What is it about sand that changes the personality of a golfer? Mild-mannered people suddenly turn into psychos trying to kill the golf ball. Too often, a player takes a swing so vicious it's almost unrecognizable. When your ball is in a sand trap, try to take a shallow slice of sand from under the ball.
The proper way to do this is by opening your clubface and striking the sand with the bottom flange of your sand wedge - not the leading edge. If your club enters the sand with the leading edge, it will dig too deep and you will form a trough with your club. Using the bottom of the club allows the splashing of the sand rather than digging.
To practice this, simply get in the sand and open your stance and clubface. The face should be nearly parallel with the level of the sand. Break your wrists as you take the club away to about a half swing. Slice under the ball, keeping the face open and follow through. Remember to check the depth of your divot. If it is more than an inch deep, open the face more and shallow out your angle.
Like all parts of the game, bunker play requires practice. But with some confidence, you won't flip out when you land in a trap.
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Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson with Don, call Gilroy GC at (408) 848-0490.
Don DeLorenzo Don DeLorenzo is the head golf professional at Gilroy Golf Course.
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