gerryniswonger:
Is there and Legends or Tour Legends out there that are able to consistently get their sand shots within 10 feet? If so, would you mind sharing your technique?
To start with, I am a Legend, but not necessarily a very good one though... lol. But I do get most of my sand play within a good range of 5-12ft, for a chance to save par, or in some other unfortunate circumstances, bogeys.
I found the flop shot very helpful if there is not a lot of distance of rough between the bunker and the green. If the lie penalty percentage is 30%-40%, or 40%- 50%, then take double the distance. For example, i have a 11 yd bunker shot to hit, i will hit a full backspin 21yd flop shot, which will have a chance to save me par. But watch out, some of the bunkers in Bethpage Black are only 15%-20%, which u can actually go full distance, such as hitting a 21 yd bunker with a 21yd shot full backspin. Now as Legends sometimes the slope and green can get tricky for tournament, maybe a 1-2 yd off the 2x distance. Golf balls and clubs might react differently but its certainly a method to try out. I've heard a lot of ways to do it by pitching but i personally haven't tried it myself.
With shots in the middle of the sand/bunker or with too much rough in between and you doubt you can get to the green, the best option is to punch with your highest trajectory club, that is, a 60 or 64 wedge. I didn't work the formula out yet but its around adding 6-8 yds from the original yardage and play. But don't take my word on that because clubs and balls would affect it greatly. My best advice is to play a lot of those shots and get a solid feel for how far back do you want to swing for certain yardages :D. Thats all I can give you, feel free to try them out and if you want just add me and we'll find a time to play. If you have any further questions or comments just send me a message and we'll discuss sand play because I'd like to know a lot more tips.
Good luck and hit 'em straight, Qzheng