2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell shares his top set-up tips for more success when hitting from the green bunkers.
GOLF
After playing in a Member-You Invited tournament last weekend, it’s clear that my golf game isn’t nearly where it needs to be – especially when it comes to seeing success on shots into the green bunker.
While my shots and irons have improved, my short game has been atrocious, by far skull or shrapnel shots leading to unnecessary strikes.
For example, it took me three chances to save from a tricky pot bunker on the edge of the green on a par-3 during last weekend’s tournament. But not only did it destroy that hole, it drove me out of control – crushing my faith whenever I had to hit a bunker shot the rest of the round.
But the only way to improve your bunker shots is to practice – which most amateurs don’t. However, instead of just hitting ball after ball, 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell says to focus on organization first, which will be the fastest way to see positive results.
How to build a sustainable greenside bunker setup
In the video above, Campbell shows how to get the ideal setup for shots into the green bunker. While these types of shots can leave you with tricky lies that intimidate even the best players, by using the top champ’s tips, you’ll keep things simple and have the foundation for success.
Campbell begins with explaining the club face angle and weight distributionsaying that the face should be open (allowing it to slide through the sand) and your weight should be very much in favor of your lead side.
“The clubface should be open to the target, which exposes the back of the club more, so it will bounce in the sand,” says Campbell. “Then, extend (the lead side), putting about 80 percent of your weight on that front leg. You’re going to keep it there all the way through your swing.”
Derek Swoboda, GOLF Teacher to watch
He then shows where he prefers to aim and how to maintain body control so he doesn’t bend over and try to hit the ball off the green bunker – a common mistake amateur golfers make.
“I like to aim a little to the left of the target, and then (it’s important to keep) your center of gravity more toward the sand,” he says. “On the way, make sure your weight goes forward and never back—because sometimes your instincts tell you to lift the ball in the air by going back, but that’s not correct.”
Finally, he visualizes where he wants the club to hit the sand in front of the ball, maintaining a nice, flowing motion all the way through his finish.
“I try to visualize entering the sand about two inches behind the ball, widening the front side (and holding it there), and then moving your center of gravity forward,” says Campbell.
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