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Try
the line drill for easier bunker play.
Bunker play is a challenge in the game of golf for all of
us at some time. This line drill practiced in a bunker is
designed to teach players to consistently control the bottom
of their swings, allowing them a successful shot from the
sand with ease.
The two major factors to note in bunker shots are the loft
of the club-face and the bottom of the swing. First, the control
of the loft of the club-face is critical to the launch angle,
distance and direction the ball travels.
The club-face is governed by the grip and the position of
the right hand and right wrist. In other words, the right
wrist should remain relatively flat in relation to the right
forearm. (right palm up, for right handed players) If the
right hand and right wrist remain the same during the swinging
motion, then the loft of the club remains the same. The second
factor we must consider is where the club contacts the sand
or the bottom of the swing. The arms with the proper right
wrist can swing the club back in front of the body, then back
down in front of the body, contacting the sand at the desired
point while swinging through in front of the body with rotation
of the shoulders and chest to the finish.
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Now let
us go to the drill. Using a sandwedge draw a line in a practice
bunker. Take your stance with your forward foot two inches
in front of the line. Open the club-face and then grip the
club. Let your arms hang from your shoulders and your hands
will be on the line drawn in the sand even with the clubhead.
As you look down, the hands and club should be hanging over
the line drawn but above the sand.
Now, make some practice swings and see where your club bottoms
out in the sand. The idea is to swing the club back and through
contacting the sand in front of the line drawn. Keep making
practice swings until the club consistently enters the sand
in front of the line.
Then, place a ball two to four inches in front of the line
and make the same swing. Note, keep the club moving through
the sand and the ball will come out with ease.
Great Golf, Neil Wilkins
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