Sand Play

To be more consistent with your sand play:

1- Feel the sand with your feet as you walk into the bunker. This tells you the texture. Is the sand soft, hard, wet?

2- You never want to hit the ball; you should hit the sand and let it propel the ball out of the bunker. For fluffy sand, a few inches behind the ball is a good place to start. Draw a line and practice hitting it before placing a ball. You’ll develop confidence.

3- I suggest an open stance to the target line but have the club address the ball on the target line.

4- Pros are not troubled by sand shots, unless they are up against the bunker face. If you find yourself in that situation, consider declaring an unplayable lie within the bunker and follow the Rules of Golf as to relief available and the penalty stroke. An extra penalty stroke may be a better choice than repeatedly trying to beat it out of an unplayable position.