Highland Pacific Golf Academy- Pro Tip
Bunker Magic
The biggest mistake people make in playing a shot out of a green side bunker is that they under estimate how hard they have to swing. Players often leave their ball inside the bunker by swinging too softly and abbreviating their follow through. Golfers also do not maximize the design of the golf club and use the leading edge of the club, instead of the trailing edge of the club. Here are a few tips to help you with the bunker shot:
Set Up:
First, dig your toes and heels into the sand a couple of inches. This will promote hitting behind the golf ball. Position the ball in the middle of the stance, and, with a normal grip, lean the shaft of the club slightly away from the target. The feeling here is that the hands will be slightly behind the ball; this will help add loft to the club, but also promote entering the sand with the trailing edge of the club and use the bounce of the golf club. Your ball will come out more often.
Swing Hard:
We want to enter the sand behind the golf ball and we want to make the sand fly out of the bunker. To do this, we have to swing hard and follow through as if we were hitting a driver. Work on your finish position by slapping the sand with the trailing edge of your wedge and then pivot your body into a full follow through.
These simple keys will act as a wand with which to create bunker magic!
