The three hardest bunker shots are: the high lip, the plugged lie, and the downhill bunker shot. These shots require specific techniques to overcome challenging conditions and can be particularly difficult for even experienced golfers. In this article are three challenges you might be faced with, out on the golf course. next time for find yourself in one of the following scenarios, try the techniques described below. You might just find hitting out of the sand is not as difficult as you think. It just takes time, and practice to groove your way to becoming a better bunker player.
The High Lip Bunker Shot:
Challenge:
The high lip bunker shot is difficult because the lip of the bunker obstructs the swing path and makes it hard to get the ball out of the sand.
Technique:
- Club Selection: Use a high-lofted wedge (like a sand wedge or lob wedge) to maximize loft.
- Setup: Stand slightly open to the target, open the clubface, and position the ball slightly forward in your stance.
- Swing: Swing with a steeper angle of attack, hitting down on the sand behind the ball, and focus on getting the bounce of the clubhead to slide under the ball.
- Key: Avoid trying to lift the ball, instead focus on getting the club under it and using the sand to propel the ball out of the bunker.
The Plugged Lie Bunker Shot:
Challenge:
A plugged lie occurs when the ball is buried in the sand, making it difficult to get clean contact and lift the ball out.
Technique:
- Club Selection: Use a high-lofted wedge with less bounce, or even a club with no bounce.
- Setup: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, keep the clubface more square, and take a wider stance with more weight on your lead foot.
- Swing: Swing down steeply into the sand behind the ball, aiming to cut through the sand and lift the ball out.
- Key: Focus on hitting down and through the sand, trying to get the leading edge of the club under the ball.
The Downhill Bunker Shot:
Challenge:
A downhill lie in a bunker makes it difficult to get the ball up in the air and can lead to fat shots.
Technique:
- Club Selection: Use a high-lofted wedge, but be mindful of the slope.
- Setup: Position the ball in the center of your stance, but tilt your shoulders to match the slope of the bunker.
- Swing: Keep your weight on your front foot and make a steeper swing, focusing on hitting down and through the sand.
- Key: Be aggressive with your swing and commit to hitting down, as trying to lift the ball will likely lead to a fat shot
In summary: These bunker shots can be a little trickier than others, but for the most part they can become easier if you take the right approach. Here are few things to consider next time you find yourself in the bunker. Examine the texture of the sand. You’re not allowed to sole the club, but you can get a feel for things by walking in the bunker while assessing your shot. Is the sand soft or does it feel hard or packed? How is the lie? Once you determine the lie, texture of the sand, you can take what you’ve learned above and implement the correct and appropriate course of action. Bunker shots don’t have to be difficult, a lot depends on how much time you prepare and practice these shots.
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