"Build it and he will come."
Maintaining a positive frame of mind when faced with adversity is an admirable trait to develop. Know how to turn a situation around by combining the right factors together is the work of intelligence. These qualities along with creativity and adaptability will play a big role in sand play.
Landing in traps or bunkers is inevitable. Know how to get out of them is an integral part of golf. During a sand shot, the club may not even contact the ball. A cushion of sand buffers the contact and causes the ball to fly shorter and fall softer. Creating and utilizing this 'buffer' of sand is the key to proper greenside bunker play.
| In and Out |
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"The knee level
determines the depth of the cut"
Regulating the point at which the club enters the sand is accomplished by the the bend in the knees. By 'lowering our elevator' into a 'sit down' position, we govern where the club enters the sand cutting under the ball. The knee flex is maintained as the body turn and pivot are made.
| Sand Types |
Conditions of the sand can have a noticeable effect on sand play. Texture of the sand can foretell whether or not a ball will spin or how far and high the shot will carry. Instances that have an effect include wetness and depth of the sand and size and density of the sand grains. Determinations as to where to contact the sand is based on these observations. Use the feet to test the sand as one walks into the bunker and settles into the stance.
It's a Blast
Creating a club path conducive to extracting the ball from the sand, requires that some adjustments need be made. Open the face of the club and bring the club head up sharply in the backstroke so that the back of the club contacts the sand. Be sure to follow through. The ball will only go as far as the sand flies. Hit the sand out of the bunker.
Playing the ball from a 'fried egg' lie or 'buried' lie requires a different type of adjustment. Hood the club so that the toe of the club enters the sand first. On the takeaway bring the club inside and 'pop' the ball out of it's 'buried' lie.
Next Chapter: The Recovery Room