Tip From the Archives

Use the Bounce

Problem

You consistently have a hard time hitting out of a sand bunker because you do not know how to play the bounce of your sand wedge.

Cure

The sandwedge has about 10 degrees more bounce built into it than a standard iron to help lift the ball out of the sand. This is because it is designed so the back edge of the club is lower than the front when the sole of the club is on the ground. In order to hit your sandwedge successfully, you will need to swing the club so that you will get the most out of the bounce built into your wedge.

Therapy

Do not hit down directly onto the ball or make contact with the sand using the leading edge of the club in the sand trap. Instead, you need to open the club so the bottom of the club or flange moves through the sand first. There are two ways you can open your clubface. You can fan the clubface into an open position or you can tilt your hands back so the clubshaft is leaning away from the target. Allow your arms to relax so that they simply hang down and use a weak grip. When you make contact with the sand you should hear the sole of the club slap the sand as the flange moves through the sand and under the ball. Be sure to let your trailing arm to make a full release to help prevent a pull shot.

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