Do you know what the bounce of a club is? In what scenario would you want to use the bounce of a wedge? These are questions that you should know, especially if your goal is to improve your golf game.
Bunker shots can be particularly difficult if you're not sure how you should play them. Luckily, I've filmed a few different full-length videos that are dedicated to short game and have sections that are all about bunker play. These videos feature professionals DJ Trahan and Kenny Knox (both multiple winners on the PGA TOUR). They've had to get up and down out of every imaginable lie in all kinds of bunkers throughout their careers, so I highly recommend you check out these videos.
The reason I've decided to cover this topic today is because of a question that was submitted by Jim Periman. He's looking for some advice on how to play out of different types of sand, while utilizing the bounce in the correct way. I can't go into enough detail in these short video blogs, so click either one of the links above to see more detail on bunker play. But, I will try and explain what bounce is and how it should be used.
Here's what Jim asked:
I watch your tips daily and to say it has helped my game would be a gross understatement. You have taken the hardest game in the world and made it fun. Thank You! I do have a request, however!
You never talk about the Bunker Shot out of Sand. Some of the golf courses where I play the sand is hard. It is easier to use a P.W or a 9 iron to play out of this hard sand than a Sand wedge. I'm told that the reason for this is the standard S.W. has 13 degrees Bounce and the p.w. and 9 iron has little bounce. Is this true? Can you discuss various types of texture and bunker shots? Things like stance, ball position, how far to hit behind the ball and how much should you open the club? Should my set-up be right at the aiming point or should I aim a little left because my club face is open?
Jim Periman
Watch my video response today for a basic description of bounce and how to use it when in the bunker. However, if you REALLY want to improve your short game and bunker play, click on the links above to see how professionals go about getting up and down. You will gain so much knowledge from these full-length videos that you won't believe it! What are you waiting for? Go click those links now and start getting it up and down like a short game wizard!!
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
Comments
Bounce
The courses I often play have baked sand that can be like hard pan. Seems they never rake them any deeper than the surface. Then the water spinklers water the sand as much as the grass. Our hot dry days make it firm as paved gravel. Indeed it seems any amount of bounce is too much. I often have to use my pw and just open it up and swing much easier than I might with normal softer sand.You actually have to strike it fairly precisely with the leading edge sliding just where the ball meets the ground. I do still own my Dad's old "Sure Out" Ben Hogan sand wedge Surge displayed, the exact same one. Great wedge still but of little use in these hard bunkers. I have a grinder and have had some success shaving down the heel a bit on a couple of 56*'s as Kenny Knox eludes to in his lesson videos. Fortunately I have a selection of older wedges I can mess with in my shop (garage).
Hard packed sand
Robert,
I know what you mean about the hard packed sand. My Monday eve league plays at a course that has only 3 bunkers, but they are all always hard packed. Many years ago I found that the Alien Ultimate Sand Wedge was the best tool for the job. I recommend this club for anyone who has trouble with greenside bunkers. It's not fools proof, but almost. Just hit behind the ball and follow through, the ball always comes out. With minimal practice you can learn to put either bite or roll on the ball depending on your shot need. I have mentioned this club in the past and will continue to in the future. In my opinion it is one of the best tools for amateur golfers.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALIEN-BY-PAT-SIMMONS-THE-ULTIMATE-SAND-WEDGE-/221282436581?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item33857605e5
Alien
Thanks Terry, I may consider it again. Seen that club once in a while for years and have thought about getting it. The bunkers, especially at our muni, get really hard packed. Funny when I play a quality sand trap that has looser, softer sand I suddenly feel like a good bunker player. One has to do what's needed with the course conditions including rock hard sand:) Hope you are continuing to practice with your new putter. I am getting more comfortable rolling 'em the correct distance. It'll come for you too. Keep me posted. I have been practicing till dark after work every day and it is paying off. As I mentioned before, I normally use just one ball and go through every aspect of the routine before every putt. Other days (when I'm off I'll also take 10 balls and set them 3-4 feet (then 15-20 feet)around the hole from every break angle. Of course the carpet is okay but you really need to spend time on real grass to simulate actual play best. Still waiting to hear from Philip and Booger after they get theirs. Again to any one out there getting it remember to continually review John's demo videos (both) and follow exactly as he recommends. 100% passive hands and relaxed arms are a must. Zero manipulation. It is just so different from other putters and methods.
Bounce
Robert;
I KNOW the feeling -- same thing at San Marcos in Chandler AZ. -- and frequently the fairways also -- thin grass over hardpan. I use the Cleveland CG15 wedges -- 48, 52, 56 and 60 degree -- ALL of them have about 2* less bounce than "normal" -- deliberately bought that way. :<) All of them work good from the fairway -- and the 56* is good from the hard sand in a level or uphill lie, but sometimes a "disaster waiting to happen" from downhill lies - unless the bunker has been very recently "worked up" and loosened.
My visiting friend from Seattle claims he can not hit his sand wedge from the thin fairways. That is because his sand wedge is "tailored" to his home course -- much softer sand and lusher fairways too.
Keep hitting them STRAIGHT and LONG
Amos
I carry the MacGregor Grass-N
I carry the MacGregor Grass-N-Sand wedges .. PW50° / SW56° / FW64°
These are all steel shafted models.
Participation
Just dropped in to see how things are going on the Dailies. I looked at the past two days and it sure seems that participation on the blog has dropped significantly. So, what's happening? Where did everyone go?
Actually
Hey Lynn,
Actually there has been fairly decent participation if you look back a few days ago. Lots of putter (and putting) talk among other subjects. I have noticed a pattern though that on the week ends people disappear. Got a note from Dick Lee a couple of weeks ago by e mail. He is 'back in the saddle again' now serving as a deputy sheriff. Don't know if you heard but I received one of your custom built KZG 355cc SP 700 drivers with a Fuji R shaft. How? I had been telling the Surge Nation I was interested in finally trying out a smaller headed driver and one of your clients offered his to me. He said he just could never adjust to it, the indian and not the arrow he said. Mailed it to me like three weeks ago. Gotta tell you, even though it has 14* of loft and a softer shaft than I'm use to I am bombing it and love it! You make an awesome driver (no shock there) and although it is a coincidence that it fits me I couldn't be much happier. It's like butter and surely because of the design and loft it gets out there with only a smooth effort. I can now personally recommend your work Doc:) How have you been and hows the family? Hope you're well and please stop by more often. That may stimulate more comments too.
Re: weekends
Hi Doc, Could be everyone on this clump of dirt is busy getting ready
for some football game or another. Glad to see the Gamecocks were able to
win their game yesterday!