One thing you will notice as you watch The Masters next week are the large bunkers at Augusta National. With the tight pin positions, and the speed of the golf course, even the best players in the world will have to contend with them. Ask yourself when you see Tiger in one, if you would know what to do if you were in his position. Many times tour professionals would rather be in the bunker than the rough. If executed properly, a bunker shot is easier to control than a pitch shot out of the rough. The key to solid bunker play is proper fundamentals.
Let's review our bunker fundamentals:
- Stand with your toe line open to the target line. The higher you need to hit the shot, the more you open your stance, and clubface.
- Keep your weight on your front foot.
- Hinge your wrists quickly on the path of your feet.
- Swing your arms through as far as you went on your back swing.
- Hit approximately an inch and a half behind the ball.
One of the most important keys is to accelerate through the ball. Most players flip their wrists at impact and hit too far behind the ball.
If you are having trouble with your ship and run shots, set up a lesson with one of our Professionals. That one lesson may save you a few shots a round.
