Tip From the Archives
The Buried Lie
Problem
You have a buried or plugged ball in the sand trap.
Cure
Take an explosion shot stance to dig your club deep into the sand to get under the ball and bump it out. This will cause a low trajectory and the ball will roll further than expected. If you want to reduce the amount of roll, keep the clubface ahead of your hands and point the club shaft towards your back hip, then carry the club more around your body instead of over it.
Therapy
Use a pitching wedge so it can dig into the sand and under the ball easier. Choke down on the grip and work your feet into the sand for a stable stance. The ball should be forward of center in your stance. Flex and relax both knees with a little more weight on the forward foot. Open your clubface and cock your wrists early. As you swing towards the ball, turn your forward hip out of the way and make first contact with the sand about two inches behind the ball. Keep your hands ahead of the ball throughout the swing and be certain to make a complete follow-through. You should feel as if your forward arm and side are pulling the club down. The deeper the ball is in the sand, the harder you need to swing and more you need to hood the blade. If the sand is wet, swing deeper and harder but if the sand is dry, then take an easier swing. Remember, confidence is the most important aspect in a sand shot; if you lack it, you will not complete the shot accurately.
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