Long Bunker Shot

 

1. Take your normal stance and play the ball off of your left heel.

2. Use a 8 or a 9 iron(depending on distance and personal preference) and open slightly just as you would your sand wedge.

3. Swing from outside to in cutting across the ball.  Make sure once you make contact with the sand that you follow through.  If you do not, the ball will not make it out of the bunker.

 

Know the Rules of Golf

 

Everyone who plays golf(especially those who play competitively) need to know the rules of golf.  The rules can be somewhat confusing but not knowing them can cost you stokes or even a match.  I suggest everyone invest in the 2008 edition of the Rules of Golf and give it a read.  Not only will you learn something but you will also see  changes to a few of the rules.  The first is the penalty for hitting a wrong ball in a hazard.  Now if you hit the wrong ball in a hazard(including bunker), the penalty is two stokes or loss of hole in match play.  The old rule you could basic hit a bucket of wrong balls from a hazard and not be penalized.  Other rule changes are penalties for carrying a non-conforming club(Rule 4-1) and accidentally deflecting your partners ball(19-2).  The penalty for carrying but not using, a nonconforming club is now two stokes per hole, with a maximum of four penalty strokes per round.  Previously, it was disqualification.  As for Rule 19-2, if you, or your caddie or your equipment accidentally deflect your or your partners ball, the penalty is one stroke in both match and stroke play.  It used to be loss of hole in match play and two strokes in stroke play.  If you would like to learn more about the Rules of Golf, consult you local PGA Professional to clarify any questions.