A short game expert explains how to hit from a fried egg position

The dreaded lie does not have to be a disaster. With a few key adjustments, you can turn a fried egg into a confident shot.

Start by assessing the situation: the ball is probably 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 pivot the club straight up and down, minimizing lower body movement and allowing the club to dive under the ball.

Open the clubface slightly to make the ball pop out high and soft, especially if you have a short side. Keep your sternum centered over your hitting point, about 1.5 inches behind the ball, and aim for the steep angle of attack. No big finish here; this shot requires a short, calm follow-up action that ends with the club buried in the sand.

Practice this move: hinge it up, slam it down, and leave it in the sand. With the right setup and a steep shot, you can turn one of the most terrifying shots in golf into a force.

You can find much more advice from McLachlin at ShortGameChef.comwhich provides golfers with a comprehensive tool to improve their short games. Through personalized tips, drills and expert insights, McLachlin helps players of all levels gain confidence and a deeper understanding of their short game to lower their scores. That’s possible View membership options here.

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