Pitching Part 2: Hitting Off Downhill Lies.
Pitching Part 2: Hitting Off Downhill Lies.
Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC. We conduct 1, 2 and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any type of golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993. We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.
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In Part 2 of this 3-part series on pitching in unusual situations, I tackle the subject of hitting off a downhill lie and touches on setup and club selection. Of course, you'll have to make time to practice this, but it will be worth it for the shots you'll save!
Club Selection.
Because you will be playing this shot towards the back foot, club selection is again important. When the ball is back, and on a downhill, there will be considerable delofting of the club. So a lofted club like a lob wedge is required. You can play this with a sand wedge, but be prepared for the ball to run ut quite a lot, as there will be very little height to stop this shot.
Setup.
Play the ball off your back foot with the hands considerably more forward than normal. This ensures that you will strike the ball first as the ground behind the ball is higher than the ground in front of it. Most of your weight will also be on your front foot so that the body will be leaning forward as well.
Technique.
Hinge your wrists quickly, and as you swing through the shot, try and keep the clubhead traveling down the slope. Any attempt to lift this will cause a topped shot. Stay down on the shot a little longer than normal as well. The trajectory will be slightly lower because of the ball position, allowing for slightly less spin and more roll. Find a slope either on the range or on the course to hit a few shots to get the correct feel of this shot.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57C7BQfbyEI[/youtube]
Source: Mel Sole Golf School.
Thanks for watching - Pitching Part 2: Hitting Off Downhill Lies. Enhance your short game skills!
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