6 things you need to improve your sand shots (list post)

1. Analyze your shot
               Too many times I see players in a bunker and just look at the flag, back down at the ball and swing. You need to treat this shot just like a putt, read which way the green is sloping in relation to where the cup is. If you can read which way the ball is going on the green then you will be better able to judge how it will react landing on the green from the bunker. 

2. Choosing the right wedge
              Today many players carry multiple wedges in their bag. Generally 2-3 including the pitching wedge, (pitching wedge not recommended for closer bunker shots) a high lofted wedge around 60 degrees, a "sand wedge" around 54 degrees and a "gap wedge" around 52 degrees. So what wedge should you choose coming out of the sand? This depends on the shot, I would suggest in a deep bunker to go with your highest lofted wedge, or when you need to have the ball land soft, longer shots, with some practice would allow for a gap wedge shot. Anything else a middle wedge would be the best for a "standard wedge shot."

3. Practice before your round
              Get to know the sand you are playing! If the course you are playing has a practice bunker get in and hit some shots! The consistency of the sand could change from course to course and you want to be prepared in dealing with the different textures.

4. Do some drills
             My favorite drill to do when practicing is drawing a line 1 inch behind my ball in the sand and focus on hitting that line with your wedge. You cannot do this during play because it is treated as a hazard and no touching a hazard! But during practice this is a great drill to do because it allows you to hit a sand shot the proper way. Sand first, ball last, the sand will push the ball out and by hitting behind it with a visual line to guide you, it will be a lot easier to get out of the trap!

5. Open your stance 
           Bunker shots require loft. The club face will do a lot of the work for you but by placing your front foot slightly outward and open to your target line it will allow the club face to travel through your line and getting the ball up in the air quicker.

6. Embrace the sand!
          Do not be scared of the trap. If you hit into a bunker be confident that you have practiced this shot before and have to tools to get you out in one shot. Confidence is key in golf, if you have a good attitude going into the bunker then you already have an advantage over it.