Golf Arena Shots – Explosion Shot

The blast hit is similar to an iron hit from the fairway. There are three launch shot setup mods that affect clubface alignment, body alignment, and stance. The clubface is slightly open and aligned with the target of the blast. The open clubface prevents digging too deep into the sand. Before gripping the club, open the clubface slightly; then take your neutral grip position.

Your body alignment should be slightly open to the target line, rather than square as in the full swing. This setting counteracts the influence of the open clubface, producing a straight shot rather than a push. Modifying the stance provides you with greater stability during the swing. As you take your stance, dig your toes into the sand a few inches.

This places more weight toward the balls of your feet. By placing your feet below the level of the sand as you swing the pitch, the club enters the sand several inches behind the position of the ball. To avoid touching the sand, hold the stick slightly above the sand while setting up. These build mods allow you to use your pitching swing move in the arena.

The trajectory of the explosive shot is quite high and the ball falls with little rolling. The sandwedge (SW) by design is the most effective club for the explosive shot. However, a pitching wedge (PW) or 9-iron can also be used. Directional and distance control comes with practice and experience. The key to sand shots is making contact with the sand at the same point in your swing every time. This helps you build confidence in swinging across the sand, making the ball fly with the sand.