First and foremost, you’ll need to select your most highest lofted wedge, and get ready to open the face at address. This will not only add loft to the face but, more importantly, it activates the bounce on the bottom of the club so that it doesn’t dig deep into the sand. It is imperative that we use the trailing edge of the sole to keep the club from digging, as opposed to he leading edge which will bury deep into the sand.
As you address the ball, make sure that you take a very wide stance as this will help you to squat down and get lower to the ground. This also, combined with digging you feet in, will create a very stable base for the shot. Now that your body is lower, you have made it easier on your self to get the handle of the club lower as well. The combination of getting your body and the handle lower are the chief requirements to hitting this shot high & soft.
Now that your body is in a great position to hit the shot at hand, we must talk about the general swing plane for this shot. Many people feel the need to swing very vertically/steep when trying to hit the ball into the air. Much has been said in the past of trying to ‘hit down’ when you want the ball to go high. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Hitting down will cause the club to dig into the sand which can cause the ball to stay in the bunker, or, come out with little to zero spin.
I want you to feel as though you are swinging around your belt, instead of above your shoulders. This will allow the club to slide through the sand on a shallow path with out digging.
Now take a few practice swings with the intention of ‘feeling’ the correct speed you want your arms and the club to swing together. Be confident in your decision. Now let it go…