SAND SHOTS
Sand, or bunker, shots are among the toughest in golf. In fact, getting out of the sand requires a unique approach that is unlike any other in the game.
This is probably why so many novice and seasoned players alike have such a difficult time salvaging their score after getting mired in sand. The good news is that it is possible to improve your technique with bunker shots so that the next time you end up in the sand, you'll be more adept at getting yourself back onto the fairway or the green.
Read my most helpful tips here, and then sign up for Orlando golf lessons. When you learn from an experienced pro, you'll be surprised by how much you can improve your scores.
GREENSIDE
New golfers tend to have two major fears: Driving off of the tee with a group of people watching them and getting out of a greenside bunker.
This means that getting out of the bunker is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. In other words, it is necessary to overcome your fear of the sand while also improving your physical technique.
If you're afraid of hitting out of the sand, it might help you to know that you're not alone. Even seasoned pros who are playing on the tour only make approximately half of their shots out of the sand. The translation is that hitting out of the sand is challenging, even when you make your living playing golf.
With your mental perspective better in hand, it's time to talk about the physical aspects of getting out of a bunker. Above all, remember that this shot isn't like any other in the game. Namely, this is the only golf shot in which your club head doesn't actually contact the ball.
This means that you'll need to alter your typical address position by bending your legs more than usual. Ideally, 90-percent of the swing will be accomplished with the arms while the rest of the body remains quiet. When you squat more, you provide yourself a firmer stance in the sand.
It further may be necessary to adjust the distribution of your weight. Sand shots tend to be more successful when you place slightly more weight on your front foot. This enables you to hit down and behind the ball, giving you a steeper attack angle.
FAIRWAY
Most golfers are filled with dread as soon as they see their ball roll into a fairway bunker. While they walk or ride to the sand, their thoughts are direly focused on all of the complications that are likely to make getting out of the bunker an impossible shot.
The good news is that getting a ball out of a fairway bunker isn't that much different when compared to a regular golf shot. If you set yourself up correctly, there's no reason why this shot should be more challenging than what you would usually do on the fairway.
Before doing anything, check your lie. The better the lie is, the better your opportunity is to successfully get out of the bunker. When the lie is worse, you'll have to be more cautious.
After assessing your lie, check you distance to the target and determine whether or not you would be able to make it in the green if you weren't in the sand. Ask yourself, "If I weren't in the sand, which club would I use?" and "Is the lip on the sand trap going to complicate distance and club choice?"
This will help you figure out what kind of shot you'd like to hit. Of course, some golfers skip these questions and just choose the club that they would use if they had landed on the fairway.
Of course, choosing the right club is critical to making the shot. Beginning players typically should shy away from anything greater than a seven or eight iron while those who are more experienced could try a longer club or even a hybrid.
Don't forget that the lip is a major consideration. If there is minimal lip, almost any player might consider using a hybrid out of a fairway bunker. In general, this is a more forgiving club, and it will help you get closer to the green.
With a good sense of which club you'd like to use, it's time to choke up on it about one inch. This provides greater ball control while also avoiding getting too much sand. This is the point at which you also might want to consider clubbing up. That is, consider using an eight iron on a distance that would typically require a nine iron.
Adjust your stance so that you are slightly closer to the ball. This will assist with picking the ball off the sand. You'll leave only a minimal divot.
As to ball position, ensure that it is just slightly back of the position in which you commonly would place the ball when using that club. Maintain a still and quiet lower body throughout your swing. An excess of body movement could lead to a loss of footing and stability.
BAD LIES
It would be nice if all bunkers were completely flat and promised a good lie. Unfortunately, sand traps rarely work that way.
Perhaps the most dreaded bunker position is the downhill lie. This shot will force you to stand on uneven ground with feet and hands that are slanted in unfamiliar ways. Players may have better success in this position if they remember to lean with the slope and angle their body toward the ball.
Slowly bring the club back for a practice swing, taking care to ensure that your backswing will clear the lip. Keep your focus on your hands during your swing. It's essential for the wrists to move quickly to snap the club head down.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
Are you looking for even more ways to improve your play out of the bunker? Sign up for golf lessons in Orlando with me today.
