How to get the perfect ‘splash’ out of the bunker every time

“Enter the sand behind the ball.” 

Whereas not horrible recommendation, most leisure gamers take it too actually and focus their consideration on — and even stare at — solely an space behind the ball and overlook that the realm beneath and previous the ball is simply as vital. The end result? The membership bottoms out too early, leading to both a fats shot or, worse but, a bladed one the sails the inexperienced. 

The proper method to develop consistency and distance management from a greenside bunker is to carve out a “splash” of sand that begins and exits in equal quantities on each side of the ball. To get a really feel for it, strive my “Superman X-ray imaginative and prescient” shot. 

X-ray imaginative and prescient shot

Tee a ball within the sand till it sits properly on high of the bunker’s floor. Arrange like regular, then hit the shot together with your consideration targeted on chopping the tee in half. The key: Look by way of the ball to the tee beneath as you swing.

By doing so, you’ll naturally enter the sand behind the ball, go beneath it and exit simply after it, leading to a predictable, constant splash. The size of this splash will differ relying on swing pace, the bounce in your wedge, assault angle and sand texture. Regardless, the vital half is the symmetry of the entry and exit. 

It’s a hen! It’s a aircraft! It’s a brilliant save! 

Jeff Warne is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher and is the director of golf at The Bridge in Bridgehampton, N.Y.