Bunker video lesson

By Nick Bradley

Bunker Play

24 November 2006 12:49

Greenside gremlins... Thin, fat, leave it in there. One of the most intimidating and frustrating shots in golf....

Nick Bradley looks at all the problems golfers face when in the sand near the pin. He puts 17-handicapper Bob Atkins through his paces, analysing why his unreliable bunker technique is letting him down, and giving him a simple bunker lesson that leaves him splashing shots out of sand with no trouble at all. Try it for yourself!

Step One:
Efficient use of energy is the key to this tip. Many amateurs often waste energy by cocking their wrists and trying to lift the ball out of the bunker. This encourages a golfer to put weight on the back foot which often results in striking too much sand or connecting with the equator of the ball.

Step Two:
Place your weight a little more on the front foot, this will encourage a steeper downswing which in turn will encourage more flight from the ball.

Step Three:
Concentrate on connecting with the sand at a consistent distance behind the ball. Practice this without a ball to help get a feel for what you are trying to achieve. Ensure that you maintain a triangle with your forearms, this will maintain the loft of the club throughout your swing.

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