[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Tips for Shots on Downhill Slopes with Toes Pointing Down?"

On downhill slopes at the toe, fade occurs, so aim slightly left of the target.

"Just swing through."

This applies when the ball is positioned below your feet on a sidehill lie. The ball may be either above or below your feet, both situations are sidehill lies. On a downhill slope, it is especially difficult to maintain balance as your body’s center of gravity shifts forward during the shot, and the nervousness often causes a faster swing leading to mishits. You should learn the following tips to reduce mistakes.

1. Stand with a wider stance than usual and shift your weight onto the heels of both feet to maintain balance during the swing (Stand wider for extra stability. Shift your weight more to your heels to help you keep your balance and avoid falling forward during the swing).

2. Bend your knees more than usual to lower your center of gravity and lean your upper body forward (Bend your knees to a greater degree than usual).

3. Position the ball to the right of center and use a club one length longer than usual; for example, use a 7-iron instead of an 8-iron for the same distance (Select a longer club for the distance to compensate for the shorter swing. For example, if you would normally hit an 8-iron from that distance, choose a 7-iron).

4. Aim left of your target because the ball tends to fade, moving from left to right in flight (Aim left of your target because the ball will tend to move from left to right - a fade in flight).

5. Keep your head as still as possible throughout the swing (Try to keep your head steady throughout the swing).

6. Make the backswing more upright than usual (At the top of the backswing the swing will be more upright than normal).

7. Limit your backswing to 70-80% to maintain balance (Don't swing hard: Go at 70 or 80 percent to keep your balance).

8. Slow down your swing tempo to help keep your balance (Slow down your swing tempo to ensure you don't lose your balance).

Golfer: I'm not very good at hitting from a sidehill lie standing below my feet.

Golf pro: Okay, let me try and help you. If the ball is located below your feet, try to keep the weight on your heels and make sure your knees are fixed when you hit the ball. The ball will tend to move left-to-right in flight and then kick right on landing.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist