​A simple tip when it comes to escaping greenside bunkers can simply come down to club selection. Depending on the type of sand and playing conditions can make all the difference in how you should approach the shot. When playing on firm, packed bunkers, it is ideal to use a wedge with less bounce. Less bounce will allow the club to dig just enough into the bunker to lift the ball in the air as opposed to “bouncing” off the hardpan causing the common “skull” over the green.

​When entering a bunker where the sand is loose or fluffy, the ideal club should have a higher degree of bounce. This will allow the club to splash the sand lifting the ball out of the bunker as opposed to a club with lesser bounce that would continue to dig too far into the sand resulting in the ball never escaping the bunker. Next time you find yourself entering a greenside bunker remember this tip and never fear a bunker shot again.
Remember, feel the sand with your feet and the bunker shot will become an asset not a liability.

Credit: Mike Gooden, PGA
Head Professional
Lakeview Golf Club

With the golf season rapidly approaching, it’s time for us to “knock the rust off” of not only our clubs, but also our golf games. With that in mind, we need to keep in mind that we are not necessarily going to be hitting the ball as well as we would during the prime of the golf season. Whether in the middle of the golf season or getting back into golf, golfers must understand their limitations and learn to play within those limitations. Too many times I see golfers try to do more than they are able, instead of playing perhaps more conservatively and more within their own capabilities. For example, many players, when faced with a 270 yard shot, instinctively reach for the 3 wood or 5 wood and try to hit it as far as possible. Many times this results in an offline shot into the woods (for most players it is more difficult to control the longer clubs in the bag), or perhaps even a “topped” shot. As a result, the player is now faced with either another lengthy shot to the green, or a shot out of trouble.

If you are faced with a similar situation and have difficulty hitting longer clubs, try one of the following:

1. Play to your favorite yardage – if your favorite shot is from 120 yards, then play to that yardage (in this case hit a shot approximately 150 yards to leave you with 120 yards to the green)
2. Cut the yardage in half for each shot – instead of hitting a more difficult club, use the club you would hit from 135-140 yards and use it twice to get to the green.

When you do this, you will be hitting a club you are generally more confident with and can generally hit more consistently. As well, you will most likely find that your scores will come down because you won’t have to punch out of the woods as frequently.

In the game of golf, patience is crucial. You can pick and choose times to go for it and times to play more conservative. But be sure to think through each shot when you play. Enjoy the great game of golf and be careful not to take it or anything else for granted. Thank you and if you have any questions, please call us at Heritage Oaks Golf Course or consult your local PGA Professional.

Credit: David Johns, PGA Head Golf Pro – Heritage Oaks Golf Course