The Golf Channel for Golf Lessons

bunker play

Explaining what ‘short-sided’ means — and why you need to avoid it

Explaining what ‘short-sided’ means — and why you need to avoid it

**The Perils of ‘Short-Siding’: A Golfing Pitfall to Avoid**

In golf, being “short-sided” refers to being positioned on the green with the pin far away from you, making it challenging to get the ball close. The primary cause of short-siding is an errant approach shot or a putt that came up short.

Being short-sided can significantly hinder your chances of scoring well. When faced with this unfavorable position, players may attempt to chip or pitch the ball directly at the hole, often resulting in overshooting the target or leaving it short.

To avoid short-siding, it’s crucial to control your approach shots and plan your putting lines carefully. When possible, aim for the center of the green, which gives you more options and reduces the likelihood of ending up in a short-sided situation.

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An easy way to become a better bunker player (without even hitting balls)

An easy way to become a better bunker player (without even hitting balls)

**Becoming a Better Bunker Player (Without Hitting Balls)**

Bunker shots can be challenging, but there’s a simple way to improve your skills – without even hitting a single ball. The key lies in understanding the fundamentals of bunker play.

**Stance and Setup:**

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your weight evenly distributed. Keep your clubface open slightly and take a narrow stance to prevent digging into the sand.

**Swing Technique:**

Focus on hitting the sand behind the ball. Use a shallow, sweeping motion with your arms and body, keeping your head down. Avoid the common mistake of hitting down on the ball.

**Practice at Home:**

To practice the technique, fill a bucket with sand and stand with your stance facing away from the bucket. Make swinging motions into the sand, focusing on keeping the clubface open and maintaining a shallow angle. Repeat until you feel comfortable with the motion.

With regular practice and a solid understanding of the fundamentals, you’ll be hitting cleaner bunker shots and lowering your scores in no time.

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