Master the Plugged Bunker Shot
Would you like to impress the other members of your foursome with your shot from a plugged lie in the bunker? The buried lie from the lip of a bunker is a shot that is dreaded by a lot of golfers. It might be a daunting shot if you are not equipped with suitable golf swing fundamentals.
We have all been confronted with this shot before when our iron shot finishes up short and plugs in the face of a bunker. A bunker lip area normally contains softer sand because it is a much lower traffic area. This bunker shot for quite a few competitors can take more then one attempt to reach the putting surface. I understand the lie can look scary, but it is not as tricky as you may think.
Here is the technique I use to regularly hit my shot on to the green in only one try. At times, I get the sand shot close enough to the pin for a one putt.
First, start with the most secure stance possible so you don’t slide during the golf swing. Dig your feet into the sand until you have established a sound base.
Secondly, as you set up close the face of your sand wedge. Bear in mind, a particular shot may require a different wedge based on the distance to the pin and height of the lip. Your wedge must face significantly left with a really shut angle. Ensure you set your stance parallel to the aim line.
Lastly, cock your wrists totally in the backswing, and drive the club into the sand just behind the ball. Use a substantial amount of clubhead velocity and hit the shot using as much pressure as you can generate. Don’t ease up at impact or you will leave the ball in the bunker.
As a result of employing a shut clubface, the toe of the club can enter the sand first, and afterwards square up as the pressure of the sand increases. This will trigger the sand wedge to propel towards the golf ball, and create an upward trajectory with a large amount of displaced sand. Thus, the golf ball will come out like a knuckleball.
As with all shots, ensure you practice this bunker shot before you take it to the course. Once you are comfortable with the appropriate method, you will shave a couple of strokes off your score and impress the heck out of your foursome. Remember, don’t be upset when you get a buried bunker shot in a greenside bunker. Turn your focus to fundamentals, and have confidence with your ability to perform the shot.
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