Tip From the Archives

Soft Explosion

Problem

Your ball landed a short distance from the pin in a sand bunker. You want the ball to fly high out of the sand and stop quickly onto the green.

Cure

Make a shallow cut in the sand to move the clubhead beneath the ball.

Therapy

Open the clubface first with your trailing hand then grip the club lighter and at least an inch lower than normal. Add loft to the clubface by setting up with your hands behind the ball. Take an open and wider stance. Place the ball forward in the stance and stand slightly further away from the ball than usual. Do not look at the ball; instead stare about two inches behind the ball because this is where you will want to enter the sand. Cup your forward wrist as much as possible as you take the club back. Your lower body should act as a solid post as you accelerate the club into impact. Point the face of the club up towards the sky as it moves under the ball by working your trailing hand under the other. You can add loft if you aggressively release the club through impact. Make a short follow through; however, do not decelerate your swing before impact or the ball might not make it out of the sand trap. You will know you hit it correctly because the clubface will be facing you, the sand will appear to explode or splash, and the ball lands softly on the green.

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7 votes

 
Kevin | 5 years ago, mid-August

You know what would REALLY help these tips out... pictures and diagrams. Your tips are all really good, and your explanations are good and about as accurate as they can be... but if you were to expand your articles to include images... this would easily be my new favorite golf site. Just FYI... I love the tips as they are though. Thanks!

Bradly | 5 years ago, mid-August

I agree with Keven 100% I sometimes have a hard time visualizing what you mean by cup my wrist or other descriptions like that. Great blog though. I visit everyday

marshall | 5 years ago, mid-August

I am a daily visitor and I agree, pictures are sorely needed. Visualization can only get you so far. Images can often reveal subtleties that that text may miss.

Golf Medic | 5 years ago, at the start of October

We appreciate the interest being generated by our golf tips, and agree that visual elements would be a great addition. However, we do not currently have the resources to make this a reality. Please continue to provide us with ideas for improvement and valuable feedback using our contact form. Thank you for your continued support.



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