Thursday, 29 December 2011
How to Hit the Ball well from Uneven Lies
How to Hit the Ball well from Uneven Lies
Before I begin, I am going to first give you the definition of the four uneven lies in golf.
Uphill Lie - The easiest of the four uneven lies. The ball is level with your feet but the slope is up-hill, we refer to this as an uphill lie.
Downhill Lie - A ball that is level to your feet but the slope is down hill, probably the second most difficult shot in golf.
Ball Below Feet - The most difficult shot in golf is when the ball is below your feet
Ball Above Feet - The fourth uneven lie is when the ball is above your feet.
Don't get confused between an uphill lie, and when the ball is simply above your feet. These are 2 different lies, and should be addressed separately. Also, don't get confused with the downhill lie, and the ball being below your feet. Again, these are 2 different lies.
Let's start with the easiest shot in golf, the up-hill lie. If you struggle with this shot, you probably swing the golf club to vertical into the ground and hit a fat shot. Before you prepare for an uphill lie, you need to think of a few important items first.
1. Make sure you take a less lofted club. When you have an uphill lie, it will make the ball go HIGHER and SHORTER.
2. The ball will have a tendency to hook to the left, so aim a little to the right.
3. To avoid hitting the shot fat, check your shoulder alignment and make sure they are parallel to the ground you are standing on. If you are on an uphill lie, your back shoulder should be a little lower that your leading shoulder.
4. The ball should be positioned according to what club you are using, as though you were on a level lie. (A bit forward for longer clubs.)
5. You want to make sure you follow through HIGH after impact.
Now we can move on to one of the hardest shots in golf, the down hill lie. If you have a tendency to struggle with this shot, the miss hit is usually a top. Follow the steps below and you will see a huge change in your down hill shots.
1. Because the ball will fly lower, you can take a more lofted club to help the ball go a little higher.
2. The ball will have a tendency to curve to the right, aim a little to the left.
3. If you have your shoulders at address tilted level to the down slope of your lie, this will encourage the club to swing DOWN into the ball (correct) and not up in the down swing. Thus, you will hit the bottom of the ball and not the top.
4. Play the ball in your stance according to the club you are using (again, a little forward for a longer club).
5. You want to make sure you follow through LOW to the ground after impact.
Now we are back to an easy shot, the ball above our feet. If you follow the steps below, you will not hit the ground behind the ball anymore, and the ball above your feet will become your absolute favorite shot in golf
1. If you struggle with hitting the ball fat in these shots, make sure you are standing taller than your normal stance.
2. The ball will have a tendency to fly to the left, aim a little farther to the right.
3. DO NOT BEND YOUR KNEES
4. This is the main point, the golf club wants to swing more AROUND your body, let it...DO NOT TRY TO MAKE A NORMAL SWING...let the club swing around you.
THE HARDEST SHOT IN GOLF. The dreaded, (I can't believe this is happening to me) BALL BELOW YOUR FEET golf shot. You have come to the right place, below is the answer.
1. When the ball is below your feet, you will have a tendency to top it to the right, whiff the ball, or shank it.
2. The address is the most important part of this shot. Bend your knees and bend WAY over at address. You ALMOST can not bend TOO much.
3. The ball will have a tendency to go to the right, aim farther left.
4. The golf club wants to swing up and down, NOT around. LET IT...It will feel like a lob swing, this is correct. IF you make your normal swing, you will whiff the ball completely.
Now, forget everything you knew about uneven lies and give this a try. I KNOW IT WILL HELP!
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Play with a Straight Back
To Ensure Consistency and Success To Ensure Consistency and Success - Play with a Straight Back
I believe that to mature as a golfer, you need to have an understanding of why certain individual fundamentals on the course are working for you, and why others aren't. In short, you have to understand the working components of your swing. Secondly, you need to understand what corrections or adjustments could be made in order to attain success.
