Short Game · Technique

Use less release on a downhill bunker shot

Off a downhill bunker lie the ball launches lower, so use your most lofty club (his 60) to offset it. The critical point is release: even with sand, the slope trumps everything, so you must go down the slope with less release. Get onto your forward side with shaft lean, stay strong in your knees with pressure down into the sand, and play the ball middle with hands forward and the left shoulder a bit lower to pick the club up earlier. Don't turn much, because turn creates shallowness and this is a steeper swing; pick it up and come down with the hands and arms, still hitting about two inches behind the ball, then finish low with a release one and let it run.