Use a long swing for this short shot
By Paul Trittler
Top 100 Teacher
THE PROBLEM: You face a shot of less than 20 yards and there's a greenside bunker between you and the hole. To further challenge you, the hole is just on the other side of the bunker. As they say on TV, you have no green to work with.
THE SOLUTION: A super-high lob shot with very little carry or roll.
HOW TO DROP IT IN TIGHT: Set up slightly farther from the ball than usual, with your stance open and the ball opposite your left heel. Open your clubface by first turning the handle to the right and then taking your normal grip. (If you take your grip first and simply turn your hand to the right to open the face, the clubface will be square at impact, which you don't want.) Finally, lean the shaft slightly away from your target.
Make a long, effortless swing with soft arms and hands — it's very important to stay relaxed and to allow the clubhead to get back to the ball before the grip, which is exactly the position you were in at address. Don't let your right wrist turn over your left in your follow-through — this will close the face and keep your shot from flying high off the clubface.
