We've all been there, a mishit shot, the golf ball buries in the greenside bunker, and we're left wondering to ourselves, what in the heck do I do with this? Well read on and you'll wonder no longer because here is exactly how to set up and play this most difficult bunker shot. 1. Set up with the face of your golf club pointing down the target line or in other words square to the intended target line. 2. Set your feet square to the target line or just a slight bit open if that feels more comfortable to you. Unlike a shot from a good lie in a greenside bunker, you absolutely want the club to dig into the sand under the ball rather than having it cut under the golf ball in a slicing motion. This is the reason we square our feet and swing the club on a square path, minimizing the amount of bounce on your wedge and causing it to dig into the sand. 3. Swing the club back on a very steep angle. (Imagine a U) Again this insures that the leading edge of the club will dig rather than bounce. This technique will also launch the ball a little higher than a normal swing would. 4. Swing down into the sand with little or no follow through. All your force should go down and into the sand. If you attempt to follow through, there is a good chance that you'll double hit this particular shot so make sure the force of the swing goes down and into the sand. 5. This technique will produce a shot that will pop up and out of the bunker and will roll a considerable distance under normal circumstances. 6 . It's highly possible to get the golf ball close to the hole provided you have some green to work with between you and the pin. It's simply a matter of spending a few minutes in the practice bunker getting comfortable with this technique and getting a feel for how far the ball will fly and roll. 7. If the pin is cut close just get your ball out on the green and take your lumps. This strategy will save you shots over time. Don't ever risk leaving the ball in the bunker. 8. Remember, humor me and practice your short putting 30 minutes weekly and as you do, watch your scores fall. |
