Understanding basic bunker technique

Assuming you have a good lay in the sand, always take your sand wedge when your in a green side bunker with its heavy soul, your objective through impact is for the club head to cut through the sand and throw the sand and ball onto the green.

The key is to keep the clubface open throughout the swing and to do that, is the way you grip the golf club. Remember, always open the clubface a few degrees and then take your grip. Gripping normally and simply turning the clubface into an open position just does not work.

So With that in mind, get into the practice bunker and follow these rules, set your body approximately 30° degrees open in relation to the target line with your weight evenly distributed then position the ball forward in your stance. Now flex your knees and dig your feet into the sand for a firm footing.

Focus on a spot two or 3 inches behind the ball that’s where you want the leading edge of the club to enter the sand. Swing the club smoothly back along the line of your toes line and let your wrist hinge naturally in response to the weight of the clubhead.

As you start the downswing reroute the club along the target line so that you encourage a shallow angle of attack. it will feel like you’re swing has a slight loop in it as you change direction from backswing to downswing.

Accelerate the clubhead through the sand towards the target and don’t quit on it, blasting the sand and ball out of the bunker and onto the green.

Practice this move without a ball at first, and listen to the sound the club make as it go through the sand, you can actually hear a good bunker shot.

You can also practice the bunker shot with a golf tie placed about half way in the sand and the ball just on top. Now try hitting the tie out from under the golf ball taking a little sand with out hitting the ball.

Practice this lesson often and you will make the sand trap your friend and not your enemy.

Robert Brown