Out in a Splash-2

Turn, hinge and release for a successful escape

Looking at the sequence from face on, I want to make a couple of observations that can further help you to avoid making some common errors. First of all, look at how 'centred' I am at the set-up (at left above).

If anything, I actually feel that my weight is leaning a little left towards the target. That's very different to leaning back off the shot, with too much weight falling on the back foot (left) - a position we see a lot of at our golf schools.

This fault stems from a player's desire to want to get behind and under the ball, but one that actually results in a player hitting the sand too far behind the ball. The further you lean your upper body behind the ball, the harder it is to deliver the club precisely into the sand on your chosen spot.

No! Too much weight on the right side - for this shot, you actually want to feel that you lean towards the target.	No! Turning off the ball hurts your consistency; try to remain 'centred' as you make your swing, as I have above

Work the line - Improve your consistency

Good bunker players have pin-point control when it comes to delivering the sole of the sand-iron into the sand. This is something you have to work on improving when you practise, and this easy exercise will help you.

All you have to do is score a line in the sand and then try to remove a consistent cut from either side of that line, about two inches ahead of the line as you make initial con¬tact and perhaps three inches beyond as the clubhead makes its exit.

Not too deep. Make it a nice shallow divot of sand.