Golf Industry Online Golf Tips

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

The Smart Path To Better golf

Green Side Bunkers

BY GEOFF GREIG

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.