The one shot in golf that strikes fear in most players is the
sand shot. It seems to me that most of the problem lies in getting
psyched out about the shot before you even set foot in the
bunker.
The one shot in golf that strikes fear in most players is the sand shot. It seems to me that most of the problem lies in getting psyched out about the shot before you even set foot in the bunker.
The #1 fundamental fault that I see most players make is the lack of a follow-through. The average player takes a mighty blow at the back of the ball and then abruptly stops when the club enters the sand.
What you must understand is that the sand helps to lift the ball out of the bunker. The clubhead and the ball never really make contact with each other. The ball is riding on the sand as the clubhead lifts the ball out and up. So if there is no follow-through, there is no lift.
To help achieve this, place the ball in the front part of your stance and keep your weight balanced through the swing. If you have too much weight on your forward leg, you will chop down and dig into the sand.
Balanced weight will help you “slice” under the ball taking a thin layer of sand out with the ball. If you watch the pro’s they rarely take a lot of sand out with their shot.
So, get into a proper frame of mind before you hit the shot. Take a thin slice of sand out from under the ball and always follow-through.
Remember when all else fails take a lesson. You’ll be surprised how much we can help.
To schedule a lesson with PGA-certified instructor Don DeLorenzo, call Gilroy GC at 848-0490.
