The bunker shot is a very difficult shot to make for many golfers. The bunker shot is a specialty shot. Hopefully you do not find yourself in this position too often. But when you find yourself playing a game of golf and you end up in a sand bunker near the green. The majority of the golfers will need some golf bunker shot tips. The bunker shot is different then your normal shot.
This article will try to give you some simple tips and trying not to make it over complicated. Having too many things to remember may make your bunker shot worse not better. So we of course do not want that. I would highly advise getting a bucket of golf balls and arranging a place on the golf course here you can practice your bunker shot. There other golf hazards other then sand traps.
Ok picture yourself in the sand bunker just outside the green.
First place the golf ball down in the sand. Draw a line in the sand in front of the golf ball for about 2 feet pointing directly at the hole on the green that you are aiming for. That is your target line. Then draw a line in the sand parrallel to that line where you are going to stand. You have a L line in the sand, For a right hander that would be a reverse L .Choose the right club one with a 54-57 degree loft. With a 10-14 bounce.
1) Grip On the Club For A Bunker Shot
Right hand persons hold the golf club with the left hand at the top and your right hand below the left hand holdingthe club. It is very important the thumb of your left hand is positioned along the club.
2)Your stance
Your stance should straddle the L shaped line. A wide stance with the toe more toward the hole. A common mistake is to put your left foot to far to the left causing the ball to travel to far left. Your stance should be closer to the ball then a normal shot Make sure your standing closer to the ball then normal and keep the ball in the middle of your stance with weight on the front foot.M That it is very important to bend your front knee and have the weight on that forward foot.
A good guide is to move your stomach slightly over the center line and more over your lead foot. Your toes of the feet should be pointing to the target.Right handed golfers should aim to the left of the target. Dig your feet into the sand slightly, this will help your club get under the ball. One good training tip is to have nearly all your weight on the forward leg. Practice on one leg to get the feel.
3)Your swing.
First make sure you have a loose grip on the golf club. Before the swing you should remind yourself to hit ball with finesse not power. Very important you will need to rotate golf club open (to the right) about 30-45 degrees. Most golfers do not open the face enough.This angle will give loft or heighth to the ball when hit.You want the club to be verticle as you swing and hit the sand behind the ball will give you the correct lift or height on the ball.
Many golfers put an angle on the shaft, this is incorrect.Then set the grip. Make wide stance with your feet. Place your lead foot ahead and out (more then normal).Your body is closer to vertical as you flex your knees. As you hit the shot the left wrist should extend or break your wrist. This is kind of a strange movement. Aim to hit the ball 1-2 inches in the sand behind the ball. On your swing picture a pendulum on a cookoo clock. (To learn more details on other golf swings and how golf swing speed can help a golfer with their game).
A common mistake many golfers make is to swing too flat. The swing should be an up and down movement. Vary your speed of the club to how far you are from the hole. A 20 yard shot you do not need a lot of speed. A 40 yard bunker shot will take more speed then a 20 yarder.Your swing should mimic the pendulum. Always follow thru with your swing. Hit the ball with about 35 percent full power.
Practice Tips.
Try hitting the ball (sand behind the ball) with the right hand only. Notice how the wrist breaks or hinges. At firstpractice right hand only and you will soon get the hang of the proper movement of the club. Like a pendulum. One of the biggest mistakes golfers make when hitting a bunker shot is to hit too much sand. Hitting 7 to 11 inches behind the ball. Hitting this much sand you loose speed and distance of the ball. Keep your head down before the shot and focus your vision 1-2 inches behind the ball.
Keep practicing your bunker shot. Adjust your stance if you are not hitting the ball where you want it. That is adjust your feet placement. Leaving the club face open about 40-45 degrees. The bunker shot is a fun one once you master the techniques in this article.
