How to escape from a buried bunker lie

A ball buried under the lip of a greenside bunker. It's every golfer's nightmare -- and Patrick Reed was no exception during Sunday's playoff at the Valspar Championship. But he was able to not only advance the ball, but make an amazing up-and-down to save par and keep his playoff hopes alive.

This is definitely a highlight-worthy clip:

So how did Reed pull off that bit of magic? It's a matter of four simple steps, according to PGA Professional Gary Fredenburg.

1. Get a solid stance 
2. Square up with the target 
3. Close the clubface
4. Swing hard behind the ball and let the sand do the work

"In Reed's case, he had to place his left foot out of the bunker, but he made sure his right foot was planted solidly so he wouldn't slip," Fredenburg said. "That's the most important thing."

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For most sand shots, amateurs are taught to open the clubface and aim left. But when the ball's buried, the club will slide on top of the sand and won't be able to dig the ball out. Instead, shut the face down. Then when the club hits the sand, it'll act like a shovel, helping to go under the ball and propel the sand out, and the ball with it.

The key? Don't try to scoop the ball out. Instead, Fredenburg suggests aiming below the ball and swinging hard into that spot.

"You'll make a splash, which will bring the ball out with it," he said.

Now, don't expect the ball to stop nearly as quickly as Reed's did. Depending on the lie and where it's embedded in the bunker, Fredenburg said the ball may have little spin. But escaping that situation and having an opportunity on the green is definitely better than not getting it out on the first try, or making things worse.