the ball starts and how much it rolls. Simple setup changes deal with most of them. Here's how to handle the four main slopes around the green.
Why slopes matter
A slope affects:
- Balance, as gravity pulls you up or down the hill.
- Loft, which increases on uphill lies and decreases on downhill lies.
- Direction, because the lie angle of the club changes when the ball is above or below your feet.
- Contact, since the low point of your swing moves.
Read how to play uneven lies for full shots.
Uphill lie
- Set your shoulders parallel to the slope, with more weight on the trail foot.
- Ball slightly forward of centre.
- Expect a higher shot that stops quickly.
- Use less loft than usual, such as a 9 iron instead of a sand wedge, or make a firmer stroke.
- Swing along the slope, up the hill after impact.
Uphill lies are generally easier, because the slope helps get the ball in the air.
Downhill lie
- Set your shoulders parallel to the slope, with more weight on the lead foot.
- Ball slightly back of centre.
- Expect a lower shot that runs out.
- Use more loft, such as a lob or sand wedge, and land the ball earlier.
- Swing down the slope, chasing the ball after impact.
- Don't try to lift the ball; let the loft do the work.
Downhill chips to a green running away from you are among the hardest shots in golf. Accept a longer putt rather than risking a duff or a thin. Read short-sided recovery shots.
Ball above your feet
- Grip down the club.
- Stand more upright.
- Aim slightly right (for right-handers), as the ball tends to go left.
- Make a flatter, rounder swing.
Ball below your feet
- Bend more from the hips and flex your knees.
- Widen your stance for stability.
- Aim slightly left (for right-handers), as the ball tends to go right.
- Stay down through the shot; standing up early causes thin or topped shots.
Combined slopes
Many lies combine slopes, such as uphill with the ball above your feet. Apply both adjustments, and make a smaller, controlled swing. Practice swings on the same slope help you feel where the club meets the ground. Read making practice swings count.
Club selection summary
| Lie | Ball flight | Club adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Uphill | Higher, shorter, stops fast | Less loft or firmer stroke |
| Downhill | Lower, runs more | More loft, land it earlier |
| Ball above feet | Left (right-handers) | Grip down, aim right |
| Ball below feet | Right (right-handers) | Bend more, aim left |
Balance first
- Make a shorter swing than on flat ground.
- Keep your weight steady.
- Hold your finish to check balance.
Read balance training for golf.
Practice
Find slopes around your practice green and play a few balls from each. Note how the ball reacts and adjust your landing spots. Read short-game practice plan.
Frequently asked questions
Which way should my shoulders be on a slope?
Parallel to the slope for uphill and downhill lies.
Why do downhill chips come out low?
The slope reduces the club's effective loft.
How do I avoid duffing downhill chips?
Put the ball back, keep weight on the lead side and swing down the slope.
The bottom line
Slopes change loft, direction and balance. Match your shoulders to the slope, adjust ball position and loft, aim off for sidehill lies and make a controlled swing. With a little practice, sloping lies around the green become far less daunting. For more, read greenside rough shots.