How golfers can use this tricky substance to their advantage.
Sand is my friend. Admittedly, it’s a statement debated by golfers everywhere. My thoughts are this: if you know what you’re doing, sand can be your ally in making a difficult shot easy. Some advanced players even prefer the sand to playing out of the long and scraggly grass, which can be unpredictable. In the Lowcountry, the rough is Bermuda grass, which has thick, coarse blades that grab the club head and can make it twist and stop.
For navigating in the sand, I recommend the following techniques:
• Soft hands allow wrist hinge, which will make for a higher trajectory.
• Keep an open stance with a slightly open club face. An open stance helps to regulate backswing and encourages the lower body to lead on the downswing.
• Regulate the distance of the shot with the amount of sand taken and the length of the backswing.
• Beware the bounce of the club head, which hits the sand before the leading edge, resulting in the ball bouncing up.
When executed correctly, the club head slices through the sand like a knife through warm butter. Sand really can be a golfer’s friend. It’s mine and it could be yours as well!
By Doug Weaver, Director of Instruction, Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy
North Carolina and South Carolina PGA Teacher of the Year, Doug Weaver is the Director of Instruction at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. He conducts “Where Does the Power Come From?”, a free interactive clinic and demonstration every Monday from 4-5 p.m. at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Call 866-455-6890 or go to www.palmettodunes.com for more information.