PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele plays a shot from a bunker on the 14th hole at Valhalla. | AFP
Image: AFP
A fried egg bunker shot occurs when the ball is partially buried in the sand, with the majority of the ball visible above the surface. This type of shot requires a delicate touch and precise technique to execute successfully.
Before attempting the shot, take a moment to assess the situation:
-Bunker depth: How deep is the bunker? A deeper bunker requires a steeper angle of attack.
-Sand consistency: Is the sand soft, firm, or a mix of both? Soft sand requires a more delicate touch, while firm sand allows for a slightly more aggressive approach.
-Ball position: Where is the ball positioned in the bunker? A ball closer to the lip requires a more precise shot.
For a fried egg bunker shot, you'll typically want to use a high-lofted club, such as:
-Sand wedge: A sand wedge is the most common choice for bunker shots, with a loft of around 56°.
-Lob wedge: A lob wedge can be used for shots requiring an even higher trajectory, with a loft of around 60°.
Proper positioning and alignment are crucial for a successful fried egg bunker shot:
-Stand closer to the ball: Stand closer to the ball than you would for a standard bunker shot, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
-Open the clubface: Open the clubface slightly to increase the loft and prevent the club from digging too deeply into the sand.
-Align the clubface: Align the clubface with the center of the ball, taking into account the slope and grain of the sand.
Now it's time to execute the shot:
-Take a shallow swing: Take a shallow swing, keeping the clubhead close to the surface of the sand.
-Make contact: Make contact with the sand just behind the ball, using a gentle, glancing blow.
-Follow through: Follow through with the club, maintaining control and balance throughout the swing.
The fried egg bunker shot may seem intimidating, but with practice and patience, you can master this tricky shot.
Remember to assess the situation, choose the right club, position yourself correctly, and swing with a shallow, gentle motion. With time and practice, you'll be escaping those pesky bunkers like a pro! Catch you on the fairways!
-Sewgolum is a PGA AA golf professional , Golf Pro for Saudi Aramco and was voted Top 5 International PGA professional for the year 2022.