Michael Henning Golf Academy and ProShop
Bunkers are obviously an integral part of most golf courses and therefore it is essential that one has the technique required to play bunker shots correctly and confidently. Like most aspects of golf they are extremely difficult if the necessary basics are not followed and surprisingly easy if they are. Without doubt the most common reason for not executing these shots well is lack of speed and authority through the shot. The greenside bunker shot can be dangerous because the length of swing needed to create loft on the shot is powerful enough to hit the ball way over the green if the sand is not hit in the correct place, therefore cushioning the power. So, why do we need to hit the sand first? To pick the ball off the sand cleanly would require such perfect timing it would be impossible to repeat consistently. It would be like hitting a full iron shot off a concrete path. Hitting the sand first and taking a wedge out underneath the ball enables us to attack the shot with the speed and authority necessary to put height on the ball and clear the lip of the bunker. Stand to the ball with your feet, hips and shoulders pointing approximately 20 degrees left of the target and open the blade of the club so that it points at your intended target. Your swing plane should now follow your shoulder line and swing across your target line or out to in.This address position of course puts more loft on the club and the steeper angle of attack creates more spin. Use a much longer swing that you would do if the ball was off grass and swing right through the shot transferring your weight to your left side. Remember speed is the key to getting the ball out. Hit the sand about one and a half inches behind the ball and take a wedge of sand out underneath the ball. Don’t quit on the shot, decelerate or scoop the ball and don’t hit it off your back foot. Make sure that your weight goes through.
I describe the swing as long and lethargic. It is not a violent movement but an authoritive smooth acceleration of speed and weight transference. For those of you who have private tuition from me you will know that I advocate the two line exercise to practice entering the sand at the correct place and taking the right amount of sand. Simply draw two lines in the practice bunker about six inches apart with the edge of the club. Set up your address with the back of the two lines opposite the middle of your feet. Take a swing and try to enter the sand at the back line and exit at or past the front line. Move up the tram lines and take more divots. Note how consistent all of the entry points are, the depth and the length of the divots. Without the distraction of the ball you will be amazed how quickly it will become consistent and how effortlessly the body can move through the ball. Then draw your lines again and put a ball one and a half inches ahead of the back line and swing as you just have been. Try not to focus on the ball but on performing the shot as described. The ball has to come out
Normal width stance, ball position just forward of middle
Feet, hips & shoulders pointing left of target, club face open to the body but pointing at the target
Haywards Heath Golf Club High Beech Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1SL