Downhill Lie

Sand Secrets: Mastering the “Impossible” Lies

Ted Odorico March 5, 2026

Golfer hits ball from a bunker with golf club

Instruction

Why Elite Players are Trading “Club Manipulation” for Surgical Precision in the Sand.

While a standard “splash” shot works for a perfect lie, the game changes when you encounter the “Fried Egg” or a downhill slope. In 2026, the elite approach to bunker play has shifted from “manipulating the club” to “optimizing the entry point”. To handle a plugged lie, forget the open face. Instead, square the clubface or even close it slightly to engage the leading edge—this allows the club to dig “steep and deep” to get under the ball.

For downhill bunker shots, the primary goal is preventing a “thinned” shot that skulls over the green. You must tilt your shoulders to match the slope and, crucially, maintain a “short, quiet follow-through” where the club finishes buried in the sand rather than swinging out toward the target. In these scenarios, the sand is your friend—don’t be afraid to take more of it than usual to ensure the ball pops out softly.

The Drill: The “Two-Line” Accuracy Test

This drill is the gold standard for controlling exactly where your wedge enters the sand, which is the #1 factor in escaping difficult lies.

The Setup: In a practice bunker, draw two parallel lines in the sand about 2 inches apart.

The Objective: Your goal is to have the club head enter the sand at the first line and exit at the second line, creating a shallow “dollar bill” divot.

The Variation for Hard Lies: If the sand is firm or the ball is buried, try to enter exactly on the first line but drive the club deeper, making the “exit” point much shorter.

The Test: Once you can hit the first line consistently without a ball, place a ball between the lines. Focus only on hitting that first line—the “splash” of sand will naturally carry the ball out.

Why it works: It provides immediate visual feedback. If you hit before the first line, you’ll “chunk” it; if you hit after the second line, you’ll “blade” it. Mastering this entry point allows you to handle any lie with confidence.

Summary: Mastering difficult bunker lies requires shifting focus from club manipulation to optimizing the entry point, using a “steep and deep” approach for plugged lies and a short, quiet follow-through for downhill slopes. The “Two-Line” accuracy drill improves consistency by providing visual feedback on where the club enters the sand. Become a Golf Tips Premium Member today for exclusive access to advanced video drills, personalized swing analysis, and the elite strategies used by the pros to master the short game.

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The 3 Hardest Bunker Shots in Golf

Ted Odorico July 15, 2025

Instruction

The three hardest bunker shots are: the high lip, the plugged lie, and the downhill bunker shot. These shots require specific techniques to overcome challenging conditions and can be particularly difficult for even experienced golfers. In this article are three challenges you might be faced with, out on the golf course. next time for find yourself in one of the following scenarios, try the techniques described below. You might just find hitting out of the sand is not as difficult as you think. It just takes time, and practice to groove your way to becoming a better bunker player.

The High Lip Bunker Shot:

Challenge:
The high lip bunker shot is difficult because the lip of the bunker obstructs the swing path and makes it hard to get the ball out of the sand.

Technique:

Club Selection: Use a high-lofted wedge (like a sand wedge or lob wedge) to maximize loft.
Setup: Stand slightly open to the target, open the clubface, and position the ball slightly forward in your stance.
Swing: Swing with a steeper angle of attack, hitting down on the sand behind the ball, and focus on getting the bounce of the clubhead to slide under the ball.
Key: Avoid trying to lift the ball, instead focus on getting the club under it and using the sand to propel the ball out of the bunker.

The Plugged Lie Bunker Shot:

Challenge:
A plugged lie occurs when the ball is buried in the sand, making it difficult to get clean contact and lift the ball out.

Technique:

Club Selection: Use a high-lofted wedge with less bounce, or even a club with no bounce.
Setup: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, keep the clubface more square, and take a wider stance with more weight on your lead foot.
Swing: Swing down steeply into the sand behind the ball, aiming to cut through the sand and lift the ball out.
Key: Focus on hitting down and through the sand, trying to get the leading edge of the club under the ball.

The Downhill Bunker Shot:

Challenge:
A downhill lie in a bunker makes it difficult to get the ball up in the air and can lead to fat shots.

Technique:

Club Selection: Use a high-lofted wedge, but be mindful of the slope.
Setup: Position the ball in the center of your stance, but tilt your shoulders to match the slope of the bunker.
Swing: Keep your weight on your front foot and make a steeper swing, focusing on hitting down and through the sand.
Key: Be aggressive with your swing and commit to hitting down, as trying to lift the ball will likely lead to a fat shot

In summary: These bunker shots can be a little trickier than others, but for the most part they can become easier if you take the right approach. Here are few things to consider next time you find yourself in the bunker. Examine the texture of the sand. You’re not allowed to sole the club, but you can get a feel for things by walking in the bunker while assessing your shot. Is the sand soft or does it feel hard or packed? How is the lie? Once you determine the lie, texture of the sand, you can take what you’ve learned above and implement the correct and appropriate course of action. Bunker shots don’t have to be difficult, a lot depends on how much time you prepare and practice these shots.

The more the better!