If you’re struggling to get out of the sand, it’s likely that
you’re not hitting the right spot behind the ball
If you’re struggling to get out of the sand, it’s likely that you’re not hitting the right spot behind the ball.
Many times when giving a bunker lesson, I’ll find the student is inconsistent on where their club is entering the sand, mainly hitting too far behind the ball. Often, this is a result of an incorrect setup. Their weight is moving off the ball to the back foot, or they’re releasing their grip too early on the down swing.
Here’s a drill to check where your club is entering the sand. Without a ball, take your stance and set 60 percent of your weight on the front foot, the left foot for the right handed golfer. Using the butt end of the club, draw a line in the middle of your stance that is perpendicular to the target line, the line is the line drawn from the flag to the ball. Make a couple of swings hitting the sand. If the club is hitting two or three inches behind the line, you’re most likely doing one of the three things I mention earlier.
Moving your weight and unhinging your wrists are the most common tendencies of hitting too far behind the ball. This results in taking too much sand hitting the ball.
This drill gives you instant feedback about where your club is hitting. If you’re successful hitting the line, then place a ball two or three inches in front of the line and continue with the drill. Remember, you’re not looking at the ball when hitting a bunker shot; you’re focusing on the line.
With a little practice, you’ll develop more confidence in getting out of bunkers. The tour players make this shot look easy. Why? They practice.
