Most strike circumstances in golf are simpler than one might envision. One must be logical.

What is “Hardpan”? It is definitely a ‘Tight Lie’ meaning with but a minimum of grass or no grass and just packed hard dirt! More like sitting on the kitchen floor than on an ideal ‘Proud Grass Lie’. This teacher sees an ideal lie as being similar to sitting on a very short tee, 3/16 to 3/8 of an inch above the dirt. It is desirable to strike the Clubface on about the 4th or 5th score line.

What might we do if faced with a ‘Hardpan Lie’ in the ‘Approach or Short Game Environment’?

This is a ‘Pick Shot’ meaning with very little ‘Wiggle Room For Impact Error’!

We need to be very balanced with an accommodating ‘Pivot Condition’. Our move Back & Up must be ‘Quiet’ to avoid the tendency to be Fat or Thin. (see ‘Top Of Tether Ball Pole’)

We do not need any ‘Sole Bounce’ such as usually provided by the ‘Sand Wedge’. (12 to 16 degrees) This sole characteristic invites ‘Skipping and Thin-Strikes’.

In this ‘Approach and Short Game Task’, I would select my most lofted club with as little bounce as possible. (‘Lob Wedge with 60 degrees of Loft’) Envisioning a knife edge cutting under the golf ball’s south pole is a good image! It has to be ‘Nipped or Pinched’ off the ground with enough Clubhead Speed to get the required designed carry distance. You will know what your ‘Calibrated Distance’ is for this #LW. Laser and decide if it is the ideal club selection!

You may have to use more ‘Club’ but still with minimal ‘Bounce’? (#GW or #PW)

Time will tell!

Be brave!