Sand Play & Bunker Etiquette

Sand Play & Bunker Etiquette

Sand play can be a dreadful act to follow, after that what seemed to be a perfect shot prior. However, the days not lost my friend, because sometimes the sand shot is better than trying to chip for birdie, out of deep rough, with a tree in your way. A sand shot in that situation starts looking pretty doable, at least to save par right? So let's take a peek at how to take the fear out of the sand shot, by learning what to look for, then execute with a positive plan that will make it happen.

There are several things to consider before just grabbing the sand wedge and commit to whatever is over there in the kitties box. Let's look at some of the possibilities you'll be attempting to overcome, from its playing condition, then will chose the appropriate club. Makes sense right?

Bunker Etiquette

We start with an evaluation of your circumstances. How and where does the ball lay in the sand trap? This also, is where etiquette comes into play… please do not walk down into the trap and to the left and then right and up the slope and back down the slope, scratch your head, look at your partner for some answers, walk out to get your club, then back in to take an alignment view, back out to grab a different club, back into the trap, set-up, dig in then swing. Okay, just a little humor added, but I do see it out there on the course every time I go out. Here's something to consider — think about golf etiquette. You've just created all these land minds in the sand, that you're going to have to rake smooth, you've wasted time and energy evaluating the approach shot and by the time you've done all that, you've lost concentration on the pre-shot routine resulting in a poor shot, or worse, you swing and you're still in the beach. Oh bummer!

Try this approach… it will save time, frustration, less work for you, speed play, provide a more enjoyable game for the group behind you, who, by the way, might be using that same sand trap right after you. Walk to the bunker's edge and stop to evaluate the position of your ball and the apparent condition of the sand. Choose the appropriate club and stand in the grass behind your ball outside the bunker. Sight your bearings where you expect the ball to come to rest after your swing. Visualize a successful shot and step into the trap and make it happen. When you're done, leave the condition of the sand better than when you found it. Rake out all the foot prints and fill all the holes left behind. Nothing harder than trying to hit your ball out of old sand shot or a deep foot print. When you rake it smooth, turn over the rake and smooth out the rake marks. Who wants a ball lying between rows of moguls, when it just makes the shot that much harder? Respect your course and you'll find it pays dividends. Etiquette is a big part of this game, so I recommend you get a copy of 2008-2009 The Rules of Golf Book and you'll be in control.

Short Greenside Bunker Shot

Once you have determined, this is a short bunker shot, the sand appears dry like the beach, then you need to create a mind set and determine, through visualization, exactly the shot you're going to make. Let me explain first, why you need to focus on this mind set. Without a pre-determined focused event in your mind, you'll be thinking about everything that has to do, with missing this shot, so therefore, you must perform the shot in your mind every time, with the same blue print over and over. This is vital to lowering scores and being consistent. Believe me when I tell you this — this game is 90% concentration and 10% perspiration. It's a very simple game really — it's people who make it difficult. The next paragraph gives you my version of my blue print and it works, period.

First immolate the lie of the ball and the slope or area of sand the ball is laying on. Let's create that same stance you'll be using in the sand trap at address, while still standing outside of the bunker. Check you're alignment and stance, and only then determine where you want your ball to land on the green. Think about this, you'll see the golf action much better from above the sand trap than down in it. Take two practice swings as if you were in the sand trap making the real shot. Make sure you also check the loft angle of your club, by opening the blade, and then re-gripping the club to maintain that new loft angle. This will produce the proper amount of bounce from the sole of the club, while making the shot. Check how far to choke down on the grip as well, to produce the correct differences in height adjustments after you enter the trap, while still standing outside the bunker, immolating your address position, that you'll use in the sand bunker. Visualize yourself making this shot and watch the ball land on the green and roll to the cup. Very important to do this! Now you have your vision, step into the sand trap and commit.

While in the sand trap, having this positive vision in mind, stand slightly open or left at address and take one look at your target. Now focus about one-inch behind the ball and using little body movement and mostly wrist cock take the club up, then swing down and through, striking the sand about one-inch behind the ball. Remember to accelerate through this shot — don't slow down at impact and don't swing like your 150 yards away. The sand that gets between the club face and the ball, is what lifts the ball up and out onto the green. If you hit the ball first, you'll be over the green. The key is to hit it out with sand not the club. Visualization works! The pros use it because it is a big part of this game. Remember the old saying about this game of golf — It's 90% concentration and 10% perspiration. Believe this, that's a real game improvement statement!

