Read The Sand
When entering the bunker the golfer should use all available senses to get a read for the type of sand. Most of this read is done through the feet. The golfer should be aware of the texture and firmness of the sand, and how the feet sink in or if they stay on top. Visually one should be able to gain more information as to how firm or soft the sand is, for confirmation.
The golfer can't use a club to test the firmness of the sand though, as that is a violation of the rules of golf!
Techniques
If the sand in the green-side bunker is firm, the club will bounce quickly. Therefore it is important to position the sand wedge close to the back of the ball. If the club is too far behind the ball the club will bounce up and "blade" or hit the ball with the leading edge. The blade shot will produce horrible results, either over the green or perhaps embedding the ball in the lip of the trap.
With the sand wedge opened up and closely located behind the ball, the shot will be a crisp strike which produces a fair amount of spin and not a lot of roll if executed properly.
If the sand is soft one must depend on the bounce of the sand wedge to prevent the club from digging into the bunker too much. The club should be placed farther behind the ball, and opened up to produce more bounce. A full swing which enters the sand a few inches behind the ball should take out a good amount of sand, and the golf ball with it.
This shot will land and roll quite a bit, so plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Green-side bunker shots do not have to be that tough or intimidating. Often times PGA Tour pros "hope" to hit the ball in the sand if they're going to miss their approach shots to the green. It can actually be an easier shot out of sand than out of long rough next to the green.
As always, practice these shots if possible before trying them on the course.
Golf Tips: Read the Sand
Green-side bunker sand shots do not have to be that difficult if the player is able to read the sand properly and use the correct technique. Just like reading a lie (how the ball sits) in grass, one must read the sand. Different lies in the sand will mean different shot types may be needed, and will produce different types of results. Today we are going to discuss soft sand versus firm sand.
Read The Sand
When entering the bunker the golfer should use all available senses to get a read for the type of sand. Most of this read is done through the feet. The golfer should be aware of the texture and firmness of the sand, and how the feet sink in or if they stay on top. Visually one should be able to gain more information as to how firm or soft the sand is, for confirmation.
The golfer can't use a club to test the firmness of the sand though, as that is a violation of the rules of golf!
Techniques
If the sand in the green-side bunker is firm, the club will bounce quickly. Therefore it is important to position the sand wedge close to the back of the ball. If the club is too far behind the ball the club will bounce up and "blade" or hit the ball with the leading edge. The blade shot will produce horrible results, either over the green or perhaps embedding the ball in the lip of the trap.
With the sand wedge opened up and closely located behind the ball, the shot will be a crisp strike which produces a fair amount of spin and not a lot of roll if executed properly.
If the sand is soft one must depend on the bounce of the sand wedge to prevent the club from digging into the bunker too much. The club should be placed farther behind the ball, and opened up to produce more bounce. A full swing which enters the sand a few inches behind the ball should take out a good amount of sand, and the golf ball with it.
This shot will land and roll quite a bit, so plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Green-side bunker shots do not have to be that tough or intimidating. Often times PGA Tour pros "hope" to hit the ball in the sand if they're going to miss their approach shots to the green. It can actually be an easier shot out of sand than out of long rough next to the green.
As always, practice these shots if possible before trying them on the course.
Read The Sand
When entering the bunker the golfer should use all available senses to get a read for the type of sand. Most of this read is done through the feet. The golfer should be aware of the texture and firmness of the sand, and how the feet sink in or if they stay on top. Visually one should be able to gain more information as to how firm or soft the sand is, for confirmation.
The golfer can't use a club to test the firmness of the sand though, as that is a violation of the rules of golf!
Techniques
If the sand in the green-side bunker is firm, the club will bounce quickly. Therefore it is important to position the sand wedge close to the back of the ball. If the club is too far behind the ball the club will bounce up and "blade" or hit the ball with the leading edge. The blade shot will produce horrible results, either over the green or perhaps embedding the ball in the lip of the trap.
With the sand wedge opened up and closely located behind the ball, the shot will be a crisp strike which produces a fair amount of spin and not a lot of roll if executed properly.
If the sand is soft one must depend on the bounce of the sand wedge to prevent the club from digging into the bunker too much. The club should be placed farther behind the ball, and opened up to produce more bounce. A full swing which enters the sand a few inches behind the ball should take out a good amount of sand, and the golf ball with it.
This shot will land and roll quite a bit, so plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Green-side bunker shots do not have to be that tough or intimidating. Often times PGA Tour pros "hope" to hit the ball in the sand if they're going to miss their approach shots to the green. It can actually be an easier shot out of sand than out of long rough next to the green.
As always, practice these shots if possible before trying them on the course.
