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what does it mean to play a ball down in golf

by Elizabeth Hansen Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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What does play it down mean in golf? Playing it “Up” or “Down” – Playing the ball down means that you have to hit your shot no matter what the lie is. In certain situations golfers are allowed to play the ball “up” meaning they can improve the lie.

Playing it “Up” or “Down” – Playing the ball down means that you have to hit your shot no matter what the lie is. In certain situations golfers are allowed to play the ball “up” meaning they can improve the lie. Sometimes if there is inclement weather such as rain it makes sense to play it up.

Full Answer

What does hitting down on the golf ball mean?

As simple as it sounds, hitting down on the golf ball means that the force applied during the initial touch of the club on the ball is in a downward direction. This is done by impacting the ball when the club is on its way down from the topmost position. The clubface should contact the ball first before hitting the ground.

Do you really need to hit down on the ball?

If your ball striking is struggling, one of the most common tips you’ll hear instructors tell you is that you need to hit down on the ball more. But many amateur golfers have a misunderstanding of what hitting down on the golf ball actually is and they do it wrong.

Do you hit the golf ball down or compress it?

But many amateur golfers have a misunderstanding of what hitting down on the golf ball actually is and they do it wrong. Compressing the golf ball is the actual term that should be used. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.

How to hit a fade or draw in golf?

This is true for all kinds of golf shots including fades and draws. Whether you want the ball to go straight in the air or curve towards your target, the correct method to do this is hit down on the ball. The harder you hit, the higher and further will the ball fly.

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What does it mean to play the ball down?

playing it down; playing the ball as it lies, as opposed to improving the lie.

What does playing up and down mean in golf?

The term up and down in golf means to get up on the green and then getting the subsequent putt down into the hole from wherever the ball is currently lying on the course by taking only a single shot for each part of this equation.

What is the difference between scrambling and up and down?

This is different from scrambling, which has a clear definition: The percent of time a player misses the green in regulation, but still makes par or better. An up an down doesn't have the requirement that the player has to make par or better, making it a stat that captures more successful occurrences.

What does it mean to club down in golf?

Clubbing up could also be referred to as taking "more club" or using a "stronger" club, as clubbing down could be referred to as taking "less club" or using a "weaker" club.

What is an up and down?

The golf term "up and down" refers to the act of taking just two strokes to get your golf ball into the hole when your ball is resting around the green or in a greenside bunker. If you accomplish that, then you've achieved an "up and down."

What are some golf phrases?

19 Different Golf Sayings For Good LuckGood Luck.Enjoy The 19th Hole.Hit 'Em Long And Straight.May The Fores Be With You.Play Well.Swing Easy.Only Birdies.Have A Great Round.More items...•

What is a scrambler in golf?

A scramble is one of the most common formats for golf tournaments. The game is played by a team of four players where each member hits their ball throughout the match. Team captains choose the best shot from the first stroke and use the same spot for each player.

How is golf up and down calculated?

In golf, getting up-and-down means taking two strokes to get the ball in the hole from off the green, including a putt. The up part of up-and-down is getting the ball onto the green from off the green. Typically, the ball is somewhat near the green, and the shot is often hit as a pitch or chip.

Is a sand save an up and down?

Typically, an up-and-down from a bunker is considered a sand save -- also known as a "sandie" or "sandy" -- when those two strokes mean a player scores a par as a result. However, golfers often say they have made a sandy or sandie when they have scored better than par.

Should I choke down on my irons?

Since irons are still relatively long compared to your wedges, you don't want to choke down much more than an inch or two (at most). For example, if you choke down all the way to the steel on a 7-iron, it might feel too awkward for most players. Instead, leave gripping down that much for wedges.

Should you choke up on irons?

Choking up on iron shots can boost your greens-in-regulation percentage (GIR) – a great way to lower your scores. You'll make better contact, of course, and your misses won't sail as far off line. You may also achieve a lower ball flight, a big advantage in windy conditions.

Is club up or down?

Clubbing down in golf is when you need to take at least one club number higher for your next shot. For example, you would pull out a 6 iron instead of a 5 iron. Clubbing down is the exact opposite of clubbing up and is used when you need to hit the ball with less distance.

How do you get up and down in golf?

In golf, getting up-and-down means taking two strokes to get the ball in the hole from off the green, including a putt. The up part of up-and-down is getting the ball onto the green from off the green. Typically, the ball is somewhat near the green, and the shot is often hit as a pitch or chip.

Is a sand save an up and down?

Typically, an up-and-down from a bunker is considered a sand save -- also known as a "sandie" or "sandy" -- when those two strokes mean a player scores a par as a result. However, golfers often say they have made a sandy or sandie when they have scored better than par.

What are golf terms and their meanings?

