How to get out of the bunker

These steps will ensure that you have the right mechanics for
getting out of bunkers. Once you’ve read these steps,
practice them and get used to hitting out of bunkers, and
they will become just as natural as a regular short game shot.
These steps will give you the solid foundation that you need
for bunker success.

Here are the steps: (note: These steps apply to a normal
sand bunker. Not wet or hard sand)

1. Choke down on the golf club (Have your right index finger
about an inch from the bottom of the grip). Choking down
gives you the control with the club and also allows you to
“feel” the shot rather than hitting it.

2. Narrow your stance a little and play the ball a few inches
forward in your stance. This will also aid in controlling the
shot, and it will contribute to higher ball flight.

3. Dig into the sand with your feet a little and get comfortable.

4. Keep your body completely still throughout (no twisting
hips).

5. Start your swing with your arms and keep your swing
vertical. The end of the grip butt should be pointed at the ball
at the top of your backswing. (Don’t bring the club straight
back, remember steep is better here!)

6. Your left arm should be parallel to the ground and fully
extended at the top of your swing.

7. Then start your downswing at the sand focusing to hit 1
inch behind the ball. Don’t focus on hitting the ball, hit the
sand an inch behind and the ball will get out every time!

8. Your arms and body follow the ball as it leaves the sand.

9. Remember steep angle into the sand is key here, however
you don’t have to swing too hard, we are not blasting the ball
out we are advancing it.

Drill:
Go into a bunker and take 3 clubs your pitching wedge, sand
wedge, and a lob wedge(if you have one). Remember that
you can get creative with shots; just because it’s a sand
wedge doesn’t mean that you’ll “feel” the most comfortable or
give you the best results. But I want you to notice the
difference in design and performance.

Regardless, hit a few shots with each club and really notice
the difference in how the ball comes out of the sand. Then
choose the club that bests suits you. But remember on all
these clubs swing steep and hit 1 inch behind the ball. You
can even draw a line 1-2 inches behind the ball and aim for
that line.

At home, office, or at the course take practice swings and
focus on bringing the club up at a steep angle. Watch as
your grip end points to the ground. And stop there - this is
the position that you want to be in. A great way to see if the
grip is pointed over the ball is sticking a tee in the grip
handle. Do that a few times to ensure that you know where to
stop the golf club and start your steep downswing. Then the
downswing is easy! Just hit an inch behind the ball. Practice
this for a few days then go have fun in a bunker

submit by david nevogt