3. Adjusting for lie

STEP THREE — Lie & Slope Adjustment (Effect on Distance & Recommended Options)

This step helps the player understand how the lie and the slope will change the distance the ball can travel.
These are general tendencies, not exact yardages.
Every golfer must make the final club decision based on their own judgement and experience.

A. Grass Lie Effects (Ball Position in Grass)

Approximate numbers to adjust the distance based on the ball position in different grass types
 
notion image
 
 

B. Slope Effects (Lie Angle Under the Ball)

1. Uphill Lie

Effect on distance:
  • Ball launches higher → may go shorter
      • Recommendation:
  • Consider a longer club, depending on confidence
  • Adjustment varies greatly → personal judgement required

2. Downhill Lie

Effect on distance:
  • Ball launches lower → may go longer
      • Recommendation:
  • Consider a shorter club
  • Very player-dependent → adjust carefully
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Simple Summary (Player-Friendly)

  • Bad lie = likely shorter shot → consider longer club
  • Fluffy lie = ball may go further → consider shorter club
  • Uphill = often shorter
  • Downhill = can be longer
Important:
Lie and slope effects are very difficult to predict exactly.
These guidelines are average tendencies — every player must make their own final decision.