5 keys for escaping a buried lie in the bunker

It happens. You hit what feels like the perfect approach shot, only to watch your ball land just short of the green. To make matters worse, the ball buries itself in the bunker. Often, those really solid, high shots are the ones that plug deep into the sand.

While a buried lie can look intimidating, with the right technique (and a little planning), you can not only get the ball out but sometimes even get it close. Here are five keys you can follow next tome you find yourself with the dreaded fried-egg lie.

1. Let the leading edge dig

On a typical greenside bunker shot, you use the club’s bounce — the rounded sole — to help it glide through the sand instead of digging. That works great from a good lie, but not when the ball is buried.

When the ball is plugged, you need the leading edge of your wedge to dig into the sand. This starts with your setup: position the club so the face isn’t wide open and the shaft leans slightly forward. That promotes a steeper entry into the sand and lets the leading edge do its job.

2. Put your weight forward

To help the leading edge dig, lean slightly toward the target at address. Let your lead shoulder drop and your shaft lean forward proportionally.

This setup reduces the club’s bounce and steepens your angle of attack. Your lead shoulder should sit lower than your trail shoulder, which helps the club drive downward through the sand — which is key to getting the ball to pop out.

3. Tilt your shoulders forward

When you tilt your shoulders toward the target, your swing naturally becomes steeper. That’s exactly what you want from a buried lie.

A steeper angle of attack, combined with the digging leading edge, helps you get the clubhead below the ball. Picture your downswing as a straight line down rather than a shallow, circular sweep.

4. Stay forward

Keep your weight and upper body forward throughout the swing. Avoid the temptation to fall back and “lift” the ball — that will only make the club bottom out too early.

This is a digging motion, not a sweeping one. Stay forward through impact and into your finish, even if your follow-through feels short or looks a bit unorthodox. That’s normal for this shot — the steep swing and heavy sand contact will naturally limit your finish.

5. Plan for more roll

Leaning forward de-lofts the clubface, so the ball will come out lower and with more roll. Aim for an area with room to run.

Remember, this is a defensive shot — the main goal is simply to get the ball out and onto the green. If you find the ball coming out too hot, switch to a more lofted club like a lob wedge to help add a bit of height.

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