Pitching & Bunker Shot Basics

Each week, Old Warson teaching pro Rick Ewing offers golf tips. If you would like to ask Rick a question, email Rick at rickewing@pga.com.

First is the allignment:

The “V’s” should be aligned.  The “V” on your left hand and the “V” on your right hand should be parallel to each other and pointing towards your right shoulder blade (Left shoulder for left-handers).

Reminder:  The base of your thumb should stay connected to your pointer finger on both hands (this will create a V shape).  If your “V’s” are going towards your chin you will probably leave the club head open at impact meaning the shot will have too much loft or you will miss right.  You may also attempt to role the clubface at the bottom of the swing which may cause you to miss low and left.
 Your grip pressure should be medium.  On a scale of one to ten it should be a six. 
Reminder:  A grip that is too tight will generally cause you to leave the clubface open at impact meaning the shot will have too much loft or you will miss right.

The Setup:
 
Open or Square clubface. Square stance or slightly open (if the clubface is open then your stance is open).
Arms should hang from your shoulders in a relaxed manner.
Ball position:  middle of stance or on your left heel.
70% of your weight is on your front foot throughout the shot.

The Backswing:

The club head goes straight back and then up (this may feel like it is going outside slightly and then up).
For a pitch shot you will hinge the club up and towards your right shoulder using your right wrist to set the club.  The main difference between a chip and a pitch is you will add a second lever to the swing, which is the hinge.  The checklist for the top of the backswing is a flat left wrist, an angle in your right wrist and your right elbow pointing straight down (no chicken wing). 

The Forward Swing:

The forward swing should follow the path your feet are on.  If you have a square stance then the club should move straight through.  If you have an open stance with an open clubface then the club should move slightly outside to in to match the line of your feet.
Reminder:  If you have an open clubface and a square stance your shot will go right.
Rotate your body around your lead leg as you move from the top of the backswing.
The clubface at impact should be open or square at impact depending on how much loft you need for the shot. 

The Finish:

Your hands and arms end up a little closer to your body than with a chip shot.  Maintain the angle of the clubface through impact with your right wrist.  The face of the club should be pointed towards the sky when you hold your finish.  Your hands and arms should move around your belt at the finish.

Bunker Drills:

Splash Circles of Sand Out of the Trap:  With your finger, draw a 6-inch diameter circle in the sand.  Set up to those circles so the back of the circle is where the swing arc bottoms out and splash the entire circle of sand out of the bunker.  Repeat this action enough so you are confident in splashing the sand out of the bunker.  Then place a ball in the center of the circle and again splash the circle of sand out of the bunker.

Three Ball: 

Place three balls in the bunker that are touching each other and are on the target line.  Try to displace the sand from behind and under all three balls dislodging the sand and the three balls from the bunker.