Expert Golf AZ

About the Authors :

Tyler Christensen is a co-owner and Director of Instruction at Expert Golf Instruction and Management. He was born in South Jordan, Utah,though he currently resides in Arizona.

Chris Fry is originally from Tucson, Arizona and a graduate from Arizona State University's Professional Golf Management Program. He currently teaches golf at numerous facilities in Scottsdale, Arizona and Flagstaff, Arizona.

No Fear Bunker Plan

03 January 2012 Tyler Christensen

Drill to get you out of the sand everytime

Julius Boros won the 1963 U.S. Open, and dedicated it to his bunker play. Fact: He didn’t get in the bunker even once the entire tournament. He had dedicated the previous year to improving his bunker play, and now had confidence in his bunker ability. His newly found confidence in the sand allowed him to be more aggressive and aim at more pins, and not worry about bunkers. He knew he could get up and down out of any bunker if he missed a green. Here is my favorite drill to help you get out of the sand every time!

	In image (1) I have drawn 2 lines; one 2-3 inches behind the ball, and the other 6-7 inches in front of the ball. Set up with your feet aimed slightly to the left(right handed golfer), with weight even or slightly left depending on the slope. Ball position is key, it should be off of the front foot, but because your feet are slightly left, it may “feel” more in the center. Aim club face at target or slightly right.
	Now that you have the drill set up properly, the goal is to take long, but not to deep of divots that enter the sand at the first line, and exit at the second as if you are just splashing the sand out of the bunker. Splash several times moving down the line as shown in the picture. Once a ball is in front of you, do NOT get “ball conscious,” continue to splash from line to line. Be aggressive and follow through.