Don't second guess a good golf swing training aids to help you practice this type of routine at your local practice range. A variety of club selections for lofts are used to make this shot, anywhere from 52 degrees to 64 degrees and lower for longer shots. The golden rule I always recommend, is to determine the playing conditions first, before ever making a club selection. I'm spending more time in this section to give you the blue print that you'll use for every sand bunker. The other bunker articles will focus more on that type of shot, so in lieu of being redundant, I'll explain procedure just once here. One additional visualization tool I want you to use for the sand works fantastically well follows next and you should consider trying this out.

Pull a one dollar bill from your wallet or purse and place it on the table with the back facing up. Observe the full circle on the left with the pyramid and eye at the top within that circle. Then look at the full circle on the right with the Bald Eagle clutching the 13 arrows and finally the word "ONE" between them both. The dollar bill is 6-inches long and about 2½ inches wide, funny… the exact amount of sand we should be taking, every time we make a sand shot, excellent golf tip. Now place a golf ballon the word "ONE", that's in the center and visualize the left and right circles to be circles in the sand. Every time you see a golf ball in the sand you're about to hit, I want you to think of swinging down into that eagle on the right, which is about 1½ inches behind the ball, which will fly through the actual ball and land on the pyramid. Remember, you must swing completely through every time and don't stop at the pyramid to water the camels. To help you with this visualization, I have entered a photo likeness of this golf tip with an actual shot in the sand trap below. Allow your mind to naturally photograph this picture, and you will become a better sand trap player. This visualization becomes your very own blue print to draw from every bunker shot you play from. It builds tons of confidence to the point — you'll actually invite sand traps over any out of the rough shots. I bet you're thinking about getting a tape measure and measuring that dollar bill about now!

Long Greenside Bunker Shot

We just explained the proper etiquette and procedure for execution from a short bunker, so you should have a good idea about where to start. Briefly, you need to first evaluate the ball's position in the bunker, condition of the sand, fluffy, wet or dry, shallow sand or hard packed, before ever making a club selection. Since we're a ways out from the flag, club selection needs to be more accurate since you're throwing this shot up maybe a good 60 to 90 feet. So take a second look before you commit. Know the difference here, that this bunker we're speaking of is a long bunker shot to the flag and not a fairway bunker. That's coming up in a bit. Considering this approximate distance above, a reasonable choice club here might be closer to an 8 iron. You're not going to play a full body swing — it's just more club to get the added distance and avoid that longer swing, you normally play out on the grass. You will set-up outside the bunker, in the grass as before, taking aim and visualize this shot successful through its completion. Check your aim, grip, height adjustment for the stance in the sand, opening the loft just a small amount and re-gripping the club. When you have your vision, step into the bunker. This time, establish a regular set-up as if you were playing a shot off the grass. Ball sitting just back of your left heel making sure that the club is still open a small amount at address and swing normal at the ball for that length of shot. This is not a blast shot like a 64 degree wedge. It's a smooth stroke and do it relaxed, no pressure. This is one of those shots you practice at the range. Don't spend 85% of your practice time hitting driver.

Dry Sand Shot

The blue print for this shot is the setup, putting you self in control. You'll need to execute with confidence by having envisioned how to execute. Your pre-shot routine does not change. You must evaluate every time you approach the bunker the same, but always as if it was going to be different and it can be. In this type of shot, it's a fluffy, dry, powdery type of sand play, so you need to be ready for that and have a plan. This is why I speak about playing conditions. If you don't consider them on every shot you make, you will make a lot of mistakes you don't need. You need to analyze every bunker, because they will deliver you nine different plays in the same round of golf. If you always grab the sand wedge nine times, you might be looking at adding eight more shots to your score card. Now that you have determined your shot plan from outside the bunker and decided on your grip, choice of club and visualized your completed swing, step into the sand and address the ball with it lying just forward of center. You're stance will be open to the left of target and the key here is to make sure you take more sand on this type shot. Soft sand means a bigger explosion through the sand, high finish and usually more loft and bounce than normal. I'm thinking 56 or 58 degree loft for that up and down shot. Don't quit on this shot, or you'll be chewing on jerky.

Wet Sand Shot

Here is an unusual sand play condition you don't often face — the wet sand play. It can be intimidating if you let it. But by this point, I think you understand the importance of having a game plan we call the blue print, which provides that personal pre-shot routine and confidence factor we've been telling you about. You know the steps so let's briefly re-live it. Inspect the ball position in the wet sand, evaluate your alignment and distance, from outside the bunker, consider the playing conditions then chose your club. Practice outside the bunker in an area similar to angle, lie and stance of that in the bunker, remembering to choke down about an inch or more depending on the height differences between the grasses and the sand.

