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Uneven Lies Irons Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 4 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Playing Golf on Slopes with Nicolas Allain

The driving range mat is flat, but the course isn't. Nicolas Allain, from PlayingGolf, walks through the four slopes using a single rule: work with the slope, don't fight it, and make all adjustments before the swing.

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Nicolas Allain
Nicolas Allain · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

13 minNext Level UpIrons Downwind and on Slopes: The Morikawa SchoolCollin Morikawa · Intermediate / Expert6 minNext Level UpBunker shot down the slope: Rory McIlroyRory McIlroy · Intermediate / Expert2 minFrom the same proWhy Waggle: Flow and Checkpoints, Nicolas AllainNicolas Allain · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

For Nicolas Allain, the basic idea is to deal with the slope, not to counter it. Ball above your feet: The effect is mainly directional; the ball tends to veer more to the left. So he aligns slightly to the right and lets the slope do its work, stands a little straighter, and may lower his center of gravity toward the grip if the slope is steep. Ball below your feet: the opposite effect—a left-to-right path. He aligns himself a little further to the left, leans in more to stay parallel to the slope, and swings with a relaxed motion.

Whether going uphill or downhill, the effect mainly concerns elevation and distance. Uphill lie: It takes off higher and doesn't travel as far. For a 7-iron distance, he uses a club one or two numbers longer—a 6-iron or a 5-iron—and positions himself parallel to the slope, shifting a little more weight onto his right leg. Ball on the decline: She hits the ball lower and with more power. He uses a club or two with a more open face—an 7-iron or an 8-iron instead of a 6-iron—shifts his weight a little more forward, and doesn't try to keep his shoulders level. Then, swing as naturally as possible.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Identify the slope: ball above or below your feet, going uphill or downhill.
  2. Ball above your feet: Align yourself slightly to the right, stand up straighter, and lower your grip if the slope is steep.
  3. Ball at your feet: Position yourself slightly to the left and lean forward more, parallel to the slope.
  4. On an uphill slope: take one or two clubs longer and position yourself parallel to the slope, putting more weight on your right leg.
  5. On the downswing: use a club or two with a wider loft and shift your weight slightly forward.
  6. Once you've made these adjustments, swing as naturally as possible.

Key Takeaways

We accept the trend; we don't try to fight it.
Ball above your feet: it goes to the left, so position yourself slightly to the right.
Ball at your feet: it goes to the right—align yourself slightly to the left and lean forward more.
When the pitch is high: with one or two more clubs, the ball rises and doesn't travel as far.
On the downswing: with one or two more open clubs, the ball flies lower and with more power.
All adjustments are made before the swing, which remains natural.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Try to counteract the path dictated by the slope.
  • Maintain your usual posture as if you were on level ground.
  • Aim at the target without taking into account the directional effect of the slope.
  • Stay with the same club whether the team is moving up or down.
  • Try to keep your shoulders level on a downhill slope.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Assessing the slope before each shot on the course
  2. Adjusting alignment based on whether the ball is above or below the feet
  3. Choosing to add or remove one or two clubs when swinging up and down
  4. Let go of the swing once the adjustments are complete

Your Questions

Where should you aim when the ball is above your feet?

Nicolas Allain knows the ball will curve more to the left: he positions himself slightly to the right and lets the slope affect the ball's trajectory, without trying to counter it.

How should you position yourself when the ball is below your feet?

He moves a little further to the left, since the path runs from left to right, and leans more to stay parallel to the slope.

Which club should you use on an uphill lie?

One or two clubs more: about the distance of a 7-iron, a 6-iron, or a 5-iron, because the ball takes off higher and travels a little less distance.

What about going downhill?

One or two clubs with a larger loft—for example, a 7-iron or an 8-iron instead of a 6-iron—to restore height and compensate for a lower, more powerful shot.

Learn More

All “Slope Shots” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Irons Downwind and on Slopes: The Morikawa SchoolRead the lie and the wind, then choose between two shots: Morikawa demonstrates three shots with an iron and a wedge—downwind, downhill, and uphill. Ball Above Your Feet: Find the Plane with GravityBall above your feet: find the plane and the distance from the weight of the club, with horizontal swings, then a double grass brush around the ball. Bunker shot down the slope: Rory McIlroyRory McIlroy adjusts his setup for a downhill bunker shot, shoulders matching the slope, and invites you to lower your expectations on this shot. Nicolas AllainAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Nicolas Allain). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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