Until you discover how to hit out of a sand trap effectively, golf can be a very frustrating game. Of course ideally you would not hit into the bunker in the beginning, but even the champions find their balls rolling into sand from time to time.

Even on a course that has only a few bunkers, many golfers find that their balls seem to be attracted to “the beach” as if they were magnetic, I like to call these people David Haselhoff. What is sometimes happening is that even if consciously we are thinking that we must avoid it, focusing our minds on the sand trap leads our body to direct the shot there. Therefore, when you are approaching a bunker, ignore it and keep your focus fixed on the flag.

If your ball does land in the sand in spite of your best efforts, here is how to get it out. Your stance is crucial. To avoid your feet sinking or slipping, work them into the sand a little to have a firm grounding. Keep the weight more toward the left leg if you are right handed, or the right leg if you are left handed. Read more »