The Dreaded Bunker Shot...DJ - 09.22.08
(http://www.eagleparbirdie.com/50226711/Tiger%20Bunker%20Shot.jpg)You all know the feeling… You hit that perfect iron shot, the ball flying directly towards the flag, thinking to yourself “Hold your pose, this shot is going to be good!!!” And what happens… You come up just short and land in a bunker!!!
From a possible birdie or a certain par, your first thought is… “Oh Man, can I get this out???”
Well here are the simple steps to getting that ball out of the bunker every time… first time!!!
STEP 1 – Grab your Sand Wedge 54/56 degree (Lob Wedge 58/60 if comfortable) and walk into the bunker.
STEP 2 – Bury your feet in the sand about 1-2 inches, for stability and to get a feel of the sand.
STEP 3 – Open the Wedge up first, and then grip the club.
VERY IMPORTANT that you open the face first and then grip the club. The more open the face is, the more you are able to slide the club under the ball through the sand and get the ball elevated.
(However, you must grip the club after opening the face otherwise you will hold the club with a very strong grip.)
STEP 4 – Open your stance to match your open club. Open your stance 45degrees to the target so you are aiming left (or right) of the flag, but your clubface is pointing towards the target!
STEP 5 – Position your weight 60-40 on your front side and position the ball middle-forward in your stance.
(NEVER position the ball in the back of your stance for a perfect lie in the bunker. If you are on a side hill, plugged or buried somewhat, then this may be appropriate)
STEP 6 –
ACCELERATE ACCELERATE ACCELERATE!!!!!!! Now you have setup perfectly, take the club back ¾ of your full swing and accelerate through the ball taking about 2inches of sand behind and through the ball.
Imagine you are hitting a dollar bill’s worth of sand, (About 5-6 inches of sand). And practice this at home, place the ball in the centre and hit the dollar bill and ACCELERATE through!!!
STEP 7 – PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!! As with everything, the more you practice bunker shots, the better results you will achieve.
Follow these 7 simple steps and you should see the ball come out more often, for more up-and-downs and more importantly lower scores!!!
