Shanked Sand Shots
Shanked Sand Shots
If you are hitting low shots or shots to the right as you attempt a sand bunker shot it is likely you are hitting a shanked sand shot. Many golfers who hit the ball low and into the bank are contacting the ball in the shank of the club. Look for crunchy sand marks on the hosel of your club. They look like a very abrasive sand paper mark.
Fortunately the shanked golf shot is easy to fix. During the forward swing, instead of swinging into the sand behind the ball and toward the intended target line, swing diagonally across the line. Your club will be traveling down into the sand but inside the target line. It will feel like you are pulling the club closer to your body to get inside the intended line. However, keep the club face pointing toward your intended target. In other words do not close the face and point it to the new diagonal line. When you finish the swing the face of the club will point more toward the sky and less toward the ground.
During the back swing, get the club path a little steeper than normal. You can do this by picking the club up slightly with your arms and wrists. Your back swing will be somewhat steeper than normal, more out in front of your body than behind. If you cock your wrists keep them in their new cocked position throughout the shot. This steeper position during the backswing will make it easier to come down steeper and across the intended line.
Your initial set up must also be correct. First start with your normal address position to hit the ball at the target. Pull your forward foot off the intended line, an open stance. This new stance creates the diagonal path for your forward golf swing. Twist the toe of the club back which points the face to the right and up to the sky. The club face will be pointing to the right of intended target line. This will give the club a very lofted appearance. Opening the face also sets the club on the back of the club’s sole. This allows the club to slide through the sand instead of digging in. When you open the face keep your hands ahead of the ball. Position your weight over your target side foot by shifting your head and shoulders laterally to the left. You must keep your weight left throughout the golf swing.
You can learn how to execute sand bunker shots and many other skill shots when you attend a Cahill Golf School at our Palm Springs Golf School, Las Vegas Golf School, or Minneapolis/St. Paul Golf School.