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G Warrillow

Hello,

 I'm new to here, still trying to work it all out.

Just need a little advice, I played in a few clubs over the xmas break and everytime i ended up in the sand pit! The thing is, the sand varies so much, sometimes it's soft and sometimes it's to hard! What is the best sand to learn these shots in. What is it supposed to be like?

Can someone give me some tips?

Thanx.

Jay.

Wayne Santorini

Patrick Bourke

Russell Middleton

If the sand is really hard then try to chip the ball out of the bunker without hitting the sand, easier said than done!

A lesson is a good idea.

I had one with my pro and I now get out of most bunkers first time.

My next lesson with him should be to get out of the bunker and leave the ball near the pin, but hey, out is out and I'm happy with that.

Russ

Wayne Santorini

Adrian Hope

G Warrillow

Hi,

I dont mean to sound thick or anything but what is this 'fried egg' thing i keep hearing about the sand? Is that supposed to be the ball on hard sand?

John Pettitt

Steve Cowle

Hi Jay, whatever the condition of the sand I always try and take the same amount, 2" behind the ball. If the sand is dry and fluffy I make a fairly full swing, If it is wet and compact I shorten the swing and hit it a little harder.

To find out how much sand you are taking draw a circle a couple of inches around the ball and hit a shot, ideally you should enter on the back line and exit on the front line. The chances are you will be taking too much sand and either leaving it in or thinning it out. If this is the case load up more weight onto your front foot, about 60% and keep it there throughout the swing.

If i need to hit it further I will use anything upto a 9 iron and play the same technique depending on the lip.

Have a go and let me know the results.

Steve

David Preston

Hi Jay

there are also variuos versions of sand used. some are fluffy some feel harder to hit through. some players open their club up to use the bounce on the sole.  some play a wide apart stance.

  Bunker play is a whole game in itself.  realistically there isn't a quick fix. Visit your pro is a good idea. at least he/she will explain the different ways you can play out of a bunker.  But just like life itself you will then have to gain experience of different situations & different sand. in winter when sand can be almost like clay it can be difficult to hit just behind like you would in summer. better to try to hit the ball clean if you can. if you can find a practice facility that has a bunker then that is also a great way to practice..