5 Tips on How to Deal with a Heavy Lie in Golf

Playing heavy lie in golf is often the result of hitting a shot with a hook or slice. If you are able to pinpoint why you made such a shot in the first place you can avoid dealing with a heavy lie. Yet, with practice you will get better but in the mean time you need to focus on getting the ball to travel a straight line. If you can do this you will be able to deal with heavy lies with ease. Here are 5 tips to help you deal with a heavy lie and possibly save par.

  1. Think about what you need to do before you do it. You can do this to help yourself limit damage done to the green (rough). How you decide to play it can actually have a bigger impact than you think. Overall this can also affect your scores throughout the game, so think wisely.
  2. Try a few practice swings before you actually hit the ball. You can do this with grass that is similar to the type of grass your ball landed in. Be careful not to practice too close to where your ball is resting or it could result in a penalty shot or affect the ball and the way it is resting in the grass. If you practice close to your ball be cautious not to disturb it.
  3. Be smart about your club selection. Many golfers like to use a wedge, but remember to choose a club that will help you get the ball up out of the grass. You need something that will help you get the ball moving quickly without getting caught up in the grass.
  4. Play the ball at a steeper angle by playing it further back in your stance. Into your backswing you can hinge wrists, but you would do this early in the backswing to help you lift or pick up the club as you follow your swing through and make contact.
  5. Have a good grip when you swing. A tight grip helps keep the grass from getting wrapped up in your club. You can practice this element as well when doing swing drills. This element is important as it helps to close the clubface before you make contact with the ball.