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Controlling Distance in Bunker Shots

Once you are comfortable hitting the ball out of the sand, you should learn to add finesse to your bunker game. Controlling distance requires excellent technique and practice. I will explain to you the theory. However, it is you who must learn the feeling for distance. Work through the following pages and then start work on the games in the Games section.

To hit the ball varying distances requires very precise mechanics and highly developed control of the shot. There are several different elements that you need to vary to change the distance you hit the ball. I will explain these and then you can learn them by playing the games.

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Elements to Consider

1. Length of Swing

The most obvious variable is length of swing. When you have to play a 30 foot (10 m) bunker shot you will need to create enough clubhead speed to generate sufficient momentum to hit the ball 30 feet (10 m).

No matter the distance of the shot, you must always accelerate the clubhead through impact.

2. Speed of Arm Swing

Controlling the pace of your swing is clearly a vital part of controlling distance. It is possible to make a full swing but hit the ball very short distances if your pace is very slow.

However, most golfers have an instinctive speed that is comfortable. To find the pace that is comfortable for you (if you are not there already) requires that you follow this simple exercise.
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Excersise

Take five balls and your sandwedge to the practice fairway and hit the five balls to a target 30 yards (27 m) away.

Whilst you are doing this be aware of the overall speed of your arms. Keeping that feeling in mind, head for the bunker.

Hit some 30 foot (10 m) bunker shots and try to keep the same speed of arm swing. Try some faster swings and slower swings to be aware of the different speeds.

Once you have found your speed stick to it. Using your speed allows you more feel and timing and will always give you the best results.

So, do not fall into the habit of trying slow swings for short shots and fast swings for long shots.