Ahead of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, which demands golfers navigate their ball on and around the baked-out slopes, we're launching a daily Ground Game series. A slate of daily articles to help you better understand how to use the ground to your advantage.
When playing courses with undulating fairways, like Pinehurst No. 2, one of the toughest lies you'll encounter is when the ball is lower than your feet. A lot of players struggle because they rarely encounter or practice this shot, so they don’t know how to adjust, but these simple keys can help.
Weight forward and with the slope
To hit a good shot from there, set up with a slight forward lean with your upper body and realize that you will have more weight favoring your toes because of the slope. On a severe sidehill lie, go ahead and feel more weight in your heels to offset the awkwardness.
Quiet lower body
Don’t forget to take a few practice swings to determine where the club naturally strikes the ground. Then set up to the ball so it’s behind that spot. It will likely fly lower than normal, which is why you take more club. Then, think about keeping your lower body less involved than normal to strike it pure.