Step into the bunker and address your ball, open stance to the target as usual. Remember this tip, that the sand is wet, so it is more compact and it will be obvious to you just by looking at it. Set-up should be centered across from the zipper of your pants — stance is a little wider than normal and open left of you're target about 35 degrees. You'll aim about one-inch behind the ball and focus on a smooth and relaxed swing, taking less sand than normal. Swinging faster through impact constitutes a good swing thought; however, a slower backswing is ideal. Follow thru should never slow down, because the sand is wet and heavy. A high finish is what we're looking for as well. The key here is less sand, smooth swing, and accelerate through the shot. If you live by the beach, you can practice this shot on the shoreline, with that wet compacted shore line, or at the local park after it's rained that has a playground, or at the golf course on a rainy day after a good days rain.

Hard Packed Sand Shot

This type of bunker lie can fool you if you don't play at this course regularly. Problem with this sand its dirty sand subject to settling with dirt and pebbles underneath, even from the morning dew. When there is poor drainage on the course, moisture or water seems to find a bunker somewhere on the course and your ball is the one that always finds the puddle. This would be one of those exceptions — when I say walk into the trap first with out a club and feel with your feet if it's softer than it looks or extra firm. You're not allowed to stand in there with a club and take practice swings or dig into the sand to test it with out incurring a penalty. Just evaluate it by feel then prepare for the shot and chose your club. It should play similar to the wet sand trap theory so don't be lazy on this shot.

Fairway Bunker Shot

Fairway bunkers are hazards put about half-way to the green as an opportunity to challenge your thick skin. They're not where you expected or wanted to end up, but don't lose it because you're in it… there is hope. Inspect you're lie in the trap as any lie and it will determine right off if your hitting for distance or to escape the trap. That's usually the only two choices. More likely you'll have a lie you can swing away, so analyze and determine your distance, determine the playing conditions and choose your club. It is important to learn how to set-up for this type golf shot, which will take the dreaded fear out of the hole.

Whatever the distance you figured, add two full club lengths, because you need to choke down a couple of inches, to not only offset the digging into the sand with your feet, but also to generate added club head speed. set-up outside the bunker and visualize your completed shot as part of your pre-shot routine. Step into the bunker to address the ball and play the ball in the center of your stance. This won't be a full fairway type swing, because you are keeping the lower portion of your body less active. The whole swing originates from the waist up, using mostly a three-quarter swing and attempting to hit the ball first and the sand next.

It's not hard, just different, so practice this at your local range. Think of hitting a wind shot where you play the ball farther back in your stance and it's more of an upper rotation swinging effect. When you've hit it correctly, contact will occur when your weight is on your left foot and the ball screams down the fairway with a low trajectory. The other shot in the sand bunker that you won't be able to hit long is plugged or the dreaded pancake. If you're in that situation, your only shot is to use a high lofted iron and get it out in the middle of the fairway, with a good lie for a third shot.

Down Hill Bunker Lie

When you end up in a down hill bunker shot, this set-up will have to be mentality prepared and practiced outside the bunker, for you to pull this off successfully. Easy enough, if you think before you do. You need to grasp the concept of what physically happens to you at impact. A few examples are your PW becomes a nine iron, you'll hit the sand too far behind the ball sooner, you'll decelerate easier, and your shoulders become non-parallel to the slope as soon as you swing. I could go on, but I'll get to the point. After you have analyzed the lie, aligned yourself to your target and determined the playing conditions, chose your club.

You're going to copy the angle of the down hill lie with your shoulders, play the ball off your center, and remember to choke down on your grip about 2-inches. If you require a PW for this shot, you'll need to change to a sand wedge, because down hill lies, change the loft of the club making it stronger. Practice a few swings in the grass back of the ball somewhere on a downhill practice lie to get a feel of what's happening to your legs and hips, they need to remain quiet on this swing. I use 90% wrist cock and hands in the sand so try it — I think you will be surprised how effective it is, in keeping the lower body quiet and allowing for quick acceleration through the shot.

You should have a good visualization of the task at hand. Step into the sand trap, while keeping your club butt end against your belt buckle. This gives you a reference point, of where center is on a down hill stance. Place your right hand on the club and cock your hands back and forth a couple of times to get that feel working. Keep your knees in a flexed position the whole time and maintain your pre-shot vision. Remember that your shoulders should be set at the same angle as the slope. Take your arms up and behind your right shoulder with a wrist cocking motion and accelerate back down to one-inch behind the ball and accelerating through to a finish. This will come natural to you once you create a mind set for this shot.

People who are not familiar with this shot, have a tendency to try and help the ball up and out, by lifting their left shoulder up, with the arms swinging up as well. This lifting effect pushes you back towards your right side. Cause and effect promotes you to hit deep into the sand, four to ten inches behind the ball, because your weight is now on your right side. You need 70 percent of your weight at contact, on you left foot. Your shoulders need to maintain the angle of the slope and arms swing through and forward.

