Downhill shot: follow the slope
In the third episode of his series on shots on a slope, the Golfiteurs instructor tackles the downhill shot. Two golden rules—balance and working with the slope—and a simple guide: hold a club along your spine.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
When you follow the direction of the slope, The clubface is closing in: The ball comes off the racket with more spin and travels farther than a flat shot. No need to tinker—just use one or two more open-minded clubs than usual, depending on the elevation change. In his example at 80 m, the coach swaps out his usual pitch club for a more open wedge. Sticking with his usual club would send the ball too far.
Stance: feet wider than shoulder-width apart for balance, weight naturally shifting to the front leg, and above all a spine perpendicular to the slope, which can be checked by placing a club along the back. Trying to counteract the downward slope—whether by shifting weight to the back leg or straightening the torso—causes the club to touch the ground much too early—about 40 centimeters, as shown in his demonstration. As the low point comes earlier, the ball moves back in the stance. During the swing, you stay forward, rotating toward the target, without trying to lift the ball.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Choose one or two clubs that are more open than usual, depending on the slope.
- Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart to maintain your balance.
- Let your weight shift naturally to your front leg.
- Place a pole along your slope: it should be perpendicular to the slope.
- Place the ball toward the back of your stance, behind the middle.
- Swing while keeping your weight forward and rotating toward the target, without trying to lift the ball.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Stick with your usual club for this distance: the ball is coming off the club too hard.
- Shift your weight to your back leg to counteract the slope.
- Straighten your spine to regain your balance.
- Place the ball on the left side of your stance.
- Try to lift the ball at impact.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Club marker along the column, perpendicular to the slope
- Downhill shots with one or two clubs opened up
- Ball behind the middle of the stance
- Accept a flatter trajectory and less spin
Your Questions
Which club should you use for a downhill shot?
One or two clubs longer than you would use for the same distance on flat ground, depending on the elevation change. The clubface closes as the slope increases: with your usual club, the ball would travel too far.
Where should you place the ball in your stance on a downhill shot?
Behind the middle of the stance. The lowest point of the arc occurs earlier on the slope: a ball that’s too far to the left will result in a fat shot.
How can I make sure I'm maintaining the proper slope?
Place a club along your spine: it should be perpendicular to the slope. If your spine straightens, the club will hit the ground too early.
Why does the ball fly lower?
Because the clubface stays closed when you maintain the proper swing path. In the video, the ball comes off the club with good speed, finishes slightly to the left, and has very little spin—which the coach considers normal.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Ma Chun Teng Chan). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.