Bruce Lewis: Golf Tips

The Pebble Beach Bunker Cocktail

During bunker clinics at Pebble Beach, Laird Small would always pass around a 16-ounce cup full with bunker sand and a golf ball on top. The cup allowed each student to see how much sand they needed to move and the sand’s weight.

Laird would hit a shot out of a bunker and then fill the divot with the entire cup of sand. This demonstrated why golfers need to swing harder on a bunker shot. This also changes with the weather. 

After all the rain the past few weeks, the sand is much heavier. 

So, the next time you swing by Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, ask for a 16-ounce cup and take a scoop of sand from one of our practice bunkers to feel the weight.

If there is damp sand, do the same drill.

Hit a few practice shots to see if your cup of sand fills the divot. If you do not fill the divot or you have too much sand, you may need some help with your shots. 

For more help, see one of our local PGA instructors. We would love to help you.

Maximum Distance for Drives  

Every club in your bag, including your driver, has a maximum distance. As golfers, we must learn to accept the driving length of each club. But for some reason, golfers believe there is never a maximum distance for a driver. But that’s not true. 

Know the distance and plan your round according to that skill, not Rory’s or Tiger’s distance.

Be Careful

We have experienced our fair share of frost and rains delays in recent weeks. During that time, it can be frustrating waiting for the frost to melt and taking longer paths on the golf cart. 

But there are two reasons why these delays and restrictions take place: We must protect the golf course and also the golfers. 

Walking on the frost-covered grass will bring long-term damage to the greens. And with so much ice, there is an increased danger of slipping, whether someone is on foot or in the cart. We’ve had golf carts actually slide off the paths and injure riders because of the weather. And we’ve had many golfers slip walking near the tee areas and the greens. 

There have been a few bruised tail bones but also permanent damage. 

So, the next time you get a little frustrated with cart restrictions and delays, please understand we are thinking of you as well as the golf course.

Free Round of Golf

Joan Sarringhaus was the winner of the question in my last column.