Forums

Basic Bunker shots

• Lute345 2,483 Posts

  Tue, Oct 21 2014 2:55 PM

  Ok WGT players. Granted I've only been playing now for a little over 8 months, but I just can't seem to hit a decent green side bunker shot!! I understand the % of the lie, depth in which I'm in, but regardless of which wedge I use I just can't get it close to the pin without it running 10 to 15 yards away. So I'm looking for a little assistance with this problem.

  I normally use my 60 degree which is the most lofted club I have in the bag. So would I need to get a 64 degree just for green side bunker shots? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

• 8buster8 649 Posts

  Tue, Oct 21 2014 5:35 PM

  first try a course where you stand a chance of having a decent bunker lie:  Bethpage Black would be my first choice.  

  I don't have your wedge but try this:  using your 64 degree wedge in *pitch* mode for a short bunker shot, maybe 9-15 to the pin; try 3/4 power the first time w/ maybe 1/2 backspin.  Make adjustments from there.  For me this shot *carries* about 6-8 yards (important to know).  

• SamanthaWho 3,403 Posts

  Tue, Oct 21 2014 6:56 PM

  You might want to check this out.

  Gary's Golf Tips

• ScottHope 10,410 Posts

  Wed, Oct 22 2014 1:35 AM

  ...or THIS.

• Lute345 2,483 Posts

  Wed, Oct 22 2014 1:40 AM

  Great tips site Samantha!! Didn't know it existed. I'll revert back to it when ever I need it. Thanks a bunch!!

• mantis0014 8,946 Posts

  Wed, Oct 22 2014 3:04 AM

  ScottHope:

  ...or THIS.

  Not a bad Link.   Where ya find this Scott. Pity the Op hasn't played a game for a couple of years, the person might be pretty good now.

  Bunkers and me don't mix too much.  I basically just hit from feel and experience. 

  Calculations like the following just goes way over my head...

  (28) 24yds, 4ft up from 20% (+4)= 32 dropped 19(59%),  ran 4…….-1

  (30) 24yds, 6ft up from 20%(+5) = 35 dropped 21(60%) ran 4……..+1

   

  I need a translation pls....lol

  I take it it's 24yrds to pin   4 up... that's what the (28) means, I think

  20% is that the bunker lie?   that's where I got lost.   

   (+4)= 32 dropped 19(59%),  ran 4…….-1    what does these figures mean?

   

  or is this ...  clicked meter at 32 and ball dropped at 19yrds and ran 4 more yrds.

  -Roger

   

   

   

  
  

• ScottHope 10,410 Posts

  Wed, Oct 22 2014 3:56 AM

  I stumbled across it quite a while ago Roger and yes it is a pity the OP doesn't play anymore. He has a virtual pint waiting for him at the 19th hole on my tab for his contribution.

  EDIT : The (28) means 24 yards distance plus 4 yards for the elevation of 4 feet. Yes, 20% is the bunker lie and he adds another 4 yards for that, so the total yardage comes to 32.

• SamanthaWho 3,403 Posts

  Wed, Oct 22 2014 4:24 AM

  mantis0014:

  ScottHope:

  ...or THIS.

  Not a bad Link.   Where ya find this Scott. Pity the Op hasn't played a game for a couple of years, the person might be pretty good now.

  Bunkers and me don't mix too much.  I basically just hit from feel and experience. 

  Calculations like the following just goes way over my head...

  (28) 24yds, 4ft up from 20% (+4)= 32 dropped 19(59%),  ran 4…….-1

  (30) 24yds, 6ft up from 20%(+5) = 35 dropped 21(60%) ran 4……..+1

   

  I need a translation pls....lol

  I take it it's 24yrds to pin   4 up... that's what the (28) means, I think

  20% is that the bunker lie?   that's where I got lost.   

   (+4)= 32 dropped 19(59%),  ran 4…….-1    what does these figures mean?

   

  or is this ...  clicked meter at 32 and ball dropped at 19yrds and ran 4 more yrds.

  -Roger

   

   

   

  
  

  Both those had the same thing, Gary had just copied it to his web site.

  Yes Rodger, that's exactly it. Since i found this, I've tried it a few times, and it seems to work pretty well. The big thing though is green speed since you will get quite a big run. The difference between "running" 4 yards on tourney or champ  speed is huge compared to standard or slow.

  SO if you're in 30-40% sand....30 yards....up 4 .....=34 yards.....add 4...hit 38 with full bs.

   

• ScottHope 10,410 Posts

  Wed, Oct 22 2014 4:55 AM

  Sorry guys, I didn't realise Gary had copied Puttlucks post.

• mara43 1,674 Posts

  Wed, Oct 22 2014 5:04 AM

  practice with the flop shot especially if the ball is close to the lip of the bunker....remember to aim a bit to the left of the flag & get close to the ding.....you get more height on the ball & thus less roll out....aim to land the ball short of the hole to allow for any roll out.........after a number of hits you will get a feel for the distance.

  :-)