How to handle the long greenside bunker shot

ShareThis

A long greenside bunker shot is often described as one of golf's most difficult plays. There are several reasons why this is so, as often demonstrated by even the best bunker players in the world.The conditions of a long greenside bunker cause the shot to be a pitch length (distance varies for each player) from a regular green side bunker shot. In addition, greenside bunkers are often built with a deep sand surface, as well as a steep face and side walls. So, the lie of the ball -- even if perfectly flat on a surface of sand -- makes it very difficult to judge the trajectory, spin and carry length of the shot.The fear associated with a "miss" on this shot is great because of the swing speed required to play it well. When a long greenside bunker shot is misplayed, the results are often illustrated by the ball either being buried into the face of the bunker, due to a lack of height on the shot, or it completely flying over the flag, due to a lack of distance control.Technique adjustments needed for the long bunker shot include club selection, swing speed, amount of sand taken and angle of attack.Club selection offers several variables. By choosing a less lofted wedge, longer distance can be accomplished with the same swing speed.The speed of the swing with the same club will add or subtract distance, and the place the club enters the sand will have a direct impact on the distance of the shot. This is the most difficult variable for average players to change, as it requires precise control of the bottom of the swing arc.The angle of attack has an affect on trajectory which, in turn, affects distance. If a high shot is required, your shaft should lean away from the target. If a long, lower shot is desired, the shaft should lean toward the target.Meanwhile, if the shaft leans back, less sand will be taken. Conversely, if the shaft leans forward, it will dig deeper in the sand.If you do not have the skill or time to practice these shots, perhaps your best play is to somehow avoid getting into this position, but that is not always feasible. That's why I strongly recommend you contact a PGA Professional near you to work on your bunker game. You can find one at www.playgolfamerica.com.For those of you living or visiting South Florida this holiday season, I invite you to come out to my home base, the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. We offer nine different bunkers for you to practice from that simulate play worldwide, as well as PGA Professional instruction and the PGA of America Golf Schools. For more information, visit: www.pgavillage.com.Here's to better golf and a very Happy Holiday Season! (Rick Martino is director of instruction at The PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla.)(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)