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n the golf course, a bunker shot near the green can be intimidating. The golf course designer intended each hole to be a challenge and sometimes that includes a sand bunker (or more!) placed in just the right position to penalize a poor approach shot to the green. However, you can confidently play out of a greenside bunker to course correct. Playing out of the sand is one of a few shots where you’re not trying to hit the golf ball first. Yes, do not plan to hit the ball first! Understanding this and knowing how to use your wedges will allow you to be a fierce scorer from the sandy surface as you approach the green. Learning to access the type of sand, depth of bunker, and course conditions will allow you to adjust accordingly. Follow these steps to consistently play from the sand:
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1. Select a wedge based on the distance and height you need to hit the ball. For a short green-side bunker, you can choose a 54-60 degree wedge, commonly known as a sand wedge (SW) or a lob wedge (L). 2. Take your standard grip and open your clubface; No need to grip down making the club shorter this insures you strike the sand first. Adding loft also adds the correct amount of bounce required. 3. Setup square towards your target and stabilize your stance by digging your feet ½ inch into the sand where the ball position is just forward of the middle of your stance under your left eye (image: yellow vertical line). This will ensure you to hit behind the ball. 4. Now take your swing. Plan to hit just behind the ball (image: blue circle). The swing should have enough
Short Greenside Bunker
speed to splash the sand out of the bunker and your arms should follow your shoulder alignment. Try it! Most golf courses have a practice area with bunkers. Test and learn and modify as needed for different distances. You’ll have confidence to make a great swing the next time you need to play out of a short greenside bunker. You’ve got this! Doug Spencer at the Spencer Golf Academy has been ranked by Golf Digest since 2015 for being one of Americas Best Young Teachers and Best Teachers by State for OH and NC. At the Academy, we enjoy helping all golfers pursue their dreams and lower their scores. Golf is a challenging game and the path to improvement is similar to the journey through life. It takes tenacity, dedication, patience and passion to see your dreams come true. Golf lessons from the Spencer Golf Academy will teach you how to manage the variables in your game. For more information, visit www.spencergolfacademy.com.
