Are you afraid of pitching over a bunker?

Is there a shot that normally makes you nervous?

One of the most intimating shots for golfers is pitching over greenside bunkers from a tight lie. Even the maestro of pitch shots, Phil Michelson chunked his shot into the bunker at the 4^th hole of the 2012 Masters and made a triple bogey.

It can be a scary shot because most golfers keep looking at the sand and that is where they hit the ball. Also, many golfers try to lift the ball instead of hitting down on it and wind up sculling it into the bunker.

This shot requires loft of the ball which means allowing the clubface to hit the ball high and land softly on the green. To overcome the fear factor, here are some mental thoughts to use:

1. Focus on the green. Pick a place on the green where you want to land the ball.
2. Use your imagination. Instead of looking at the sand, imagine there is only fairway between you and the flagstick.
3. Use enough club to  clear the bunkers. Most of the trouble around the greens is in the front.
4. Breathe to relax your mind and body. Take deep breaths until you feel calm. Slowing down your mind will help you to focus easier.
5. Take practice swings. Make practice swings watching the club clip the grass where the ball will be until you are confident of your stroke.
6. Hit your regular pitch shot. Don’t try to “help” the ball over the bunkers. Play the ball forward in your stance and let the club create the loft.
7. Smile and enjoy creating  this easy shot.

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