Golf Tips

Golf Tips - Words of Wisdom from our Pros

Fairway Bunker shots

The Champions Course at LPGA International is a wonderful Rees Jones designed links style golf course with a fair amount of fairway bunkers that a stray ball may find at times.
However, if you understand a little bit more about fairway bunker shots, the easier it will be to maneuver around the golf courses.

I always find the most difficult bunker shot to hit is the fairway bunker shot.  The objective is to hit the ball a greater distance than a green side bunker.   A fundamental difference between the two shots is that a greenside bunker, you try to hit the sand first where in a fairway bunker you want to contact the ball first. 

Be sure to select a club that has enough loft to clear the lip of the fairway bunker.  Architect’s design some of the fairway bunkers with a high lip, which inhibits the player to hit the ball high enough to carry the necessary distance.  Remember you need to get out of the bunker first before you think about the distance needed.  I’ll list below some of the adjustments you need to make to produce a successful fairway bunker shot.

1. Most importantly check the lie of the ball first.  A good lie allows a normal swing with few adjustments.  A medium lie allows for more of a descending blow and a poor lie requires a player to just pitch out into the fairway. 
2. Set your feet in the bunker while addressing the ball.  You have an opportunity to notice how deep the sand is, as you set your feet but you also need the base to set yourself for a stable swing.
3. Choke or grip down on the club about an inch the same distance as you have dug your feet into the sand.
4. Position the ball in the middle of your stance.
5. I move my hands a head of the ball slightly as you cannot ground the club in a hazard with out a penalty stroke.
6. Target hitting the ball just above the sand on a good lie.  If you have a poor lie take a more lofted club and hit a traditional green side bunker shot back out to the fairway.
7. Look not at a spot behind the ball like a green side bunker but rather on the front side of the ball or just slightly ahead of the ball to help assure you hit the ball first and not the sand.

Fairway bunker shots although may be difficult, the shot becomes easier with confidence and practice.  Remember look at your lie in the bunker and how deep the bunker face is before you select your club.  Getting out of the bunker should be your first thought and if you can get the correct distance you are way ahead of the ball game. 

- LPGA International Golf Club