I’m often asked how to hit a down hill shot, especially after our members play the Conservatory. As you know, the Conservatory can be very challenging with the down hill, up hill, and side hill lies. For today’s tip, let’s get started with how to hit a down hill shot on the golf course, which I believe gives people the most trouble.
Posture and stance are very key to the success of this shot. Our overall goal is to make your body feel LEVEL to the slope of the ground throughout the whole swing, even beginning in the set up. First, take a little wider stance so that you can keep your balance easier. Next, feel the overall weight of your body positioned more towards the front leg. You will have the sensation that you are slightly open to your target. In regards to club selection, choose a club that is one less, so in other words, if the shot requires a 7 iron, hit an 8 iron. The downward nature of the slope will automatically take off loft of the club you select. The shaft of the club should feel as if it is leaning forward.
You must remember that when swinging, keeping your balance is very important. So feel your center of your body lower to the ground while executing the swing. The body should feel a more exaggerated sooner turn than normal so that you can avoid swaying during the shot with the hands and arms finishing more down the slope of the ground.
Remember, the slope of the ground can cause you to become very unbalanced during this shot. Setting up properly, choosing the correct club and making the nice balanced turning golf swing with a lower finish will greatly increase your chances of executing this shot.
Good luck and we’ll see you on the tee!!
