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Top Ten: Bunker Play Tips

Written on Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Bunkers fill many golfers with dread, and a trip to the beach can spell disaster. It need not be so. We look at ten top tips for beating bunkers.


Number one Top_Ten_Bunker_Play_Tips_1 Your club  You need a lofted club with plenty of bounce - the ability to cut through sand - and deep grooves to help control the ball. Keep an eye on our golf wedges reviews to find an ideal sand wedge for you.
Number two Top_Ten_Bunker_Play_Tips_2 Use the sand  Your club should not get the ball out of the bunker but the force of the sand you displace from under it. Swing through the sand and under the ball rather than aiming to connect with it.
Number three Top_Ten_Bunker_Play_Tips_3 Be steady on your feet  When setting up, really make sure your feet are solidly fixed, especially if you are on a slope. Slipping or moving mid-swing will ruin your shot. Shuffle your feet to dig them into the sand.
Number four Top_Ten_Bunker_Play_Tips_4 Aim You should open your club face to maximise loft. This will send your ball out to the right, so counter that by aiming a little to the left in your set up.
Number five Top_Ten_Bunker_Play_Tips_5 Weight Right handers should put their weight on their left side. This allows for a steeper swing, more height and less run-on once the ball is on the deck.
Number six Top_Ten_Bunker_Play_Tips_6 Ball position A right handed player should have the ball just inside their left heel so that the club head gets under the ball. Aim for a position an inch or so behind the ball, too, as you swing through the sand.
Number seven Top_Ten_Bunker_Play_Tips_7 Don't be scared to hit the ball Do not be afraid to swing hard. With the sand slowing the club head down so efficiently, a weak swing can be disastrous. Remember you are not trying to play the ball but to play the through sand.
Number eight Top_Ten_Bunker_Play_Tips_8 Don't be greedy When in the bunker, for the vast majority of us, a hole becomes about damage limitation not high scoring. Aim for the easiest landing zone, and the easiest way out of the bunker, not the pin.
Number nine Top_Ten_Bunker_PLay_Tips_9 If you are plugged... If you are plugged, or deep in the sand, it will not be possible to slide the club under it like a normal bunker shot. In this situation, close the club face and your stance, and concentrate on digging the ball out with a steep swing.
Number ten Top_Ten_Bunker_Play_Tips_10 On an upslope? If the ball is high up the bunker you should only swing with your upper body, transferring weight. Use your wrists to increase speed through the ball.
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