On a downhill lie, what should the golfer expect the ball to do?

When a golfer is addressing the ball on a downhill lie, it influences both the swing and the ball's flight path. The downhill angle causes the golfer to hit the ball with a slightly different trajectory due to the orientation of the clubface at impact and how gravity affects the ball's motion.

On a downhill lie, the ball tends to fly lower than normal and often moves to the right for a right-handed golfer. This happens because the golfer’s body posture and swing mechanics can cause the clubface to angle slightly open (to the right) at impact. Additionally, the slope can cause the golfer to make compensatory movements in their swing, which can further enhance the tendency for the ball to curve right. Thus, when contending with a downhill lie, anticipating that the ball will go right is essential for accurate shot execution.

Understanding these dynamics helps golfers adjust their swing and aim appropriately based on the slope they are dealing with.