The greenside bunker—a golf girlie's nemesis on the course. It can be intimidating to find your ball nestled in the soft sand and easier to joke that you need a trip to the beach instead of this bunker shot. But fear not! With the right technique and a bit of practice, you can confidently escape bunkers and get back onto the green. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to master the art of hitting a ball out of a greenside bunker.
1. Selecting the Right Club
The first step in successfully navigating a greenside bunker shot is choosing the correct club. Opt for a sand wedge with a loft ranging between 54 to 60 degrees. This club's design aids in getting under the ball and out of the sand effortlessly.
Most people have a "S", or sand wedge, in their starter club sets, so go ahead and use this club here. If you have a 56 degree AND a 60 degree wedge,pay close attention to where your ball lies. If you need to get it up and over a lip, then take you 60 degree because it will help you get it higher up into the air. If you are more in the middle of the bunker, the 56 degree is going to be your best friend.
2. Setting Up Your Stance
Setting up your stance properly is crucial for a successful bunker shot. Open your stance by aiming your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly to the left (for right-handed golfers). This alignment helps you create a steeper angle of attack, allowing for better ball clearance.
3. Anchoring Your Feet
To establish a solid foundation, dig your feet into the sand. This technique not only stabilizes your stance but also lowers your center of gravity, enhancing balance and control during your swing. This is why you see many players doing a little wiggle before approaching the ball.
I also love this technique because it allows me to figure out how dry, wet, soft, etc. the sand truly is, which will also play a role on how you approach the ball. But, that's for another day.
4. Ball Positioning
Position the golf ball slightly forward in your stance, closer to your front foot. Placing the ball in this manner enables you to strike the sand before making contact with the ball, a critical aspect of successful bunker shots.
5. Mastering the Swing Technique
Achieving the right swing technique is the heart of a great bunker shot. Maintain a light grip on the club while keeping your wrists firm. Focus on striking the sand just behind the ball. A full swing is essential, allowing the clubhead to enter the sand with a sweeping motion.
My biggest tip I can give you is to pretend you are taking a 50 yard shot. Yes, it may be daunting because you are that close to the green, but the reality is the sand is going to hold up your momentum and you are going to need that club speed to actually get the ball out of the sand. Which isn't that the whole point?
6. Smooth Follow-Through
Just like any other shot, your follow-through is important. Often times I feel like it's one element of the swing that is ignore, but you should always strike a pose after your swing. So, after the clubhead makes contact with the sand, it's important to allow the motion to continue smoothly. Avoid the temptation to scoop the ball out of the bunker. Instead, rely on the loft of the club to lift the ball gracefully onto the green.
7. Finish with Finesse
Complete the shot with a balanced finish. Ensure that most of your weight is on your front foot, and let the club finish high. This posture not only helps control the shot's trajectory but also contributes to a more accurate outcome.
More of a visual learner?
Taylormade posted a video of Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods discussing their preference of club selection, along with some helpful hints for bunker shots in their Master class.
Check it out here: https://youtu.be/bW6UOMhNsVw
Mastering the technique of hitting a ball out of a greenside bunker is a skill that can greatly improve your golf game. Remember, practice makes progress. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you based on bunker conditions and shot requirements. With dedication and perseverance, you'll be able to confidently tackle bunker shots and leave the sand traps behind you on your journey toward golfing excellence.
Comments