By Giovanni Losso, PGA Professional at MyGolf Dubai
In this article, I’m going to teach you how to counteract the closed clubface at impact when you’re facing an uphill sloping lie.
A general rule of thumb, when you find yourself with a sloping lie, is to try and create as much balance as possible throughout the swing. Wherever the slope takes you, try to address yourself in a position where your bodyweight is going against the slope.
The great thing about our simulators at MyGolf, Dubai, is they slope into different angles to allow you to practice ball above feet and ball below feet ñ this isn’t possible at a normal driving range.
The do’s
Grip the club shorter to allow the wrists to properly release the club and promote a more ‘armsy’ swing.
Counter the gravity by placing your body weight on the opposite side of the slope. Place your weight fully on your tip toes. As you can see my heels are raised from the ground for this severe slope. It’s very important to do this to counteract the lie angle of the club, which at the moment of strike may cause the club face to immediately shut.
Promote a stable ‘armsy’ swing and try not to fall.
The don’ts
Do not grip the club high up the handle like you would with a normal shot. This is perfect if you want to hit the ground a mile before the ball! Do not place your body weight like you would when hitting off a flat lie. If you do, you will probably duck hook it!
