How to Hit a Chip Shot from a Plugged Lie with Wedges

Golf can present us with various challenging lies, and one of the most dreaded is the plugged lie, also known as a buried lie or a fried egg lie. This occurs when the ball lands in a bunker or a soft ground and becomes partially or completely buried in the sand or grass.

When faced with a plugged lie around the green, it may seem like a daunting task to effectively get the ball out and onto the green. However, with the right technique and club selection, you can navigate through this challenging situation. Let's learn how to hit a chip shot from a plugged lie with your wedges.

• Club Selection: The first step is to assess the situation and determine the appropriate club to use. In this case, a wedge, such as a sand wedge or lob wedge, will be your best choice. The loft of these clubs will help lift the ball out of the plugged lie.
• Take a Wide Stance: To provide stability during the shot, you should take a slightly wider stance than usual. This will help you maintain balance and prevent unnecessary movements.
• Position the Ball: Placing the ball slightly back in your stance will help you strike down on the ball and reduce the chances of the club face getting caught in the turf or sand behind the ball.
• Open Your Stance and Clubface: To increase the loft of the club and promote a higher trajectory, open your stance by aiming your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly left of the target (for right-handed golfers). Additionally, open the clubface by rotating it slightly to the right.
• Execute a Steep Swing: In order to effectively pop the ball out of the plugged lie, you need to make a steep swing. This means swinging the club on a steeper plane than your usual chip shot. Focus on striking down on the back of the ball with a descending blow.
• Accelerate Through Impact: As you swing down, maintain a smooth and accelerating rhythm to ensure clean contact with the ball. Avoid decelerating or “scooping” the ball, as this can lead to thin or fat shots.
• Follow Through and Finish: To ensure a clean and crisp shot, continue your swing through the impact zone and let your club finish high. This will help generate the necessary spin and control for your chip shot.

Remember, hitting a chip shot from a plugged lie requires proper technique, club selection, and mental focus. Take the time to practice this shot and gain confidence in your ability to handle challenging lies around the green. With patience and persistence, you'll be able to successfully navigate through plugged lies and save valuable strokes on the golf course!

Now that you have the knowledge and understanding of how to hit a chip shot from a plugged lie with wedges, put it into practice during your next round of golf. Keep in mind the key points discussed, and you'll be well on your way to improving your chipping skills and scoring lower!