Greenside Bunker Clinic
And for more individualized attention and instruction, contact Craig, Tyler or Stephen. I am only here doing this for the Love of the Game that I have and help you enjoy it more! #sharethelove
The Bunker Shot-the Easiest Shot in Golf. Stop avoiding bunkers like the pandemic! If you panic whenever there is a bunker in sight, this Bunker Clinic will help so you get out.
Set-up-this is for a Greenside Bunker Shot
- ball is left of center in your stance – right handed golfer
- hover your club about 1-2″ behind the ball
Swing Rules
- taking a NORMAL swing, hit 1-2″ behind the ball
- follow through throwing sand out onto the green. Follow all the way through…not just until you get to the ball!! Your finished position should be very similar to a normal shot follow through.
That is really all there is to it so try not making it anymore difficult. Get this down first and THEN you can get more advanced!
Questions asked in the clinic today:
- Q: what if I have a long way to carry in the bunker to get out? A: play the ball closer to the center of your stance and/or take less sand
- Q: what if it’s a high lip? A: refer to rules 1 & 2
- Q: can I set my club down when I am getting ready to hit? A: no-club must hover
What to do if you are farther away than right by the green: The ball will carry farther if 1)you take less sand with the shot or 2)you play the ball back slightly in your stance.
What to do if the lip is really high: 1)hit 1-2″ behind the ball; 2)follow through throwing sand out onto the grass outside the bunker.
This image demonstrates the differences between a Sand Wedge – on the left, and a Pitching Wedge – on the right.
A Sand Wedge’s leading edge sits HIGHER than it’s back flange and has more loft; a Pitching Wedge’s leading edge sits flush to the ground and has less loft.
Why is this important? A sand wedge will “bounce” down through the sand, taking your ball and sand with it as it easily moves through the sand while a pitching wedge will act like a bull dozer and just push the sand and your ball-probably not getting it out of the bunker.