Yes, winter is upon us and the courses are saturated. Playing in
these condition can be a challenge especially when you
’re trying to keep yourself and the clubs dry. Here are some
helpful tips to deal with these conditions. Seldom do you play a
round of golf when the golf course is flat. Periodically, you’re
faced with some uneven slopes throughout a round. The most common
mistake we see is not allowing enough
room for the curvature of the ball flight. Depending on the
severity of the lie, the right handed golfer will need to aim more
right of the target when the ball is above your feet.
Yes, winter is upon us and the courses are saturated. Playing in these condition can be a challenge especially when you’re trying to keep yourself and the clubs dry. Here are some helpful tips to deal with these conditions. Seldom do you play a round of golf when the golf course is flat. Periodically, you’re faced with some uneven slopes throughout a round. The most common mistake we see is not allowing enough room for the curvature of the ball flight. Depending on the severity of the lie, the right handed golfer will need to aim more right of the target when the ball is above your feet. This lie will promote a flatter swing path resulting in a right to left ball flight. To hit this shot, stand taller with the weight favoring your toes. Make sure you’re balanced so you won’t rock back and forth during the swing. Choke down on the club to compensate for the slope of the hill. Take enough club to offset the distance you lose resulting from choking down. For example, if it’s a seven-iron distance, choose a six or five iron. Place the ball in the middle of your stance, aiming right of the target. To help reduce some of the curvature of the ball, you may choose to open the clubface slightly at address. Like most uneven lies, swing within yourself, maintaining your balance and minimizing your body motion. You may find it difficult to practice these shots. I find the best time is late afternoon when the courses are not so crowded and no one is behind you. Take a couple of extra balls and practice hitting shots from various slopes.
Don Leone is the Director of Golf Instruction at Coyote Creek Golf Course. For information about classes, email dl****@*********ke.com or call 463-8024.
