GOLF TIPS

A SURE FIRE WAY TO ESCAPE FROM GREENSIDE BUNKERS

Addressing a greenside bunker shot, several thoughts probably run through your head: how far back to swing, where to contact the sand...you get the idea. These thoughts are fine during practice, but on the course, you should have one objective: Get the ball out of the sand. To deal with this single goal, it helps to have only one swing thought: "Fly the sand." Pick a spot on the green where you want the ball to land, then concentrate on swinging through so the sand flies to that spot. The only adjustment necessary is based on the sand's texture. In hard sand, make a steeper swing so the club can dig through; softer sand requires a shallower swing so the club can glide through. In all cases, take a slightly open stance, open the clubface, and splash the sand to the spot you picked.

  • From the December 2001 issue of Golf Magazine