Bunker shots

This week PGA Teaching Professional, Tim Blackhouse, gives tips on tackling bunker shots

THE main thing with a trap shot is to make sure you get the ball out. If it goes too far, so be it, but at least it's out! So what we need to do is make sure we fully commit to hitting through the shot.

It is important to realise that this is not a chip shot or even similar to one. Once you have the correct basics, take some practice swings without the ball in the bunker, ensuring that the club is accelerating and taking a good amount of sand. DO NOT have any hesitation. Do this numerous times to get the feeling for hitting hard in the sand. Once you feel comfortable, hit some shots trying to replicate the practice swings you previously made.

BASIC SET UP

Establish a firm footing

Grip down the club about one inch

Stance shoulder width apart

Ball position left of centre

Weight distribution 60% on left side

Swing back a sufficient amount to generate enough power

Ideally hit the sand two inches before the ball (three or four inches room for error)

Accelerate through impact finishing high on left side

Don't try to lift or scoop the ball out

Establishing a firm footing is not only important for stability and balance but it also enables the club to slide under the ball more easily as your feet are, in effect, below the ball.

Gripping down the club gives us more control and the weight distribution creates a descending angle of attack through impact.

The backswing determines how fast the club travels trough impact so it is vital that the backswing is long enough.

Finally, make sure full commitment is present through to a high finish. Hold the finish as if you're having your photo taken!