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Among the many difficult shots in golf, one shot that I'm asked about a lot, and one shot that many of my students struggle with and want to work on, is the Sand Shot. While many Pros profess this shot to be one of the easiest shots in golf, claiming it's the only shot where you're trying to MISS the ball, it still can be a very difficult shot, if the technique isn't right. Below I will offer a step-by-step method that I use to extricate myself from the bunker. I will discuss the Short bunker shot, say of 15-30 feet. Next month, I will talk about one of the toughest shots in golf; the Long Bunker Shot.
Before you begin working towards a World Class sand game, make sure you have a good quality Sand Wedge (56 Degrees), Lob Wedge (60 Degrees), or Even Gap Wedge (53 Degrees). Any of these clubs will work, and make things a lot easier for you. I would suggest most players use a Sand Wedge (Fancy that!) for your sand
shots.
Short Bunker Shot (15-30 Feet)
The Shot: A normal lie (which is all I'm going to address in this article) in the middle of the bunker, to a flag, 15 feet away on the
green.
1. With your Sand Wedge pretend that you're hitting a normal fairway shot from 60 yards. That is, you will line up square with the club and with your feet, and the ball basically in the middle of your
stance.
2. From there, I would like you to open the clubface about 15 degrees. What this means is that the leading edge or bottom of the club will face slightly to the right of your
target line (for righties).
3. To account for the open clubface, you will need to open your stance as well. This refers to the feet now shifting to the left (for righties). The left foot will kind of shift to the left and the right foot will shift to the right. This will bring the leading edge into a square position looking right down your
target line. This will also bring the ball a little bit forward in your
stance.
4. Finally make your normal pitch shot swing. Because the clubface is open and your stance is open, you will create a swing that works along your stance line. The club will work back over your right foot, and through over your left foot. What will be created, in essence, is a swing the slices across the ball, takes a little bit of sand, and promotes a nice, high soft landing shot which won't roll very
far.
5. For longer shots, ranging from 25 to 30 yards, you will have to open the club less (about 10 degrees), and open your stance less as well. This will promote a longer and more on-line swing creating a more powerful blow and a longer flying shot.
Experiment with this shot to get a feel for what club works for you, and how much or how little you will need to open the clubface and your stance, and how much of a swing you will need as well.
With some diligent experimentation and practice, you'll be so good, you'll start aiming for bunkers!!
Andrew
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