Pick It Clean
Think stable and shallow to flush it from fairway sand
Jensen Larson
The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass has 88 bunkers, including this massive oval-shaped one that runs the length of the lay-up zone on the par-5 11th hole. Find this bunker and you’ll be thrilled to make par. The approach is all carry with hazards ready to gobble any mis-hit.
A forced-carry, fairway-bunker situation like this requires you to make solid contact with the ball and then brush a few granules of sand. That’s different than in a greenside bunker, where you’re taking much more sand. In fact, you want to err on the thin side in a fairway bunker (provided the lip is low). This requires you to keep your lower body steady as you swing, which helps shallow your club’s path to catch the ball clean for max power, launch and carry distance. Read on for more help with these shots. —With Dave Allen
SETUP: STABILIZE YOUR LOWER BODY
Many amateurs play these shots back in their stance and lean their body and handle forward (above, left). Unfortunately, this produces a steep angle of attack and makes the club dig. Instead, widen your stance and bow both knees as if you were riding a horse (above, right). This will quiet your lower half and help prevent a chunk. Also, play the ball slightly forward of center in your stance to help shallow the club’s path into the ball, which will add some height to the shot.
SWING: MAINTAIN A LEVEL HEAD
Another good thought is to stand a little taller at address and keep your head level throughout the swing (above). If your head rises or dips, pure contact becomes a lot more difficult. If you’re able to get out on the course and practice, hit several fairway woods out of a bunker (top photo). The longer shaft of a wood prompts you to remain stable when you swing, or you’ll mis-hit it. If you can consistently hit solid woods from a fairway bunker, you’ll have no problem flushing a mid-iron onto a green from here.
ALANA SWAIN is a Golf Digest Best Young Teacher at the PGA Tour Performance Center at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.
