Dynamics of a Sand Wedge
The Sand Wedge has been designed with one primary focus...to get the ball out of the sand and preferably onto the green.
To do this it has a reasonable amount of loft (usually 56 degrees) to get the ball up in the air. However if you were to use a normal wedge to play a bunker shot you would have to be very careful that it does not cut deep into the sand. To counteract this effect, the sand wedge has what is called "bounce" - it has a wide curved sole. If you place your sand wedge on firm level ground you will likely notice that the front edge sits up to inch off the ground...this is the "bounce". What this does is to prevent the sand wedge sinking into the sand as you play a shot. It literally skims or bounces through the sand.
Opening the Club Face
Now, what happens if you follow conventional wisdom and open the club face of the sand wedge when you are in the bunker? Well again try it on a firm flat surface and you will notice how much higher the leading edge is now! So opening the club face creates more bounce, and if you are not careful (especially in firm bunkers), you will find the club will literally bounce through the sand and you can easily thin the ball straight into the face of the bunker!
Square it up!
So next time you are in the bunker, and you have your sand wedge in hand, try setting up much less open, with the club face square to the target. This is how the sand wedge was designed to be used...and you may be surprised how much easier it becomes.
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