LynnBlakeGolf Forums - View Single Post - Hitting bunker shots? Thread: Hitting bunker shots? View Single Post #7 06-04-2007, 12:51 PM SECGolf Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Duluth, Georgia Posts: 110 For me, no change in the hitting motion. Still active right triceps power. For shots in bunkers right around the green, for me: I have found the key to be opening and keeping the clubface wide open. This is so the bounce will enter the sand first, as opposed to the leading edge digging. I always have to be careful to open the face by turning the grip of the golf club then applying my hands. I like to use vertical hinging. I like the look of no "roll". Also offers the highest shot compared to other options. I like to try for same height, just vary lag pressure for distance control (don't try to vary swing length or distance hit behind ball) Specifically vary distance amount ball travels in the air. Because the sand passes the ball (when using open club face) a degree of spin will be imparted on the ball by the passing sand. I have found that the roll out (once ball lands) doesn't vary too much. In a "shortsided" situation, I have found it difficult to hit it high with tremendous spin. I have also found it difficult to drastically reduce lag pressure and not have it get only halfway out into bunkerside rough. When I think properly I change from 56 degree to 60 degree and make sure I get it out. I'm might strart tring to hit closer to the ball, thus imparting more spin (or I might try not to be an idiot and think I'm good enough to go at the pin). In his short game book, Pelz does mention that this is one situation where he sees the wrists of top players break down, to add more zip, to add more spin. I'll buy that. No way could I personally do that. See Yoda VJ short game video where they, too leave the option open, but only for rare, rare, rare, cases. Bunker 10 - 30 yards from green - If pin is closer to front, I try to execute normal open face shot (might go with angled hinging). MAX Lag Pressure. Make sure I get it to the green. Height and spin will not allow it to go over green. Pin closer to back - Normal shot with sand wedge (face not open). Natural angled hinging. Hit behind the ball. Leading edge enters first (must drive or there will be massive slow down). Try to land anywhere from front edge to middle. Shot will have no spin as sand is pushing ball. Roll toward the pin. Reason for the change is I don't think open face with spin will get all the way back to the hole. See most excellent video in gallery " Yoda and VJ talk short game" (or something like that). Any help with downhill bunker shots would be appreciated. SECGolf View Public Profile Send a private message to SECGolf Find all posts by SECGolf