How a simple grip change can fix your bunker shots
Andrew Novak plays a shot from a bunker.
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Overthinking can wreak havoc on your game, especially when facing a seemingly tricky lie — like a greenside bunker shot.
While I don’t want to add another voice to the peanut gallery that’s likely already in your head, there is one key that’s worth remembering when navigating sandy lies: stop gripping down on the club.
It’s simple, yet effective, and according to Parker McLachlin, a short-game guru and GOLF Teacher to Watch, something as simple as adjusting your grip position will boost your sand game almost immediately.
Instead of choking up on the club, McLachlin recommends placing your hands lower on the club, towards the butt of the grip. While it might feel counterintuitive, to go against instinct on shorter shots around the green, McLachlin explains that doing so creates more leverage in your swing, and, as a result, helps you generate more speed through impact.
“If you’re gripping way down, down to the shaft, you’re not creating as much leverage as you possibly could and aren’t getting as much speed as you possibly could,” McLachlin says.
That additional speed will not only help the club glide through the sand effortlessly, but it will also allow you to execute the spinny sand shots that most amateurs struggle to hit.
To get comfortable with this new grip position, McLachlin suggests a simple drill: remove your lead-hand pinky from the grip and make a few swings. The goal is to feel the weight of the clubhead and how it’s meant to move through the swing.
This drill, McLachlin says, will help you feel the weight of the clubhead as you swing and help you understand how the clubhead needs to swing.
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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