fairway bunker

What makes people laugh? Really, what does make people laugh on the golf course. Everyone is different and each situation has the potential to bring a smile to your face. This topic is very interesting because golf should not be all about focus, mental imagery, a perfect swing, or scoring low. It is important to enjoy yourself on the course; it really helps lighten the load.

Many years back I was playing in a tournament to make a military team. I was in the last group and playing with three friends. We had played on the team for several years together and were very comfortable with how each other played. My friend was the last to tee off on the first hole and the rest of us were watching in silence. For the first time ever, my friend whiffed his drive, the ball hit red tee marker, went up in the air and landed three feed behind him. At first, the three of us were shocked, but then could not hold in our laughter! We know this is very cruel and we should not have laughed, but we could not resist. My friend, after the fact, told us he was amused as well and said he did everything in his power not to laugh as well. After the tough start, he shot extremely well and finished second overall.

Other thing that make me laugh is hitting the ball out of a sand trap over the green into another sand trap. It reminds me of the movie “Happy Gilmore” and I say I spend more time in the sand than David Hasselhoff.

When I four putt, I laugh so I do not cry!

Finally, I laugh at the goofy freaking lies I get in the middle of the fairway. I know, but I really find them amusing.

There are many things that make people laugh on the golf course, whats your favorite?

Hitting it close out of the sand!

I was reading a post by Ian Hardie from Golf Habits – Simply Better Golf called “Don’t hit the ball out of a sand trap”. He talked about how to successfully play out of the sand. His advice resonated with me because this skill is one of the least practice of all. There are many aspects to consider when playing out of the sand. To expand on Ian’s post here are a couple of things to consider.

In a green side bunker that has compacted sand and no lip….use a putter. This type of shot is called using a Texas Wedge. Strike the ball with some authority and you will find that the ball will play like a bump and run shot. It works very well, especially if you are not confident with your sand wedge.

In a green side bunker that has compacted sand and a lip….use a 8 iron. Play it exactly like a bump and run from the fringe. Ensure that you do not take any sand and make contact with the ball first.

From a green side bunker with soft sand regardless of the lip…use a sand wedge and follow Ian’s advice. It really does work. One important point about this type of sand shot (and all others aswell) is the follow through. You must follow through towards your target and the club head must finish above your head. If you follow through your ball will come out of the sand just like the pros!

If you are in a fairway bunker and you are plugged….use your sand wedge or pitching wedge and get the ball in play. Sometimes it is best to take your medicine and advance the ball 50 yards down the fairway than to hit your next shot from the same bunker.

If you are in a fairway bunker and you are sitting on top of the sand….use one club more than you would from that distance. If you are right-handed, aim a bit left and opposite if you are a lefty. Make sure you do not use any legs and the ball will travel the distance you wanted….one club more is the key to this successful shot.

Playing out of the bunker is an important skill. Making an up and down from the bunker is rewarding and significantly lowers your score. If you get a chance to practice, take advantage of the opportunity. Remember, playing out of sand traps is not just another day on the beach!

See you on the links! I am a grateful golfer.