The Loop

Saturday Morning Tip: Get out of sand every time

In the upcoming issue of Golf Digest (July, with Adam Scott on the cover), there is a great section on bunker play by Mark Immelman, brother of Masters Champion Trevor. Mark says he learned everything about bunker play from the master, Gary Player. Here's one tip you can use this weekend to improve your sand play. I tried it myself and it really works. Here's hoping you avoid the bunkers in the first place, but if you don't this tip should help you get it up and down. Remember to follow me on Twitter @RogerSchiffman.

*Roger Schiffman

Managing Editor

Golf Digest*

Basic bunker technique: Start left and stay left

A good bunker swing generates a lot of clubhead speed. Many high-handicappers lean away from the target on the downswing, trying to help the ball out of the sand. But they don't get much swing speed falling back like that. Here's how to get the speed you need. Play the ball just forward of center, with your stance slightly open and your sternum more over your left foot. Add a little flex to your left knee, and bend more toward the ball from your hips. Maintain these positions as you make what feels like an arms-only swing. (Your body will automatically turn.) Staying on your left side, accelerate the club through the sand. Swing to a full finish, and check it by seeing if you can lower the shaft and rest it on your left shoulder.

*Editor's note: You can see several more bunker tips from Immelman in the Breaking 100-90-80 section of the July issue, on newsstands June 7.