PLAYER MANUAL 1: Bunkers
Bunkers are like small sandpits and are also called hazards. You cannot let your club touched the sand before you strike the ball - you should try to stay clear of them. Follow these quick tips to improve your bunker shots. You will need to work on 3 areas: setup, back swing and follow through
Set Up
- Hold the club with a strong grip - your thumb will make a 'v' shape
- Aim club at target
- Put more weight on your left foot
- Dig your feet a small way into the sand
- Remember the club cannot touch the sand
- Turn your feet to the left (imagine a broken railway track)
- Make an 'L' shape with your arm and club
- Make an even and steady swing of the club - like a clock
- The club enters the sand behind the ball
- Think positive
- Splash the ball out of the sand, like a jumping fish
- Make an 'L' shape with your arm and club
- Hold your pose for 3 seconds
- Remember: the further back you swing the further your ball will travel
- Always tidy before you leave by raking your footprints
Carton Academy
For tips from GUI Head Coach, Neil Manchip, about how to enjoy your golf, check out the Irish Times article on the National Academy at Carton House.
Irish Times Sport
Repairing Pitch Marks
It's important to leave the course as you would like to find it, that is, in good condition! Therefore you should always repair your pitch mark and then have a look to see if you could repair another one that someone else has missed.
The right way to repair the pitch mark is to insert the tool just outside the back of the ball mark. Pull the turf toward the centre of the hole. Repeat this same motion on all sides of the hole. Then gently tap the repaired area with your putter, which helps to stretch undamaged turf over the ball mark ensuring instant recovery.
