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.

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

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Fig Garden Golf Club is located in Fresno, CA

Phone: 559-439-2928

Website: http://www.figgardengolf.com

Course History:

This is a great course located in one of the best areas to play golf in California. It first opened in 1958, and it's location on the San Joaquin river helps make this one of the prettiest courses in the Fresno area. With just the right level of challenging play, reasonable green fees and a great atmosphere, this is definitely one course to play at least once in your life.

What You Need to Know:

You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above, but you may want to check their website for some extra discounts on fees, just in case. The pro shop here is definitely top notch and we were surprised at just how extensive their inventory was. This may not be the biggest course in the area, but it is definitely one of the friendliest and one that we intend to return to in the future.

You'll want to go with traditional golf attire, and leave the denim at home while you play here. It's not a course that has a lot of rules, but it's always best to err on the side of caution and go with the best type of gear. The staff is incredibly helpful here and if you don't have the right clubs, you can always rent a set at the pro shop before you head out on the course.

Playing Hints:

Our favorite hole was the fifth. Right away, it looks like an easy par four, right up until you realize just how long it is. You'll need to have a good shot off the tee, and really strive for accuracy on this hole. The fifteenth hole is also a bit tricky. On your approach to the green, take care to avoid the sand trap that is guarding it. You won't be able to see it until it's too late, so try a shorter approach shot to give yourself a chance to miss this hazard.

On the seventeenth hole, make sure that you really go short on your approach shot. The back of the green slopes sharply and you’ll end up way over par three on this hole if you’re not careful.

Fees:

Green Fees (eff. April 1, 2004)
A.M. Before 12:00 $40.00
P.M. 12:00 - 2:30 $30.00
After 2:30 P.M. $20.00
Jr. Fee Under 18 after noon $14.00
A.M. Back 9 $20.00

Mini Green Fees

A.M. Before 12:00 $30.00
P.M. 12:00 - 2:30 $20.00
After 2:30 P.M. $15.00

Public Cart Fees

18 holes $32.00
9 holes $19.00

How to Get There:

View Larger Map

From Highway 99:

Take the Herndon Exit. Head Eastbound on Herndon. Drive approximately 5 miles east from the exit and turn left on Van Ness Blvd. The Golf Club is 1 mile from Herndon on Van Ness. Van Ness dead ends right in our parking lot.

From Highway 41:

Take the Herndon Exit. Head Westbound on Herndon about 6 miles out. Turn right on Van Ness Blvd. The Golf Club is 1 mile from Herndon on Van Ness. Van Ness dead ends right in our parking lot.

Originally posted 2008-11-06 05:05:14. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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