Why Tiger Woods avoids using a 60-degree wedge from the sand

Bunker play is a problem for golfers of all skills. Heck, even pros need to get creative from time to time, with deep banks generally making it tough to play aggressive photographs.

Whether or not you’re anxious each time your spikes contact the sand otherwise you’re short-game grasp, each participant can use some extra instruction — particularly when that recommendation comes from Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler.

The 2 TaylorMade workers gamers not too long ago paired up for a bunker-shot masterclass, breaking down their methods and swing paths, together with their most popular membership decisions.

Try the video under or learn on to find out how their ideas might assist your bunker sport thrive.

Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler’s bunker ideas

From the leap, Woods asks Scheffler what membership he usually makes use of to hit bunker photographs, with the 2022 Masters champ saying he prefers a 60-degree wedge. However when hitting from an extended greenside bunker shot, Scheffler says drop to as little as a 9-iron.

Woods, surprisingly, says he by no means grew up utilizing a 60-degree.

“I like a 56-degree, myself,” Woods says. “I grew up with no 60-degree, so I’m simply used to having that [club]face open on my 56 on a regular basis. I discovered that, when the sand will get heavier, then my 60 doesn’t work. It simply goes too deep [into the sand].”

Utilizing a 60-degree wedge from anyplace on the golf course could be tough, and it’s fascinating to listen to Woods agree.

Woods demonstrates his bunker setup with a 56-degree wedge, saying he will get “extra squatty” and tries to keep away from overswinging.

“I actually do like dropping my proper leg again to really feel the hook in it,” he says. “I flip by, at all times. I by no means used to, however now that my again is fused, it simply goes. I can’t cease it.

“On a [bunker shot] like this, I get actually vast in my stance, with my palms again.”

After Scheffler hits a bunker shot utilizing Woods’ instruction, the 2 begin discussing how they might strategy a good pin placement from the sand.

Scheffler says he makes use of the same setup as Woods.

“Identical factor as you, I’ll attempt to get vast,” he says. “Final yr, I attempted engaged on getting additional away from [the ball]. For me, it was laborious to get my palms decrease.”

Scheffler provides: “However, yeah, actually far-off, deal with again, after which simply attempt to throw [the club]. Simply use the underside to attempt to get beneath it.”

The gamers proceed to speak about their swing strategy whereas hitting from bunkers, with Woods saying he will get in bother when he drags his palms.

“I get going unhealthy after I simply begin dragging it, and I don’t have any launch to it” Woods says. “So, me working towards the discharge in a draw movement will get me into feeling just like the membership is being let go. I hit unhealthy bunker photographs after I drag my palms, and I simply dig [the club] into the bottom.”

So for those who’re a participant who struggles hitting bunker photographs, keep in mind that even gamers of Woods’ caliber can’t at all times hit them completely.

Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor