Green Side Great Escapes from Sand Traps

[innercityteacher]

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