Hard sand problem

[miffin]

The sand on our course is very grainy, heavy stuff. Now it has got wet and and compacted I am finding it very difficult to get out of around the greens. Has anyone got any good techniques for this please?

Bri

[Neil18]

Re: Hard sand problem

Wet bunker shots are never easy, but mainly in the mind. You must commit just as much as a splash from dry sand. You will have to hit through the sand harder for the same results as dry sand. You may find that you can't open up the face to the max for those higher shorter flops because you won't take any sand to cushion the shot. Next shot will be with a wood!

Just pray that when you're in a wet bunker and looking to get close, that the flag is no closer than 10 feet away!

[BrianW]

Re: Hard sand problem

This might help Bri:

http://www.golf.com/golf/instruction...565235,00.html

[miffin]

Re: Hard sand problem

Thanks chaps. However, that has put me in a bit of a quandry! I am sure Neil gets out of wet sand OK with his method. However, if you check the website link, the instructions appear almost opposite! Or, I am misreading something here.

Bri

[LowPost42]

Re: Hard sand problem

FWIW, Bri, I generally play the chunk and run around these parts - light and fluffy just doesn't exist in our bunkers so the wide open face ends up in a bounced-skull.

The link emphasises the key point if you're going to still crank the face open - you need to "slap down" HARD. You're now trying to take the round part of the spoon through a slab of butter - you need much more force than if you were to use the edge (for this ugly analogy, the round part is the bounce and the edge is the leading edge).

If you want to sit in a soaked bunker practicing this move so that you can get a feel for how hard you have to pound into the sand, it may be worthwhile so that you don't have to change your technique too much bunker-to-bunker.

For my money (and roughly zero practice) keeping the blade square and swinging like a standard bunker shot is good enough for me in most situations. The only time it becomes really iffy to play the chunk and run is if you're in the back of the bunker - leaving a lot of sand to carry - and you're short sided. I've learned that you need to accept that you're going to have a rather lengthy putt after getting out (after trying to 'finesse' it in there out of a mud bunker and now having an even shorter shot out of that same bunker).

[miffin]

Re: Hard sand problem

Ah yes. I can see the link between the 2 previous now. Comp tomorrow, hope I don't have to try it. But doubtful.

Bri

[bill reed]

Re: Hard sand problem

hi
try and see if you get out of the hard sand better with your wedge or if you have a U-wedge try that. it may be you have to much bounce on your sand wedge for hard packed sand. i know when i play inland course with more grainy sand i use my 56% wedge as my sand wedge bounces to much but the same sand wedge works great on the fine sand on the links courses i play. and the 56% digs in to much.
cheers
Bill

[miffin]

Re: Hard sand problem

Right, but what is a u-wedge. It is a new term to me.

Bri

[bill reed]

Re: Hard sand problem

Hi Bri
it the wedge between a Pitching wedge and a sand wedge. its mostly between 52 to 56 degrees, U= utility.
cheers
Bill

[LowPost42]

Re: Hard sand problem

Bill brings up another great point.

You can use a lower bounce, narrower sole club out of the hardpack, coarse, wet sand with an explosion-type swing as the narrower sole with less bounce will dig.

On this side of the pond, the "u" wedge is known as a G or A wedge (gap or approach, respectively).

[miffin]

Re: Hard sand problem

What I am going to do then is put my pitching wedge back in the bag. I will take my 3 iron out. I don't use it much. I have a gap wedge but that is 64 degrees. I have been using that and the sand wedge.

Bri

[bill reed]

Re: Hard sand problem

What I am going to do then is put my pitching wedge back in the bag. I will take my 3 iron out. I don't use it much. I have a gap wedge but that is 64 degrees. I have been using that and the sand wedge.

Bri

hi Bri
you did not say you were using a 64% wedge. do you know the bounce on the wedge as that may be the problem. when playing out of sand is the 64% wedge really digging in to the sand or bouncing over it and and middleing the ball more???
i would only ever use the 64% out the sand if i wanted a hugh fluff shot out the bunker but it a high risk shot at the best of times using a 64%.
most sand wedges are 54 to 56 degrees with a bigger bounce on the sole.
cheers
bill

[miffin]

Re: Hard sand problem

I have never tried it out of a bunker Bill. I tend to use it when I have to go over them! I have only ever used the sand wedge from green side bunkers.

Bri

PS, got my broom type putter. Been trying on the carpet.

[bill reed]

Re: Hard sand problem

I have never tried it out of a bunker Bill. I tend to use it when I have to go over them! I have only ever used the sand wedge from green side bunkers.

Bri

PS, got my broom type putter. Been trying on the carpet.

Hi Bri
i missread your post and thought you meant you were using the 64% in place of the sand wedge.
sorry my mistake.
with the broomhandle you will find you putt better from about 6 feet to about 15 feet. it seems harder to get the right pace with the shorter putts so i tend to hit them just a shade harder than they need and that seems to work. i think its the long shaft and you need to swing it a few inches more on the follow through. if you swing back a 8 inches then swing forward 10 inches. if you swing back 12 inches then swing forward 14 and dont stop keep the shaft moving till the head about your knee. you will soon find its a great club to use and your friends will all be wanting to try it when your putts start dropping more and more.
ps what putter did you get?
cheers
bill

[miffin]

Re: Hard sand problem

I got a Golden Bear one. All I could afford at moment. But think it will be a good test.

Bri