Both the Valley
&
amp; Tournament Courses at Coyote Creek have plenty of fairway
bunkers that even a well-struck drive can bounce into. To handle
this shot, you need good technique and smart course management.
Both the Valley & Tournament Courses at Coyote Creek have plenty of fairway bunkers that even a well-struck drive can bounce into. To handle this shot, you need good technique and smart course management. Don’t use anything less than a 5-iron or 5-wood. Less loft makes it tougher to clear the bunker lip. For crisper contact, play the ball farther back in your stance. Set about 60 percent of your weight over your front foot and keep it there throughout the swing. Take one more club than normal for the distance you want to cover, and make a three-quarter-length back-swing, stopping when the hands reach shoulder-height. This shorter swing will keep your lower body quiet. Don’t be afraid to hit the sand after making contact with the ball. Your set-up will ensure that the club will hit the ball before the sand, so swing normally. As long as you’re allowing enough loft on your club to clear the lip and you’re setting up for the shot properly, you’ll find you are a lot more successful.
Dave Tuttle is the First Assistant Golf Professional at Coyote Creek Golf Course. For more information about classes email dl****@**********ke.com or call 463-8024.
