| The pros say that a bunker shot is the easiest shot | | | | a 7-iron. That slow. |
| in golf. If that's true, why do amateurs have such a | | | | Before you step into the bunker, set up and take a |
| hard time with it? If you learn the basics and | | | | few practice swings through the long grass that |
| practice, you can get it. | | | | surrounds the bunker. You're getting used to the feel |
| First, manage your expectations. If bunker shots are | | | | of the club being resisted during impact and not being |
| a problem for you, your goal should be only to get | | | | bothered by it. |
| the ball out and onto the green. Let the pros hit it | | | | Now step into the bunker and set up, clubface open, |
| close. For you, just get it out so you can start | | | | stance swung to the left, ball forward of center. |
| putting, and maybe get that sand save. | | | | Wiggle your feet back and forth, in place, to give |
| Set up for the shot properly. Your clubface must be | | | | yourself a more secure footing. You're ready to go. |
| wide open. Spin the clubface open so your hands | | | | The key to a sand shot is to let the sand take the |
| stay in the same orientation to your body, rather | | | | ball out, not the club. Hit two inches behind the ball |
| than turning your hands to the right to open the | | | | and let the sole of the club slide through the sand. |
| face. | | | | You should hear a thump followed by the club sliding |
| Adjust your stance by swinging it around to the left | | | | through the sand. Gary Player says this sounds like |
| so the bottom edge of the clubface faces the pin. | | | | striking a match. |
| You might think the shot will go way left, but trust | | | | Stay calm when you hit the shot. There was no |
| me, it will go where the clubface is aimed. | | | | tension in your mind when you took practice swings |
| You don't need a special swing for a sand shot. Use | | | | through the grass, so keep that same frame of mind |
| the same one you'd use to hit a 6-iron in the fairway. | | | | when you swing through the sand. If you do, the |
| Just make it a little shorter and a little slower. How | | | | next sound you hear will be someone saying, "Nice |
| slow? Make a full swing with holding both a 6-iron and | | | | out! |