Possibly the hardest shot there is in golf, a simpler way to play it.
Amateur face a multitude of shots that can drive fear into their bones, but few shots create similar feelings for the most seasoned golfers and even the professionals. From a professionals’ viewpoint it is a shot that is rarely faced, but for the amateur it is a regular occurrence. Written about numerous times, it is still considered to be one of the toughest shots to master.
Here I am going to provide a tried and tested solution, it is simple and appears to be too good to be true, but it works. It is the simplicity of the shot that makes it beautiful, it is a logical approach and with logic comes success.
The dreaded shot is the 40 – 60-yard bunker shot, get it wrong and you will look like and feel like an idiot, it can be a nightmare for some golfers. OK, so how can we turn such difficulty into a simple shot?
You need to change your approach to the shot, instead of viewing the shot as a “pitch” from a bunker think of it as a green side bunker shot. If you have never read my green side bunker shot technique, then do so now!
Using the very same technique we are going to revolutionize the way you play the shot. Feet wider apart, clubface square to the target, focus on the line. I hear you…. How can I possibly generate enough power to propel the ball 40 to 50-yards? Here is the logic, we apply it to almost every single shot in golf.
CHANGE THE CLUB
Follow the exact same set-up routine as you would for a short green side bunker shot, only instead of reaching for your sand wedge you will play the shot using a pitching wedge or a 9-iron depending on how far you hit the ball. This may seem strange, but trust me it works, by keeping the clubface square the pitching wedge (or 9-iron) can slice through the sand, much like the sand wedge does.
It is worth understanding how using a pitching wedge from the bunker will differ from using a sand wedge. First the trajectory will be lower, just as it would be from the fairway, this results in the ball running further (or spinning less) which in most cases is an added benefit. The second, obviously is that the ball will travel further, again just as it would if you went down a club from the fairway.
Finally, there are a few important points I feel I should make;
1 – Club selection is key, not only for determining distance but also to ensure you can get up and over the lip of the bunker. A consideration that you should be taking from any bunker.
2 – Commit to the shot, if you quit on the shot you will not succeed at achieving your goals. Don´t be afraid the ball will come out.
3 – Your main goal is to get the ball out of the bunker and onto the green, don´t get greedy and try to knock it stiff, this is added pressure that you can do without.
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