Being successful out of the sand depends on three things
- Correct setup
- Proper technique
- Consistent point of entry
You can use a sand wedge when playing bunker shots around the green. A sand wedge may vary from 54 to 58 degrees of loft with 10 to 16 degrees of bounce.
Correct setup:
For the correct bunker shot setup I like to draw or visualize three lines in the sand. (upside down A frame)
Each line has a specific purpose:
- The line going from the target to the ball and then extending beyond the ball is called the target line, this is represented by the red line
- The green line is my body alignment in other words you set up a bit open with your stance. (feet aiming left of your target)
- Then I create a line that cuts through the target line and the alignment line. This is represented by the white line and represents impact position, which should be about an inch behind the ball. Your ball positions as demonstrated in the photo will be left of centre.
Proper technique:
Once you have the correct setup with a bit more weight on your front foot the face of the club should be slightly open. This helps puts loft on the ball and allows the back portion of the club to bounce off the sand as opposed to having the leading edge dig into the sand.
The start of the backswing should be straight back or slightly outside the alignment line you can follow the path of the green line. There is an immediate hinge in your wrists as you start this motion this produces a more vertical swing that helps the club to enter the sand about an inch or two behind the ball. Make sure you hit the sand first. Through impact you need to keep accelerating and make sure you follow through.
Consistent point of entry:
To practice that explosive impact position and follow through you can draw a line in the sand with your club no ball needed. Swing back and try to hit the line and splash the sand onto the green. By doing this exercise it will give you feedback on your impact position whether you’ve hit too far behind the line or no sand at all.
