Oregon Drift

Bunker play is an important part of scoring on the golf course. Better players would rather be in the sand than in the rough, because it is easier to judge a bunker shot than the thickness of the rough.

To play shots correctly out of the sand takes a small amount of practice and confidence, plus a level of skill.

The set-up is very easy. For most shots, the ball should be in the center of the stance (move the ball forward in the stance to hit it higher), the face of the club should be open about 3 or 4 degrees, aim the club at the target and aim your body slightly left of the target.

The key to good shots is to dig the feet into the sand and not to move your lower body very much. Swing the club and hit the sand behind the ball approximately 2 to 4 inches. The swing should be flowing, not short and fast.

The ability to control distance out of the sand is related to the degree of success in opening or closing the clubface toward the target and the ability to adjust how much sand to hit. The longer the shot, less sand needs to be taken; the shorter the shot, more sand needs to be splashed out of the bunker.

In the unusual situation that the sand is very hard and dry, close the clubface. All sand wedges have bounce on the bottom of the club to help splash out sand. This is good for dry and soft, fluffy sand, but sometimes not so good for hard, packed sand. The clubface in a closed position will negate the bounce and the ball will come out of the sand easily and with spin to allow the golfer to make a good shot.

Golfers with any other questions should see their local PGA golf professional.