Up Hill Bunker Lie

This lie will be pretty familiar once you've experienced the down hill lie. Same set-up technique, but a few adjustments. First you need to take one more club if you're headed up hill, because uphill lies, would create more loft, so therefore, a pitching wedge would call for a nine iron. Ball should be closer to the left foot, however, I recommend straight out from your left side shirt pocket. Shoulders parallel to the slope, knees stay flexed and lower body is quiet during the swing. This swing is not quite as steep going back, but rather a wrist cocking, shoulder turning, like a door opening type swing. Consider it a little flatter type of swing. That's the best move for getting through the shot easy without burying the club down to the clubs hosel and not finishing the swing. This all happens of course after you have considered your analysis of your lie, taken your alignment and visualization outside the bunker and defined you're playing conditions before your club selection. This shot will be easier to master than the down hill, but use these golf tips with some reasonable practice time, and you'll do great.

The Dreaded Fried Egg

When you reach the bunker and evaluate the ball's position, you usually have three choices to consider. Don't just rush into the bunker with the sand wedge, because you're in a hurry. This is not part of the blue print you developed or part of the pre-shot routine. The three types of lies will go something like these…
…Your first choice, might be that it is sitting up, because it rolled in from the fairway …Second opportunity could be the dreaded fried egg, because it landed there on the fly and past out at impact … then there is your third opportunity, which is the buried deep, oh my God lie, because it was on a mission to hide deep in a sand coma. It's not really all that bad, so let me see if I can give you a visual plan of attack.

After you've evaluated the lie, playing conditions, alignment from outside the bunker as part of your pre-shot routine, make your club selection. If the ball is sitting up and you'll have a decent stance, practice that shot outside the bunker in the grass by duplicating that stance and swing you'll be doing in the sand.

Step into the bunker, play the ball just forward of center and swing with 70 percent of you're weight on your left side. Use lots of wrist power in that swing and be sure to follow through. If the ball is in a fried egg condition, follow your pre-shot routine and make a lofted club selection. I want you to play this shot at address directly across from your sternum or chest bone. Dig in slightly with your feet, but not too deep — do not use an open blade to create more bounce from the sole of the club. You need to use the leading edge square behind the ball about an inch-and-a-half. The hands and butt end of the club, should also be leaning slightly forward of the ball, 60 percent of your weight on your left foot.

This set-up in the sand, is the best case scenario set-up for this shot. You are going to make a steep swing into the sand behind the ball but you're not going to swing hard. Easy wrist swing up and down, then forward and through the ball, which causes the ball, to come out, low and wanting to run. Practice this shot every time you go to the practice range, it pays huge dividends on the course. Now last but not least, is the buried lie. You may see the top third of the ball only. Set-up only after you have completed all your pre-shot routine, visualization and playing conditions. Play this ball about 3-inches back of center. You need a high lofted club, maybe 54 – 56 degree loft.

Reason is it's going to be like a nine iron that far back in your stance. Choke down at least one-inch and use a couple of inches of lead on the butt end of the club. This means your hands are in a press forward position at address. Feet should be in a solid stance and about two feet apart, with weight about 75 percent on the left foot. You need to swing into the sand just behind the ball and keep the shot moving forward and don't stop. Remember the leading edge of the club needs to be square at address and will launch the ball out quickly, so don't give it the power house swing. Be smooth and consistent. This ball will come out low and running, so be aware. Practice, Practice, Practice will take all the fear out of this shot and build tremendous confidence in your short game. Try How to Hit Every Shot – Golf Book,a golf instruction book… it's a very useful tool in speeding up the learning curve. You should have more than one opinion in this game.

Up Under the Damn Bunkers Lip Lie

Last time I was up under a bunker lip buried half-way, I asked the greens keeper nearby, if he could use his back hoe to dig it out. What a crummy lie. What a bad deal that is, under the grass so deep, it's living with the worms. Well there is one way to go, just pick it up and throw out in the middle of the fairway and tell your friend you're taking a mulligan. Okay, so that's not how we do it, but I'll admit I've come close. So here is about all you can do. There's nothing about this set-up that's good except for your attitude. If you take a bad thing and make it fun, then you'll be one stroke better than if you swing at it with a bad attitude. I look at it with two possibilities. I'm going to hit hard towards the green or I'm going to take a sand wedge and shovel swing it laterally to where I can have a better next shot. Face it, if you can't stand in a position to get enough club on it to get it out forward, even if you take a 12-inch divot, give it a safer out by hitting easy left or right.

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