[Kim Haneul's FunFun Golf] 'Hard Bunker Shot'

by Roh Woolae

Published 21 Jul.2023 08:30(KST)

Same Address as a Regular Bunker Shot
Club Face Slightly Open, Early Cocking Shot
Similar to Playing on Bare Ground, Careful Distance Control

It is the rainy season. Passionate golfers continue to play rounds even during the monsoon period. However, the course conditions differ from usual, causing difficulties. Especially when the ball lands in a bunker, problems arise. The sand is wet from the rain, making it hard to escape. The sand is wet and compacted, becoming hard. While dry sand is somewhat familiar, there is less experience with bunkers during the monsoon season. This time, here are tips for shots when facing a hard bunker.

The basic preparation is similar to a regular bunker. Hold the club as usual. Open your stance as usual. Put your weight on your left foot, and position the ball more to the left than usual. Bury your feet in the sand to create a solid address. You need to stabilize your lower body even more to prevent slipping.

[Kim Haneul's FunFun Golf] 'Hard Bunker Shot'

The resistance transmitted to the club differs between wet and dry bunkers. Wet bunker sand offers less resistance. If you attempt a typical explosive shot, you will fail to control the distance. In hard sand, it is impossible for the sand to push the ball out. Confidently strike about 2 to 3 cm behind the ball.

Taking a shot from a hard bunker is like playing on bare ground in the fairway. If you hit the ball thinly, it will be a “home run,” flying over the green into the rough. If you hit the ball too thickly, you will fail to escape. Even in a hard bunker, slightly open the clubhead. If you swing with a square clubhead, it will not penetrate the sand and you will make a mishit.

In a hard bunker, the club does not dig deeply. If you open the clubhead too much, you may top the ball. It is best to open the clubhead just slightly and use early cocking during the swing. Shots from hard bunkers travel much farther than usual bunker shots. Pay special attention to distance control. It is difficult to express in numbers, but you can estimate about one-third more distance. Control the distance by adjusting the swing size.