How to Play Out of a Deep, Partially Grown-in Divot Hole

[bkuehn1952]

I should have taken a photo of my lie. At least 2/3 of the ball was "underground." The divot hole was narrower than any of my irons. I assume the hole had been there a while and the surrounding turf had started to close up the hole. The ball was at least somewhat in the middle of the divot hole but getting the bottom of a club down through the turf was going to require Brooks Koepka-like strength. The good news was I was only 100 yards from the green. The bad news, there was quite a bit of trouble in my way.

I really pummeled the turf, but the resultant strike was only on the top half of the ball. Fortunately, my topped shot ended up staying out of trouble and I saved bogey. If I had to do it again, I would take an unplayable since the actual shot could have ended up much, much worse.

Any suggestions other than take an unplayable? If I were actually able to swing with the toe of the club almost vertical, I might have been able to strike the ball better. I doubt that swing would have gone 100 yards and a mishit could be a disaster.

I may try to recreate the lie and take a photo.

[TourSpoon]

So a ball that is 1/3 above ground is really tough. You just have to advance it anyway you can and it sounds like you did just that. Normally, I play a divot ball slightly back in stance with hands forward to allow for club first contact. I don't think I have seen a lie as bad as you described ever. 

 

 

[bkuehn1952]

51 minutes ago, TourSpoon said:

So a ball that is 1/3 above ground is really tough. You just have to advance it anyway you can and it sounds like you did just that. Normally, I play a divot ball slightly back in stance with hands forward to allow for club first contact. I don't think I have seen a lie as bad as you described ever. 

 

 

Yes, it was pretty unique. Ordinarily even a deep divot hole allows one to force a club down and through the ball because the divot hole is as wide as a club head. This one was so narrow it was about 2 inches wide and my iron blade's are a little more than 3 inches across.

[billchao]

I can picture exactly the type of divot hole you’re describing but I can’t say I’ve ever seen a lie like that nor would I really know how to hit out of it.

I think I would have tried to hit a long toe-down pitch shot. I’d probably try it with a long iron so the loft of the club doesn’t point the face way right and just choke down to the shaft if necessary.

Next time I find something like this on the course I’m going to place a ball down and give it a shot.

[boogielicious]

I agree with @billchao . A toe down pitch shot will reduce turf interaction. @iacas taught Bill and I this technique in Erie. I use it a lot with trouble shots and longer irons from bad lies where I don’t have to keep the flight low.