Iron play: The guide to every slope on the golf course

When was the last time you found yourself on a perfectly flat lie on the golf course? Unless it’s from the tee, there’s a good chance you’ll struggle to think of one. When you’re on the golf course, you’re going to hit plenty irons from slopes.

When we’re at the driving range, we’re almost always going to hit shots from a perfectly flat stance. But, as we know, that’s not too common on the golf course, especially if we’re playing an undulating course.

A lot of players might panic when they get in a sloping lie, especially if it’s severe, but that doesn’t need to be the case.

When you’re presented with a sloping lie, there are several key set-up changes that need to be made to account for the situation. The extent of those changes will always depend on the severity of the slope and the conditions at the time.

Here are four sloping lies you’re going to encounter, as well as some important changes you can make to master them. To make this easy, we’re going to assume you’re a right-handed golfer.

1.Ball above feet

When the ball is above your feet, you should adjust your aim to the right as the ball should fly right-to-left in the air.

At address place a little more weight towards the balls of your feet. When you swing the club, the slope will tend to pull your weight backwards. This set-up change will help with your balance and strike.

Grip down the club for a little more control and to offset the fact the ball is above your feet.

Think about using one less club as the ball may fly a little further than normal.

2. Ball below feet

In this scenario, you want to adjust your aim to the left. This slope can cause a more upright backswing and an out-to-in swing path which will cause the ball to move left-to-right in the air.

At address place a little more weight towards your heels and bend the knees a little more to help prevent your weight moving towards your toes in the backswing.

Ensure you’re gripping the full length of the club.

Think about taking one more club than you would normally.

3. Downhill lie

At address, ensure your shoulders and weight are positioned in the same direction as the slope. This will help your body to move with the slope during your swing.

Think about taking one less club, as the ball should fly a little lower than normal. You want a little more loft.

During the swing, try to stay balanced and swing with the same speed and tempo you would normally.

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4. Uphill lie

At address, ensure your shoulders and weight are positioned in the same direction as the slope.

Move your ball position a little further back to help with strike and prevent the ball from flying too high and therefore not achieving your desired distance.

Due to the ball flying a little higher than normal, think about taking an extra club, depending on the severity of the slope.

During the swing, try not to allow your weight to shift into your trail side. This will help with the quality of strike.

Gavin Abson is the Head PGA Professional at The West Lancashire Golf Club. You can follow him on X.