Escaping a plugged lie

In previous weeks, we have discussed how to successfully escape from normal lies in fairway bunkers and greenside bunkers. This week, we’re going to be looking at how to approach a bunker shot where your ball is plugged in the face.

In a greenside bunker shot from a ‘normal’ lie, it is important that you utilise the bounce of the sand wedge (which stops the club from digging) to help the club head glide through the sand which floats the ball up, out and on to the green. When executed successfully, the ball should fly fairly high, land softly and stop quickly.

 When your ball is plugged in the bunker, different science is required to get the ball out. Let’s discuss how it works. To successfully escape from a plugged lie, we need the energy of the club to ‘dig’ deeper into the sand in order to get the ball out. To facilitate this, you will need to make a couple of small changes to your set up.

Although alignment, posture and grip all remain the same as a standard bunker shot, your ball position should be further back in your stance, encouraging a steeper angle of attack. In addition, it is important that you address the ball with a slightly closed club face.

Although closing the clubface (thus reducing the loft) might seem counter-intuitive, it allows the sharper, leading edge of the club to enter the sand first, which enables the club to dig! In essence, it removes the bounce of the club from the equation and helps your club to apply the correct science to the ball.

When it comes to the swing, make an aggressive, steep swing and try to contact the sand about two inches behind the ball. It is important to do your best to follow through to give the ball the best chance to get up and out!

When you execute this shot correctly, you will notice that the ball comes out of the bunker at a lower trajectory and rolls much more than a standard bunker shot. Make sure you take this into consideration when you are planning your escape on the golf course.

Remember, escaping from a plugged lie in the bunker is a difficult shot to control and sometimes, simply getting the ball out of it is a victory!

If you would like any more information on this topic or to find out more about the coaching services offered at Awali Golf Club, please do not hesitate to contact me on 39761873. Good luck and happy golfing!