Nick Dimengo
Getty Photos
When most golfers hear the phrase “chunk” on the golf course, they cringe. The very last thing you need to do is chunk a shot, having the ball journey only some toes and gaining a whole stroke within the course of.
However not all chunks are created equally, so it’s time to recover from the unfavorable stigma that usually comes with that phrase.
Want proof? Simply hearken to 2-time main champ and present LIV golfer Martin Kaymer within the video under (courtesy of LIV Golf’s YouTube channel), as the previous No. 1-ranked participant on this planet reveals you the way to hit a “chunk and run” bunker shot with nice success.
Martin Kaymer reveals the way to hit a ‘chunk and run’ bunker shot
What’s a piece and run bunker shot?
Earlier than diving into Kaymer’s ideas, it’s essential to grasp what a chunk-and-run bunker shot truly is. Whereas it nonetheless requires nice approach, it’s typically the selection of professional gamers when taking part in a shot from a bunker that’s additional away from the inexperienced — somewhat than a greenside bunker, which requires a excessive, spinny shot with an open clubface.
And by executing this nifty bunker shot, you’ll produce extra topspin on the ball, permitting some room for error if you happen to come up quick in order that the ball rolls in direction of the pin.
Kaymer’s ideas for hitting a piece and run
Within the video above, Kaymer admits to getting pleasure in taking part in bunker pictures.
“There are such a lot of alternative ways of taking part in bunker pictures, so I feel it has all the time been certainly one of my strengths,” Kaymer says. “The chunk and run is an easy means of getting the ball out of the bunker as a result of there’s a lot margin [of error], so that you don’t must hit it completely.”
Kaymer then dives into his ideas for hitting a piece and run bunker shot.
“The objective is to pitch it simply in need of the inexperienced and let it launch identical to a putt [with added roll],” Kaymer explains. “The lie doesn’t actually matter a lot since you take a lot sand in entrance of the ball that the sand will carry the ball onto the inexperienced. So that you don’t must fly it there with lots of spin. You’ll be able to simply chunk it and play it as a putt.”
Kaymer emphasizes hitting it fats, ensuring you are taking lots of sand. This in all probability goes towards your instincts as a golfer, however it’s required to be able to get the ball out of the bunker — whereas utilizing sufficient membership pace to provide the ball-flight you want.
“You actually [need to] hit it fats with lots of sand, and it’s essential to keep away from having any backspin,” he provides. “The ball place ought to keep just about the identical, with it being center in direction of my [lead] foot. And there’s no wrist hinge on the highest [of the backswing], with the wrist place staying fairly impartial.
Kaymer then explains the most important distinction when hitting this shot versus different varieties of bunker pictures.
“The most important distinction is that my left hand [for a right-handed player] tries to remain fairly stiff. As a result of when you hit the ball within the bunker, you attempt to use the bounce [of the club], however I don’t actually apply it to the sort of shot — with the firmer left wrist serving to take away the spin,” he explains. “I attempt to hit the ball 2-to-3 inches behind it, which helps me to chunk it.”
Most wedges are greater than helpful to execute this type of shot.
“You’ll be able to take [almost] any wedge since you don’t want to fret in regards to the spin, you simply want to fret about how excessive [the ball] wants to come back out,” he says. “If there’s the next lip in entrance of you, perhaps take a lob wedge. If there’s little or no lip in entrance of you, you may take a spot wedge or perhaps a pitching wedge — however you’ll must open up the face a bit and intention slightly bit left of the goal [when using a pitching wedge].”
Lastly, Kaymer says it is best to land your ball the place you’d begin your putt on the inexperienced, permitting the ball to roll on the placing floor in direction of the flag.
“You need to play this shot like a putt, so as soon as it hits the inexperienced, it’s essential to learn the road as you’ll when placing,” he provides. “The place I’d begin my [putting] line is the place my ball ought to land.”
So when you’ve gotten a long way between a bunker and the placing floor, attempt utilizing Kaymer’s ideas above to execute a piece and run. It takes some follow to get used to, however it may be an efficient approach to land your ball quick and watch it roll on the placing floor to the pin.
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Nick Dimengo
Golf.com Editor