Bunker shots are often the scourge of amateur golfers, but so far this season Alessandro Tadini has made it look all too easy.
The Italian currently leads the Genworth Financial Statistics’ Sand Saves category, having walked away with at least a par on 12 of the 13 occasions he has found a bunker.
That gives the Challenge Tour graduate a 92.3% average, which is 2.3% better than that of second-placed Thomas Björn of Denmark, who has nine saves from ten visits to the sand.
Tadini said: “I’m not sure why, but for some reason I’ve always felt very comfortable about bunker shots – they don’t really faze me. Obviously I don’t deliberately aim for the bunker, but if I do land in the sand, I’m always confident of getting the ball out and close to the pin. About two months ago I changed my sand wedge to a Titleist, and I’m going to stick with it now because I feel very comfortable with it, and it’s taken my bunker play to another level. I wouldn’t say it’s the main reason I’m leading the sand saves category, but it’s certainly helped.
“Lots of amateurs worry about bunker shots, but they shouldn’t think too much about the sand – pretend like it’s not there. You have to commit to the shot, but don’t try to hit the ball too hard. Just swing slowly and naturally, and try to take the right amount of sand. If you’re in a greenside bunker close to the flag, take a bit more sand – if you’re a bit further away, take less. If the ball’s plugged in the sand, there’s not too much you can do – just swear at the ball, close your eyes, and hope for the best! But seriously, it’s important just to concentrate on getting the ball on the green, and not worry too much about getting it close to the pin.”
News
