Playing from uneven lies
How to Build a Pre-Round Plan for Playing From Uneven Lies
A practical checklist for preparing your bag, targets, and expectations before uneven lies tests you.
Ten minutes before the tee time
A pre-round plan for uneven lies can be simple: notice which holes create sidehill or uphill stances, decide the safe miss, and choose the shots you will not force from poor balance.
Build the plan around wider stance, shorter backswing, and a target that allows for curve.
Warm up for the round you will play
Instead of hitting only full drivers and stock 8-irons, rehearse the shots the day demands:
- Hit three smooth wedges to specific landing spots.
- Hit two controlled mid-irons with a balanced finish.
- Choose a conservative first-tee target.
- Decide your “automatic lay-up” situation before you face it.
Putting the feel on record
FocusGolf fits uneven-lie work because it captures swings from a Wear OS, Apple Watch, or Garmin watch without club sensors. When you are rehearsing shorter, balanced swings on slopes, automatic swing detection and session history help you compare the controlled ones with the rushed ones. The tempo and consistency notes give you a clearer picture of which adjustment is worth taking to the course.
Keep the plan flexible
Slope plans still need feel. If the course is softer, firmer, windier, or calmer than expected, adjust. The value is not predicting everything; it is starting with a calm framework so every decision is not invented under pressure.