This week we are going to talk about playing out of green side bunkers. This is a shot most people dread but it’s really not that hard of a shot. You here all the time on TV how PGA players prefer the sand to the deep rough. You too can be a great sand player with the right technique and some practice. Here’s how to do it.
TIPS FOR GETTING OUT OF BUNKERS
1. Use a 56 or 60 degree sand wedge. I’m still amazed how many people don’t carry these clubs.
2. Open up your stance and club face playing the ball off your front instep. Similar to last week’s deep rough shot
3. Aiming about an inch behind the ball, pick the club up quickly with nice loose wrists and good flex in the knees. Like the high flop shot from grass. How hard you swing is dependent on how far you want the ball to travel.
4. Finish your swing over your shoulder. A common fault is to not follow through and if you do this you will probably be hitting your next shot from the sand as it isn’t coming out. Accelerate through the ball. Never decelerate or just punch at it.
5. Lastly, go into the bunker with confidence! Poor bunker players fear the sand… good players enjoy the challenge. To gain confidence you must practice the shot. Find a practice bunker or go to your club in the evening and spend a half hour trying different shots, angles and lies using the technique I have described.
Practice these tips and you will master the sand. Even steep faced bunkers where you are next to the lip. This will help you gain confidence for all aspects of your short game.
Playing out of bunkers well is a must for playing YOUR best golf!
