Tip of the month
Kristian Baker shares the tips that have helped Ross Fisher improve his game.
Bunker shots
So much is written today about technique that it is no wonder people get confused. If you’re struggling with your bunker play its best to go right back to basics.
When I ask people during a bunker lesson the question, “ Is the aim of today’s lesson to - always get it out of the bunker, get it on the green or get it close to the flag?” most say, “I’d just love to always get it out somewhere on the green so I have a putt!”
If most people could feel that from a bunker their next shot is a putt they’d be pretty happy. Based on that assumption lets look at a simple, effective way to play the shot.
First forget all the theory of, open your stance, open your club face, have your weight on your left etc. If you’re struggling in bunkers it needs to be simpler.
What I would suggest is to play it very much like you would a simple pitch shot.
1. Take your regular pitch stance, (square stance and clubface).
2. Place the ball 1 inch left of centre.
3. From here simply make the same half swing you would for your pitch shot.
The only recommendation I have for the swing is to keep your legs very still to ensure NO weight transference and try and hit the sand as well as the ball on to the green.
Once you have got to the stage where you are getting the ball regularly out and onto the green then you can start to vary the trajectory and distances by opening your clubface and stance.