This simple drill allows us to create a consistent impact whilst playing bunker shots.
The concept is based on allowing the club face to return square at impact without excessive shaft lean or drive.
Grip your sand wedge towards the club head whilst keeping the face square and allowing the shaft and grip to rest against your lead side (Picture 1)
Preset the shaft/face to 45 degrees by coiling your lead forearm approximately 45 degrees on top and your trail forearm approximately 45 degrees under (Picture 2). For higher shots experiment with how much coil you can set in the forearms!!
During this phase you’ll notice the shaft will move forward creating shaft lean and a gap will appear between the club shaft/grip and your lead side. You’ll also feel the trail elbow fold (Picture 2.1).
Get a feel for the backswing by allowing the continuation of the elbow fold and the setting of the wrists . You’ll notice the butt end of the grip points towards to middle of the stance. This is enough set and fold in the elbow and wrists for a basic shot. For longer shots you can add more body coil. (Picture 3)
Impact you’ll allow the club shaft and grip to return to your lead side. You’ll notice the face is perfectly square and the forearms have returned to there natural position (Picture 4)
During the actual bunker shot you’ll initiate this position by impacting the sand two to four inches prior to the ball. The downward club sand impact is what naturally allows the the initial shaft lean preset to recede and return the face square.
With practice you’ll start to enjoy the consistency of this shot and gain control of initial start direction and spin.
