I would have to admit that was one part of my game that I really struggled with for quite a while. Thankfully my course has a nice practice facility that has sand. What I ended up finding out was my best shots came was when I use my 60 and open the face like a flop shot and swing just taking minimal sand. I feel very comfortable in the sand now. Maybe worth a shot if you have a facility you can practice it.

Hi David ... it sounds like it is very frustrating as I'm sure that it would be for anyone.

My suggestion for bunker play ... go to YouTube ... and "search" for some of Gary Player's videos on bunker play -- he does a really good job with it! If you do, I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback too!

Hi David!
I've actually but in the same seat as you recently, the dismay came when I found that alot of advice on youtube or articles have different takes on basically everything. What ended up working for me was asking my coach, I have a better bunker shot when I play it like a flop shot. Open up the club face, open your stance and lower your handle. My mental image is whacking away an imaginary tee under the ball on a horizontal plane.
I hope you find your bunker game soon again, cheers!

I always suggest a half hour with a teaching pro that you like to work with. It always worked for me when I had a problem. It's well worth the money and it beats well meaning friends who are not really going to help.

I used to fear greenside bunker play but not anymore. PM's short game DVD is great for chipping, pitching and greenside bunker play. I have found you do not need to be in a hurry for bunker play. Key for when ball is level or on a down slope is to set up with weight forward and keep it there throughout the swing. Backswing starts with a early hinge and you keep this hinge or wrist *** all the way through impact with the sand. For a ball on the up slope or front of the green you have to keep your weight on your trail foot. There is no or very little weight shift with greenside bunker play. Try to keep your head still and you will find this is very much and arm swing although after impact you can shift forward. You will need to practice this until you find the right amount of backswing for the different distances but also keep in mind that 90% of green side bunker play is about 10 yards so practice this distance a lot.

Thanks all. I did order a higher lofted Vokey SM6 with some added bounce. I'll watch the GP videos and then practice it.

Sounds like your tempo is a bit messed up. Think half speed for these shots. Get your distance back by controlling the length of your backswing and always finish with a long full follow through.

When all else fails, see your local PGA Professional.

Thanks. I've taken a couple of lessons over the last few months but still have that quick short backswing that gets me in trouble.

I've always been a decent bunker player (greenside anyway). The key for me is to really slap the bounce of the club into the sand. The design of the club will do it's thing and you'll hear a nice thud followed by the sight of the ball climbing quickly into the air. The ball should land softly and (if you got it just right) will check nicely.

The old Gary Player tip for improving your sand play. Go to a practice bunker, and don't leave until you hole out 3 shots.

Another tip I picked up on the Golf Fix with Michael Breed. On green side bunker play to get the ball up you need to keep the club face open and the easiest way is after opening up your wedge, grip it with your thumb right on top of the shaft in a 12 o'clock position. This is a weak grip position but what you need to help keep the club face open all through the swing. This grip will feel awkward at first but it works. See my earlier comment above using this grip.