Lee Trevino, a legendary figure in the world of golf, recently shared his tips on hitting soft bunker shots to short-sided pins in a video lesson with GOLF Teacher to Watch Parker McLachlin, also known as the Short Game Chef. In the video, Trevino breaks down the setup and technique for this tricky shot in a way that is both easy to understand and apply, making it a valuable resource for golfers of all abilities. Trevino’s charismatic approach to teaching adds an element of fun to the learning process, making it more engaging and relatable for viewers.
The key to hitting soft bunker shots, according to Trevino, is to rethink your setup and gain the confidence to produce the shot you envision in your mind. By using a method he learned from another legend, Seve Ballesteros, Trevino demonstrates how to set up for short bunker shots by positioning your feet at a 45-degree angle and aligning your knees towards your toes. This setup enables players to hit the shot without moving their bodies, creating a more stable and controlled swing motion that results in softer shots to short-sided pins.
Traditionally, players open their stances and swing around their bodies when hitting bunker shots. However, Trevino’s method of splaying the feet and locking in the legs prevents body sway and allows for a more consistent and controlled swing. By keeping the hands firm and the clubface open towards the sky, players can create the necessary loft and softness in their bunker shots. This adjustment in setup and technique helps engage the bounce of the club while maintaining a square clubface at impact, resulting in higher, softer shots from the sand.
Short-sided bunker shots can often be intimidating for golfers, but by practicing Trevino’s more athletic setup and technique, players can start to master the art of hitting soft bunker shots. By setting up more square with their feet pointed outward and focusing on keeping their hands firm during the swing, golfers can achieve a more consistent and controlled impact with the sand, leading to higher, softer shots to short-sided pins. Practicing this setup and technique will help golfers build confidence in their bunker play and improve their overall short game skills.
As part of his lesson with McLachlin, Trevino shared insights into the importance of club selection and customization in mastering bunker shots. By using a Titleist Vokey SM10 Raw Custom Wedge, players can find the right grind to match their swing and playing conditions, leading to improved turf interaction, contact, and shot performance. With six tour-proven grinds designed by Master Craftsman Bob Vokey, the SM10 wedge offers maximum creativity, versatility, and consistency for players of all levels, helping them achieve greater control over their short game shots.
The progressive center of gravity in the SM10 wedge optimizes ball flight, accuracy, and forgiveness, with tapered top lines and varied hosel lengths raising the height of the CG in higher lofts for a lower, more controlled flight. Additionally, Spin Milled grooves are meticulously engineered to maximize spin and durability, with proprietary heat treatment applied to the impact area for increased groove durability without compromising feel. Each Vokey wedge undergoes rigorous inspection to ensure utmost quality and performance, making it a valuable tool for mastering bunker shots and improving overall shot performance on the golf course.
