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Basic Bunker Shot
by Jim Slattery, PGA Director of
Golf, Belleair Country Club |
Ever since I was a young
junior golfer, I can remember adult golfers and golf
instructors talking about (and writing about) how to get out
of bunkers. It seemed like I was always hearing the
following phrases:
1) Take the club outside on the backswing.
2) Pick the club up.
3) Slice across the ball.
4) Use a “V” shaped swing.
It’s not that I necessarily disagree with these types of
tips, but they can be confusing. All of these tips instruct
us to manipulate our swing. I believe there’s a better way
to understand how to get out of a bunker and you may use
your normal golf swing.
I’ll give you two ways to play the shot. The first method is
very simple. Using your sand wedge, play the ball forward in
your stance, take your normal swing, and strike the sand a
few inches behind the ball (make a splash). This ball will
come out fairly low with low spin. The second method is used
when you need to hit a higher, softer shot. Open the face
(aligned to the right of target). This will give you the
height and the spin. Unfortunately, the ball will end up to
the right of your target. No problem! Align your body to the
left of the target. Again, make your normal swing,
contacting the sand a few inches behind the ball, and again
making a SPLASH! The ball will fly high and soft directly at
your target.
This method should work for you without having to manipulate
or “manufacture” a strange swing. Simply use your own! |
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