[Kim Hyun-jun's Theme Lesson] McIlroy's 'Bunker Shot Birdie'..."Softly Lift It"

Keyword: 'Mureup Gojung', bending the wrist immediately during backswing to form a 'V' shape between the club and left arm

Rory McIlroy is executing a greenside bunker shot on the final day of the Masters.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] 'Bunker Shot Birdie.'

World No. 7 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) made a priceless birdie on the final 18th hole (par 4) at Augusta National Golf Club (par 72, 7,510 yards) in Georgia, USA, during the final round of the 2022 season's first major, the Masters (total prize money $15 million), on the 11th. His tee shot landed in a fairway bunker, and his second shot also ended up in the bunker to the right of the green. He holed his third shot from 18 yards.

It is noteworthy that he recorded a daily best score of 8-under-par 64 with one eagle and six birdies that day. After struggling with 1-over-par throughout the first three rounds, he surged up to second place in one go. For McIlroy, the Masters is especially the last puzzle to complete the 'Career Grand Slam,' winning all four different major championships. He won the 2011 US Open, the 2012 PGA Championship, and the 2014 The Open consecutively. For now, he has gained 'know-how for conquering Augusta National.'

Greenside bunker shots are the most difficult trouble shots for amateur golfers in actual play. Confidence is crucial. If you stop your swing halfway due to fear of a mishit, you will never escape the bunker. Let's first look at the basics. Firmly bury both feet in the sand to stabilize your lower body and make contact about 1 inch behind the ball. Position your feet aiming at the 11 o'clock direction relative to the target, and slightly open the clubface aiming at the 1 o'clock direction.

During the backswing, immediately cock your wrists to create a 'V' shape between the club and your left arm. This allows the wedge bounce (the thick part at the bottom of the clubface) to slide under the sand. The correct motion is when the end of the shaft (the grip) points toward the ground. A three-quarter backswing is sufficient. The softer the sand, the more forcefully you hit to scoop out a larger amount of sand. For distances over 30 yards, it is acceptable to make direct contact with the ball. Adjust the swing size accordingly.

Bunkers also have slopes. The key is to 'keep your knees fixed'; you must not move during the shot to achieve accurate impact. On downhill slopes, your body instinctively tends to straighten up. This causes mishits where the clubface grazes the top of the ball, causing it to curve right. In the so-called 'Fried egg lie,' where the ball is half-buried in the sand, close the clubface instead. The principle is like using a shovel to scrape the sand away.