The set-up that we teach is very specific and important. Playing with a straight spine and back angle is an important fundamental that we teach, and something that is literally the glue of our swing theory. Whether you are 5 yards form the green or teeing off, playing with a straight spine and back will ensure that you swing on a consistent plane every time you set over the golf ball. The following are reasons why a straight back is essential for you to see success out on the course:
- Gives you a fixed position to start from - every time
- Allows for the club to travel on a consistent plane
- This is essential in golf. If you are hunched over (and golfers
are usually unaware of this) your swing plane is constantly changing due to the changing level of your body over the ball. This leads to many inconsistent shots (especially around the green).
- Minimizes hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin This is a big problem for most golfers. If you haven't played for weeks and you find yourself not making solid contact, the first fundamental that should go through your mind is: "Is my back straight at setup and throughout the shot"?
This is one of the most important truths that we teach about the golf swing. If you look at the tour pros they always have a straight spine angle and back at set-up and throughout the swing. Whether you are on the tee, fairway, around the green, or even on the green - having a straight spine and back angle is extremely important. Especially around the green when you are pitching and chipping!
For some golfers, straightening your spine angle is going to feel very strange, because you've never played that way. But trust me, maintaining a straight spine throughout the swing will do wonders for your consistency because it leads to better impact with the ball. Next time you watch the tour players on TV, make sure to check out how straight their backs are at setup.
The main point that I want to communicate is that there are many factors in golf that you can't control. For example: course conditions, weather, and course difficulty. However, one aspect of your golf swing that can be constant and unchanging is your spine angle at set-up. So play golf this way and you will begin to develop consistency and confidence.
I believe that to mature as a golfer, you need to have an understanding of why certain individual fundamentals on the course are working for you, and why others aren't. In short, you have to understand the working components of your swing. Secondly, you need to understand what corrections or adjustments could be made in order to attain success.
The set-up that we teach is very specific and important. Playing with a straight spine and back angle is an important fundamental that we teach, and something that is literally the glue of our swing theory. Whether you are 5 yards form the green or teeing off, playing with a straight spine and back will ensure that you swing on a consistent plane every time you set over the golf ball. The following are reasons why a straight back is essential for you to see success out on the course:
- Gives you a fixed position to start from - every time
- Allows for the club to travel on a consistent plane
- This is essential in golf. If you are hunched over (and golfers
are usually unaware of this) your swing plane is constantly changing due to the changing level of your body over the ball. This leads to many inconsistent shots (especially around the green).
- Minimizes hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin This is a big problem for most golfers. If you haven't played for weeks and you find yourself not making solid contact, the first fundamental that should go through your mind is: "Is my back straight at setup and throughout the shot"?
This is one of the most important truths that we teach about the golf swing. If you look at the tour pros they always have a straight spine angle and back at set-up and throughout the swing. Whether you are on the tee, fairway, around the green, or even on the green - having a straight spine and back angle is extremely important. Especially around the green when you are pitching and chipping!
For some golfers, straightening your spine angle is going to feel very strange, because you've never played that way. But trust me, maintaining a straight spine throughout the swing will do wonders for your consistency because it leads to better impact with the ball. Next time you watch the tour players on TV, make sure to check out how straight their backs are at setup.
The main point that I want to communicate is that there are many factors in golf that you can't control. For example: course conditions, weather, and course difficulty. However, one aspect of your golf swing that can be constant and unchanging is your spine angle at set-up. So play golf this way and you will begin to develop consistency and confidence.
I believe that to mature as a golfer, you need to have an understanding of why certain individual fundamentals on the course are working for you, and why others aren't. In short, you have to understand the working components of your swing. Secondly, you need to understand what corrections or adjustments could be made in order to attain success.
