Following are a few common questions asked regarding bunker
play. How much do you open the clubface? How long should the swing
be? And, the most common is, how far should you hit behind the
ball? The answer depends on your ability.
Following are a few common questions asked regarding bunker play. How much do you open the clubface? How long should the swing be? And, the most common is, how far should you hit behind the ball?
The answer depends on your ability.
If you are a mid-80s and above player, I suggest you aim three to four inches behind the ball.
The low-80s and below player, aim one to two inches behind.
Keep in mind, open the clubface enough so the bounce of the club hits the sand not the leading edge.
Make enough swing to hit the sand but not the ball.
Most important, focus on the spot you want the club to enter the sand.
Statistics show the average golfer spends as little as 10 minutes a year practicing bunker shots, while the tour player spend one or two hours a week on the shot.
No wonder they make it look so easy.
Don Leone is the Director of Golf Instruction at Coyote Creek Golf Course. For information about classes, email
dl****@ca*********.com
or call 463-8024.
