Green Side Great Escapes from Sand Traps
 

Mastering the Sand

Originally Posted by innercityteacher

I almost never hit sand and I am terrible at getting out of it!


YODA'S RESPONSE:

"Patrick,

Set your Stance Line slightly left.

Open your Clubface and aim it slightly right.

Position the ball well forward.

From a 'Head Centered' position, lean your whole body left. Move your Head and Left Shoulder LEFT. Picture the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa'. Dig in your left foot twice as deep as your right -- the way the TOUR players footprints look when they exit the sand -- and leave your weight there.

Now, picture a 'flying carpet' of sand beginning and exiting two inches on each side of the ball.

Stay left, and swing along a line slightly left of the flag.

With authority, 'spank' the club through the sand.

That should do it."

My big mistake on our White course, yesterday (we have 3 "9's" including a Red and a Blue), was trying to hit the fully uncocked left wrist from everywhere on the first five holes (my holes 10-14). That's how I learn what I can really do and trust.

I will implement your suggestions Yoda, and your answer just helped me realize I can mimick a "straight, rigid, primary lever" out of the sand by slowing down my swing and using the vertical hinge turndown and these suggestions. The "spank" will be fun since I am normally so tentative in the bunker. I have been known to pop a 7 0r 9 wood, sometimes, just to get to the green.


Happy Father's Day!
Patrick

City,
Don't overlook Yoda's instruction to "spank." And be sure to carry the hands to finish after the spank. You will get it out and get it close.

I've always been a terrible bunker player. I can't wait to try our new sand system. Finally, a foundation for that part of the game!

Kevin

What the heck is a "spank?" Are you swinging forward at all, or just downward?
Even on the DVD I could not understand exactly what Yoda and DJ were doing after the set up (which is totally clear) despite the admiration I had for their beautiful bunker shots.

Scott,
It is also like splashing water, but to me "spank" just seems to be a little clearer.
For me, flying wedges in front of the shaft, open face, lots of pp#1 and "spank" the sand behind the ball making sure to go to finish.

I'll be at the range for a litle while today, and I'll let you know!
 

Thanks, Jerry and Lefty! :)

Scott, when I get to the range, I'll drive my primary lever straight down into the sand with a variety of hinges and I'll report what a "spank" means to me.

If you get there first, though, let us know! :laughing1

HFD! :golfcart:

Patrick

Saw a lot of rock solid vertical hinging in slomo in the US open. From sand and from rough. Those guys really have clubface control.

City,
Did you manage to fill your shoes with sand at the range today? I am eager to see a report on how well you did with Yoda's instruction.
I had 3 bunker shots today and all three were of good distance, but just a tad off line leaving putts of a little over 4 feet. Lucky to make a couple of them. The rest of the game stunk, however.
We need to talk.
g

I practiced Yoda's stuff today, out of the sand.
 

I lined up open, tried angled and vert hinges and also an open and regrip lob wedged. I drove the prim lever down fast through the hard sand! I spanked it reallll gouuuod! The gall really shoots up with an vertical or laid off hinge and it runs out with the angled hinge. Yoda was right. Slowing down is the kiss of death. Don't drag the hinge! Hit it like Godzilla does Tokyo!

Patrick

my bunker play improved dramatically after watching AG last week. I would quote Lynn and VJ and highlight what they say - "This is not a delicate shot, really spank that sand"