The set-up that we teach is very specific and important. Playing with a straight spine and back angle is an important fundamental that we teach, and something that is literally the glue of our swing theory. Whether you are 5 yards form the green or teeing off, playing with a straight spine and back will ensure that you swing on a consistent plane every time you set over the golf ball. The following are reasons why a straight back is essential for you to see success out on the course:
- Gives you a fixed position to start from - every time
- Allows for the club to travel on a consistent plane
- This is essential in golf. If you are hunched over (and golfers
are usually unaware of this) your swing plane is constantly changing due to the changing level of your body over the ball. This leads to many inconsistent shots (especially around the green).
- Minimizes hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin This is a big problem for most golfers. If you haven't played for weeks and you find yourself not making solid contact, the first fundamental that should go through your mind is: "Is my back straight at setup and throughout the shot"?
This is one of the most important truths that we teach about the golf swing. If you look at the tour pros they always have a straight spine angle and back at set-up and throughout the swing. Whether you are on the tee, fairway, around the green, or even on the green - having a straight spine and back angle is extremely important. Especially around the green when you are pitching and chipping!
For some golfers, straightening your spine angle is going to feel very strange, because you've never played that way. But trust me, maintaining a straight spine throughout the swing will do wonders for your consistency because it leads to better impact with the ball. Next time you watch the tour players on TV, make sure to check out how straight their backs are at setup.
The main point that I want to communicate is that there are many factors in golf that you can't control. For example: course conditions, weather, and course difficulty. However, one aspect of your golf swing that can be constant and unchanging is your spine angle at set-up. So play golf this way and you will begin to develop consistency and confidence.
I believe that to mature as a golfer, you need to have an understanding of why certain individual fundamentals on the course are working for you, and why others aren't. In short, you have to understand the working components of your swing. Secondly, you need to understand what corrections or adjustments could be made in order to attain success.
The set-up that we teach is very specific and important. Playing with a straight spine and back angle is an important fundamental that we teach, and something that is literally the glue of our swing theory. Whether you are 5 yards form the green or teeing off, playing with a straight spine and back will ensure that you swing on a consistent plane every time you set over the golf ball. The following are reasons why a straight back is essential for you to see success out on the course:
- Gives you a fixed position to start from - every time
- Allows for the club to travel on a consistent plane
- This is essential in golf. If you are hunched over (and golfers
are usually unaware of this) your swing plane is constantly changing due to the changing level of your body over the ball. This leads to many inconsistent shots (especially around the green).
- Minimizes hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin This is a big problem for most golfers. If you haven't played for weeks and you find yourself not making solid contact, the first fundamental that should go through your mind is: "Is my back straight at setup and throughout the shot"?
This is one of the most important truths that we teach about the golf swing. If you look at the tour pros they always have a straight spine angle and back at set-up and throughout the swing. Whether you are on the tee, fairway, around the green, or even on the green - having a straight spine and back angle is extremely important. Especially around the green when you are pitching and chipping!
For some golfers, straightening your spine angle is going to feel very strange, because you've never played that way. But trust me, maintaining a straight spine throughout the swing will do wonders for your consistency because it leads to better impact with the ball. Next time you watch the tour players on TV, make sure to check out how straight their backs are at setup.
The main point that I want to communicate is that there are many factors in golf that you can't control. For example: course conditions, weather, and course difficulty. However, one aspect of your golf swing that can be constant and unchanging is your spine angle at set-up. So play golf this way and you will begin to develop consistency and confidence.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Golf Swing Special Report.
Today we've got an absolute must see for you.
Tap below to See The Special Report
http://www.golfswingguru.com/special-report-short-game
You'll Learn:
* Why 90% of the world's putting greens are built lower in the front and higher in the back, AND how you can benefit from this.
* The correct set-up for a short game shot
* 4 Secrets that will change the way you approach the short game
* Why you need a Low Follow-Through for Pitch Shots
* ... And much, much more.
So Tap Below to Check it Out
http://www.golfswingguru.com/special-report-short-game
Tap below to See The Special Report
http://www.golfswingguru.com/special-report-short-game
You'll Learn:
* Why 90% of the world's putting greens are built lower in the front and higher in the back, AND how you can benefit from this.
