Lie (Ground Lie)
Course Areas
Explained Simply
The situation your ball is sitting in — whether it's on the fairway, in rough, on a slope, or in a divot.
Example
“A 'good lie' = ball sitting cleanly on short grass. A 'bad lie' = ball sitting down in deep rough or in a divot hole.”
Why it matters
Lie quality dramatically affects what shot you can play. Always assess your lie before choosing a club.
Common beginner mistake
Attempting a hero shot from a terrible lie — take the sensible club and get back in play.
Related
beginner
Course Areas
Related
- FairwayThe short-mowed strip of grass between the tee box and the green. This is where you want your ball to land.
- RoughThe longer, thicker grass bordering the fairway and other course areas. Harder to hit from than the fairway.
- Fried Egg LieA lie in a bunker where the ball is buried in the sand with only the top visible — like a fried egg in the center of a round crater.
- Lie (Club Spec)The angle between the shaft and the sole of the club. Getting your lie angle fitted correctly helps the ball fly straighter.