The sand shot is the most feared golf shot in all of golf. But what golfers don”™t realize is that it is the easiest golf shot in golf.
Most of the time on the lesson tee while giving a sand lesson I will see two different people magically appear before me. The same person that just took the full swing lesson appeared very confident and relaxed. As soon as we enter the bunker for a lesson, suddenly that person”™s body language dramatically changes. Usually I see tremendous tightness in the body and very poor technique. The result is a very poor shot and no
consistency. So what”™s the solution? Here are some helpful suggestions:
The correct equipment
Spend time with your PGA professional to pick out a sand wedge that is comparable to your skill level. Find a club that has the correct bounce for your game and for the texture of sand that you usually encounter. Bounce in simple terms is the rounded part of the club that hits the sand first. Generally, the higher handicap player needs more bounce and the lower handicap player loves less bounce. The bounce will help the leading edge of the club dig into the sand and the force of the sand will help propel the ball safety out of the sand. Speak to your pro first about what sand wedge is good for you and try a demo to
see if you love the model you are trying.
The correct technique
Let”™s start with the green side bunker first. This is the only shot in golf where you can hit behind the ball a few inches and have success. Yes, the sand is lifting or taking the ball out for you. I see the average recreation player trying to lift or help the shot vs. letting
the club do the work. From a golf technique perspective your lower body must be open or to the left of the target. Just watch Tiger Woods hit a green side bunker shot and you will notice that his feet are pointing to the left of the target. Secondly, play the ball off the left heel. This is the correct ball position for this shot. Turn your left hand
grip to the right or make it stronger. This will help you to automatically have the correct angle of attack as the club enters the sand. Remember to keep the club face open as you place your hands on the golf club. Keep the swing short and remember to keep the club
moving throughout the finish position. Always check the texture of the sand prior to entering the bunker to feel if the sand is hard or soft. Soft sand means hard swing and open club face and conversely hard sand means soft swing and square club face generally speaking. Always dig your feet into the bunker not only to feel the sand but to build an
excellent balanced stance. Before you play make sure you practice a few bunker shots to get the feel of the sand for that particular course.
The fairway bunker shot
This shot is more of a shoulders and arms swing with a very stable lower body. The
secret to the shot is to have a very stable lower body as you start the golf swing. Concentrate on an upper body swing without excessive lower body movement. I think of my feet being anchored in the sand but well balanced as I start the club back in the takeaway. I was taught to focus my eyes on the top of the ball. This will ensure that you hit the ball first, which is vital to the success of the shot. Choose a golf club that will ensure that you clear the lip of the bunker. More club is the cardinal rule when it comes to club selection.
The ball isn”™t going to fly as far so take one extra club to get the ball on the green. Don’t be afraid to use a hybrid out of the bunker. This great club has made life easier on the golf course for all of us. Remember to have fun on the golf course and remember the bunker shot is very easy to execute. Follow the above suggestions and you will see how
simple it is to get out of the sand.
Tom Sialiano is the director of instruction at GolfTEC in White Plains, N.Y. He has been a member of the PGA of America for 20 years. E-mail him at tsialiano@golftec.com.
