[Advice] Wedge play and bunker play

TheDoc

Right, at that point where I need a bit of outsider comment and see what other people are doing that works for them, to see if I've overlooked it

Bunkers
I've never been a strong bunker player, but since returning this year , its been horrendous. Every time I hit a bunker its like I've hit water. And its the same result over and over, bitchy little plop that barely makes it out of the bunker, every, single, time.

I'm using a 56* wedge in there ( recently dumped my nike V SW and picked up a MD wedge to complete the set) and its a frustrating struggle.

I've tried a couple of the following to minimal / zero success.

1) Playing partner identified ball bit too far back in stance, moved it forward
2) Tried opening club face more and more
3) Have ensured I'm coming at it with a cross like motion, to get the ball to pop.
4) Have tried lightning fast acceleration through the ball
5) Have tried gentle thorough swings through the ball
6) Have tried getting alot of sand
7) Tried getting no sand

No joy, hoping to get out this week one evening and get actual VIDEO footage of the problem areas so I can get people to comment and let me know what they think

Wedges
When I say wedges, we are talking approach shots. This year I dumped Vokey to go with a new set of MD Seve wedges, simply because my vokeys were in bits. They feel lovely and its not the clubs, its me.

I've reworked a different swing all round that promotes a draw but the wedges seem to be getting a serious side effect. I'm taking MASSIVE divots and its like I'm firing a shovel under the ball on impact, its doesnt feel steep but the outcome and effects all point to it.

I typically have this sort of wedge range on a relatively calm normal conditioned day

52* - 100 - 75 ( varying 3/4 , full swing etc.)
56* - I try not to use much from fairway, opting for a more controlled swing with the gap wedge, but I'd put this in around 70-60 yards maybe.
60* - I try to avoid using as an approach to the green, using it to pop over hazards. I'd say bursting hard about 50 yards?

I've been experimenting with closing my stance more, feeling that my open stance on these, while generating nice cut spin, is maybe promoting an out to in plane on impact. So I'm gradually getting more square to the ball, but at the same time, the divots are still monsterous. We are talking like the full clubhead getting underground and then some

So you can see my gap wedge is the main tool, and its that area I'm being murdered around. Now when I say murdered, distance control is a bit wayward. The accuracy is usually ok, its either really short or really long. The divot thing it pretty detrimental and want to get that sorted.

Will try get videos posted up during the week, even if I am at the driving range I'll take some wedge shots.

irish bloke

TheDoc wrote: »

the divots are still monsterous. We are talking like the full clubhead getting underground and then some

When the ball is to far back in my stance this happens me. Promotes a steep decent and poor weight transfer. OK ball position for little pitch shots but not for full swings.

strokes1

Hi doc
Would you not ask the excellent shortgame pro Krishna that you have in your own club? Just a thought!

TheDoc

strokes1 wrote: »

Hi doc
Would you not ask the excellent shortgame pro Krishna that you have in your own club? Just a thought!

Funny enough heard a shocking amount of people saying hes a boss when it comes to short game.

I'm one of those that tries to figure things out myself, I've a stupid interest in my swing and all the parts that make it up.

I'll probably organise something before the end of summer alright. did you have a lesson with himself?

TheDoc

irish bloke wrote: »

When the ball is to far back in my stance this happens me. Promotes a steep decent and poor weight transfer. OK ball position for little pitch shots but not for full swings.

Yeah figured that might be it so started moving the ball forward in my stance to try avoid it. The same thing was happening with my irons when I was getting a bit steep.

But even at the point where I feel I'm playing it well forward, still mincing into the ground, and its weird because the swing doesnt feel steep, its like the wedge is just slicing turf like a knife through butter.

strokes1

I had a long game lesson with him but his lessons just didn't work for me but that not to say he is a bad teacher!
I've heard good comments on his short game lessons so may be worth a go seen as he is in your pro shop

slave1

With bunkers (and I seem to be okay getting out of them *touchwood) I see a lot of guys "stabbing" and the ball does not travel much.
I vary my back swing depending on the distance required but always follow through completely and never decelerate.
IMHO bunker shots require a lot of positive thinking also, any "I'm not going to get this out" thoughts is recipe for exactly that.
I use a 56degree Vokey in bunkers around the green.

Trampas

sounds like you have no bounce in the clubs if they are going deep underground.

When in a bunker I would open stance and go out to in when taking the shot.

TheDoc

Trampas wrote: »

sounds like you have no bounce in the clubs if they are going deep underground.

When in a bunker I would open stance and go out to in when taking the shot.

The wedges I think are low bounce and shaved slightly.

The bunker thing I'd normally try and achieve, just with minimal affect.

With bunkers (and I seem to be okay getting out of them *touchwood) I see a lot of guys "stabbing" and the ball does not travel much.
I vary my back swing depending on the distance required but always follow through completely and never decelerate.
IMHO bunker shots require a lot of positive thinking also, any "I'm not going to get this out" thoughts is recipe for exactly that.
I use a 56degree Vokey in bunkers around the green.

Da pointed that out I'm not following through solid at times, trying to break my wrists to nearly flick it out, and that I'm slowing down on impact, something to keep in mind alright, thanks for that!

bustercherry

Try opening the club face a few degrees, or what you think is slightly open, and use the bounce of the club more (like you would in a bunker only less extreme). I think people think a fade is bad and a draw is good but personally I like to cut my wedges and short irons to stop the ball releasing as much.

SEORG

Luke Donald masterclass #4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvXiKPDEUdM

BoardsMember

With regard to bunler shots, I got a piece of advice that helped me get a more positive strike on the ball, or more splash into the exit. I was told to concentrate on trying to swing out to in, but to try to get the hosel/heel of the club to splash aggressively into the sand. I dont understand why, and it may be bad advice, but it helped me to get the ball coming out high and gracefully, and gave me some distance control too. I was sometimes looking at the ball too which is no good, I have started focusing on a particular part behind the ball, and making sure I keep still over the ball. Face wide open and let it fly!!

spacecoyote

strokes1 wrote: »

Hi doc
Would you not ask the excellent shortgame pro Krishna that you have in your own club? Just a thought!

+1

Went to a short game session that he led in Carton and was very impressed. Gave some fairly simple/effective techniques for bunker play, so would definitely recommend him.

Didn't work on Approach shots at the session as it was all concentrating on the area immediately surrounding the green, but based on the lesson I had with him, I'd imagine he should be able to help out quite effectively in that area of your game too