* The correct set-up for a short game shot
* 4 Secrets that will change the way you approach the short game
* Why you need a Low Follow-Through for Pitch Shots
* ... And much, much more.
So Tap Below to Check it Out
http://www.golfswingguru.com/special-report-short-game
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
A New Golf Season
Whenever a new golf season is about to start, these tips will be useful. Please take a few minutes to check and see if you are prepared for opening day at your golf course.
First and foremost, if you did not get your grips re-gripped last fall, this would be a perfect time. Make sure you ask the club repair person to measure the size of you grips and to replace them with the exact same size. If they replace them with a grip too big or too small, it can throw off your feel. While you are at it, if you have a shaft that is broken, now is the time to have it re-shafted. Most of the repair shops are not to busy this time of the year.
This is the time of the year when all of the new equipment is hitting the stores. If you wait to buy a new club in the middle of the season, it might take you some time to get use to it. Start looking now if you want to replace a wedge, or a fairway wood. Here are a couple of tips for buying fairway woods- if the shaft is too stiff, the ball flight will be lower and it might go right. If you buy a shaft that is too weak, the ball flight will be too high and the ball will have a tendency to go left. So, it's important to get your swing speed measured, so that you have the correct shaft flex. Many people think they know, but really they end up purchasing a flex that is a bit off.
There is nothing wrong with heading out to an indoor facility and start taking some swings. Before you do that, make sure you have taken some swings for a couple of weeks in the garage or outside. A pulled muscle is a tough way to start the season. As age progresses, muscles get tighter. Make sure to take the time to stretch properly in the beginning of the season, and it will benefit you down the road. Many of your "golf muscles" aren't the muscles that you generally use in everyday life. So make sure to warm them up properly before you start the season.
The topic will be on how to check to see if you have the proper grip before you hit the ball. The grip is the SINGLE most important part of the golf swing, in my opinion. Don't try building a dream house on shaky ground.
Take care, and it is a pleasure to write these tips for you. I look forward to helping you play much better and consistent golf.
First and foremost, if you did not get your grips re-gripped last fall, this would be a perfect time. Make sure you ask the club repair person to measure the size of you grips and to replace them with the exact same size. If they replace them with a grip too big or too small, it can throw off your feel. While you are at it, if you have a shaft that is broken, now is the time to have it re-shafted. Most of the repair shops are not to busy this time of the year.
This is the time of the year when all of the new equipment is hitting the stores. If you wait to buy a new club in the middle of the season, it might take you some time to get use to it. Start looking now if you want to replace a wedge, or a fairway wood. Here are a couple of tips for buying fairway woods- if the shaft is too stiff, the ball flight will be lower and it might go right. If you buy a shaft that is too weak, the ball flight will be too high and the ball will have a tendency to go left. So, it's important to get your swing speed measured, so that you have the correct shaft flex. Many people think they know, but really they end up purchasing a flex that is a bit off.
There is nothing wrong with heading out to an indoor facility and start taking some swings. Before you do that, make sure you have taken some swings for a couple of weeks in the garage or outside. A pulled muscle is a tough way to start the season. As age progresses, muscles get tighter. Make sure to take the time to stretch properly in the beginning of the season, and it will benefit you down the road. Many of your "golf muscles" aren't the muscles that you generally use in everyday life. So make sure to warm them up properly before you start the season.
The topic will be on how to check to see if you have the proper grip before you hit the ball. The grip is the SINGLE most important part of the golf swing, in my opinion. Don't try building a dream house on shaky ground.
Take care, and it is a pleasure to write these tips for you. I look forward to helping you play much better and consistent golf.
Saturday, 8 October 2011
ELIMINATE THE BACKSWING DIP!
Our swing theory points you in the right direction and gives you a system of fundamentals to measure yourself against. In golf this is very important; however situations arise where you just can't figure out why you are having certain difficulties. Whether your problem is hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin, sometimes we are clueless to where the problem lies.
