Doug gives a quick lesson to get a better feel on those tough greens.

Doug explains the basic fundamentals of the bunker shot.

Let's be honest, the "Bunker shot" is one of the most feared shots in the game. For many players, tension creeps into the grip and negative results usually follow. A great way to build your confidence is to work on your setup. This doesn't guarantee success but certainly improves the odds. Here are my 5 setup keys for a green side Bunker shot.

1. Open your club face first, then apply your grip.
2. Play the ball forward in your stance, just inside your left heel.
3. Open your stance (feet, hips, shoulders) so they are aligned slightly left of the
   target line.
4. Place about 60% of your body weight on your front leg – this creates a good
   angle of attack.
5. Set your eyes over a spot about two inches behind the ball. Remember, in all areas of the game, repeating and practicing the correct fundamentals like a proper “setup” will lead to success and confidence on the course.

Watch Doug give his tips on how to pitch out of an uphill lie.

Doug shows a few members a trick to get a better feel around the green. Watch and learn his secret!

Doug explains the importance of hitting the "sweet spot" with your putter to get a perfectly smooth roll every time. Helping you sink more putts!

The Grip

Since the grip is your only contact with the club it has to be a key fundamental. The goal is for your hands to work together as a team; they should fit together like 2- puzzle pieces. In my grip, I like to feel that my two hands are connected and become one big hand. My grip pressure is secure but not tight. A good grip will help you to square the club face at impact and give you a consistent ball flight.

Make Two-Full Turns

A full turn is critical for creating club head speed in a golf swing. To build this club head speed, your body must turn twice; it must wind-up and then un-wind. This two-turn concept is created by first turning your back to the target on the backswing, then turning again to face the target as you finish the downswing.

Make Two-Weight Shifts

Think of Peyton Manning throwing a 60 yard pass; Roy Halladay throwing a 95 mph fastball; Venus Williams hitting a fore-hand winner, a proper transfer of the weight is essential for producing power. In golf, the first transfer of weight occurs on the back swing and if performed correctly you should feel about 75% of your weight on the inside of the back foot. The second “weight shift” occurs on the downswing and if properly completed you will feel 99% of your body weight over the front foot.

Maintain Spine Angle

This concept is a key thought for all golfers. If your posture is correct at address, your upper body will have a slight tilt leaning towards the ball. The goal is to maintain this exact tilt or spine angle during your back swing and through impact. Keeping the same spine angle through impact almost guarantees solid contact on the center of the club face. Remember, when you hit a ground ball, your not lifting your head, your usually lifting your body.

Finish in Balance

The final key piece of every great golf swing includes a “finish” facing the target in total balance. Setting up with good posture and producing a swing motion with smooth tempo will enable you to attain this final goal. Good balance starts in your feet and works up through your body. All great golfers have a solid foundation and terrific balance. You will never see a touring pro out of balance. To test your balance, I recommend holding the finish position for at least 3 seconds.

A common mistake for many golfers is to straighten or lock the back leg on the backswing. By locking that knee, you lose the usage of your lower body and have to rely on only your upper body for your power. Besides losing distance, players often develop an “over the top” swing which leads to pulls or slices. A easy drill you can do at home is simply to take a backswing, stop at the top, and check to see that your knee is still flexed like it was at address. This is a crucial piece to staying athletic throughout your golf swing. A simple phrase I like to use when instructing is “turn onto a flexed back knee”. Work on this position and your power will return.

One reason to work on your “short game” is because it will take pressure off of your “long game”. The “chip shot” is a common shot used around the green and is defined as a shot where the ball flies 1/3 of the way and rolls like a putt the other 2/3rds. Keeping in mind that the safest thing a ball can do is roll, here are 3 set-up keys that will cause your ball to roll.

1st- make sure you play the ball in the back of your stance

2nd- start and keep about 75% of your body weight on your front leg throughout the stroke.

3rd- set your hands ahead of the club-head at address and keep that angle through impact.

This set-up works for short, medium, and long chips. My general rule is if the pin is positioned in the front of the green, I chip with a sand wedge, if in the middle, I use a PW or 9-iron, and in the back I select a 7 or 8 iron. Remember, I can provide you the technique, but only practice, will give you the “proper feel” with each club. Happy Chipping!