Aug 5 2011
How To Play Bunker Shots
All golfers need to work out how to play bunker shots because sooner or later they are going to be confronted with their ball in the bunker. Think optimistic thoughts about how you will get out. Don’t start worrying about how difficult it will be and how many shots you might waste. Concentrate instead on the task at hand.
To start with do what you can to limit the damage as much as possible. The last thing you want is to be playing your next shot from exactly the same place.
Try to be realistic even though you may only be a short distance from the green. It may not always be wise to aim for the flag. Just concentrate on being able to get out and take your next shot from the grass and not sand.
You can’t always hit directly to the hole, so make sure that you evaluate all possible options open to you. It could perhaps be a better option to hit out the side or even backwards. Resist being stubborn and persist trying to hit straight at the flag.
If you are really unlucky and the ball is plugged close to the face of the bunker it’s better to take a drop rather than attempt a shot that is unlikely to be successful.
When you have decided on the direction you wish to play the ball you next need to consider the technique required. The high splash shot is what is required from deep bunkers, using your sand wedge.
You will need to adjust your stance to the slope (if any) of the sand. Aim to position your shoulders as close to parallel to the sand as is comfortable.
At address stand open with the club face square, or slightly open, to your target. For a solid base shuffle your feet into the sand remembering to maintain your legs relaxed and flexed.
If the bunker lip in front of you is sizeable, swing high to hit high. Use the splash shot with confidence and accelerate into the sand. To avoid leaving the ball in the bunker you will require a lot of club head speed. Use a steep backswing by breaking your wrists early then bring it down sharply on an out-to-in path into the sand. The club head will cut under the ball and the explosion of sand at impact sends the ball almost vertically up in the air.
The fact that golf bunker shots are one of the most feared shots in golf but are rarely included in practice routines does not help it’s reputation. If you experiment with playing bunker shots from different slopes and lies in a variety of bunkers it will build your confidence and dispel the fear.
A lot of golf professionals would rather be in a bunker than in the rough, especially if the lie is right. If you can build confidence in how to play bunker shots it will filter through your whole game. A hole surrounded with bunkers will no longer faze you when you feel confident that you can cope with shots from the sand.
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