Feet Inside Bunker/ Ball Outside Bunker
You hit a good drive but you pull it a bit. The ball stops just short of rolling into a fairway bunker on the left. You’ll have to stand in the bunker to hit the ball, which is about belt high when you’re in the bunker. This shot is tough for two reasons: One, you have an awkward stance from which to hit the ball. Two, you don’t get to hit this shot too often, let alone practice it. You’ll need to focus to hit this shot well.
Below are six keys to hitting this shot:
2. Use your 7-iron
3. Choke down on the club
4. Dig your feet into the sand
5. Increase grip pressure
6. Use a baseball style swing
The key to this shot is being practical. You have an awkward stance and a less than perfect lie. The best you can hope for is to get this ball onto the fairway in decent shape for the next shot.
Use your 7-iron for this shot and choke down on the club. Choking down allows you to set the club behind the ball at address. Also, dig your feet into the sand, so you don’t slip.
Make a few practice swings above the ball. This will give you a feel for the motion you’ll need to hit the shot. Use a baseball style swing. Move the club back and forth with your shoulders and chest.
You also should increase grip pressure. This helps prevent you from rotating the clubface open or closed throughout the swing. Also, bend your left elbow a bit in your backswing. The adjustment adds a little fluidity to your swing.
This shot is tough not only because of the awkward set up, but also because you don’t get it too often during a season. And you certainly don’t practice it. But if you focus on just getting the ball in position for your next shot when you have this type of shot, you may still be able to make par.