The superb new course is open at Carus Green and golfers playing the new layout will find that there are several bunkers set back from the greens.  The 30 to 40 yard bunker shot is often one that is feared by even the best amateur players, but there really is no need to fear this shot anymore.

If a 30 to 40 yard bunker shot goes wrong it can leave you with a big number on your score card.  Hitting the ball at full power with a sand wedge, trying to take a small amount of sand is a hard shot to pull off.  Too little sand and the ball will go sailing over the green or into the bunker lip; too much sand and the ball will not make it to the green.

A safer shot with a more predictable outcome is to use an 8 or 9 iron and play the shot as you would from a greenside bunker.  Playing it like a greenside shot with less loft, means that there is far less to go wrong and if in the unlikely event it did the consequences wouldn’t be as drastic.

To play the shot open the face of the 8 or 9 iron along with opening (aiming left for a right-hander) your stance.  Opening the stance counteracts the fact that the face is pointing to the right and will ensure the ball comes out of the sand on your intended target.

Aim to make contact with the sand 1 inch behind the ball.  The ball will come out with a lower trajectory and run up the length of the green to the flag.

As you are using less loft, you will need to practice this shot to learn how hard you have to swing to cover a specific distance.  With the correct practice this shot can become a very safe and reliable way to play what can be a very awkward shot.

1:1 short game lessons are available on my 3for2 or 6for5 offers, along with group short game clinics which will soon take place at Carus Green www.andrewwaplegolf.co.uk for more information.