40-80 yard Sand Shots

Michael R
Michael R post: 11 Dec 2011 3:28 PM
I am currently a 4 handicap looking for any tips/tricks to med-range sand shots. I consider myself a relatively good greenside bunker player that does not have much trouble getting it up with good spin. Last week I found myself in a bunker 75 yards out with a green that was wide yet had short depth front to back. My 56 wedge usually is a 110 yard club from fairway. Considering this swing is different than a 15 yard greenside bunker shot, does anyone have any tip or even thoughts on how to approach these kind of shots? Thanks for any help
Quintin H
Quintin H post: 12 Dec 2011 5:10 PM

at 40y I'd probably use PW, 75y 8i depending on lie and sand conditions, if the ball is setting up on top of the sand I'd probably use LW and hit the ball first.

Lou G
Lou G post: 12 Dec 2011 6:53 PM
My response would be similar to Quintin H. My 25 yard shot in a bunker is a 51* wedge with an open blade on soft sand. I have a convenient sandbox at a park near my house that I practice at and I remember hitting a 34H pitch shot from it about 75 yards. For me, a 75 yard LW wedge shot, even from tight sand, may be risky.
Carl T
Carl T post: 16 Dec 2011 4:44 PM
On 40-80 yard sand shots I play the ball just as if I was in a fairway bunker. I make sure I hit the ball first. Choose what ever club you feel comfortable for the range. Hinge your wrist quickley on the back swing and hit the ball before you hit sand.
Joe D
Joe D post: 29 Dec 2011 2:32 AM
Take a low degree wedge or pw. First keep the club addressed at the ball and open your stance a little bit. Next open the face a little bit and get a little bit of bend in your knees. When you hit the ball feel like you are standing on glass and when you hit you don't want to break the glass. Sweep the ball out of the sand and put it close. Good luck!
Will M
Will M post: 2 Jan 2012 3:17 AM

I would definitely use a pitching wedge. Also I found it very easy to hit short irons and even hybrids out of bunkers as long as the lie isn't too bad. 

Thomas H
Thomas H post: 11 Feb 2012 6:47 PM

i would hit a short iron, the same as a greenside bunker shot.

William W
William W post: 12 Feb 2012 11:58 PM
I have learned that you should take a club that goes 30 yards further than the distance you have. Don't bring your hands above your sternum and just hit down on it. Getting all of the ball is the key to these shots.
Lou G
Lou G post: 13 Feb 2012 4:51 PM
You want to hit THROUGH it. The 40 yard shot would be a borderline blast shot with an 8 or 9 iron. 80 would be more of a clean pick. Everyone has a different technique. My 25 yard blast shot is a 9 iron.