Oak Tree National Blog
9-21-09 Green Side Bunker Play:Tips from PGA Golf Pro Steve Kimmel
by Carissa Stevens on Mon Sep 2009
One of the most difficult shots for an amateur golfer is a green side bunker shot. The reason for this is that you have to hit 1” behind the ball. All the other golf shots you are taught to hit the ball first.
A great way to practice this shot is to draw a line in the sand, and then put 6-10 balls 1” in front of the line.
Then, swing your club over and over again hitting the line in the sand and not the ball until you feel comfortable.
Once you feel comfortable hitting behind the ball, then we can talk about taking the proper stance.
When you hit a conventional sand shot you have your stance 15 degree open to your target. The shot will be down the 15 degree target line open to the pin.
You will hit the ball 1” behind in the sand to have the sand blast the ball out of the bunker. You always swing where your follow through will finish shoulder high no matter how long the green side bunker shot is.
The reason for this is, you adjust your distance by opening and closing the club face not by lengthening or shortening your swing. As you practice this shot, continue to open and close your clubface to see the different distances that the ball will travel according to your “Face lie” (aka the opening and closing of your club). Always remember the blast of the sand gets the ball out of the bunker and that’s why your finish again is always shoulder high.