 | Don Farquhar is Head Golf Professional at Rolling Hills CC, a position he has held since 1988. Don has earned several distinctive awards: 1991 South Central Section Golf Professional of the Year, 1994 South Central Section Merchandiser of the Year, 2003 & 2004 South Central Teacher of the Year and 7 Time Kansas Chapter PGA Teacher of the Year. Don has competed in 5 National Club Professional Championships and qualified for the USGA Public Links Championship. Don is also a member of the Titlist Custom Fitting Staff. Don may be contacted Rolling Hills Country Club Pro Shop, (316) 722-1181, 223 Westlink Drive, Wichita, KS 67209, or by e-mail at dafarquhar@pga.com. |
Golf
2011-06-01 12:22:00
Ask the pro
Answer: Many players have difficulty when their ball comes to rest in a bunker.
Often times, this is because they don’t have an understanding of the proper technique. They may have the ability, but without the technique they will continue to struggle.
If your tendency is to take a huge deep divot and leave the ball in the sand, then your leading edge of the blade is digging. The leading edge of the club should not dig, but rather the back edge of the sole should bounce off of the sand. This will help with not letting the club go too deep into the sand.
Remember, the leading edge digs and the trailing edge bounces.
There are times in a bunker when the player would want the club to dig. One of these instances would be if the ball were buried. Any time the ball is buried in the sand you must dig it out. Use the leading edge. Another instance would be if the ball were in a footprint, again you must dig it out with the leading edge.
All other bunker shots require the club to bounce off of the sand and that means that the trailing edge must contact the sand first. Opening the face of the club will aid in the trailing edge striking the sand in the proper manner.
Next time you get a chance, try both of these methods. You will need to practice but you’ll soon be a better bunker player!
