The Weekend Golfer

Lessons - Fairway Bunker Shots

This shot is one of the easier bunker shots to play. If you do get caught in a shallow fairway bunker it is really not much of a problem. In some cases, if the ball if laying nicely on top of the sand, I believe it can even be better.

Playing bunker shots when the ball is laying on Top of the sand

As usual it is important that you visualize you shot. In this situation it is very important, as taking two or three shots to get out a bunker can really dampen your spirits, and end up negatively affecting your whole game.

Once you have determined the shot you are going to play, take up your normal stance. It may help if the ball is ever so slightly towards you front foot. One important point here, is to make sure your are as stable as possible in the sand. Swivel your feet several times to dig yourself into the sand. This will give you a strong, stable base, enabling you to swing without losing balance. Once you have done this, line your club up two inches above where you would normally lay the club on the ground. This is because it is illegal for your club to touch the sand before you hit the ball. Just use your ordinary swing, and sweep the ball away. To be safe, you should take just a little sand, to make sure you clear the lip of the bunker. This is done by hitting the sand a few inches before the actual ball. Don't forget to follow through in order to give the ball the top spin that will give you extra distance.

Golf bunker shots when the ball is buried deep in the sand

Just as usual visualize your shot. Bear in mind however, you will not get nearly the same distance as normal when you are in this situation. Actually getting the power to lift the ball out the sand is hard enough, never mind making one hundred, two hundred yards. This does not mean you should try harder, and try to hit the ball as hard as you can. That has to be the biggest downfall in Ninety-Five percent of beginners. If you find yourself in the bunker, you just have to accept a loss in distance, and most likely an extra shot on to your round. Once you have made a realistic target, do the same as before. Take a slightly broader stance than normal, but swivel your feet to dig them into the sand. Then open up the club face and firmly grip the club. Now is the part only experience can help you with. You have to decide how far before the ball you need to hit to ensure enough loft to clear the bunker, and maximum distance. At first just concentrate on getting out of the bunker. as you gain a bit more expertise start to think about the distance. All that is left to do, is naturally swing back, and sweep through the sand, lifting the ball away.

• Heavy Rough Shots
• Long Fairway Shots