Phil Mickelson says the key to hitting bunker shots like a pro is driving the club down and into the sand behind the ball.
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Good news: Once you learn the basics of pitching and chipping like I’ve discussed, there’s no longer any need to fear hitting shots from a greenside bunker.
It’s the same thing: weight forward and hands forward. The only trick is that mistakes made in sand are exacerbated by the bounce on your club. So, like I do when hitting a high chip or pitch, I play slightly forward of center but emphasize driving the club down and into the sand behind the ball. I mean really drive it!
You don’t have to fear digging if you lay the club a bit open at address. In fact, it’s combining an open face with the drive-down move that helps the bounce of your club glide through the bunker.
Shots pop out nice, high and — presto! — with some of that pro spin you see on TV.
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