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-Johnny Miller |
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 Bunkers The bunker shot is the easiest in golf because it's the only shot where you're not required to hit the ball. The goal is to hit the sand first, which in turn propels the ball out of the bunker. Most amateurs either hit the ball thin, sending it over the green, or too far behind the ball, leaving it in the bunker. These drills should help: Weight forward Set up with your weight on your front leg (1). This will ensure a downward strike on the ball (2). Don't shift your weight backwards (3) in an effort to hit up on the ball because you'll either catch too much sand or too much ball. You want the feeling of staying forward throughout your swing. Hinge up I've set a rake at a steep angle and rested it on an 8-iron for this drill. Try to match the angle of the rake on your takeaway (4). This requires hinging your wrists up, which is crucial to a steep takeaway and a steep move into impact. If your takeaway is too shallow or low (5), you'll have problems hitting good bunker shots. Chipping There are a variety of ways to get the ball close to the hole when you are just off the green and have numerous club options to experiment with. Try these drills during your next practice session: Ladder Put four clubs on the ground at two, four and six steps, starting from the fringe (1). Start with your 8-iron and hit the ball between the first set of shafts. Then take your pitching wedge and carry the ball to the second set. Lastly, take your lob wedge and carry the ball to the last set. Three shots. Three clubs. Three trajectories. Club in front The clubhead needs to stay in front of your body as you swing back (2). This allows you to swing back to impact without manipulating the club or loft. If the club works too inside going back, you'll work the club too outside and across on your follow-through (3). If you pull across your shots, your contact will suffer and distance control will suffer. You want to keep the club in front of your body on the backswing and finish in front of your body on the follow-through (4). Claude Harmon is a PGA teaching professional at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. He can be reached at (281) 745-2348. |
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