Bunker shots can be a struggle for many recreational golfers, but with the right technique and practice, you can improve your game. Mark Durland, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, explains a common mistake he sees in bunker play that can hinder a player’s ability to escape the sand. One of the main issues he identifies is golfers hitting too far behind the ball in the bunker. This can result in two different misses: one where the ball lands short due to taking too much sand, and the other where the ball flies past the green because the clubhead bounces into the ball. Durland provides three tips on how to correct this mistake and improve your bunker play.
One way to practice correcting hitting too far behind the ball in the bunker is by using a line. Drawing a six-inch line outside of the golf ball can help you identify where your clubhead enters the sand after your shot. By seeing how far behind the ball you are actually hitting, you can adjust your technique accordingly. Drawing a longer line in the sand can help you practice hitting at the correct distance behind the ball in the bunker. This allows you to get comfortable with the proper amount of sand interaction needed for successful bunker shots.
Another tip Durland suggests for improving bunker play is creating a proper weight transfer. Many golfers struggle with weight distribution in the bunker, either staying on their trail foot or creating a reverse weight shift. By splashing sand onto the green during your bunker shots, you can ensure that you are transferring your weight correctly and finishing with the proper posture. This will help you maintain an aggressive swing and avoid stopping short in the sand after impact.
Drawing a small dot in the sand just in front of the ball with the butt end of your club can also help prevent hitting too far behind the ball in the bunker. While conventional wisdom suggests focusing on a grain of sand behind the ball, Durland recommends shifting your focus to a dot in front of the ball to ensure you hit closer to the ball for optimal bunker shots. This drill can be done in a practice bunker to help you improve your technique and consistency in hitting bunker shots effectively.
Practicing these drills and tips from Mark Durland can help recreational golfers improve their bunker play and shave strokes off their game. By identifying and correcting the common mistake of hitting too far behind the ball in the bunker, golfers can become more confident and skilled in their sand shots. With a focus on proper technique, weight transfer, and target visualization, players can enhance their bunker performance and elevate their overall golf game.