We teach a fairly horizontal swing plane in comparison to most. Even though there are major benefits to this version of the golf swing certain complications can arise very quickly. This tip in particular was designed to keep golfers from hitting behind the ball. My objective is to inform you of all areas of the golf swing, so that when certain situations arise, you can adjust accordingly. And ultimately checkpoints pre-established.
Problem
The player(s) back shoulder in his/her backswing dips down; meaning that the back shoulder is lowering towards the ground. This is hard to do when you have no lateral movement or weight shift back and away from the target, as we teach. However, this is very common among players who have a horizontal swing plane. The tendency is to lower your back shoulder as your swing plane becomes more horizontal.
Please understand that if you dip your back shoulder in your backswing this could cause many different problems in you swing. Your timing, hand position at impact, weight shift through the ball, and follow-through position could all be negatively affected.
Solution
Fortunately there is simple solution. Go to the practice range and take a golf ball. Place the golf ball underneath your back foot (please make sure that ½ the ball is in the ground so that you don't fall over). If a ball is uncomfortable use a towel or something that is at least an inch off the ground. The ball/object should be placed underneath your back heel in order to ensure that you have no weight transfer and that your back shoulder does not dip in your backswing.
Then simply take your normal swing. If you choose you can hit a ball or you can just take a few practice swings. Focus on not dipping your shoulder in your backswing (keep your back shoulder up and not down). I guarantee that if you master this drill you will make solid contact with the ball on a more consistent basis. This drill will force you to practice a swing with no weight shift back and away from your target and simultaneously help you with dipping your back shoulder.
Practice this drill and be aware that if you are having difficulty hitting behind the ball at any point in your round, the problem could lie in shoulder position in your backswing.
Our swing theory points you in the right direction and gives you a system of fundamentals to measure yourself against. In golf this is very important; however situations arise where you just can't figure out why you are having certain difficulties. Whether your problem is hitting behind the ball or hitting the ball thin, sometimes we are clueless to where the problem lies.
We teach a fairly horizontal swing plane in comparison to most. Even though there are major benefits to this version of the golf swing certain complications can arise very quickly. This tip in particular was designed to keep golfers from hitting behind the ball. My objective is to inform you of all areas of the golf swing, so that when certain situations arise, you can adjust accordingly. And ultimately checkpoints pre-established.
Problem
The player(s) back shoulder in his/her backswing dips down; meaning that the back shoulder is lowering towards the ground. This is hard to do when you have no lateral movement or weight shift back and away from the target, as we teach. However, this is very common among players who have a horizontal swing plane. The tendency is to lower your back shoulder as your swing plane becomes more horizontal.
Please understand that if you dip your back shoulder in your backswing this could cause many different problems in you swing. Your timing, hand position at impact, weight shift through the ball, and follow-through position could all be negatively affected.
Solution
Fortunately there is simple solution. Go to the practice range and take a golf ball. Place the golf ball underneath your back foot (please make sure that ½ the ball is in the ground so that you don't fall over). If a ball is uncomfortable use a towel or something that is at least an inch off the ground. The ball/object should be placed underneath your back heel in order to ensure that you have no weight transfer and that your back shoulder does not dip in your backswing.
Then simply take your normal swing. If you choose you can hit a ball or you can just take a few practice swings. Focus on not dipping your shoulder in your backswing (keep your back shoulder up and not down). I guarantee that if you master this drill you will make solid contact with the ball on a more consistent basis. This drill will force you to practice a swing with no weight shift back and away from your target and simultaneously help you with dipping your back shoulder.
Practice this drill and be aware that if you are having difficulty hitting behind the ball at any point in your round, the problem could lie in shoulder position in your backswing.
As always, if you have any questions and need more info just click on the BANNER.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Generate POWER at Set Up
It's a fact! All want more power and distance. Whether you hit the ball 200 or 300 yards adding an extra 10-15 yards to your driver gives any player confidence, and a distinct advantage over the competition.
