What Does Plugged Mean in Golf?
There's a unique and slightly dreadful sound a golf ball makes when it hits soft ground from a great height - a dull thud with no bounce. You watch it plummet, it disappears into blades of an overly lush fairway or some thick rough, and your heart sinks. You've just hit a perfect high approach, only to be punished for it. This situation, known as a plugged or embedded ball, can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to ruin your hole. This guide will walk you through exactly what a plugged ball is, how the official rules give you a lifeline, and the must-know technique for when you aren't so lucky, helping you turn a moment of fear into a confident recovery.


