Golf tip: Mastering the uphill lie


April 22, 2008

"Watching the Masters last week, we saw several uphill and downhill lies that are common to many Long Island courses. The first step to successfully hitting a ball from an uphill lie is get into the correct setup position. Get a feel for the severity of the slope, take your stance and try to align your shoulders and hips with the terrain.

"In this position, your back shoulder will be lower than your front shoulder, how much depends on the slope. Take a few practice swings from this position, try to match your swing path to the slope. It is a good idea to take more club than usual because the ball will launch higher and you will have to swing a little easier to maintain balance. Off an uphill lie, your ball will have a tendency to be pulled or hooked, so remember to aim accordingly."

- Rob Gick, PGA assistant professional, Sands Point Golf Club

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