When Your Ball is Under the Lip of a Bunker

Megan Johnston's keys for playing those tricky sand shots when you're standing uphill and close to the lip of a bunker.

“How do I hit out of the sand when ball is plugged under lip of bunker” – Donna DeSimone

Yes Donna, plugged and under the lip is a tricky one, as you do not open the face for plugged shot but you need to open the face for a lip shot to get the ball up fast. Plugged and lip at the same time is a tough spot, if it’s really plugged come out sideways. Megan Johston LPGA Instructor

Your Instructor

Megan Johnston

See Bio and More Posts

Tell me your #1 golf frustration and I will personally recommend the best lesson for your game.

Get My Recommendation

Got a question or need a hand finding the right lesson? Send me a quick note—I read and reply to every message personally.

Email Jane Directly

Not sure where to focus? Try my Lesson Discovery Tool to quickly isolate your #1 frustration and find your best starting point.

Fix My Frustration

Premium Feature

Bookmarking is a premium feature. Join today to instantly build your own saved lesson library!

Today's Favorites

The most watched and saved lessons by members.

Improve Your Etiquette on the Green - Iron Lady Golf - Womens Golf

Essential Putting Green Etiquette: Marking, Lines, and Gimmes

From marking your ball to avoiding your playing partner's line, Iron Lady Golf's experts help you master etiquette on the green to become a confident and considerate golfer.

View Lesson

Quick Tip: The Bunker "Dance" for Better Sand Shots

Debbie O'Connell explains why "dancing" in the bunker to get your feet below the ball is one of the secrets to a perfect sand splash.

View Lesson

Never Aim at the Flag When Chipping and Pitching

Anne Rollo shows why focusing on the landing area rather than the target will save you shots around the green.

View Lesson

28 Instructors. 1 Guide.

You don't need more content; you need the right content. While our library features over 1,300 lessons from 28 of the world's best female LPGA and PGA instructors, you won't have to navigate it alone.

As your Online Golf Guide, Jane Filing personally reviews your #1 golf frustration and hand-picks the exact lessons you need to start improving today. It is personalized guidance designed to help you play your best golf.

Jane’s Hand-Picked Lessons

Driver Ball Position - Sara Davis - Womens Golf

The Driver Ball Position Myth

Is your ball too far forward? Sara Davis explains why the "standard" advice might be causing your slice and how a simple alignment shift can help you square the face for longer, straighter drives.

View Lesson

Release Your Wrist Tension for Effortless Golf Swing Speed - Erika Larkin - Womens Golf

Release Your Wrist Tension for More Swing Speed

Many golfers accidentally shut off their lower body and swing entirely with their arms, leading to a stiff, restricted motion. Erika Larkin shares a simple wrist relaxation check to instantly unlock dynamic balance and natural clubhead speed.

View Lesson

The Lead Thumb Myth: Fix Your Grip, Fix Your Slice

Many golfers are taught to put their lead thumb straight down the shaft, but this common setup error often leads to an open clubface. Kellie Stenzel shows you how to find your natural hand position for a square strike.

View Lesson