Kelly Kleckner:
The Strokes That Make The Difference
By Kelly Kleckner,
Staff Writer
"The Beach" / Third of a three part series
Welcome
to "the beach" is a term all golfers have come to know
at some point in their golfing careers. A sand shot or bunker shot
is often one of the most intimidating shots to execute, and can
often leave a golfer discouraged.
I believe that this game is 60% mental and 40% physical; therefore
what we see and believe we will do with a golf club is most of the
time what does happen. Often I hear my students say how they dread
the sand and can't get out.
I bet if you think back to when you had difficulties in the sand,
you had made a negative comment to yourself before executing the
plan. The lesson today will help you picture your ball rising out
of the sand and enable you to have confidence in the execution as
well. There are only two reasons why at times we can't get the ball
out of the sand: Once you make contact with the sand you don't follow
through, or perhaps you took too much sand that resulted from hitting
too far behind the ball.
The general rule is to aim two inches behind the ball so you are
in a sense "lifting" the ball with the sand. To start,
make sure you take a practice swing outside the hazard area-you
may not ground your club in a hazard until you are making the forward
motion of your intended swing.
Next, enter the "beach" and plant your feet firmly in
the sand. We want to set the clubface open so the toe is pointing
slightly right of the target while your hands are square with your
target.
Then, considering I am in a bunker within 30 yards of the green,
I am going to make what we call a "V" swing. This swing
has a direct angle to it-like you are picking your club up and then
coming through to finish.
When we are close to the green we must create this angle which
will get the ball out of the sand and has a higher trajectory to
then sit on the green. As I take my club back, my hands hinge to
make them strong and then I continue up until my hands are even
with my hips. At this point, I pull the end of the club down and
I aim generally two inches behind the ball accelerating through
the sand and making a full finish.
Aiming two inches behind the ball can often end up to be five
or more inches or no sand at all! I recommend practicing by drawing
a line in the sand and practice making contact with that line over
and over again. If you find you are hitting in front of the line,
you are probably using too much wrist action-scooping the ball instead
of letting your arms pull through the sand. On the other hand, if
you are hitting the sand after the line you are pulling your shoulders
over the ball instead of under it-perhaps timid of making contact
with the sand.
Imagine your ball sits on a pillow. In order for you to lift the
ball, you must lift the pillow-that's why we aim two inches behind
the ball!
Now you can look forward to entering the sand and successfully executing your
shot! Think positively and finish you swing!
TIP OF THE MONTH: UPHILL AND DOWNHILL LIES
Whether in a hazard or on a fairway, we've all encountered uncomfortable
situations as far as where our ball lies. Here are a few helpful
hints: UPHILL LIE: Slant your shoulders up the slope, and play the
ball off your left foot. Make sure your weight favors your left
side for balance, aim slightly right of the target, and swing arms
up the slope. DOWNHILL LIE: Slant your shoulders down the slope,
and play the ball off your right foot.
Your weight will favor your left side due to gravity. Aim slightly
left of the target, and swing your arms down the slope. Keeping
these ideas in mind will get you out of any precarious situation!
KELLY KLECKNER-LPGA CLASS A
I have been a member of the LPGA since 1991, and have taught at
Gleneagle Country Club, Valley Hi Golf Course, Pine Creek Golf Club,
and am currently at Cherokee Ridge Golf Course. I am available all
year for private, and semi-private lessons. I hope through my lessons
students gain the knowledge and skills to improve their games to
the best of their abilities! For information regarding clinics or
lessons with Kelly call 597-2637. |
