Opposite of "below the hole". If the approach shot leaves the ball "above the hole", it means that the subsequent putt is going to be downhill. Distance control is more difficult when your ball is accelerated by gravity on its way to the hole.

If a ball is positioned that the next putt will be downhill, it is called above the hole. Those putts are not estimated, because they are riskier and harder to judge.

Refers to a ball on any sloping green positioned so that the next putt is downhill. Downhill putts are harder to judge for speed and slope, and also riskier, so the good golfer aims to keep his ball 'below the hole' at all times.

To describe the position of the golf ball in connection with the cup, or hole, when the ball is on the green, the golf phrase 'above the hole' is used.