How to hit a greenside bunker shot

For many golfers, bunkers are the most uncomfortable spots on the course. The important thing to remember with bunker shots is that most of your work is done before you swing. Get a few things set at address, and good swing technique will fall into place. —Joe Plecker, one of Golf Digest's Best Teachers in Georgia

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Weaken your lead-hand grip
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  • Turn your lead hand to your left (for righties) so the grip is in the palm
  • This grip position keeps the clubface open, which sends the ball higher
  • It also pre-sets a skimming action through the sand and less digging
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Add Some Knee Bend
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  • Bending your legs lowers your center of gravity for a flatter swing
  • Getting lower also lowers the grip, which keeps your wrists loose and active
  • With a low, stable base, you can more easily slide the club under the ball
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Set Your Sternum behind ball
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  • Where you set your sternum is where the swing will bottom out
  • Position your sternum a few inches behind the ball
  • You'll be sure you're going to hit the sand and not the ball
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Favor your lead leg
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  • Consider your lead leg (the left leg for righties) the swing anchor
  • Staying on your lead leg prevents too much side-to-side movement
  • Set as much weight as you are comfortable on your lead leg
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Extend through the sand
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  • Think of the swing as an armsy motion with little body action
  • The goal is to spank the sand before the ball and follow through
  • Feel like your arms extend down to the sand and then out to the target
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