Mastering the Wedge Shot Over a Bunker from Bermuda Grass

Facing a wedge shot over a bunker from Bermuda grass can be daunting, even for seasoned golfers. The grain of the grass adds an extra layer of difficulty, making the club stick into the ground more quickly. This scenario can intimidate even the most confident golfers, but with the right approach and technique, you can handle it effectively. In this blog post, we’ll break down two reliable methods to conquer this tricky shot, inspired by James’ expert advice.

Understanding the Challenge

You’re standing close to a bunker, with little green to work with and a slope to contend with. The shot demands height to clear the bunker and precision to land softly on the green. From Bermuda grass, this becomes even more complex due to the grainy nature of the turf.

wedge shot over a bunker from bermuda grass

Techniques to master a wedge shot over a bunker from Bermuda grass

Technique 1: The Mid-Low Shot

Objective: Achieve a controlled shot with enough height and spin to stop quickly on the green.

  1. Ball Position: Place the ball slightly back in your stance—not fully back, but just behind the centre.
  2. Club Face: Open the club face to about 1 o’clock (if 12 o’clock is straight).
  3. Shaft Lean: Lean the shaft forward slightly, ensuring a descending blow to the ball.
  4. Aim: Aim slightly left to accommodate the open face and ensure proper alignment.

Execution:

  • Take a controlled backswing and ensure a strong follow-through.
  • Focus on striking the ball first, then the ground.
  • Expect a lower trajectory with enough spin to stop the ball quickly.

James demonstrates this technique by emphasizing a clean strike and adequate loft, achieving a shot that can still produce decent results even when not perfectly struck.

Technique 2: The Shallow, Skidding Shot

Objective: Create a high, soft-landing shot using a more shallow approach, ideal for grainy Bermuda grass.

  1. Ball Position: Move the ball up in your stance.
  2. Club Face: Open the club face to the same degree, around 1 o’clock.
  3. Club Position: Lower the toe of the club slightly, making the toe sole the primary contact point with the ground.
  4. Swing Path: Use a wide, shallow swing path both on the backswing and follow-through.

Execution:

  • Maintain a smooth, wide swing, avoiding digging into the ground.
  • Let the toe sole of the club glide through the grass, reducing the chances of the club sticking.
  • This method provides a higher ball flight with a soft landing, perfect for clearing the bunker and stopping quickly on the green.

Key Takeaways

  1. No Extra Manipulation: Both techniques emphasize minimal manipulation of the club face during impact. Let the setup do the work, avoiding the need for last-minute adjustments that can lead to errors.
  2. Commitment: Choose the method that feels most comfortable to you and commit to it fully. Half-hearted attempts or changing your mind mid-swing can lead to poor results.
  3. Practice: These shots require practice to master. Spend time on the range experimenting with both techniques to see which one suits your game best.

Conclusion

Understanding and committing to your chosen technique is crucial whether you opt for the mid-low shot or the shallow, skidding shot. These methods offer a strategic approach to overcoming one of golf’s most intimidating shots, especially from challenging Bermuda grass. With practice and confidence, you can turn this daunting scenario into an opportunity to showcase your short-game skills.

For a visual guide and more detailed demonstration, be sure to check out James’ full video on mastering a wedge shot over a bunker from Bermuda grass. Happy golfing!