Longer Greenside Bunker ShotsIf you’ve ever found yourself on a frontside bunker with a pin sitting away from you on the back of the green, you may have been scratching your head wondering your best course of action. In all likelihood you laid up and then took a lag putt, hopefully saving par. The good news is that laying up out of a bunker no longer needs to be the go-to shot in your bag when playing from the sand.

Adjust Your Game

According the PGA Professional Kellie Stenzel, one of the easiest ways to adjust for a longer greenside bunker shot is by using a gap wedge. Your club is a huge factor in determining the flight path and distance of the ball. Having less loft means your shot will travel lower and further and the gap wedge creates a lower and longer trajectory than a sand wedge.

When taking your swing, be sure that it’s a full swing. You won’t actually hit the ball, instead you’ll be lifting the ball out of the sand. You should never try to pick the ball up off the sand.

Improve Your Sand Game Today

Although none of us ever want to end up in a trap or bunker, it’s part of the game. If you’re looking to improve your game out of the sand, stop by Westlake Golf Course today! With a practice chipping green, you’ll be able to work on your short game, and save yourself a few strokes your next time. There’s no need to be intimidated by a bunker again! For more ideas schedule a lesson with a Westlake Golf pro. Meet the crew here.