Lexi Thompson, leading the first round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship with a four-under 68, showcased exceptional shot-making abilities, particularly on a sidehill lie with the ball above her feet. Making a small adjustment to her setup, specifically choking down on the grip, Thompson was able to make this difficult shot much easier and ultimately led to a birdie. This minor change in grip can make all the difference when hitting off a sidehill lie with your feet below the ball, according to Gia Liwiski, a Golf Digest Best Teacher in New Jersey.
Liwiski explains that when the ball is above your feet, it is closer to you, causing you to hit the ball sooner in the swing arc. To ensure that you hit the ball at the bottom of the swing arc similar to a flat lie, Liwiski recommends gripping down on the club like Thompson did and slightly moving the ball back in your stance. Additionally, when hitting off a sidehill lie like this, the shape of the shot may change, resulting in a draw for right-handed golfers. Liwiski suggests adjusting your target to the right to compensate for the angle of the hill setting your clubface slightly shut.
By implementing these simple adjustments in your setup and swing when facing a sidehill lie with the ball above your feet, you can increase your chances of making a birdie, just like Thompson did during the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. These changes have the potential to improve your performance on difficult lies and help you navigate challenging course conditions more effectively. As demonstrated by Thompson’s success in handling this tough shot, small modifications in your approach can lead to significant improvements in your overall game.
Next time you find yourself on a sidehill lie with the ball above your feet, remember to choke down on the grip and play the ball slightly back in your stance. By following Thompson’s example and making these adjustments, you can enhance your ability to strike the ball cleanly and efficiently from challenging lies. Additionally, being mindful of the potential change in shot shape and making the necessary adjustments, such as shifting your target to the right, can help you adapt to the unique demands of sidehill lies and improve your shot-making skills.
Thompson’s success on sidehill lies serves as a valuable lesson for golfers of all skill levels, emphasizing the importance of making proper adjustments to address challenging course conditions. By incorporating techniques like gripping down on the club and shifting your target to compensate for the slope, you can improve your performance on sidehill lies and increase your chances of achieving successful outcomes on challenging shots. Thompson’s strategic approach to handling sidehill lies demonstrates the power of making minor tweaks to your setup and swing to optimize your performance in various playing conditions.
In conclusion, Thompson’s experience at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship highlights the significance of making small adjustments to your setup and swing when faced with challenging lies like sidehill lies with the ball above your feet. By following her lead and implementing techniques such as choking down on the grip and shifting your target to accommodate the slope, you can enhance your shot-making abilities and improve your overall performance on the course. Utilizing these strategies can help you navigate difficult lies more effectively and increase your chances of achieving successful outcomes in tournament play and casual rounds alike. Thompson’s success story serves as a valuable lesson for golfers looking to elevate their game and conquer challenging course conditions with confidence and skill.
