Tip of the week: Greenside Bunker Shots

  For most golfers hitting a ball out of a greenside bunker is a difficult and intimidating shot. However it is the one area of the game where amateurs often do not put in enough practice. 

  While addressing a bunker shot the stance should be open with the weight slightly on the front foot and the ball about 1”-2” forward of center. Take a smooth three quarter back swing with your chest turning away from the target. On the downswing come down with your torso and not your arms to avoid hitting too far behind the ball. Keep the left arm straight throughout impact and finish with an abbreviated follow through.

  For plugged lies, keep more weight on your left foot to let the club dig into
the sand. Play the ball in the middle with a square club face and the
shaft leaning towards the target. Come down with a sharp downward blow, making sure you follow through at least to hip height. Do not lift the ball out instead try a downward "digging" motion in order to "pop" the ball out. You don't have to swing hard.

  While playing an uphill sand shot keep the ball forward with your weight on your right foot and swing along the slope. Do not open your club face. For a downhill sand shot keep your weight on your left foot. Play the ball back with an open club face. Take a steep backswing with a full wrist hinge and swing along the slope.

 

Incase of a long bunker shot decide whether to pitch or blast the shot. While playing from soft sand use a nine-iron to play a blast shot. On hard sand opt for a pitching wedge and play a normal pitch shot.

 

For more golf tips and advice mail into admin@golftrade.in with “Tips” as the subject line.