“From Sand Traps to Scoring Spots: Gary Player’s Proven Strategies for Turnaround Magic on the Green”

**Gary Player’s Bunker Secrets: Timeless Tips**

Golf instruction is constantly evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In this series, we revisit some of the greatest tips from Golf’s past issues, highlighting timeless wisdom from the game’s greatest teachers and players. Today, we look at Gary Player’s bunker secrets from the March 1989 issue of Golf Magazine.

Gary Player is known for many things – a major champion, a world traveler, and an unparalleled storyteller, but one aspect of his game that often goes overlooked is his exceptional bunker play. While his game has been consistent throughout his career, his bunker play has frequently stood out.

For most golfers, bunkers are a scorecard killer, and they will go to great lengths to avoid them at all costs. Not Gary Player. Although he may not seek out the sand trap, he isn’t timid once he finds himself stuck in it. This confidence is attributed to a fearless attitude and technical prowess, which can be learned through practice and dedication.

**The Basics**

For those just starting out, there are a few fundamental concepts to understand before diving deeper into Gary’s bunker secrets.

* A sand wedge is a specialized club designed for playing from sand traps. It features a large, curved sole with the leading edge higher than the back of the lofted portion. The angle of this curve is called “bounce” and varies depending on the type of sand. This design allows the club to slide into the sand, pushing the sand upward and effectively moving the ball.
* The club will not hit the ball, except in cases where it’s being hit from a location outside of a bunker, such as in a fairway bunker. The club strikes the sand, which in turn moves the ball.

**Setup**

When setting up to play a bunker shot, there are several key considerations. For greenside bunkers, take an open stance, aiming your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders to the left of the target. This forces the swing outside the line and hits the ball back, creating a curving motion.

Compensate for the spin by aiming slightly to the left of the target. The difficulty in determining the aim and swing arc depends on practice and the shot’s specific demands.

Adjust your stance and clubface to achieve the desired effect. For short shots, open up your stance and clubface; this will produce a higher, shorter shot. For longer shots, set your body and club closer to square.

**The Swing**

While maintaining your basic swing technique, you will need to make modifications based on the specific shot.

* For a clean lie, your swing should be shallower, almost U-shaped. Place approximately 60% of your body weight on your left foot and swing the club primarily with your arms.
* When the ball is buried in the sand, make an up-and-down V-shaped swing. The club face should be square. Set your weight at 75% on the left foot, cock your wrists early in the backswing, and pull the club down with your hands.
* Master these basic swings, and then introduce variations. A V-shaped swing can be effective for very short sand shots, “knife-cutting” the ball from a buried lie will get it to pop up, causing it to hit the ground and stop quickly. The U-shaped swing is great for longer bunker shots, as it requires a fuller motion.

**Fairway Bunkers**

When playing from a fairway bunker, your goal is to hit the ball cleanly, avoiding the sand. To accomplish this:

1. Use a club with a loft sufficient to clear the lip.
2. Focus on striking the ball squarely.
If you can’t hit a straightforward strike, consider taking the risk to at least escape to a point outside the trap.

**Conclusion**

Gary Player’s bunker secrets stress the importance of practice, confidence, and familiarity with the sand. While bunkers can be intimidating, approach them with a fearless attitude and technical skills. Focus on mastering the basics, followed by adapting your swing to the specific shot you face.

By understanding and applying these techniques, you can refine your bunker game and enhance your overall performance.