Mastering Plugged Lies: How to Be an Expert at Handling Bunker Troubles

One of McLachlin’s key tips for handling a plugged bunker shot is to rethink the traditional approach of using a “square-to-closed clubface.” Instead, he recommends using an open clubface to make the shot easier and more efficient. “You don’t have to play a plugged bunker shot with a square-to-closed clubface,” he explains. “I think it’s easier and more effective to play it with an open face.” In the past, golfers often closed the clubface and tried to shovel the ball out, but McLachlin points out that this method doesn’t offer much control. “Sometimes it works, but other times the ball goes too far or doesn’t come out the way you want,” he says.

McLachlin stresses the importance of adding athleticism and finesse to the setup. “To play a plugged bunker shot like the modern pros, keep the clubface slightly open and the shaft neutral. Get a little closer to the ball to steepen the angle of attack, and avoid standing too far back, which can lead to a rounded swing.”

2. Position your body properly

As mentioned by coach Maria Palozola, another key factor is positioning your setup properly. You can shoot the ball up and clear that lip every time. Set yourself up just a few feet from a lip. Most people struggle with clearing the lip and that is because they do not get their body set in the right way to get it cleared. So, how do we work around it? It’s simple.

Make sure that your shoulders are aligned with the slope of the bunker. Hit down into the shot, and push the ball down putting the face and hitting it out so low that it does not miss the lip. Keep replacing the putt across the top of your shoulders until they are not in level with the slope.

3. Make your swing aggressive 

To promote an aggressive and accelerating swing, focus on achieving a full backswing and follow-through. This allows for maximum power and control, helping to drive the ball with greater speed and consistency. By fully extending your swing in both directions, you create more momentum, ensuring the clubface makes solid contact with the ball. A complete follow-through also helps maintain balance and ensures a fluid, confident shot. Emphasizing this full-swing approach can lead to better distance, accuracy, and overall performance in your game. However, sometimes the resistance of the sand might not let you get a full follow-through. Nonetheless, if you aim for a more powerful swing, it will certainly help you ensure that your swing is accelerating into the impact. This will help why your ball out of its location and into the greens.

4. Make your grip tighter

Now that you know the importance of hitting an aggressive swing at the ball to get it out, it is also important that you keep your grip more stern than usual. But why is the grip so important? Well, this will help you to prevent the club from getting twisted in your hands while it penetrates the sand under the ball.

5. Keep your aim short of the hole

While you might typically expect the ball to check or spin backward upon landing, don’t count on that with a plugged bunker shot. In these cases, the ball is more likely to roll out further than usual. To account for this, aim short of the pin when possible and let the ball roll toward the hole. This strategy helps mitigate the lack of spin and maximizes your chances of getting closer to the flag.

A good intact of these five tips and a lot of practice are the only things that will help you get out of the bunker mess. Do you have to add anything to the list? Let us know in the comments section below!