Plugged and buried bunker lies

Setup

1. One player in the bunker at a time; everyone else waits outside, well clear of the swing and not on the green in front.
2. Press three balls into the sand: one plugged deep, one fried egg (a ball sitting in its own crater), one half buried.
3. Flag in the middle of the green so there is room for the ball to run.

How it runs

1. Plugged: ball in the middle or a touch back, face square or even slightly closed, weight on the lead side, a steep backswing and a firm strike into the sand just behind the ball. Little follow-through; the ball pops out low and runs.
2. Fried egg: same set-up with a little less dig, striking the edge of the crater so the club gets under the ball.
3. Hit three of each, then the coach buries balls in any lie and the player chooses the set-up.
4. After every ball, the player rakes the bunker smooth before the next player steps in.
5. Rules talk to finish: the coach explains the options when a ball can't be played (below).

Coaching points

• Rules first: don't touch the sand in front of or behind the ball with the club, not in a practice swing and not in the backswing. Make practice swings outside the bunker.
• A buried ball has no relief for being embedded in a bunker; it is played as it lies or declared unplayable.
• Unplayable in a bunker: with one penalty stroke, replay from where the last shot was played or drop inside the bunker (back on the line from the hole, or within two club-lengths); with two penalty strokes, drop outside the bunker back on the line from the hole.
• Plan for the run: aim to land it on the near part of the green and let it roll out.
• Commit to a firm hit; this is not a delicate shot.

Common mistakes

• Opening the face like a normal splash, so it bounces off the sand and the ball stays in.
• Trying to follow through fully, which makes the club come up out of the sand too early.
• Grounding the club behind the ball at address.
• Leaving footprints and craters unraked.