Golf instruction has come a long way from the days of 16-lense cameras, grainy VHS tapes and one-size-fits all swings. Thanks to smart coaches, advanced technology and a better understanding of how the body and club actually work, some of the old-school bunker advice has quietly been retired.
Among the modern adjustments that can transform your greenside bunker game: Lowering your hands at setup, a tip that comes by way of GOLF Teacher to Watch Parker McLachlin.
It might not seem like a major adjustment, but as McLachlin explains in the clip above, your hand position can significantly influence where your clubface points at address.
To illustrate, McLachlin places a dowel across the center of the clubface, demonstrating how the face opens up with an outdated setup approach.
“When I open the face, I twist the face open,” McLachlin says. “You can see it’s pointed out right.”
Rather than compensating by manually closing the clubface at address, McLachlin suggests a simpler solution: lower your hands to naturally square the face.
“Now, when I get in my modern stance [with hands lowered] and I sit down, now you can see that dowel is actually back to being straight,” McLachlin says. “And even though my face is wide open, that club is actually pointed at my target.”
Next time you find yourself in a greenside bunker, try making this small change to your setup. It need not be too dramatic a shift. In the video above, McLachlin lowers his hands only a few inches. With this adjustment, not only will your clubface be aimed exactly where you want it, but you’ll also be able to let the loft and bounce do the work for you — helping your sand saves feel almost effortless.
ShortGameChef.com, created by PGA Tour winner Parker McLachlin, provides golfers with a comprehensive resource to improve their short game. Through personalized tips, drills, and expert insights, Parker helps players of all levels gain more confidence and a deeper understanding of their short game to lower their scores. You can browse membership options here.
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