Golf Tips

Fairway bunker shots can be a difficult shot for many of us. Often times, players try to hit the shot too hard, with too big of a swing. Here are some tips to sharpen up those shots:

1- take one extra club than normal and choke down about 1"

2- dig your feet in an equivalent amount so you establish a level stance relative to the ball. Stabilizing your legs will also help keep them quiet through the shot.

3- take a 3/4 length swing with minimal leg action. Feel the arms and torso doing most of the work

4- sweep the ball off the sand. Trying to hit it "a little thin" is actually a positive thought for this shot

5- feel the club working on a shallow, inside path through the shot. Turning your shoulders level back and through will help with this. (Keep the ball position normal as well. Moving the ball back will encourage you to be too steep, or choppy, with your swing.)

6- finish in balance, and do not overswing! Crisp contact is your only priority---hit the ball first and get it out of the bunker.

Taking an extra club is important because when you choke down, and take more of a 3/4 length swing, you won't hit the ball as far. So if you have a shot of 150 yards, and your normal distance is an 8 iron from the fairway, take a 7 iron in the bunker.

When done correctly, you can hit anything from a fairway wood to a lob wedge from a fairway bunker. Setting up correctly, staying level, and keeping your legs quiet are all important because it allows you to reach impact on a shallow, inside path. Focusing on hitting the ball first and the sand second will allow you to pick the ball cleanly.

Get to the driving range and try and practice this shot. With a little work, you will begin to see some immediate improvement.