Phil Mickelson - How to hit out of Fairway Bunkers

Summary

In this golf instructional transcript, the focus is on the technique for escaping fairway bunkers. The key advice is to avoid a steep approach to the ball, which can cause it to sink due to the soft surface. Instead, players should aim for a shallow angle of attack, allowing the club's leading edge to get under the ball's equator for a successful escape. This method, although challenging, can be improved with practice, making it easier to get out of bunkers with any chosen iron.

Takeaways

• 🏌️‍♂️ Hitting out of a fairway bunker is challenging, especially with a larger club head.
• 🔍 A smaller head and a muscle-back, thin-sole club can make it easier to escape bunkers.
• 🛠️ The key to a successful bunker shot is to approach the ball with a shallow angle to avoid sinking into the sand.
• 💡 Avoid a steep angle which can cause the ball to sink as the club enters the sand.
• 🌐 Focus on casting the wrists early to ensure the leading edge of the club gets under the ball.
• 📉 Coming in too steep can prevent the ball from taking off into the air.
• 🔝 For higher lofted clubs like an 8 or 9 iron, the leading edge should be ahead of the ball's equator.
• 🤚 Shallow approach and proper wrist action can help the ball to come out of the bunker cleanly.
• 👀 The script suggests that while bunker shots are never easy, practice can improve consistency.
• 📚 Understanding the dynamics of club head size, angle of approach, and wrist action is crucial for bunker play.

Q & A

Why is hitting out of a fairway bunker considered difficult?

Hitting out of a fairway bunker is difficult because the ball is not on a firm enough surface to take off into the air, and it can sink as the club enters the ball, especially if the angle of approach is too steep.

What type of club is recommended for a fairway bunker shot?

A smaller head, muscle back, and thinner sole club is recommended for a fairway bunker shot as it can help make contact with the ball at a more consistent and shallow angle.

Why is it important to avoid a steep angle when hitting from a bunker?

A steep angle should be avoided because it can cause the ball to sink instead of taking off into the air, which is not ideal for escaping the bunker.

What is the recommended angle of approach for a fairway bunker shot?

A shallow angle of approach is recommended to ensure the leading edge of the club gets underneath the equator of the ball, allowing it to come out of the bunker more effectively.

How does the leading edge of the club affect the bunker shot?

The leading edge of the club, especially on higher lofted clubs like an 8, 9, or wedge, should be positioned underneath the ball's equator to facilitate a successful escape from the bunker.

What technique can help in making a successful bunker shot?

Casting the wrists a little early can help in making a successful bunker shot by ensuring a shallow angle of attack and allowing the club to slide under the ball.

Why is it said that bunker shots are never easy?

Bunker shots are never easy due to the challenging conditions of the sand, which can vary in density and consistency, making it difficult to predict how the ball will react upon impact.

How can golfers improve their bunker shots?

Golfers can improve their bunker shots by practicing the correct technique of approaching the ball at a shallow angle and casting their wrists early to ensure the club slides under the ball.

What is the term 'equator' referring to in the context of a golf ball?

In the context of a golf ball, the 'equator' refers to the middle part of the ball where the club's leading edge should be positioned to make effective contact for a bunker shot.

Is there a specific type of club that is easier to use in a bunker?

While no specific type of club is inherently easier to use in a bunker, clubs with a smaller head, more muscle back, and thinner sole can provide better control and a more consistent angle of attack.

What is the purpose of the technique described in the script for a bunker shot?

The purpose of the technique described is to ensure that the golfer makes contact with the ball in a way that allows it to escape the bunker without sinking into the sand, by using a shallow angle of attack and early wrist casting.