By Crystal Morse, Head Professional The Legends Golf Club
Here are a few tips for golfers facing one of the most difficult shots in golf, the long bunker shot.
If your ball has found a bunker, but is still 20-50 yards from the green here are a few tips for safely extricating your ball and hopefully giving yourself a chance to save par.
The most critical decision is choosing the correct club. Don’t just grab the 60-degree lob wedge, or even the 56-degree sand wedge, drop down a club, or two. Chances are that you will take too much sand with these clubs and leave the ball woefully short and possibly still in the bunker.
A 54-degree wedge, or 52-degree gap wedge is much easier to control for this shot. If there is not lip to contend with the ball will come out slightly lower and roll out slightly more on the green.
Next, set your stance slightly open to the target and let the swing follow your shoulder line. Don’t try to overswing, or force it, let it flow naturally.
We also want to limit any wrist action in the bunker. Releasing the club too soon will result in taking too much sand, or create a low bladed shot that will zoom over the green.
Watch this video of Crystal explaining the correct way to hit a long bunker shot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04dvSWRBVlY
To Review:
- Choose the right club
- Slightly open your stance
- Limit any wrist action
If you follow these tips, you may just see your handicap begin to drop.
