When a golfer ends up in the bunker, you can
usually hear swearing all the way to the clubhouse. It's not
that they are bad; it's just that they feel bunkers can
defeat them. There are a few hidden tips that not many people
have caught onto yet.
Here are a few hidden bunker busters that will make you wish
that you knew this before you hit your first bunker.
Your first step is to imagine that the bunker is not your
worst enemy. If you think the bunker is your worst enemy, you
will fear them and this will have an adverse effect on your
game. So next time you land in one, don't just give up, hit the
ball, and hope.
That will get you nowhere. You will just end up taking
another bunker shot; and the scorecard will increase with every
shot you take. Another important thing to keep in mind is your
footing.
Many people will simply allow their feet and legs to adjust
to the sand. That is not the best thing to do; make the sand
work for you by taking the time to establish your footing. The
next thing you should do is take a open stance and get
relaxed.
If you are comfortable on the tee, then why can't you be
comfortable in the bunker? After this, you will need to
distribute your weight in a effective manner; usually more to
the left-hand side is the best way to go when you are trapped
in a bunker.
Now practice your motion.
When swinging the club, move the same distance backwards as
you do forward. Learn it and remember it: the shot in the
bunker will always be tricky. You should now prepare for the
shot, but remember to hit the sand roughly two inches before
the ball.
This creates a scoop effect that will allow the ball to be
played out of the rough instead of rolling straight into the
same bunker. You should also accelerate through the ball. This
allows for more power in the shot and will give the ball that
little bit of extra distance towards the hole. Always remember
that the sand is your ally, not your enemy.
Don't fear the bunker and you will constantly surprise
yourself with the one-shot bunker trick. Here is an excellent
video on getting the ball out of the bunker.