Inland Empire Golfer - March 2008 - (Page 31)

LESSON The Dreaded Bunker Shot Why is it that professionals find playing out of sand bunkers the easiest shot in golf? T he answer is that it is easy. You just have to understand the mechanics. Where have you heard that before? If you read our last lesson column on “chipping,” a lesson by Brian Schwartz, then you are ahead of the game, because sand and chip shots have similar swing mechanics, but different setups. To setup up properly, lay the clubface slightly open and point the thumb of the left hand down the shaft. Overlap the right hand so that the left thumb fits along the crease of the right palm between To setup for the bunker shot, place your feet in an open stance so that your toes draw a line to the left of your intended target. Position the clubface so that it is aimed to the right of the flag as shown in Fig.2. The result of this open stance setup is that it opens the clubface so that it slides under the ball, letting the sand carry the ball forward. The bounce of the club squares the face toward the target as it catches the sand. For higher and shorter bunker shots, open the stance wider. For lower and longer bunker shots, close the stance. As with the mechanics of the chip shot, there is very little wrist cocking for the bunker shot (see fig. 3), and the lower body remains quiet through the swing. Make sure to allow the grip of the shaft to pass the ball before the clubface makes contact. Visualize that you are throwing sand at the target with the clubface as an extension of your hand. The golf ball is incidental to the action. the thumb and fingers. Feel that you are holding onto your left thumb with the right hand (See fig.1). The handgrip position helps keep the left wrist at the proper angle. Finger grip pressure should be light, just enough to support the weight of the club head. The setup is where the chip shot and bunker shot differ. The backswing, as in any shot, determines the distance the ball will travel. However, in the sand shot, it also determines how much backspin you will impart on the ball. Take a 3/4 swing to maintain control of your arms and hand positions, and to keep your lower body balance (see fig. 4). But of utmost importance is to finish high – take the finish to 12 o’clock to make sure you get through and out of the bunker (see fig. 5). IEG ~ by Bob Lopez Brian Schwartz is a Nicklaus/Flick Certified Instructor who provides instructions at Goose Creek Golf Course. He may be reached at 951-454-3320 www.inlandempiregolfer.com INLAND EMPIRE GOLFER March 2008 31 http://www.inlandempiregolfer.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Inland Empire Golfer - March 2008

Inland Empire Golfer - March 2008 Contents Cover Story: Shenzhen China & The Inland Empire The Looming Water Shortage Artificial Turf Demand Grows Leisure Living Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Mechanics Of The Bunker Shot The Proper Golf Swing Motion Callaway Squareways What's New? How Well Do You Know The Rules? Golf Course Reviews IE Golf Course Directory

Inland Empire Golfer - March 2008

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