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Sand
Play:
Definitions: Before we look into the golf bunker
shot, let's look at two definitions.
Addressing the ball: Addressing the ball means
positioning your feet and grounding the club.
Taking your stance: Taking your stance means
simply positioning your feet without grounding
the club.
The Rule for Sand Play:
A sand trap or "Golf Bunker or a Bunker" is
classified as a hazard. A ball in a hazard is
subject to the rule governing a ball in play in
a hazard. The rule states that a player may not
ground his club (touch the sand) while setting
up for the bunker shot or during the backswing.
He may only take his stance. The sand may only
be contacted during the forward swing. Failure
to observe this rule penalizes the player one
stroke. (See rule 13)
Taking your stance in the bunker:
When executing the golf bunker shot, without
touching the sand with your club, place your
feet in an open stance. (Turned more to the left
as shown)
Position the ball about opposite the left heel
to promote hitting the sand behind the ball.
Now, before placing your hands on your club,
make sure the two vertical lines of your club
head are pointing to the right of the target.
The letter ''V'' will be created with the
clubhead open and your feet open.
This set-up provides added loft and backspin and
prevents the clubhead from closing and digging
in the sand.
The stroke:
The swing is similar to a normal shot making
sure to contact the sand first about 2 inches
behind the ball and finish with a full follow
throught proportionate to the effort of your
swing.
Drill:
Place a circle around the ball as shown in the
picture.
This will indicate where to hit the sand behind
the ball. The sand will propel the ball out of
the bunker. The ball will come out on a cushion
of sand which is why you need to swing about
twice as hard as for a normal shot.
Contacting the sand in the right spot will
eliminate the circle in the sand which usually
indicates proper execution of the shot.
Long
distance bunkers from 50 yards away and longer
should be played as if you were on grass where
the ball is contacted first. The hazard rule
still applies.
This photo indicates acceleration during the
forward swing and a completed follow- through.
Why
practice in the practice bunker:
Regular practice in the practice bunker will
devellop confidence in executing this shot and
you will become more consistant in getting the
ball up and down around the green.
Happy Bunker Shot!!!
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