The "Tomahawk" Bunker Shot!

Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC.  We conduct 1, 2 and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993.  We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.

Monthly Golf Tips by the Mel Sole Golf School.

Susan Billings of Gypsum, KS, suggested this month's tip while taking a 3 day school with me in Kansas City.  After I demonstrated this shot, she asked: "Is this on your website?"  Yes, Susan, now it is!

Also, students watching the British Open and seeing the pros play many shots from the back edge of the bunkers has resulted in more requests for the method required.

The Problem.

Introducing The "Tomahawk" Shot.  When the ball is towards the back edge of a bunker, the biggest obstacle is the back lip of the bunker.  On a normal takeaway, the club will either hit the lip on the backswing or, even worse, hit the lip on the downswing. Causing you to miss the ball maybe altogether.

The Cure.

To avoid the back lip, pick the club up vertically like an ax. Hence the term "tomahawk" and bring it back to the ball on the same line.  

As the club enters the sand about 2" behind the ball, you need to flare or "chicken wing" your left arm.  This allows the club to cut underneath the ball and allows the ball to sail out easily.

Considering the number of students I have worked with who have the "chicken wing" automatically in their full swing, most of you should have no problem with this shot! Lol!

As you can see from the divot, the club has cut across the ball fairly severely.  This indicates the shot has been played correctly.

This is not a shot I would spend a lot of time on.  And with just a little practice, it adds to your growing arsenal of shots around the green.   Good Luck!

Source: Mel Sole Golf School.

Thanks for reading - The "Tomahawk" Bunker Shot!  Not as difficult as it looks.

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The Very High Bunker Shot – Trouble Shot Tuesday #91.

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