Escape plugged lies with confidence

William Wistrand of the Arizona Wildcats hits out of the sand during the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. Amateurs do well to remember, the key here is to stay composed and apply a few reliable adjustments. — AFP

A plugged lie in the bunker can rattle even the calmest of golfers, but there’s no need to panic.

Professionals face this situation too – and amateurs will do well to remember that the key is to stay composed and apply a few reliable adjustments. Follow these steps and you’ll surely give yourself every chance of getting the ball back in play.

Subtle adjustments

Adopt your normal bunker set up but position your lead foot slightly in line with the ball. This helps you deliver the club steeply enough to dig the ball out.

Anchor your feet

Work your feet into the sand until they feel firmly grounded – think of the motion of windscreen wipers. A stable base is essential for controlling the strike.

Square clubface

Keep the clubface square to the target rather than open and place more weight on your lead foot. This promotes a steeper angle of attack, which is exactly what a plugged lie demands.

Deep, splashing strike

Hit down firmly and create a strong “splash” of sand. Maintain the same clubface position through impact – don’t flip it open or closed. The sand, not the clubface, will carry the ball out.