For the purposes of this section, let’s imagine that you have decided to use an explosion shot in a given situation. Maybe your ball is sitting on some loose dirt somewhere near the green, or maybe you have gotten caught up in some long rough. Whatever the case, you have decided that the explosion shot is the right way to go. So, now what? How do you plan this shot to give yourself the best possible chance at success? Take a look at the tips below for ideas.
Short or long? Right away, you want to decide whether it would be better to miss this shot short of long of the target. You aren’t going to have perfect distance control when using an explosion shot, so you can’t expect to just drop the ball next to the cup each and every time. Take a look at the terrain around the hole and decide whether you would rather be long or short for your next shot. Then, with your decision made, hit the shot with that preference in mind. For example, if leaving the ball short would mean you are in the long rough again, it will probably be better to be long. This kind of thinking can help you avoid making a big number on the hole, even if you do walk off with a bogey.
Favor the low side. While you can’t expect to be too accurate with your explosion shots from a distance perspective, you should be able to hit your intended target line with relative consistency. With that in mind, it is smart to aim slightly to the low side of the hole to give yourself an uphill putt. If the green is sloped up from left to right, favor the left side so you can be more aggressive with the upcoming roll. You will usually be better off on the low side of the hole, even if it means you have to play from a few feet farther away.
Commit to your decision. This is an important point no matter what kind of golf shot you happen to be playing. Once you decide what you are going to do with the ball, commit to that decision fully and make the best swing you can make. There is nothing you can do about your decision once the swing starts anyway, so you might as well have confidence in yourself. As long as you believe in your choices, you may be able to achieve good results even if you didn’t make the perfect decision.
The explosion shot is not the most-frequently used shot in the game of golf, but it certainly is important to have in your repertoire. Whether you play it in the bunker, where it is usually used, or from another spot on the course, you will be glad you were prepared when the need arises. As always, be sure to practice your technique in advance so you can pull the shot off when the moment arrives. Good luck!
