Golf Lessons Anyone? - The Sand Shot

First and foremost you need a "Sand Wedge". This club along with your driver and putter are the most valuable clubs in your bag. Not any "sand wedge" will due. You must first ask yourself, "what type of ground and sand will I be hitting off of on a regular basi?" If the ground and sand are on the firm side you will need a "sand wedge" that does not have a large sole (the bottom side of the club). If the sole is too big, the club will tend to bounce causing a scull shot.

The second question you must ask, "what loft do I need?". The normal "sand wedge" has a loft of 56 or 57 degrees which is totally different than a "lob wedge". A "lob wedge" will have a thin sole and more loft. It is advised that you try a club before you buy it. Then you find out if it goes the right distance and performs properly out of the sand.

The sand shot: is the most feared of all golf shots by the average golfer. There are a couple of reasons for this. The first, because they have read or believe that you must hit two inches behind the ball with a mighty swing. The second, golfers normally have no idea how to control the distance of the ball coming out of the sand.

I would like you first to pick up a handful of sand and feel the weight of it. Not too heavy is it? So, why consider using a fast and large swing to propel the ball only 20 to 60 feet? It only takes a little more swing speed to hit the ball out of the trap as it does to hit a chip shot out of higher grass.

The keys are: controlling of the arm and club head speed with your shoulders. Using an open stance while setting your arms and hands ahead of the club face at address. While in the swing process you must not dip or raise your body during the swing. Lastly, do not worrying about hitting two inches behind the ball, instead, turn your shoulders through the shot so the shoulders control your arms. The speed at which you turn your shoulders to the target determines the distance the ball will travel. If done properly your chest will be facing the target when the swing is completed.