Terri’s Tips
How to Hit a Fried Egg Lie Without Cracking Under Pressure
Ah, the fried egg lie. It’s the golfing equivalent of biting into a sandwich and realizing you’ve got mustard on your shirt. It’s unexpected, it’s frustrating, and it’s about to test your skills in ways you didn’t know were possible. With the weather and consistency of our bunkers this lie is easy to get!
What is a Fried Egg Lie?
For the uninitiated, a “fried egg” lie is when your ball is buried in a sand trap with the top half sticking out and the bottom half buried in the sand—looking like a fried egg in a skillet. Look at the picture below. The ball’s position makes it tricky to get under the ball, and you might feel like your club is about to scramble.
Embrace the Grind (Literally)
First things first—don’t panic! While this lie feels like a nightmare, you’re not the first golfer to face this challenge, and you won’t be the last. A fried egg is an opportunity to really show your sand trap skills. Use a sand wedge with a good amount of loft to give yourself the best chance of popping that ball out. A lob wedge could also work if you need to get more loft.
Don’t Get Fancy, Just Get It Out!
With a fried egg, your goal isn’t necessarily to land it on the green with a perfect spin. Honestly, you’re just trying to escape the sand with a half-decent shot that doesn’t end up in a worse situation. Get in the zone by adjusting your stance. Open it up! You’ll want to play the ball slightly off your back foot with a wider stance for stability. This is not the time for finesse, but rather for aggressive, full commitment. Focus on hitting behind the ball with a smooth, full swing. The ball’s position makes it more about power and control, not finesse. Usually the ball will roll out more, that’s ok, let’s just get it out! You will want to focus on splashing out, entering the sand at the outer circle of the lie, look at picture below – and just remember don’t stop, swing fast and into a full finish!
Stay Positive (And Don’t Overthink It)
Remember, you’re not the first golfer to hit a fried egg, and you won’t be the last. If things go south, chalk it up to a “character-building moment.” Stay positive, because if you hit it right, you’ll feel like a sand trap hero. And if it doesn’t work out? Well, you just have more material for your next round of golf jokes. “Remember that time I tried to hit the fried egg? Yeah, that went… well, let’s just say it didn’t end up sunny side up.”
Practice Makes Perfect (Or at Least a Little Better)
Next time you find yourself at the range, practice hitting from buried lies. You don’t need to hit the fried egg lie every day, but getting comfortable with your sand wedge in various lies will prepare you for the unexpected.
Conclusion: Keep Your Cool, Hit the Shot, and Laugh at Yourself
A fried egg lie can be daunting, but with the right attitude (and a touch of humor), you’ll get through it. Focus on solid fundamentals: right stance, right club, and swing with confidence. Whether you end up in the sand again or it’s a perfect escape, just remember that golf is a game of unpredictability—and sometimes, a good laugh is all you need to get back on track.
Any questions? Feel free to email me at Carolinaschoolofgolf@gmail.com Or to book a lesson click on this link https://calendly.com/golfschool/60minprivatelesson
