My bunker woes
I have played golf for over 60 years and I have always enjoyed bunker shots. Growing up in South Florida, all the courses I played were well-bunkered and I enjoyed the challenge.
However, I was away from golf last year, due to a hand injury and when I returned to playing, I had difficulty hitting my wedges. I even purchased two new wedges to see if that would help, it didn’t.
Recently, I had my “all time” worst day on the golf course getting into the bunker five times and not being able to get out on my first swing. My frustration level was very high, to say the least. Trust me when I say that I can feel your pain in the bunkers.
So, I have decided to go back to the bunker basics that I teach and “practice what I preach.”
• Start with Grip - Make sure that you have a “weak” grip with the back of your target wrist facing the target and your dominant hand more on top of the grip.
• Aim your club – You need to aim the clubhead to the target.
• Use the Bounce – Open the clubface first and use the bottom or rounded part of the club, the bounce, not the clubface to hit the sand.
If you use the leading edge of the club the, it will dig into the sand.
Stance and ball position – Widen your stance and make sure you bend your knees and dig feet into the sand to get good balance. Your stance needs to be open to your target line. Ball position needs to be more forward in your stance.
Backswing - You need an earlier wrist cock and a steeper, more upright backswing. Length of backswing should be ½ to ¾. You don’t need a full backswing.
Path of Swing – Swing along your body line which is open to the target. Therefore, your swing path should be “outside-in” to the target that your club is aimed at.
Contact the sand – Your club should enter the sand at least 2” behind the ball. Think of hitting a dollar bill out of the sand with the ball being on George Washington. Your club doesn’t hit the ball, you hit the sand out of the bunker. (Practice hitting off dollar bills).
Follow through – Finish with a ½ to full swing depending on how far the flagstick is from you. You don’t need a lot of lower body weight shift.
Find a place to practice your bunker shots, and if you have to, go out late in the day and practice on your golf course.
Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com
