A bunker shot with backspin is a shot that a golfer plays with the aim of creating backspin on the ball when it lands on the green, usually from a sand bunker. This article will give you some steps and tips on how to play a backspin bunker shot.
How to escape from a bunker with backspin
Select the Right Club
Choose a wedge club (typically a sand wedge or lob wedge) with a high loft. The loft on these clubs will help you get the ball up and out of the bunker.
Open the Clubface
Open the clubface slightly to add more loft and create the necessary backspin. This means the face of the club should be pointing slightly to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer).
Setup
Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, closer to your front foot. Your weight should be evenly distributed or slightly favoring your front foot. Dig your feet into the sand for stability.
Swing Technique
- Take a slightly open stance with your feet, hips, and shoulders aligned to the left of the target (for a right-handed golfer).
- Make a full swing with an acceleration through the ball.
- Focus on hitting the sand just behind the ball. This will allow the sand to lift the ball out of the bunker.
- Keep your wrists firm but not too tight.
Hit the Sand First
The key to generating backspin from a bunker is to strike the sand before the ball. This will create a cushion of sand between the clubface and the ball, allowing the ball to spin.
Follow Through
After impact with the sand, the clubface should continue to open up, and your hands should finish high. This will help impart backspin on the ball.
Control the Distance
The more sand you take with your shot, the higher the ball will go and the more backspin you can generate. Adjust the amount of sand you take depending on the distance you want the ball to travel.
Practice
Bunker shots, including those with backspin, require practice to master. Spend time on the practice bunker to get a feel for how different swings and contact points affect the outcome.
Remember that generating backspin from a bunker can be challenging, and it may not always be necessary for every bunker shot. The key is to assess the lie, the distance to the pin, and the amount of backspin required for the situation. Practice and experimentation will help you become more proficient in executing bunker escape shots with backspin.