Tips for Navigating Sand Traps

Sand traps can be treacherous. They do call them traps for a reason. Most see them as a complete loss to their game, a defeat. Here are some tips for shooting from within a sand trap, and coming back for the win.

Attitude

Approaching the shot with the right attitude is key. They can be difficult shots, but they are even harder if you go in with a defeatist attitude about the outcome of your shot. When you approach the shot as if you’re already given up, you’ll never get the ball out of the trap. Take your time, line up the shot. Look at it like it’s just another shot on the course.

Stance

Most players take far too wide a stance when shooting from a sand trap. Most players take a wide stance because they’re trying to forcefully get the ball out of the sand trap. The most important thing to do, is simply to focus on getting the golf ball back onto the green.

Keeping your stance around a shoulder width apart helps your body line up for a better shot in the sand trap. Focus on bending your knees. The posture may feel awkward, but that should indicate that you’re doing it right.

Swing

Be sure to take a practice swing before you hit the ball. Practicing how your body moves in the sand is key. Being sure to rotate your shoulders as your swing should ensure that the ball finds its way back to the green. Keep your body turning through the shot. Finish the shot with your chest facing the target.

Opening up the club face that you’re using helps the club to bounce off of the sand, rather than dig into it. Most people swing their club and then when they feel the resistance of the sand, they stop the shot. Follow through is very important if not the most important in a sand shot.

Conclusion

Most players see sand traps as defeat, so they don’t take their time lining up a shot, correcting their stance, and adjusting their attitude. One of the most important things is trying to play that shot just like every other shot in your game of golf. Take a minute, analyze the shot, take a practice swing or two and then go for it. Don’t aim wildly, just try to get the ball out of the trap. If you commit to your shot, you’re sure to get the ball out of the trap.