Virtually every round of golf requires a shot from an uphill lie. Regardless of the course I play, uphill, downhill and sidehill lies are all part of my round. Because I know this, I have taken the time to practice all three lies in order to reduce the scores and eliminate my frustration from duff shots. There is a technique to successfully hit non-flat lies and today, we are going to discuss hitting an uphill lie.
Hitting the ball from an uphill lie is actually quite simple. Depending on the shot results desired (long or short) the way we setup will determine our success. Yes, setup is the key. Take a look:
I use both of these techniques when trying to chip the ball in the hole 😉 (notice I did not say close?) The intent is to have the shortest putt possible for my tap in par. One of the aspects the video did not touch on is club selection.
It is very important to try different clubs when practicing. Each scoring club will produce different results and valuable information on ball release. I have used all my wedges (4) and my 7 iron when practicing. I have no specific preference because the lie on the course will determine the shot and ultimately club selection. Therefore, practicing with all your scoring clubs is important.
Lastly, to be successful on an uphill lie, we need to commit to the chosen shot. Many times when we only half commit, the ball will come up short. I have experienced this poor result many times because I did not trust my setup and swing. committing to the shot is very important and is a key fundamental step in our shot making process.
Chipping the ball from an uphill lie is not overly difficult. It does take practice, however of all the odd ball positions on the golf course, I find it the easiest to navigate. I think you will as well with just a bit of practice.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
If you’re playing in Florida and find yourself facing an uphill lie like that I suggest you don’t try that second option he gave. Our grass down here is simply unforgiving against the grain. And an uphill lie in Bermuda is always into the grain. It grabs the club and sucks it down and you will never get through to the ball.
Better to play the shot down here more like the first example but with a club with less loft to keep it lower and get less check. And personally I’d just as soon play both those shots from a more upright position with my feet closer together, my stance closer to the ball, and the club held a bit toe down. That will give me a slightly lower trajectory but still get enough spin to stop a sand wedge and enough check to slow a gap wedge when I’m on the wrong side of a big green. Long arms make for shallow swings and shallow swings don’t duff as often.
Hey, got another hole out from that magic zone of mine. 70-80 yards. Hit a sand wedge in for eagle Friday afternoon. BTW That close stance slightly toe down attitude works quite well from the fairway with a wedge too I’m here to tell ya. lol
I gotta be close to 10 hole outs from that distance now not counting the ones I’ve hit on the range. And I only have three clubs in the bag that I’ve never holed out or aced with. The driver and the 5 wood and the 6 iron.
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Kevin,
Great advice about playing different grasses. That would be considered a game day decision.
Congrats on all your hole outs! All your practice is definitely paying off.
Cheers Jim
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