Just the mention of the word strikes fear in most players
hearts, because
”
sand trap
”
is synonymous with
”
two or three more strokes on this hole.
”
As players, we tend to make this shot tougher than it is.
Just the mention of the word strikes fear in most players hearts, because “sand trap” is synonymous with “two or three more strokes on this hole.” As players, we tend to make this shot tougher than it is. However, if you approach the sand trap-shot just like a regular chip or pitch shot, you indeed will struggle.
The first step to conquering the sand is to understand that you are merely trying to take a thin slice from under the ball – not something that you would need a backhoe for.
Second, understand that to take this thin slice you must get the club not to dig. To do this, open the clubface. The contact with the sand must happen with the “bounce” of the wedge – the round part on the back not the leading edge. This allows you to displace the sand with a gentle splash and not a ferocious dig.
Take a cutting across the ball motion from away from your body towards your body, allowing the club to slide under the ball and the sand lifts the ball away.
Finally, always follow through. If you leave your club in the sand, your ball will be left behind too. To judge the distance, pretend that the flag is 50 percent farther than it is. Then try to hit about one inch behind the ball. The more confidence you start gaining in this shot, the easier it will become.
