Hitting an Iron Shot from a Plugged Lie in the Bunker

Playing golf can be a wonderful experience, but it is not always a walk in the park. Every golfer knows the feeling of landing their ball in an unfavorable position on the course. One such challenging situation is when your ball ends up in a plugged lie in the bunker. A plugged lie refers to a situation where the ball is deeply buried in the sand, making it difficult to execute a successful shot. However, with the right technique and strategy, you can handle this tough situation and get your ball back on track. Here's how you can hit an iron shot from a plugged lie in the bunker:

• Assess the Lie: Before making any shot, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the situation. Look at how deep the ball is buried in the sand and determine the type of shot you need to execute. A plugged lie requires you to make adjustments to your usual bunker shot technique.
• Open Your Stance: To properly execute a shot from a plugged lie, you need to open your stance slightly. This means positioning your lead foot slightly ahead of the ball and your back foot slightly behind it. Opening your stance will provide you with a better angle of approach.
• Grip Down on the Club: Gripping down on the club will allow you to have better control and improve your chances of making solid contact with the ball. It also helps with maintaining stability during the swing.
• Choose the Right Club: Selecting the appropriate iron is crucial in this situation. Generally, a higher lofted iron, such as a pitching wedge or sand wedge, works best for plugged lies in the bunker. These clubs allow you to get under the ball and generate enough lift to escape the bunker.
• Take a Steep Swing: Unlike regular bunker shots, a plugged lie requires a steeper swing path. Aim to make contact with the ball as cleanly as possible, with a downward strike to avoid getting too much sand between the clubface and the ball.
• Accelerate through Impact: To ensure maximum force and a clean shot, it is important to accelerate through the impact zone. Keeping a smooth and controlled acceleration will help you gain more power and improve your chances of hitting a successful shot.
• Follow Through: Don't stop your swing immediately after impact. Allow your club to continue its path and follow through with your swing. This will help maintain momentum and ensure a more controlled shot.

Remember, hitting an iron shot from a plugged lie in the bunker requires practice and patience. Be prepared to make adjustments to your technique based on the lie and always stay focused on executing the shot to the best of your ability. With time and experience, you will become more comfortable and improve your chances of successfully escaping from these challenging situations on the golf course.