There are a great many shots in golf that puzzle even the best golfers, and this is one of them. The mid-range bunker shot (60-80 yards). Not every golfer can land his or her second shot on a par 5, safely on the green, some lay up. So many courses will strategically place a bunker or two, right around this area in order to make it more difficult on those longer holes. Many golfers get out of their comfort zone hitting out of any bunker, let alone a long bunker shot.
Knowing what to do can make this scenario a less stressful task.
Common Faults:
- Club selection
- Ball position
- Improper set-up
The Fix:
- Select a pitching wedge as opposed to your sand wedge
- Place the ball in the middle of your stance
- Lean your hands slightly so they are forward of the clubhead, take a more square stance than normally for a greenside bunker shot
In many cases the golfer will select their sand wedge thinking this is the only club to play from a bunker, not true. Since you have a greater distance to cover the pitching wedge is a better choice. If you move the ball back to the middle of your stance as suggested above, you will be able to pick the ball clean, as opposed to moving heaven & earth. It's not necessary to open up the club as you normally would for a bunker shot, keep it square to the target. You may need to dig in a little for stability but not much, choke down on the club a little to compensate. The key here is rhythm. Accelerate smoothly into your downswing so you don't lose your footing. You will take a little sand at impact, but only after you strike the ball.
Remember to focus on the points above next time your at the range and before you know it, you'll be hitting this shot with ease.
Enjoy,
Ted & Buck
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