Symptom: Unable to get the ball out of the sand trap/bunker

Solution: When a player is faced with a greenside bunker/sand shot, it is important to remember that a longer follow through or finish is necessary for the ball to land on the green. I encourage my students to make 50% - 75% backswing depending on the distance of the target; blasting the sand through the ball with a focus on the follow through. The player’s goal should be to finish with the hands stopping at the top of the flag/pin (wherever that may be) while holding the finish position till the ball lands on the green or the ball comes to rest! (Note: it also looks cool!)

FYI: Think of getting the sand that is about an inch behind the ball to land on the green.

Need to know: As you address the ball remember to dig your feet into the sand so your feet are about one inch into the sand. This adjustment in your set up will allow you to make contact about an inch behind the ball, which will result in a better shot out of the bunker.

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