When it comes to golf, the sand trap is one of the most feared features of any course. Golfers often drive miles to avoid a course simply because it has a particularly challenging set of traps. This is understandable; hitting the trap is almost always disastrous for your score. Even if you manage to get out again, you will likely end up with a much more difficult shot due to your initial error. However, avoiding the trap doesn’t have to be such an intimidating prospect. You can learn how to avoid that dreaded bunker in future games with practice and preparation. Read on for some helpful tips and tricks…
Know the Course Before You Play
If you play on a regular golf course, you will probably have a mental image of the course in your head. This image sticks around from previous rounds you have played. However, if you play a course for the first time, you will have no such advantage. How detailed you get with your survey depends on your game’s performance. If you are playing a high-stakes match, you’ll be expected to have studied the course and its features in great detail. At a lower level, though, you may be able to get by with a cursory glance at the scorecard. However, if you can learn a few key features of the course, it will give you a significant advantage. You will know where to expect the most challenging holes and be able to prepare accordingly.
Learn the Lay of the Land
As well as noting the location of specific hazards, you should also try and get a feeling for the general lay of the land. Where are the undulations, and where are there likely to be dips or hollows? Where is the ground likely to be marshy, and where is it dry? Where are the bunkers likely to be? Are they positioned on the front foot of a par three? Or on the back foot of a par five? Where are the rough areas likely to be located? The sides of greens? Or around the back of a green?
Take an Easy Swing
Common mistake players make when hitting from the bunker is trying to hit the ball too hard. If you’re lucky enough to hit a sand trap, you should first take an easy swing. This will allow you to regroup, retune your focus, and calm yourself down. You are in a tricky situation, and you want to go as hard as possible to get out of there, which is fine. However, you need to make sure that your swing is as relaxed as it possibly can be.
Use a Progression Drill to Practice Your Shots
It would be best to keep a few things in mind when practicing your bunker shots. Firstly, you should use your full set of clubs. Even if you are primarily a short-game player, there is no harm in warming up with a seven or nine iron. Secondly, try to get as much variety in your shots as possible. You should hit a shot where you hit down, another where you hit up, a high shot, and a low shot. This will help to familiarize you with a range of different types of shots. Thirdly, don’t be afraid to use a club that is too big. For instance, if you are practicing a low shot, using a six iron rather than a lob wedge is a good idea. This will help ensure your body doesn’t try and overdo it, and you improve your chances of succeeding.
Don’t be Afraid to Bail
If you are hitting the bunker and struggling to escape, don’t be afraid to bail out with a penalty. Nobody will judge you for doing so as long as you have given it a good go. While you should always try and play your way out of trouble, you are not necessarily playing for money. If you have hit a bunker, and it is taking you a long time to get out, you are costing yourself valuable shots. At the end of the day, the game is about having fun, and you should never feel pressured into staying in the bunker if it isn’t fun.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The sand trap is often the most feared feature of any golf course. However, with practice and patience, even the most novice players can learn how to avoid the trap. Avoiding the dreaded bunker would be best to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, you should use an easy swing when hitting from the sand. Secondly, you should practice your bunker shots with various types. Thirdly, don’t be afraid to use a too-big club when practicing your low shots. If you follow these tips, you should be able to avoid the dreaded sand trap in the future. In turn, this should help you to lower your scores and enjoy the game even more.
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