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.