[Kim Ha-neul's FunFun Golf]⑫ Getting Friendly with Sand

Greenside Bunker Ball 3cm Behind 'Explosive Shot'

Amateur golfers often get intimidated when their ball lands in a bunker. They worry about how to escape. It is important to think of the bunker as a part of golf and get familiar with it. Even professional players do not have a high bunker save rate, so it is necessary to let go of greed and focus on just getting out of the bunker.

Unlike wedge shots, bunker shots are not hit with a clean strike but are played using the bounce, the bulging part under the clubhead. If you use the club’s bounce properly, escaping the bunker is not very difficult.

Bunker shots require a solid foundation first. When taking the shot, you need to firmly stabilize your lower body and open the clubface. Since the clubface is open, you should address the ball slightly to the left. Keep your weight on the left side, and position the ball to the left as well.

Pro Kyung-Ju Choi is a master of bunker shots. He advises, “There is no difference from an iron swing.” Because the clubface is open, the swing naturally creates an out-to-in path rather than an out-to-in chopping motion.

Bunker shots involve hitting behind the ball. You need to strike about 3cm behind the ball. Swing with the mindset that the bounce will explosively hit the sand. If you hit the ball directly, it results in a “home run,” and if you hit too far behind, the club will get stuck in the sand, making escape impossible.

Controlling distance from the bunker is not easy either. I adjust distance by changing the angle at which I open the clubhead. This technique requires a lot of practice. Changing clubs is also a way to control distance. I have used clubs up to a 9-iron.

Do not stop the club at impact during a bunker shot; you must complete the follow-through. Both upper and lower body should move organically even during bunker shots. Using your wrists causes the club to get buried in the sand. When taking bunker shots, you also need to check the condition of the sand. Even with the same swing, hard sand sends the ball farther, while soft sand results in shorter shots.

Sportainer and 14-time winner on the Korea-Japan Tour