Why Ball-Above-Your-Feet Lies Go Left—and How to Aim Better
You find your ball on a slope, with your feet below it and the ball sitting higher than your shoes. The target is straight ahead, but your next shot starts left and keeps curving farther left than expected.
This is one of the most common uneven lies in golf. The good news is that you do not need a completely different swing. You mainly need to understand how the slope changes the club’s setup and ball flight.
Why the Ball Usually Goes Left
When the ball is above your feet, the club sits more upright at address. In simple terms, the toe of the club is raised and the clubface points more to the left than it would on level ground.
The slope also encourages the club to travel around your body. Both factors can send the ball left, especially with shorter clubs that have more upright designs.
The steeper the slope and the shorter the club, the more noticeable the leftward result may be.
Make Three Simple Adjustments
1. Choke down on the club
Grip down the handle by an inch or two. This gives you more control and helps prevent the club from catching the ground too early because the ball is closer to your body relative to the slope.
Choking down may reduce distance slightly, so do not choose a club based only on your normal yardage. If you are between clubs, the extra club is often the better choice.
2. Aim farther right
Do not wait until after the shot to be surprised by the draw. Plan for it before you swing.
How far should you aim right? There is no universal number because it depends on the slope, club, lie, and your normal ball flight. As a starting point:
- On a mild slope, aim a few yards right.
- On a moderate slope, aim closer to the right edge of your target.
- On a severe slope, consider aiming at a safe area rather than directly at the flag.
If you already draw the ball from level lies, expect the slope to exaggerate that tendency. A golfer who normally hits a straight shot may only need a small adjustment.
3. Match your posture to the slope
Take your normal stance, then bend your knees enough to keep your balance. Your shoulders and hips should generally follow the angle of the ground instead of fighting to become perfectly level.
Keep your weight balanced between both feet. Many golfers lean backward to avoid falling downhill, but that can make the club strike the ground behind the ball. Feel stable rather than tilted dramatically away from the target.
Use a Smoother Swing
Uneven lies are not ideal situations for maximum effort. A hard swing can cause you to lose balance, change your posture, or make poor contact.
Make a controlled swing with a shorter finish. Your goal is solid contact and a predictable ball flight, not your absolute maximum distance.
Because the ball is above your feet, you may feel as though you are standing close to it. That is normal. Avoid reaching for the ball or standing unnaturally upright just to create more room.
Choose the Target, Not Just the Club
A ball-above-your-feet lie can turn a routine approach into a risky shot. Before selecting a club, look at what happens if the ball curves left.
- Is there a bunker guarding the left side?
- Will a left miss leave you short-sided near the green?
- Is the safest target the center or right side of the green?
- Would a shorter club leave an easier next shot?
If trouble is waiting on the left, aim for a conservative target and accept that you may finish farther from the hole. A predictable 25-foot putt is usually better than a short-sided chip or a penalty stroke.
Try This Practice Exercise
At the range, place a towel or alignment stick several yards to the right of your intended target. Hit 10 shots from a slight ball-above-your-feet lie, if the practice area allows it safely.
- Choke down one inch.
- Make a smooth swing.
- Start by aiming at your normal target.
- Adjust farther right if the ball continues to finish left.
Pay attention to the size of the curve rather than only the distance. You are learning your personal adjustment, which is more useful than memorizing a generic rule.
One Thing to Remember
When the ball is above your feet, choke down, swing smoothly, and expect the ball to move left. Plan for the slope before you swing, and you will turn an awkward lie into a manageable shot.