How to Handle Sand Traps

Even the best golfers can end up at the bottom of a sand trap every once in awhile and it pays to know how to get out of one. This is probably one of the most frustrating hazards you can run into while you’re golfing, but there are some tips that you can use that will help you keep your score intact. While it’s always best to avoid sand traps, when you do end up in one, these tips will help get you out.

1. Get the right kind of sand wedge.

There is a lot of variation in clubs, especially with different manufacturers. Ideally, you’re going to want to purchase a sand wedge that has a degree of 55 to 58 in loft. 57 or 58 is the best, but if you’re really a good player, you can get away with a 55. Simply by purchasing the right kind of sand wedge, you can conquer just about any trap. The bounce rate is also important here, and can have a big impact on where you end up on the green. Look for one that has a bounce rate on the lower end of the spectrum for greater control.

2. Correct your position.

If you are standing wrong, you’ll be putting the wedge too far underneath the ball, and the only place you’re going to go is down. It is important to open up your stance, and make sure that the club face is not closed. Work on this at home or in a practice trap until you develop the right feel. You should be able to see most of the club face when you are looking down at it from above.

3. Work on your swing.

It can be tempting to get really choppy with your swing, but this can spell disaster. Even though it is a pitch shot, you’re going to want to stay as fluid as possible. Work on bringing your club back slowly, along a straight line. The power will come when you connect with the ball, not with your backswing.

4. Learn how to snap your wrist.

We mentioned above that the point of impact is where you want to focus your power on this swing. Practice snapping your left wrist so that your hand is bent to left. Put your hands together without a club in a praying position and then snap them to the side. Add the club and make the same movement. That’s what it will feel like at the point when you are ready to hit the ball.

5. Putting it all together.

When you practice your sand trap shot, try to put all of these tips together so that it is one fluid motion. Start by working on the backswing and then add the snap at just the right moment. It can take a few tries to perfect this, but once you do you should see a big change in the way you play in the sand.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-08-18 05:12:13. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • cresta-home Cresta Verde Golf Course, Corona/Norco, California Cresta Verde Golf Course is located in Corona / Norco, California Phone - (909) 737 2255 and (951) 737 1010 Website - http://www.golfcrestaverde.com About the Course - The Cresta Verde Golf Course has seen a tremendous turn around since Michael Kim took over as the course's brand new general manager.......
  • The Presidio Golf Course  The Presidio Golf Course is located in San Francisco, CA Phone: 415-561-4653 View Larger Map Website: http://www.presidiogolf.com/ Course History: The Presidio is one of the oldest and most celebrated courses in California. It survived the great quake of 1906 and was recently renovated. The illustrious Arnold Palmer manages this course......
  • sliceTips to Fix your Slice There are hundreds if not thousands of tips out there, especially on the internet, that are falsely promising to help you fix your slice, add distance to your swings, and add accuracy to your shots, lowering your scores in the process. Sometimes it is difficult to tell which of these......
  • tee4 Tips for the Beginner Golfer Are you just starting to learn the game of golf? Here are some tips designed for beginners when it comes to golfing. Golf swing basics are the most fundamental pathway to enjoying this sport. Learning the basic swinging techniques that professional golfers are using will bring you from golfing beginner......
  • foreHow to Correct a Hook Shot Out of all of the blunders you can make on a golf course, a hook shot can be one of the most frustrating. Often, players find that they consistently hook their shots off the tees, and no matter what they try, they can’t get past it. Soon, they end up......
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites
  • ventress hall best financial move in college, part 1 Patrick, of Cash Money Life fame, has tagged me to give my best financial move in college. This "organically growing" meme was started by plonkee. This will be a two-parter because I didn't want a post that looked like a short novel... I have what might be an "unallowed" answer,......
  • bugNatural Pest Control It is a fact of life that insects exist, and that they go to where the food is. Who can blame them for wanting to share in our wealth by living under our roof and eating our items left behind. You want to eliminate the pest problem in your home,......
  • Five Tips For Avoiding Road Rage Road Rage is a term that, unfortunately, we have become more and more aware of as the media covers an increasing number of “road rage” incidents....
  • 15 Tips For Better Cell Phone Etiquette Everyone has a cell phone. It's a fact. Just the other day, I saw an 8 year old texting on his cell phone. Seriously? Now that cell phones are permanently embedded into our culture, we need to do something about teaching others how and when to use them. There is......
  • serve13 Quick Tips for Better Tennis There are a lot of tennis tips and tricks floating around out there, but many are complicated and complex, and not at all easy for you to implement on your own without a dedicated trainer to walk you through them. The following article is designed to go over some quick......
Online Stores

The Links at Bodega Harbor, Bodega Bay, CA

The Links At Bodega Harbor Golf Course is located in: Bodega Bay, CA

Phone: 1-866-90-LINKS
Website: http://www.bodegaharbourgolf.com

Course History:

This is a stunning course and there are few on earth that are quite like it. If you love an ocean course, this is definitely one that is well worth the trip. Robert Trent Jones Jr designed this course and it is a testament to his true talent. You'll be playing right on the coastline and the experience is amazing.

