Although we don't have severe slopes and terrain here in Florida, we do have plenty of courses that feature rolling mounds and undulations in the fairways and rough. Here are the keys to playing sidehill shots successfully:

Play the ball as you normally would in your stance, but narrow your stance slightly and keep most of your weight on your front foot to prevent swaying. In general, try to avoid over swinging. Instead take more club for the situation and make a ¾ length backswing. The key to the swing is to make sure the plane of your club shaft matches the severity of the hill. In other words, at the top of your backswing make sure the shaft points toward the ball (photo on the left), and not too steep or shallow (photo below).

 

If you have a long shot to the green, choose a hybrid or fairway metal instead of a long irons. You will have a better chance of making good contact. Most important, is to adjust your aim for the slope as the ball will tend to fly in the direction of the slope. If you are hitting a short iron or wedge, you must make a significant adjustment in aim when the ball is above your feet because those clubs have "closed" faces by design.

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I have played golf for 30 years; the last 10 years as a 5 handicap. I have taken over 50 lessons with golf professionals. Half of these lessons used videos and computers. I am just now TRULY learning to play "The Greatest Game Ever Played" thanks to the Anne Cain Golf Academy. Prior to taking a lesson with Anne, I was concerned that her use of video and computer technology would be too technical and rob me of my "feel". I could not have been more mistaken! Anne combines this advanced equipment with her personal instruction skills and uniquely incorporates proper mechanics into your very own "feel". On a scale of 1 to 10, comparing Anne's instruction methods versus other instruction with video and computers, the other lessons ranked a 4 and Anne's lessons rank an 11!

Chris Stone, Jacksonville, Florida

The Anne Cain Golf Academy offers a wide array of packages from luxurious onsite hotel accomodations to Beach Front condominiums at the adjoining Summer Beach Resort.