The majority of instruction that we deliver is based upon customer feedback. Customers email us consistently with a breakdown of distance per club. They also provide where they would like to get to; usually 10-15 yards increase off the tee and on their approach shots.
The following tip is suggested to players who want an easy to implement way to generate extra distance off the tee. I don't recommend this set-up from the fairway or around the green, but should give you and extra 10-15 yards off the tee. In the full swing DVD we gave you a section that focused on the driver, but as we all know there is more to learn. We are in the process of creating an entire DVD on the driver and successfully getting off the tee. But until then here is a tip that will help you add extra distance off the tee!
The following is a simple breakdown including different ways that power and distance is generated in our golf swing (I want you to understand what generates power):
Solid Ball Contact: Not on heel or toe.
Hand Rotation through the impact zone.
Weight shift through the ball.
Follow-Through position: This is more of a check point. Club face up a follow-through = less power. Club face down at follow-through = more power.
The Problem
Lack of distance off the tee.
The Solution
I am going to teach you a modified set-up that will allow for maximum power generation. Typically players that have a slight draw generate more distance than players that hit a fade, so this set-up will put you in a position to hit a draw. This is also true for players on the tour (other than Tiger who can hit a 320 yard high fade). The following are steps to modify your set-up in order to allow for maximum distance:
Go through your normal set-up routine. Always remember to bend at the hips and not the stomach or waist.
For More click on the Banner to see.-
The majority of instruction that we deliver is based upon customer feedback. Customers email us consistently with a breakdown of distance per club. They also provide where they would like to get to; usually 10-15 yards increase off the tee and on their approach shots.
The following tip is suggested to players who want an easy to implement way to generate extra distance off the tee. I don't recommend this set-up from the fairway or around the green, but should give you and extra 10-15 yards off the tee. In the full swing DVD we gave you a section that focused on the driver, but as we all know there is more to learn. We are in the process of creating an entire DVD on the driver and successfully getting off the tee. But until then here is a tip that will help you add extra distance off the tee!
The following is a simple breakdown including different ways that power and distance is generated in our golf swing (I want you to understand what generates power):
Solid Ball Contact: Not on heel or toe.
Hand Rotation through the impact zone.
Weight shift through the ball.
Follow-Through position: This is more of a check point. Club face up a follow-through = less power. Club face down at follow-through = more power.
The Problem
Lack of distance off the tee.
The Solution
I am going to teach you a modified set-up that will allow for maximum power generation. Typically players that have a slight draw generate more distance than players that hit a fade, so this set-up will put you in a position to hit a draw. This is also true for players on the tour (other than Tiger who can hit a 320 yard high fade). The following are steps to modify your set-up in order to allow for maximum distance:
Go through your normal set-up routine. Always remember to bend at the hips and not the stomach or waist.
For More click on the Banner to see.-
Thursday, 29 September 2011
"How to Get out of a Bunker with a Buried Lie"
This week's lesson is entitled, "How to Get out of a Bunker with a Buried Lie", and this lesson could really help you out in a situation where a buried lie could potentially add a few unneeded strokes to your round.
This is one of the most feared shots in all of golf by the amateur. Why? Because it looks so intimidating when you can barely see you ball, but it doesn't need to be that way. You will be hitting great shots and impressing your friends when you follow these steps!
Let's say that you just don't have a "fried egg" (where 50% of the ball is buried) but only the very top of the ball is visible. What do you do? Follow these steps and you'll be able to hit any lie that you have in a bunker.
Here's what you do:
1. Choke down on the golf club, about in the same position as a normal bunker shot (1-2 inches from the bottom of the grip).
2. Take your normal stance, however open it up a little bit.
3. The majority of your weight should be on your front foot
4. Close your clubface and press your hands forward just a little (this will ensure you to drive the ball out of the sand).