Golf Terms and Definitions. Ace - A hole in one. Address - the final position taken by a golfer just before the swing. Adjusted Gross Score - Your score after you apply your handicap stroke allowance. Alternate Shot - Another twist of stoke play.

What does 4 up mean in golf?

If you are 4 Up, it means you have won 4 holes more than your opponent. If you are 2 Down, then your opponent has won 2 holes more than you. The match is over when a player has won more holes than there are holes remaining.

What Does Hitting Down On The Golf Ball Actually Mean?

Hitting down on the golf ball means your swing is on the downward motion when making contact with the ball.

Why You Should Hit Down On The Ball Instead Of Hitting It Upwards

It’s important to remember each of your clubs comes with a specific loft, which is the angle formed by a line that runs down the center of the shaft and a line running down the face of the club.

4 Steps To Hitting Down On The Golf Ball Every Time

Get in a shoulder-width stance, with your weight equally distributed on both sides of your body and golf ball directly in the middle of your stance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hitting down on the golf ball and compressing it will help you hit the ball further, higher, and more consistent than ever before.

Lemay427

I have thought about this ever since I have been playing competitively. In high school you were allowed to lift and place the ball within one grip length, no closer to the hole. Same with the local junior PGA tournys. I think I only played one or two tournys with the "ball down" rule. Here is my question delema.

Lemay427

shindig. i am not talking about playing charity tournements so the gimmie deal doesnt concern me. i putt out every hole. its weird how in high school they allowed you to do this and even in the gateway junior PGA they did. a pga sponsored event lol. oh well, i just wanted to see a general consensus on this.

FIJIGolf23

I can't believe that you were allowed to "roll it" within a grip length in high school, let alone a junior tour. The only time we ever got to improve our lie was in there was standing water and/or the fairways were very wet. I always play the ball down. The guys I generally play with on the weekends roll it and take gimmies.

Lemay427

i hear ya BCA. at least im not the only one out there. I play by all the other rules, and i know that if i break one rule, i am a rule breaker lol. im getting back into tournement play so I know ill have to stop.

Lemay427

if the weather is decent this weekend ill play with the ball down and take some pics of the lies i get. sometimes they are amusing.

albatroz

Golf is a gentlemans game . What ever the lie is if it is not deem unplayable has to be played as is . Like life there are a lot of obstacles one has to face befor one can be wise . Playing according to the rule will help develope the honesty factor in you . Be it at school or at work there are rules that govern all of us .

cwo2lt

Just out of curiousity, those of you who say rules are rules, play it as it lies, ect; do you always abide by all rules or just on the golf course? Example, if you were late for a tee time would you break the rules and speed? Go 60 in a 55? Personally if I'm playing in a tournement or playing my buddy for money I'm following the rules but if there's nothing on the line I figure it's recreation and I'm not hitting 3, I'm taking a mulligan! lol.

Why Club Selection is Crucial in Lowering Golf Scores

Choosing the right club for every shot is one of the most important aspects of golf in achieving lower scores and this includes clubbing up in certain situations.

What is Clubbing Down in Golf?

Clubbing down in golf is when you need to take at least one club number higher for your next shot. For example, you would pull out a 6 iron instead of a 5 iron. Clubbing down is the exact opposite of clubbing up and is used when you need to hit the ball with less distance.

Do Professional Golfers Club Up or Down in Tournament Play?

Pros on the PGA tour have immense skill and are able to quickly assess which club is needed for every shot.

How Do I Know What Club to Use When Clubbing Up?

We have found a really good instructional video on how to pick the best club in windy conditions as this is the most common time where we would want to club up as golfers.

How to hit down on a golf ball?

To hit down on the ball, your hands must stay in front of the club head and your weight center must be over the ball or slightly ahead of it. If you’re setting up with a wide stance and your spine is tilted “back,” or angled away from the target, you will have difficulty hitting down on the ball.

What does it mean when a golf ball hits the club head?

If the golf ball is struck before the club head gets to its lowest point, we are hitting down on the ball. This also means that we have a downward angle of attack.

How to get into a good backswing position?

Assuming you get into a good backswing position, with your weight on the instep of your back foot, your first move down should be a forward bump of the hips that transfers your weight toward the target. Then stay in your posture and turn through the shot. Feel like you’re turning down and through.

Do golfers hit down on the ball?

The problem is that most golfers fail to translate such terms as ‘hitting down on the ball’ into an actual swing move. It might be explained to them by their local teaching pro; they will nod their head in approval, and then when they go to swing the club they end up hitting these terribly fat shots that go nowhere.

Can you hit down before hitting the golf ball?

They end up striking the turf before the golf ball, which is the exact opposite of what you want. Hittingdown” is not something that most golfers can simply choose to do or not do — it requires a downward angle of attack.

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