Golf is a great game, especially when things are going just as we imagined them on the course. However, even the top professionals find the ball does not go exactly where they planned at times and this is why they are armed with a number of strategic recovery shots.
A slightly unlucky or misjudged approach shot to the green, can often lead to a tricky shot. More often than not, a green will be protected by at least one, bunker, if not more. If the ball does not find its way into the bunker, chances are, it will be just the other side of it. This usually prompts calls of ‘you would be better off in the bunker than by there’ from playing partners because playing a short shot, over a bunker, onto a fast green, can be tough.
It’s the confusion, indecision and fear, which comes when faced with a chip over bunker, that often leads to a poor shot. However, there are ways to overcome these problems and hit a solid shot, every time.
The first thing to do, is look at the green in relation to the bunker and give yourself three shot options. You can then choose the best depending on your lie, strengths of your game and club selection.
The safest shot, is to eliminate the bunker completely and go for a part of the green which does not involve the ball having to travel over the sand. If you are on good form with the putter, this is a good option. Equally, if you are not playing well with the wedges, this will also be the best option.
The second option is to aim closer to the pin but sending the ball over the edge of the bunker, as opposed to over the central section. Mentally, this will make the shot easier, as you are not taking on the bunker, you are going along the side of it. Take a look at the green and see if there are any slops. If the green is sloping away from the pin, a higher trajectory would be better and vice versa.
The riskiest shot here, is to play directly at the flag, over the middle of the bunker. This will require an open face and long swing plus a very confident golfer. Any sort of mishit, will see the ball end up in the sand or over the green, into whatever lies beyond.
The best thing to do, is consider your strengths, are you good with the wedges or better with the putter? If you are a confident wedge player, take on the bunker, if you are not, avoid it and get the ball on the green, before attempting the longer putt.
