golflesson  

Q. Hi Jack, I have problems hitting my sand wedge. I set up approximately 30 degrees left, open my sand wedge to point right of the target, place approximately 75% of my weight on my left foot and swing along my stance line. The result is that I dig into the sand too deeply. Do you have any suggestions?

Tim O’Leary

A. Thanks for the question, Tim. I have two suggestions. Instead of placing your weight on your left foot, try distributing it evenly. That should help. In addition, let the club do the work. With a sand wedge you want the club to “bounce” though the sand. Striking the sand in this way enables you to control the depth of the divot you take as well as the distance the ball travels.

The key to using the club’s bounce is keeping the clubface open through impact, which you can achieve by gripping the club properly. Many golfers grip the club first and then turn the clubface into position. Instead, open the clubface a few degrees, then take your normal grip. This keeps the clubface open throughout the swing and lets you take advantage of the club’s bounce. Also, focus on a spot two or three inches behind the ball and accelerate through the ball.

Follow these suggestions and you’ll blast out of a greenside bunker without digging deeply into the sand.