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Bunkers

• terwyl1 1,011 Posts

  Sat, Jan 18 2014 2:43 AM

  If I adhere to the distances given and apply percentage on Shotpal I virtually never get out of bunkers. Sometimes I probably double the distance and it works, but more frequently it then goes far too long.

   

  Is there a simple answer?

• ScottHope 10,646 Posts

  Sat, Jan 18 2014 5:37 AM

  Some very good and comprehensive advice here from puttluck.

• courteneyfish 15,796 Posts

  Sat, Jan 18 2014 5:58 AM

  No simple answers but it all falls into place if you keep practicing. Unless you are close to the pin you need a full or a punch shot. Never go for the chip if offered by the caddie. You can use flop from certain bunkers but this is something you need to try and make notes of what works. 

  Different people use different methods, and shots also vary due to them using different clubs and balls but when you find that something works jot it down and remember next time.

  You have to allow for the height, wind and slope too of course and even the green speed but like I said it all comes with practice.

• SweetiePie 4,925 Posts

  Sat, Jan 18 2014 7:26 AM

  As for simple and basic for green side bunkers, a very good starting rule of thumb is this: use the lob wedge at full and assume that 50% power with full backspin will equal 16 or 15 yards. Use aim for wind and very slight power adjustment for lie; 15-20, 25-30, 30-40 and so on...but very slight.

• alosso 21,094 Posts

  Sat, Jan 18 2014 7:34 AM

  Part of the answer lies in wedges and balls - both Starters in your bag. It's nothing to criticize but to respect.

  From my memory, getting out of green bunkers was always tricky. First of all, ignore the caddie proposing chip or pitch. You should not use less than 60% power but it might be too much for the pin distance. IIRC I used LW, punch, full bs most of the time, happy to land anywhere on the green.

  With decent custom clubs and any custom ball, there is a lot more of leeway.

• EasyEdward 13,507 Posts

  Sat, Jan 18 2014 2:52 PM

  General rule of thumb for green side bunkers:

  Use your 50 yard LW with a Full shot / apply full backspin / take the number of yards to pin and add 9 then add 1 for every 3 feet up elevation / double that number and hit that percentage of power.

  Example:   16 yards to pin up 6 feet  16 + 9 + 2 = 27 times 2 = 54 So move your power bar to 54% and hit it.

  More often then not this will run past the hole but if you aimed where to land correctly the return putt should have little break and par can be saved.