by: Marc Solomon
 Marc Solomon | The 25- to 30-yard greenside bunker shot is one of the most difficult plays for the weekend player. Most players take a long swing with a sand wedge and try to hit just an inch or so behind the ball-the margin for error with this shot is almost non-existent. |
Hit too far behind the ball and it'll stay in the bunker. Hit it the slightest bit thin and that long swing will power the ball 60 or 70 yards and into some interesting places: parking lots, adjacent fairways and tees, backyards.
There's a much easier way to play this shot. Instead of using your sand wedge, use your 8-iron. Use the same technique you'd use with a standard bunker shot-dig in, set up with your weight forward and an open stance, open the clubface slightly and, with minimal lower body action, swing along your body lines (on an out-to-in path), hitting two or three inches or so behind the ball. However, with an 8-iron, the shot will fly out lower and with less spin. It will hit the green and release, rolling back to the pin.
Experiment with this technique in a practice bunker-for even longer shots, use a 7-iron, for slightly shorter shots, try your 9-iron. It's an extremely versatile shot that you'll use again and again. Just make sure the lip of the bunker is low enough to accommodate this low-flying shot. And don't try it from wet sand-you'll run the risk of blading the ball over the green.