Creating Bunker Music: Are you in Tune?

How is your bunker play? Are you getting it out or are you wasting shots? Are you getting it close? I have included an archive video from a short game series that I did last fall. I know that the bunker shot can be a very scary shot for the average player. There are so many misconceptions on how to play from a green side trap. Here are a few ideas that you might have about bunker play that are false. I have two views of the Guru (me) hitting a short bunker shot….(Phil Mickelson said that he practices 30 foot bunker shots and has improved his bunker play).

Misconception #1 – You must open your stance. Not true. You can play great shots with a square stance and a square blade as long as you lean the shaft backwards slightly so the club doesn’t dig (Claude Harmon Sr. used to teach this method)

Misconception #2 – You cut across the ball in a bunker swing. Not True. I encourage an early hinge which creates a steeper angle of approach but not an outside to in swing. Remember: The ball flies the direction that the sand is thrown. The sand is thrown the direction that you swing. If you swing too much to the left, the ball will likely pull the left.

Misconception #3 – The ball will fly the direction the clubface is looking. If you open the club face to the right, you can still hit the ball at the target if the club is swing on plane.

Misconception #4 – your spine needs to tilt away from the target at address. Wrong. Tilt your spine towards the target to ensure that the bottom of the swing is close to the ball. Get the buttons on you shirt over the ball.

Study the video and you will be making bunker music and saving strokes before you know it. I will be back soon with some new videos.

See you on the lesson tee,

Guru

To schedule a lesson, call 704-542-7635 or visit our website at danarader.com