How golfers can use sand traps to their advantage.
I like sand. Admittedly, it’s a substance debated by golfers everywhere. My thoughts are this: if you know what you’re doing, sand helps to make a difficult shot easy. Some advanced players even prefer it to playing out tall grass, which can be unpredictable. In the Lowcountry, the rough is Bermuda grass, which has thick, coarse blades that grab the club head and can make it twist and stop.
Use these hints to beat sand at its own game:
- Allow the wrist to hinge by keeping your hands loose. This makes for a higher trajectory.
- Keep an open stance with a slightly open club face. An open stance regulates backswing and encourages the lower body to lead on the downswing.
- Regulate the distance of the shot with the amount of sand taken and the length of the backswing.
- Beware the bounce of the club head, which hits the sand before the leading edge. This results in the ball bouncing up.
When executed correctly, the club head slices through the sand like a knife through warm butter. It really can be a golfer’s friend. It’s mine and it could be yours too!
By Doug Weaver, Director of Instruction, Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy
North Carolina and South Carolina PGA Teacher of the Year, Doug Weaver is the Director of Instruction at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. He conducts “Where Does the Power Come From?”, a free interactive clinic and demonstration every Monday from 4-5 p.m. at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Call 866-455-6890 or go to www.palmettodunes.com for more information.