Professional

Bunkers, every ones favourite shot, but with the right club for the shot, and the right technique, the shot is not as difficult as most players make it. Firstly it is important to use the correct club for the shot, a standard sand iron as 56° loft with about 14° of bounce, this would be the club most suitable for the majority of golfers.

Set up
When you set up to the ball it is important to get a solid base, so wriggle your feet into the sand, this will also give you a feel for the depth and texture of the sand. Your feet and shoulders should be lined up to the left of your target, with the club face aiming at the target. Remember you cannot ground the club, so you must hover the club above the sand about an inch behind the ball, this is the point where we want to strike the sand. The ball is positioned just inside your left heel with the weight about 60/40 on the left side.

Swing
Take the club back along the line of your feet and braking your wrists quite sharply so you create a steep backswing, the length of the swing being determined by the distance of your shot. The downswing is started by pulling the club down with your left hand with the heel of the club coming down first, to ensure the club face stays open, and you keep the loft on the club. Through impact you should release the club through the sand, feeling that you are hitting the sand with the back of the club, taking a hand full of sand from under the ball and continuing through to a full finish. It is important that you feel that you are sliding the club through the sand rather than digging the club into the sand, this is where the flange and bounce on the club help you. Bunker lessons are available any time of day, give me a call now or click here to book and you will never be afraid of a bunker again.

Pro’s Tip: Escaping the Rough
The rough at Sene Valley can be very thick and difficult to get out of, but with the right technique and the right club you can at least get the ball back on the fairway.

First rule is don’t be to ambitious, a lot of shots are wasted by going for the wrong shot, trying for the green when knocking the ball back on to the fairway makes more sense. If the ball is sitting down take a lofted iron, if you have a reasonable lie the rescue club is a good option for getting some distance.

Set up. With a lofted iron pitching wedge, 9 or 8 iron set up with the ball towards the back foot and push the hands forward.

Backswing. The takeaway will be quite steep with the wrists braking early in the backswing.

Downswing. The club needs to come down on a steep angle so as to strike as close to the ball as possible, any grass taken before the ball results in loss of power, the weight will be on the left foot with the hands driving down into the bottom of the ball, with the hands forward and the ball back in the stance the ball will come out low and running. Taking a club with too little loft will result in the ball staying in the rough, and a wasted shot.

Pro’s Tip Of The Week Playing The Chip And Run Shot

This is the best shot to play when there are no hazards between you and the hole, and no need to fly the ball in high with the object being to keep the ball low landing on the green and running. The club for this shot is a 7 iron, the loft is enough to lift the ball over the fringe grass and then running to the hole.

Set up. Narrow stance with the weight 70/30 on the front foot, (weight stays the same throughout the swing), the ball is positioned just inside the back heel with the hands pushed forward towards the target.

Back swing. The left hand pushes the club back keeping the club close to the ground, with the length of the shot determining the length of the swing.

Down swing, follow through. The left hand pulls the club down and through to the target, with the follow through being the same length as the back swing. Important points to remember, the weight stays towards the front foot, the hands must stay in front of the club as you strike the ball, and accelerating through impact to the finish.

Pro's Tip Of The Week: Playing The Lob Shot
One of the most difficult shots to play - usually in a position with a hazard between you and the flag. The best club to use is a 58° or 60° wedge. The objective is to hit the ball in high, landing soft with little roll. Setup narrow stance, weight 50/50, with the ball positioned just inside the left heel. Back swing smooth and long with a full hinge of the wrists. Down swing smooth with a full release of the club through to a high finish. It is important to keep the tempo of the swing smooth with a gradual acceleration through the ball. Most bad shots are caused by slowing down and quitting at impact, this very often results in a shot which is fat.

For a lesson on this shot or a demo with a lob wedge, please give Nick or Tom a ring on 01303 268514. Alternatively click here to request a lesson.

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