Sand Trap - distance control

[Gobble_It]

I used to dread the beach but have developed a swing to get out of it 8 out of 10 times now. My only problem is how to regulate the distance consistently. I always come out short on the long bunker shot (or big green).

How can one control the distance consistently - by how hard you swing, by how much sand you would take etc. or how far you play the ball back in your stance ?

What is the method would be easiest to apply ?.

[jvincent]

No simple answer to this question.

It's a combination of the club you use, how much sand, how hard. I will sometimes use a gap wedge if it's a long bunker shot and swing easier. The type of sand plays a factor as well.

[jens]

Try experimenting with different clubs. For shorter shots use the sand wedge, and, for the longer shots try the PW or the 9I. The swing or the technique should stay the same, with similar results.

[Gobble_It]

I have never tried to get out with anything but a 56 SW.
I thought we need some bounce to dig it out..but I guess it doesn't hurt to try with a PW or higher lob wedge....

[Kilroy]

Try not to hit the ball harder, just use a longer backswing swing.

Longer backswing = longer shot. Of course the wildcard is the texture and depth of the sand. If the sand is coinsistant around the course you should be able to control the distance in all the bunkers. Still, they are supposed to be hazards, so some added dificulty getting it close is to be expected.