How to Handle Difficult Golf Shots- Wind and Bunkers

How many times have you played a great round of golf where all the golf shots seemed easy and you did not encounter a golf shot you couldn't master?  For many golfers, the answer is few and far between unless they are playing a wide-open course where even the worst slice still provides a playable lie.

However, even fairly "easy" golf courses can be troublesome if wind and bunkers are part of the mix.  This is where many golfers struggle.  They spend hours upon hours on the range to master their swing and then get frustrated when they can't take their range game to the course.  But the issue is not so much mastery of the basic swing, but how to handle the more difficult golf shots you don't get a chance to practice, like playing in wind or difficult bunker shots. So, how does a golfer handle difficult golf shots or difficult golf conditions when he or she does not get to practice their game in such situations?

The secret is in the setup.  Even if you don't get a chance to practice more difficult golf shots and conditions, follow some of the quick golf tips below for wind and bunkers which can be some of the most difficult golf shots you can face. Keep these tips handy whenever you play.

Wind Facing or Behind Golfer

Why are these difficult golf shots? Windy conditions can have dramatic effect on ball flights and distance.

The Setup

Depending on wind speed, if wind is facing you (blowing toward you), select 1 to 3 clubs longer than normal (i.e., if you would normally hit an 8-iron a certain distance and wind is blowing toward you, use a 5, 6 or 7 iron.  Widen your stance for stabilization, position your body so ball is back in your stance, place more weight on the front foot and limit your weight shift throughout the swing.

If wind is blowing behind you, the ball will carry further.  Setup the same as above but select 1 to 3 clubs shorter than normal depending on wind speed.

Long Pitch from Bunker

Why are these difficult golf shots? If you play the ball like a normal pitch shot, you will hit it short of the green. If you play the shot like a fairway bunker shot, you may hit the ball over the green.

The Setup

If you are 40 yards or so from the green, play this shot similar to a pitch shot with a slightly open stance and weight placed on the front foot (60/40 distribution). Play the ball so it is positioned back of center (toward rear foot) to allow for fairly steep and descending downswing. Follow through your shot as if it is a normal pitch shot.