[Kim Maengnyoung's Golf English Conversation] "How to Hit from an Uphill Sidehill Lie?"

On an uphill slope at the tip of the foot, both trajectory and direction must be considered.

This is a guide on how to hit from an uphill sidehill lie when the ball is above your feet.

Unlike practice ranges, golf courses are not flat. This means you have to hit the ball from a variety of lies. In Korea, most golf courses are built on mountainous terrain, so even a slightly off-target tee shot often leaves you with a sidehill lie-either with the ball above your feet or below your feet. This makes the next shot more challenging. Here’s how to hit a good shot from an uphill sidehill lie when the ball is above your feet.

1. A stable swing is difficult on a slope. Set your feet firmly and stand closer to the ball than usual.

2. Use one more club than you normally would, and choke down on the grip.

3. Make a three-quarter swing instead of a full swing. This allows for a more compact and accurate impact.

4. Because the ball is higher than your feet, the clubface will tend to close at impact, resulting in a hook. Aim to the right of the pin. The steeper the slope or the shorter the club, the more the ball will curve. You need to account for this when aiming.

5. The ball will tend to fly from right to left and then kick further left after landing on the green.

A: Darn! I've got a nasty sidehill lie. I'm not good at hitting from sidehill lies.

B: Nor am I. In my case, I often stub my club into the ground when the ball is above my feet.

A: Do you think I can get on the green?

B: No, I don't think so. I recommend you lay up in front of the bunker.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyoung, Golf Columnist