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Martin Chuck
Martin Chuck helps you navigate those tough bunker shots from wet, muddy sand. Make just a few setup changes to escape those annoying, unkept bunkers that keep you up at night!
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Comments (42)
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Thanks for the great tip, Martin! This seems pretty consistent with a normal bunker shot too though. Would the main difference be the shorter swing to account for the "fast" sand? Where a normal bunker would be a longer, more aggressive swing but similar stance and weight shift?
Curtis, thanks for the kind words. You are spot on in your comment.
What's the mechanism for the leading edge bouncing off the sand and into the belly of the ball in this situation?
If you are bouncing into the ball, you need a bit more down force to overwhelm the skip
Martin, do you recommend any different choice in bounce in your chosen wedge for playing out of heavy wet sand vs soft fluffy sand?
I play a 60 w 8 degrees. I use that club 90% of my bunker shots. I’ll use my 54 on longer range shots 25-40 yards.
How is this different from hitting out of a “normal” bunker? Seems the same to me...
Hi Todd, it is the same for the most part. The moisture makes the ball escape faster is the theme and best ways to manage it.
Does it matter which hybrid you use?
Hi Gerald, I instruct folks to chip w their strongest hybrid. I use my 18 degree. Cheers
Mentioned the difficulty of hitting out of soft bunkers, I just experienced that in Myrtle Beach. How do you get out of those fluffy bunkers
Hi Victoria, I toss the ball out w my right hand:) Seriously though, it’s a tricky shot. You have to choose a “depth” to undercut the ball, trust it and go. You may choose well...or not. Pros hate fluffy bunkers...too many variables. Good luck.
Ok, so out of wet sand, commit to the shot and lean more into your left leg. How about fluffy sand? Should my weight still be more on the left leg?
The worst sand ever! You have to pick a depth to cut through and TRUST it. You don't get the benefit of the firm sand under the initial fluff. My least favorite shot.
What's the safest way to hit a "flop shot". I know it's risky...but how to improve my odds of hitting a high short shot, over the sand trap, and landing softly without much roll.
Hello Rocky, set up with a medium stance width and play the ball forward, within that stance. Set the handle in the middle of your body, so it feels as though the shaft is laying back a bit. When you swing, let the sole of the club skid along the grass about 1" behind to 4" aft
good instruction - very helpful
Thanks James!