Getting an uphill pitch shot close is a tough assignment even for the best players.The most common mistake often sees the player sticking their wedge into the turf (pic 1) and leaving the shot well short of the pin because they try to play this uphill shot exactly as they would on a flat lie.
To compensate for an upslope lie, you need to set yourself parallel to the slope (pic 2). That is, getting your knees, hips and shoulders set on the same angle as the slope so you can make a full follow-through and you won’t hit into the slope with the club.
The upslope adds loft to the shot (when your shoulder line tilts, the shaft tilts back the same amount), so you must be careful what club you choose for the shot, otherwise you won’t cover the distance to the flag. The steeper the slope, the more club you will need to get the ball moving forward and not just straight up in the air.
On this slope here I have taken a 52 degree pitching wedge as I have about 40 metres the flag. From a flat lie I would use a lob wedge to hit the same distance. Remember, choose the right club and don’t back off the shot (pic 3), all the while making sure you follow through with the clubhead following the angle of the slope.
NIKKI GARRETT is a member of the ALPG and is a two-time winner on the Ladies European Tour, having won the 2007 Tenerife Ladies Open and the Open de Espana.