02/03/2026
Walking up to a buried lie in the bunker spikes amateur heart rates. The instinct is to open the wedge face and try to slide under it. That is a mathematical trap.
The Physics of the Miss:
When a ball is buried, a wide-open clubface and a shallow, sweeping "U" swing will just bounce off the top layer of sand, sliding right under the ball, or blading it straight into the lip. ❌
The Analyst Fix (The Hood & Chop):
Club: Grab your 56-degree wedge.
Setup: Square the face, then turn the toe in slightly to "hood" it. This turns the leading edge into an axe.
The Swing: You need a steep "V" swing. Chop down aggressively, aiming exactly one inch behind the ball.
The Finish: DO NOT follow through. Let the club head bury into the sand. The displacement of the sand will pop the ball out for you. ✅
Take your medicine, get it on the green, and save your scorecard.
Stop guessing on the course. Get the complete Break 90 Decision Tree at the link in my bio. 🧠