David Leadbetter on Buried Lies from a Bunker's Upslope

Golf Digest (and David Leadbetter) did an article on how to dig your ball from a plugged lie on an upslope. The article is short but I'll summarize anyway.



When you're plugged in a bunker's upslope:

• Square up the clubface. You don't need to open the face because you'll be swinging up anyway. Plus you want the front edge to dig in since the ball's buried.
• Set your weight on your lead foot and lean forward a bit. You want to get steady footing on that upslope.
• Swing aggressively down into the sand. You won't have much of a finish because you're digging into the sand with the front edge.
• Step down the slope with your lead foot as the club hits the sand. The timing on this one can be a bit tricky, but it helps create more power to get the ball out of the sand. Besides, on some slopes you'll just naturally fall backwards...

You'll need a little practice to get the hang of this, but there aren't any special techniques you have to learn. Unless you count falling backwards without hurting yourself as a technique. ;-)