Fried-Egg Fear

THE DREADED PLUGGED LIE doesn't have to be a disaster. With a few key adjustments, you can turn a fried egg into a confident up-and-down chance.

- By Tour Short-Game Coach Parker McLachlin

Start by assessing the situation: The ball is likely sitting below the surface and the sand is soft. That means you have to go steep and deep. To build a vertical swing, stand closer to the ball—closer than feels comfortable—and narrow your stance. This helps you hinge the club straight up and down, minimizing lower-body movement and allowing the club to dive under the ball.