| If you are hacking around in the bunker and | | | | |
| wondering how on earth to master this | | | | When it comes to your swing, shorten your |
| particular golfing problem then this article | | | | backswing by about one quarter and mirror |
| could just save your bacon as we reveal the | | | | this three-quarter swing on your |
| secret to getting you out of the bunkers | | | | follow-through. In a bunker shot your aim is |
| quickly and easily. | | | | not to hit the ball with the club head but, |
| | | | instead, to aim for a point about two to |
| A bunker, also known as a trap, is an area of | | | | three inches behind the ball so that you |
| ground, often a small natural depression, | | | | scoop up some sand which, in turn, makes |
| from which the turf has been removed and | | | | contact with the ball and shoots it up and |
| replaced with sand, water or tall grass. | | | | out of the bunker. |
| Where a bunker crosses the line of play it is | | | | |
| often referred to as a cross bunker. | | | | If you're taking your shot on an uphill slope |
| | | | of the bunker be careful to keep your |
| The secret to tackling a bunker shot is to | | | | shoulders level and avoid the tendency to |
| establish a solid base with a firm footing | | | | tilt them with the slope. If you are taking a |
| that will support your swing without | | | | shot on a downhill slope of the bunker, open |
| slipping. In establishing this firm base | | | | your stance a little, steepen your backswing |
| however you must be careful not to dig your | | | | and swing slightly more aggressively. Be |
| feet in too well or you will make your legs | | | | careful not to close the face of the club and |
| rigid and encourage too strong a shot. The | | | | accelerate through the ball. |
| essence lies in keeping your lower body still | | | | |
| with very little movement in your legs. | | | | If you're having trouble with bunker shots |
| | | | then he are a couple of exercises to try. |
| You should stand with your weight favoring | | | | |
| your left side (unless you're a left-hander | | | | Put a tee in the sand so that just the top is |
| in which case you should favor your right | | | | visible. Then put a ball on the tee and try |
| side) and your stance should be opened and a | | | | hitting the tee about halfway down its |
| little wider than normal to restrict your | | | | length. This will help you to focus on |
| backswing and also to steepen your swing. You | | | | getting under the ball. |
| should also turn your knees in slightly, so | | | | |
| that you have more weight on the inside of | | | | Next, draw a straight line in the sand with |
| your feet. | | | | the handle of the bunker rake and stand so |
| | | | that you are straddling the line with it |
| As with all golf shots you should have a | | | | slightly left of center. Then practice making |
| firm, but light grip. If your grip is too | | | | swings to splash the sand forward with your |
| tight your wrists will become rigid and | | | | club head hitting the sand on the line. Once |
| you'll find it hard to slide the club under | | | | you are consistently hitting the line, put a |
| the ball and into the sand. You should also | | | | ball down a couple of inches to the left of |
| move your grip slightly farther down the club | | | | the line and continue your practice. |
| shaft than normal, about half an inch will be | | | | |
| enough, as this will not only make it easier | | | | As with everything else, the secret to a good |
| to hit the ball, but will also discourage you | | | | bunker shot lies in a sound technique and |
| from burying your feet in the sand. Finally, | | | | plenty of practice. If you spend a bit of |
| hinge your wrists slightly earlier than you | | | | time practicing bunker shots not only will |
| would normally to encourage a steeper angle | | | | you find that your score goes down, but your |
| of attack on your downswing. | | | | level of frustration will also go down. |