Bunker Creativity

Daniel Jackson has spent the last ten years working at the IMG Academy in Florida, coaching some of the world’s top junior female golfers. Now he’s here to share his knowledge with GolfPunk readers. First off, it’s all about Bunker Creativity.

So it’s over to you Daniel:

Within this article you will learn more about decision–making and how understanding what you can do with different clubs, can make a big difference to your golf game.

After spending the last 10 years working at the IMG Academy in Florida, where through Elite Performance Training some of the worlds’ top junior female golfers come to perfect their swings, I have noticed a startling common factor from within these players.

Many of the female junior golfers tend to stick with one club in the bunker from many different yardages.  Therefore, I am going to discuss one of the biggest misconceptions in golf and that is that you can only use a sand wedge in a greenside bunker.

In some situations, a greenside bunker shot may require a shot of 30+ yards and for most players hitting the sand wedge harder is the only option.

Many golfers have been taught that the sand wedge is the only club to use in a bunker. Which is fine, if there were only ever one type of bunker shot at one particular distance.

The problem with this is when we try and hit a longer bunker shot with the same club, we try and hit it with too much power. Subsequently we can lose control of our swing and control of the shot.

If you have watched any amount of LPGA golf, players are hitting these longer bunker shots with relative ease. It is because they use a less lofted club. Without making changes to a setup, maintaining a good swing tempo and a good strike on the sand, has a great effect. Something as simple as club selection can be game changing.

Below are just some examples of what you could do, however you must put in the time and concentration to practice these shots. Very few, if anyone, actually goes to the range to practice bunker shots.

The average distance on the Tour for greenside bunker shots is 10 yards. Be sure to practice these as they really play a significant part of your bunker game. So use the specialised wedges, for example, 56/58/60 degrees for these shorter shots.

As you begin to feel confident with this range of shot, it is then a good idea to gradually make your way further away from the hole.

As you progress to the longer shot, switch to a less lofted club like a pitching wedge. Remember to keep the setup the same. You should focus on the tempo of the shot and striking the sand.

The longer of the shots during your practice could be over 30 yards. These should be played with the 9 iron.

To get the most out of your practice try to change position after 10 shots. This enables you to maintain full concentration for each shot. After each shot it is also very important to try and learn something, whether it was a good shot or a poor shot. Constructively critique your shot and try and make a slight adjustment for the next shot. 

Doing it this way is a great way of learning as it forces you to question what you are doing and to find a solution, improving your golfing knowledge.  This knowledge is referred to as “Golfing IQ” and it is something that ALL Tour players have in abundance.

Related:

Golf fitness with Maria Verchenova