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G
reenside sand traps can be
detrimental to some golfers.
When we practice, rarely do
we ever get a chance to hit shots out
of a greenside practice bunker.
With that, here are a few tips from
PGA Head Golf Professional Tom
Burley that will help make you a
more consistent sand player.
1
Take a nice 9rm stance in the
sand, playing the ball toward
your front foot just inside the left
heel. Have your stance open to the
target, open your club face slightly,
and aim slightly to the left. We aim
left to compensate for opening the
club face, which creates the tendency
for the ball to come out a little right.
2
Make sure you favor your
lead leg to support a little bit
more of your weight. There should
be a slight increase in weight distri-
bution in favor of your leg closest to
the target.
3
Keep your hands forward. Try not
to let your hands fall too far be-
hind the ball, otherwise you'll have
the tendency to have the club bottom
out too early.
4
As you take the club back try to
keep your lower body as still as
possible. The lower body will move
some, but try to limit a big weight
transfer behind the ball. Use mostly
arms in the takeaway, keeping the
feet nice and quiet.
5
As you transition into the down-
swing, remember that we are not
necessarily trying to hit the ball. We
are trying to impact the sand an inch
or two behind the ball and let the
sand lift the ball out of the bunker. If
you hear the clack of the ball at im-
pact you have either hit one thin over
the green or buried it into the face in
front of you. Hearing the swoosh of
the sand will increase consistency.
Also, swing harder than normal.
6
Never quit on your bunker shots.
Keep the club head moving
through the bunker and accelerate to
an abbreviated finish with most of
your weight on the lead leg. The
more bunker shots in which you hear
the "swoosh" while finishing on your
lead leg, the more your ball will find
the green – giving you more chances
to get up and down.
SAND SAVIORS
6 tips that will help you get out of the bunker every time
Greenside sand traps can be tricky,
but a little practice goes a long way.
THE GIFT OF GOLF
T
he instruction sta( members at
the Indian Wells Golf Resort
have unveiled a golf lesson special
for the holiday season.
Regularly $125, a 1-hour individ-
ual golf lesson is now available for
$100. A series of three lessons is
available for $275 (regularly $375),
and a series of