What You Need to Know:

There are a few rules to know before you arrive. First, all players must have clubs, and if you don't have your own, you can rent a set at the pro shop. They do not however rent out shoes, so you will need to bring your own. Please wear traditional golf attire since this is an upper level course.

There is no driving range here, but they do provide a net to allow you to get in a few practice swings. It's a small price to pay for a chance to play on a course this nice. The Bluewater Bistro is an amazing place to go after your round and the food here was well above par. You can register your tee time online or by calling the number listed above.

Playing Hints:

Your main hazards will be, of course, sand, and there are so many bunkers on this course we lost count. Accuracy is a big plus and there are quite a few holes here that will test your skills. Novices might feel a little intimated, but that wears off pretty quickly once you get started. This is a great course for pros however and offers plenty of challenges.

Our favorite hole was the eighth, due to its complex bunker system. All along the right side of the fairway you'll find enormous bunkers, so it is best to aim a little to the left to avoid them. Your second shot should be a careful one since the green is completely protected by around five large bunkers. It's best to go a little short on your second shot and then pitch over the bunkers unless you are completely certain that you can clear them without this step.

Fees:

Twilight begins at 2 PM

Standard Rates

18 Holes          Twilight

2008

Monday - Thursday                $60                  $45

Mon - Thurs: Twilight starts at 2 PM

Friday                                     $70                  $55

Friday: Twilight starts at 2 PM

Weekends & Holidays                        $90                  $65

Sat, Sun, Hol: Twilight starts at 2 PM

Management supplied the following directions:


View Larger Map

From SAN FRANCISCO

Take the 101 Freeway north to Petaluma. Take the E. Washington - Central Petaluma exit and cross over the freeway, heading west, and follow the signs to Valley Ford and Bodega Bay. As you get to Bodega Bay you will see "Welcome to Bodega Bay", "Golfing" and "South Harbour Way" signs, turn left on South Harbour Way. At the top of the hill, turn right and continue on to The Links at Bodega Harbour and The Bluewater Bistro.

Originally posted 2008-10-22 05:55:36. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • Hunter Ranch Golf Course, Paso Robles, CAHunter Ranch Golf Course, Paso Robles, CA Hunter Ranch Golf Course is located in Paso Robles, CA Phone: (805) 237-7444 Website: http://www.hunterranchgolf.com/club/rates_packages.shtml Course History: This is a gorgeous course that Golf Digest readers have given more than four stars to and the locals all rave about it. One trip will fill you in on what all the......
  • The Oak Creek Golf Course, Irvine, CA The Oak Creek Golf Course is located in Irvine, California Phone - (949) 653-7300 View Larger Map Website - http://www.oakcreekgolfclub.com/ About the Course - The Oak Creek Golf Course is designed by Tom Fazio to be a true Golfer's sanctuary with a beautiful creek running through it, and enough challenge......
  • terralagoThe Golf Club at Terra Lago, Indio, CA The Golf Club at Terra Lago is located in: Indio, CA Phone: 760-775-2000 Website: http://golfclub-terralago.com About the Course: This is easily one of the most visually stunning courses we have ever seen, and if you love a challenge, this is the course, actually two courses, for you. The club is......
  • sanjuanhillsgcSan Juan Hills Golf Club, San Juan Capistrano, CA San Juan Hills Golf Club is located in: San Juan Capistrano, CA Phone: (949) 493-1167 Website: http://www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com About the Course: This is a stellar, championship level golf course that has become a favorite of many travelers as well as local residents. This course is considered to have the best greens......
  • Valley Oaks Golf Course, Visalia, CAValley Oaks Golf Course, Visalia, CA Phone Number: 559-651-1441. Website: http://www.playvalleyoaks.com Course History: This is a stunning course that is incredible to play. It is actually made up of three nine hole course and you can pick your own configuration. It's almost impossible to get bored with this course and you'll find plenty of opportunities......
Blog Traffic Exchange Related Websites
  • your bodyDo You Own Your Body? If you are struggling with your weight and your self esteem, there are many different things that you might find that you are not doing. Whether it’s wearing a favorite outfit, going to a gym to exercise or even just having fun, many of us end up self exiled hermits......
  • seatreklaunchsausalitoIncredible SF Boater Getaways in the Bay Area In and around the Bay Area in San Francisco you will find more than 150 major parks. Every Bay Area resident can safely say that there is at least one park located within a ten mile radius of their residence. Here are some of the most unique getaway areas in......
  • List Building | $7 Dollar Products | PayPal A friend of mine sent me this email and you can use it to build your list while earning. ------------------------------ Lock your doors, cut the phone line in half, turn out all the lights in your house, hang a "do not disturb" sign in your front window and read every......
  • tomalesbayFishing Report: June 5th, 2009 The fishing has been hit or miss this week, with some great scores and some less than ideal hauls. In Pacifica you will still find crab snares for sale through Coastside II Bait and Tackle, because a variety of crustaceans are still being reeled in up on the pier walkway,......
Online Stores