Packed Sand

The ball is in hard packed sand or dirt such as greenside bunkers where the club can penetrate the sand.

Allow the club to dig in a little to get the ball out.

Use a delofted club, such as a pitching wedge or a 9 iron. Set the ball two inches further back in your stance than usual. Close the clubface and lean the shaft forward to help lower the leading edge of the club. Maintain your spine angle throughout the entire swing. The key to a successful hardpan shot is to allow only a very small wrist cock on the takeaway and to bow your left wrist through impact to help reduce bounce. Contact with the ball and the ground should occur at about the same time.