down hill lie

Question
I have a lot of trouble hitting a down hill lie.
for example, the fairway slopes downhill to a large pond.   Most of the time when I hit the ball it doesn't get over the water.  However, when the fairway is level I can usually carry the ball over a pond. Any advice will be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Milt:

No problem.  Pretty simple actually, just need a few tips.  First, you must set your shoulders to the angle of the slope.  That is the KEY to the shot.  So if you put a club across the front of your shoulders and addressed the ball, the club would be at the same angle as the slope.  Second, take enough club loft wise to make sure you get over the pond or trouble.  Since hitting downhill will automatically deloft the clubface, you must use a club that has more loft than normal.  So to set up, shoulders at the same angle as the slope, weight on the downhill leg, BALL PLAYED BACK OF CENTER IN THE STANCE.  Then here is the second key to the shot.  As you make your swing, DO NOT TRY TO PICK THE BALL UP OR LIFT IT INTO THE AIR.  Accept the fact the ball is coming out low and go with it.  My teacher told me when I was 14 years old to hit those shots by chasing it down the hill.  In other words, you must swing DOWN THE SLOPE, because that is what it is giving you.  If you try to pick it up, your body will tilt backwards and you'll have the tendency to stick the club into the ground, hitting if fat into the water.  And if you miss the ground, you'll top it and hit it in the water anyway.  So, set your angle correctly, take enough loft, and swing down the slope.  Accept the fact it will come out lower than normal and run when it hits.  Good luck.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member