Use your body more with the arms and shoulders working together
SAND saves are an important aspect of golf and an area of the game that can really bring your scores down if you play from bunkers with great confidence and skill.
But this same bunker shot is also one of the most dreaded by amateurs – with fear and execution the main worries.
You will have heard many a pro say: “Amateurs often use their hands too much when playing from the sand.”
Indeed, that is the case. However, you can remedy this by trying to use your body in connection with your arms and shoulders more.
Here are a few tips to help you get out of the sand more consistently and play better.
1 Use your body
The key to getting the ball out is to use your arms and shoulders rather than your hands. Often, when your angle of attack is shallow you have will have used the bounce more on your wedge.
2 Open clubface
Opening the face at set-up is crucial as it presents the wedge’s sole – and its bounce – to the sand, which helps the club glide through. For a shallow angle of attack, have the ball forward in your stance.
3 Face the target
Use your body more with the arms and shoulders working together in the turn. Try to ensure that your hands remain quiet for a nice finish – and turn through to face the target.
Common fault
Amateurs tend to throw the clubhead down into the sand with too much power, taking either too much sand or not enough. This is not a consistent way to control the strike.
