1. 48
The 40 Yard Bunker Shot
www.eastalgarvemag.com
Pro stats Name: Bradley Dye
From: Darlington, England
Club: Monte Rei Golf
& Country Club
Position: Assistant Golf
Professional
Turned Pro: 2015 off Scratch
Background: BA Hons Golf
Management Degree, University of
Central Lancashire. District, County
& University Golf Teams.
Career Low Score of 66 (-6)
Golf
T
he dreaded 40 yard bunker
shot is one of the most
difficult shots around to
execute in the game of
Golf. Shane Lowry Quoted
“As a Tour pro I’d be happy to get it
inside 15 feet from here.”
Most amateur golfers would take out
their sand wedge or lob wedge and
play it as a longer bunker shot, which
would make them swing harder at
the ball with a longer swing, but the
result will end up with the ball still
in the bunker or could catch it
clean and clear the green.
The percentage play and
method I would advise for
amateurs would be to take
a less lofted club such as a
gap wedge or pitching wedge
and play a splash shot to get
the required distance, without
having to make a longer swing
with a more lofted club. Still
keeping the same principles as
a greenside bunker shot, committing
to the shot and striking the sand
around 2 inches behind the ball
to get the required trajectory and
contact.
Three simple tips to execute this
shot correctly are:
1 Open the club face up. This
will allow the ball to climb up the
face more and produce a higher
trajectory and produce more spin on
the ball and most importantly clear
the bunker lip.
2 As shown in picture 2, position
your hands behind the ball. This
will maintain bounce throughout the
shot and stop the club digging into
the sand and you duffing the shot.
3 As shown in picture 2 have the
shaft more central and lined up with
your belt buckle instead of leaning it
towards the target. This will add loft
to the club and ensure that you clear
the bunker lip and the ball will travel
the required distance, instead of
taking too much sand and not hitting
the ball the required distance.
Following these three simple
tips could save shots in your
round which in return will lower
your scores and reduce your
handicap.
For individual, group or playing
lessons call +351 281 950 950
or email golf@monterei.com
Lessons include all equipment
hire, golf balls and water.
This months tip from Assistant Professional at Monte Rei Golf, Bradley Dye.
