BY Graham Stewart
At last week’s Portugal Masters, I couldn’t help notice how impressed the spectators were with the results of relatively simple bunker shots. That tells me a couple of things. The pros make it look very easy and the spectators are not so confident from bunkers.
Let me outline a simple way I like to play and coach a bunker shot.
1. Hold the sand wedge and set the face slightly open to 1 o’clock.
2. Medium width stance, square to the target and the ball opposite the left heel (for right handers).
3. During practice, make a line or mark in the sand, one ball’s width behind the ball. This is where you want to strike the sand.
4. Address the line where you want to strike the sand and lean the shaft back so that the grip end of the club points to your belly button. This will increase the effective bounce on the club and allow the club to slip through the sand.
5. Make a full swing and accelerate through the sand, turning your body to the target. Get the feeling of “Slapping” the mark in the sand with the sole of the club.
6. Finish with good balance facing the target and enjoy great bunker shots.
Ask the pro: send your questions to Graham Stewart at
algarvegraham@gmail.com. Published letters win a free golf lesson.
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Readers of the Algarve Resident are entitled to a FREE golf assessment. Contact Graham Stewart at Vila Sol for more details.
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Graham Stewart is a British PGA professional with over 30 years’ experience. Based at Pestana Vila Sol, he is available for golf instruction for players of all levels, from complete beginners to tour winners. 917 825 519
