20 Most
common shot problems
Lesson 12
of 20
Diagnosis: Greenside bunker shots remain in
the sand
Explanation:
If you are consistently leaving
these shots in the sand my first question would be “Are you using a sand
wedge?” I say this because if you are attempting these shots with a pitching
wedge or other iron then your club selection is a major part of the problem.
A sand wedge is designed differently
than other irons in your set. The sole of a sand wedge angles downward from the
leading edge to the trailing edge. This angled sole, also known as “bounce”
prevents the club from digging too far down into the sand. In contrast the
soles of pitching wedges and your other irons angle upward from the leading
edge to the trailing edge enabling the club to cut through the turf.
The sole design of a pitching wedge
or other iron causes it to dig too deeply into the sand leaving too much sand
between the clubhead and ball. The result is not enough clubhead speed to
propel the sand and ball the required distance.
Correction: If you
are using a sand wedge and still digging too deep into the sand then a closed
clubface is to blame. When closing (turning it to the left) the face of a sand
wedge the angled flange is transformed into a digging sole similar to a
pitching wedge. To correct this aim the clubface to the right of the target
while aligning your shoulders to the left and swing along this path.
If the club is still taking too much
sand make sure to clear your left hip to the left while swinging through the
sand. The clubhead will now enter the sand trailing behind your hands with the
clubface open. The open clubface increases the bounce of the sole creating a
shallow path through the sand and sufficient clubhead speed to displace the
sand and the ball. By opening the clubface you also add loft to the wedge so
the ball comes out higher and lands softer with less roll.
To
schedule an appointment with Steve call Golf Rx at (615) 288-4539
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