Long bunker shots can often be a daunting task for golfers due to the high margin of error involved in hitting the ball just right to reach the green. However, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has a tip that can make these shots a lot easier. Instead of using a sand wedge or lob wedge for longer bunker shots, Scheffler suggests opting for a longer club such as a 9-iron or pitching wedge. By using a lower lofted club, the margin of error becomes much larger, making the shot more consistent and easier to execute.
Typically, when hitting a greenside bunker shot, golfers aim to enter the sand an inch or two behind the ball to splash it onto the green. However, when the distance of the shot increases, using a sand wedge or lob wedge to take less sand can be challenging. This requires precise execution to control the distance accurately. By choosing a longer club for longer bunker shots, golfers can simplify the shot and increase the consistency of their shots. Scheffler emphasizes that using lower loft for longer shots makes the shot much simpler and more predictable.
The key to making long bunker shots look easy is to make one simple change in club selection. By opting for a longer club instead of the traditional sand wedge, golfers can experience a larger margin of error, making it easier to control the distance and direction of the shot. Scheffler’s tip of using a 9-iron or pitching wedge for long bunker shots can help golfers improve their consistency and confidence when faced with challenging shots from the sand. This adjustment allows players to focus on a more straightforward technique and achieve better results.
Bryson DeChambeau’s impressive 72nd-hole up-and-down to win the U.S. Open showcased the importance of perfectly executed shots under pressure. Long bunker shots, like the one DeChambeau faced, require precision and skill to navigate successfully. By implementing Scheffler’s tip of using a longer club for longer bunker shots, golfers can approach these shots with more confidence and improve their chances of getting the ball closer to the hole. Making this simple change in club selection can make a significant difference in a golfer’s ability to handle challenging bunker shots effectively.
In summary, long bunker shots can be made easier by opting for a longer club such as a 9-iron or pitching wedge instead of a sand wedge or lob wedge. By choosing a lower lofted club, golfers can increase the margin of error and simplify the shot, making it more consistent and predictable. Scottie Scheffler’s tip emphasizes the importance of club selection in improving performance on longer bunker shots, allowing golfers to approach these shots with more confidence and skill. Implementing this change in technique can help golfers handle challenging bunker shots with greater ease and achieve better results on the course.
