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Short Game · Technique

Squeeze a firm or bare bunker lie by hitting steeper

To squeeze sand under the ball rather than splash it, use a steeper descent into the back of the ball. Use release one with the leading edge kept down and the handle slightly leading; hinge the wrists earlier and more upward while reducing chest rotation to steepen the shaft. Use a short, punchy finish. A 60-degree wedge can offset the loft removed by leaning the shaft.

Channel: Dan Grieve

Watch official source at 10:30

Try it

  1. Keep the leading edge down with the handle slightly leading; it's a release one
  2. Ball position more or less in the middle of the stance
  3. Lean the shaft forward with a slightly earlier hinge, wrist more up, to get the shaft steeper
  4. Drive down into the back of the ball for a deeper divot and finish short and punchy

Why this context matters

Compact/bare lies, typical of rained-on or thin-sand bunkers, where the normal splash thins the ball into the face.