1. Do Not Watch The Ball!
In a properly executed sand shot the club face splashes the
sand and it is the sand that propels the ball out of the bunker.
It is imperative we watch the spot where the clubface will enter
the sand. If we watch the ball, we may strike the ball first
which leads to poor results.
2. Accelerate the clubhead!
Since we are not striking the ball directly, the club must be
accelerating when it enters the sand. If the club is slowing
down as it reaches the sand it will not splash the sand forcefully
enough to propel the ball onto the green. Swing through the
sand to a full ,high finish.
3. Soft = Shallow, Dense = Deep
When the sand is soft make a long shallow splash about 1/2 inch
deep and one foot long. When the sand is heavy or dense make
a short deep splash about 1-3 inches deep and 6 inches long.
The club should enter the sand 1 to 2 inches behind the ball
in either type of sand. The softer the sand the more you want
the face of the club open to create bounce and the denser the
sand the more you want the face square to help the club dig.
4. Vary the backswing to vary the distance.
To achieve consistency we need to eliminate as many variables
as possible. Rather than changing the acceleration rate of each
swing which to can lead to timing problems, try shortening or
lengthening the backswing length to control distance. Consistent
acceleration and consistent clubhead/sand entry point leads
to consistent bunker play.
See you next time.
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The Smart Path To Better golf 
