How to play from Greenside Bunkers
By Steve Silverman
Bunker play is one of the most intimidating parts of the game for high- and medium-handicap golfers. There is rampant confusion on how to get out of the hazard, let alone how to get it close to the flagstick when playing from a greenside bunker. However, there is a method and experienced golfers realize that it's not that difficult of a shot to execute.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Take a wide stance in the bunker. Secure your position by making sure your feet are a little bit wider than shoulder-length apart. Once in position, dig in with your spikes so you won't slip when you swing.
Get into a solid athletic position as you prepare to hit the ball. You are normally going to flex your knees when you prepare to hit from the fairway. Bend them a little more when you are in the bunker.
Open your front shoulder so you can see your target. You want to finish this shot and not stop short after making contact through the hitting zone. Keeping your front shoulder open should help you finish the shot.
Aim at a spot about 4 inches behind the ball when you are coming out of the greenside bunker. You don't want to hit the ball with the club because it will likely send the ball flying well past the green. Blast the sand directly behind the ball and have the sand explode into the ball and carry it out of the bunker and onto the green.
Finish your swing. Many players are anxious in the bunker and want to see that the the ball is out of trouble. As a result, they pick up their heads and don't strike the ball cleanly. Keep your head down in the bunker through the entire shot.
About The Author
Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer, covering sports since 1980. Silverman authored The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Who's Better, Who's Best in Football -- The Top 60 Players of All-Time, among others, and placed in the Pro Football Writers of America awards three times. Silverman holds a Master of Science in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism.
