Bunker Woes

[sandylc524]

Need advice on bunker play.

Shot the worst game yesterday (88) - mostly due to poor iron play and VERY poor bunker play.

Hit 12 out of 14 fairways w/ distance of around 260-270y range.
Only hit 6 greens in regulation (poor iron play).

Was in 7 bunkers. Out of the 7 bunkers - I hit 6 of them clean off the sand (overshooting the green and hitting into the water at the back TWICE). The one time I didn't hit it clean - ended up being well short.

I know the general dynamics of the basic bunker shot - hit the sand first, lowest point is past the ball, complete the swing, generate speed. I am having a huge problem with hitting the sand first.

For some reason, the moment I step into the bunker, I just know I'm going to hit it clean - AND I DO. It's very frustrating.

Is there any tip you guys can share on how you ensure you hit the sand first? Thanks!

PS - I realized this morning that I was choking down on the handle - but this is a normal thing for me and I never really had this problem before.

 

[ruff-driver]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrV8JQn4HTc

 

[sandylc524]

I guess the third key might be the most crucial one for me. Proper set up during address.

My problem is i kept hitting it clean.

 

[patricks148]

what sort of bunkers and sand?

I've found when ever i play a parkland course the sand is heavily compacted, so the bounce on a SW simply bounces off the sand and you thin it out.

I tend to play it just lihe a chip shot when faced with this shot... not very often i might add

 

[lex!]

If I hit one clean I know I am standing up on it.

My tip would be to think 'knees'. Keep the flex in your knees and this should help the bounce find the sand.

 

[shortgame]

When practicing, draw a line in the sand (where the ball would be) and practice hitting the line (no ball required)

Until you can hit the sand where you mean to you'll struggle

 

[sandylc524]

If I hit one clean I know I am standing up on it.

My tip would be to think 'knees'. Keep the flex in your knees and this should help the bounce find the sand.

good tip - I should try this out. Thanks!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Try this. Transformed my bunker play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xeADahxxrE

 

[sandylc524]

Try this. Transformed my bunker play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xeADahxxrE

watched it just now. can't wait to try. thanks for this!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Weight forward, ball inside the left heel and the hands level or ideally a tad behind the ball to get the bounce working. That last one is a bit of a mind freeze but trust it and as per the video just rotate. Really made a difference and averaging 23% sand saves this season