By Steve Patterson, PGA
At Golden’s award-winning Fossil Trace Golf Club, thick, uneven lies can be found around nearly every green. Short shots from uneven lies can be a guessing game, unless you modify your setup to eliminate the indecision in your short game.
UPHILL
Try not to lean forward into the slope; that will cause a steep downswing and poor contact. Allow your weight to remain in balance between both feet. During setup, angle your shoulders to the angle of the slope – shoulder line should be parallel to the hill. Play the ball forward in the stance with a balanced, sweeping swing.
DOWNHILL
Matching the shoulders to the slope will distribute the weight heavily to the front leg. If you lean back, the club will typically bottom out behind the ball. Take a wider stance and play the ball back to encourage ball-first contact. Take a smooth, balanced swing where your weight will stay on the front leg.
Steve Patterson is the PGA Certified Lead Instructor at Fossil Trace Golf Club. Visit stevepattersongolf.com or call (303) 277-8750