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Instruction

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Bunker mentality

Long shots out of the sand can be rewarding if you pay attention to detail and know your limitations.

By Sandra PalmerPublished: July, 2008

Figure 1 (top), Figure 2 (Middle) & Figure 3 (Below)
Long bunker shots require your full attention.

How is the ball lying in the sand? How high is the front lip of the bunker? How far do you need to hit the shot? Take time to assess these questions and be realistic about your ability by applying these rules:

1) If the ball is sitting down in the sand, the less cleanly the ball will be struck.
2) The higher the bunker’s lip, the more loft will be needed.
3) Give yourself as much margin for error as possible. If there’s water guarding the right side of the green, aim for the left side. If there’s trouble between you and the green, consider a club to put you short of the trouble or enough club to get past the trouble.

Play a shot you know you can hit. Here’s how:
Figure 1: Take a slightly open stance by shuffling your feet into the sand until you have a solid base. Play the ball back in your stance. Grip down on the handle of the club because your feet will be below the ball.
Figure 2: Eliminate any side motion on the backswing. Control the swing with your arms and shoulders.
Figure 3: Hit the ball before the sand.  SG

Sandra Palmer is director of women’s golf at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. She can be reached at (949) 305-5100.