5. Keep your lower body still! This is so important, especially in this shot!
6. Just like a normal bunker shot take a steep backswing so that the butt of the club is pointed at the ball. *Remember that your left arm is going to lead this shot and will be completely parallel with the ground. Your right elbow is in the locked position.
7. When you start your downswing do not shift your weight - keep the majority of your weight on your front foot.
8. So once you've started your steep downswing hit about 2 inches behind the ball. This is very important because if you try and hit the ball first you'll just drive it back into the sand. By hitting 2 inches behind the sand will actually lift the ball out your clubface really doesn't even touch the golf ball. *Remember it's very important to keep your clubface closed so that is can drive the ball out!
9. Remember to swing through the sand and not stop once you've hit the sand.
10. Keep your angle steep throughout the shot.
Drill:
At the practice bunker stomp a few balls almost completely submerged (make sure you can only see a little of the ball. This will give you so much confidence because this only happens in a small percentage of sand play. Focus on keeping your club face closed throughout your swing....I can't stress this enough!
Putting it all together in the bunker:
Normal bunker shot: square to slightly open clubface, evenly balanced weight or weight on back foot, steep/vertical backswing (lead with your left arm and keep your right elbow "locked" to its side), keep your entire lower body still - no weight shifting until you hit the sand.
Buried lie in bunker: slightly closed clubface, forward press your hand a little, majority of your weight on your front foot, steep/vertical backswing (lead with your left arm and keep your right elbow "locked" to its side), keep your entire lower body still.
Next week, we'll discuss buried lies, and then it's on to chipping and putting. Good golfing, until then. If you would like to order "The Simple Golf Swing"click on the BANNER above.
This is one of the most feared shots in all of golf by the amateur. Why? Because it looks so intimidating when you can barely see you ball, but it doesn't need to be that way. You will be hitting great shots and impressing your friends when you follow these steps!
Let's say that you just don't have a "fried egg" (where 50% of the ball is buried) but only the very top of the ball is visible. What do you do? Follow these steps and you'll be able to hit any lie that you have in a bunker.
Here's what you do:
1. Choke down on the golf club, about in the same position as a normal bunker shot (1-2 inches from the bottom of the grip).
2. Take your normal stance, however open it up a little bit.
3. The majority of your weight should be on your front foot
4. Close your clubface and press your hands forward just a little (this will ensure you to drive the ball out of the sand).
5. Keep your lower body still! This is so important, especially in this shot!
6. Just like a normal bunker shot take a steep backswing so that the butt of the club is pointed at the ball. *Remember that your left arm is going to lead this shot and will be completely parallel with the ground. Your right elbow is in the locked position.
7. When you start your downswing do not shift your weight - keep the majority of your weight on your front foot.
8. So once you've started your steep downswing hit about 2 inches behind the ball. This is very important because if you try and hit the ball first you'll just drive it back into the sand. By hitting 2 inches behind the sand will actually lift the ball out your clubface really doesn't even touch the golf ball. *Remember it's very important to keep your clubface closed so that is can drive the ball out!
9. Remember to swing through the sand and not stop once you've hit the sand.
10. Keep your angle steep throughout the shot.
Drill:
At the practice bunker stomp a few balls almost completely submerged (make sure you can only see a little of the ball. This will give you so much confidence because this only happens in a small percentage of sand play. Focus on keeping your club face closed throughout your swing....I can't stress this enough!
Putting it all together in the bunker:
Normal bunker shot: square to slightly open clubface, evenly balanced weight or weight on back foot, steep/vertical backswing (lead with your left arm and keep your right elbow "locked" to its side), keep your entire lower body still - no weight shifting until you hit the sand.
Buried lie in bunker: slightly closed clubface, forward press your hand a little, majority of your weight on your front foot, steep/vertical backswing (lead with your left arm and keep your right elbow "locked" to its side), keep your entire lower body still.
Next week, we'll discuss buried lies, and then it's on to chipping and putting. Good golfing, until then. If you would like to order "The Simple Golf Swing"click on the BANNER above.
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