Mastering Bunker Play with Tips & Tricks You Can Use (And Myths to Avoid) with Josh Zander

944: Josh Zander returns to share his expertise on bunker play in golf. He emphasizes the misconception that players should hit behind the ball in bunkers, explaining that the low point of the swing should be past the ball. He also discusses the importance of body positioning and creating a steep angle of attack in bunker shots. Josh advises players to assess the lie and adjust their technique accordingly, highlighting the need for different clubs and techniques based on bunker conditions. He also emphasizes the importance of having the right attitude and mindset when approaching bunker shots. Josh and Fred cover topics such as setup, club selection, and shot selection based on the lie and slope of the bunker. They also debunk common myths and provide tips for practicing bunker shots. 
Takeaways

• The low point of the swing in bunker shots should be past the ball, not behind it.
• Body positioning and creating a steep angle of attack are crucial in bunker play.
• Assessing the lie and adjusting technique based on bunker conditions is essential.
• Having the right attitude and mindset when approaching bunker shots can make a significant difference in performance. Proper setup is crucial for successful bunker shots. For uphill lies, set your shoulders slightly into the slope and keep the handle back. For downhill lies, get your shoulders with the slope and have the handle forward.
• When playing bunker shots, focus on hitting the sand a few inches behind the ball, rather than trying to hit the ball directly.
• Fairway bunkers require a different approach than greenside bunkers. Play the ball more forward in your stance, open the club face slightly, and have a shallow angle of attack to get the ball up and out of the bunker.
• Avoid common myths such as hitting way behind the ball or cutting across the ball in bunker shots. Instead, focus on proper technique and understanding the variables of each bunker shot.
• Practice bunker shots with variability to prepare for different situations on the course. Challenge yourself with different lies and shot options to become comfortable and confident in bunker play.

***Summary was AI generated from riverside.fm, our recording platform.


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Please welcome our new host of Golf Smarter, Josh Karp! Fred has retired from his work life, including the podcast, and will be working on his game with more intention than ever. If you have a question for either Josh or Fred, or if you’d like to share a comment about what you’ve heard in this or any other episode, please write to Josh at [email protected] or Fred at [email protected].