Above: Taking a club with less loft provides an inbuilt distance boost from sand.
Do you change your set-up and club choice when faced with a long bunker shot? Or do you just reach for your sand wedge?
Next time you’re practising on-course, try hitting this shot with a 9-iron or gap wedge, which will allow you to swing the club the same way but give you greater distance. This is obviously dependent on your position in the bunker and won’t be as successful if you are close to the lip.
I recommend changing your set-up slightly by aiming slightly left (for right-handers), with the ball positioned in line with your lead pec muscle, your spine more vertical and your weight slightly on the lead side. Hover the club two inches behind the ball and hold the clubface only slightly open. From this set-up position, make a normal swing and release of the club. This will allow you to hit different distances with different clubs to produce the required distance.
If you have any other questions, e-mail me at [email protected]
• Jason Laws is the NSW PGA Teaching Professional of the Year
