How do I hit a pitch shot from a buried lie in the bunker using a wedge

How to Hit a Pitch Shot from a Buried Lie in the Bunker using a Wedge

One of the most challenging shots in golf is hitting a pitch shot from a buried lie in the bunker. This situation occurs when your ball is partially or fully buried in the sand, making it difficult to make clean contact. However, with the right technique and approach, you can still successfully execute this shot. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Assess the Lie: Take a close look at your ball's lie in the bunker. If it is severely buried, you may need to adjust your strategy. A partially buried lie may allow you to make a more normal swing.
  2. Choose the Right Wedge: Selecting the right wedge is vital for this shot. A sand wedge or lob wedge with a higher loft is ideal as it helps to lift the ball out of the sand more easily.
  3. Open Your Clubface: To create more loft at impact, open the clubface slightly. This will increase the bounce on the club, preventing it from digging too deep into the sand.
  4. Position the Ball: Place the ball slightly forward in your stance, closer to your front foot. This helps to promote a steeper angle of attack and prevents the club from bottoming out before it reaches the ball.
  5. Take a Narrow Stance: Set up with a slightly narrower stance than you would typically use for a pitch shot. This allows for better control and stability, especially with the challenging lie.
  6. Focus on the Swing: A buried lie in the bunker requires an aggressive swing. Generate power by using a fuller, backswing with a smooth acceleration through the ball. Keep your body rotation in sync with the club for proper timing.
  7. Strike the Sand: Aim to hit the sand just behind the ball. By striking the sand first, the club will slide under the ball and propel it out of the bunker. Do not try to make direct contact with the ball as it can be hard to achieve with a buried lie.
  8. Follow Through: Maintain a firm and controlled follow-through after impact. This ensures that the ball is lifted high enough to clear the lip of the bunker and land safely on the green.

Remember, hitting a pitch shot from a buried lie in the bunker requires practice and patience. It may take a few attempts to get it right, but with consistent effort, you can master this challenging shot. Keep these steps in mind, and you will be better equipped to tackle buried lie pitch shots in the future!