Part IV: Bunkers And Trouble Play
Lesson #64: Seve's Softee

When you have a good lie but you need to make the ball climb quickly and stop quickly, here's a sort of trick shot to try. I learnt it from the game's finest shotmaker, Seve Ballesteros. It's played from the same address position as a basic bunker shot: open stance, open, laid-back clubface, ball positioned off the left instep.

The backswing is also the same as for most bunker shots, a wristy, pick-up of the club. On the downswing, however, the secret is to loosen the grip in the last three fingers of the left hand. Don't let go - just lighten up on the grip pressure, to allow the right hand to flick the club quickly under the ball and upward, raising it sharply into a high, floating flight.

One warning: Don't try this except from a clean tie. When you loosen your grip there's a chance that the sand will grab your club and keep it there, along with the ball. For this reason also, be sure to swing through firmly and fully.

Illustration by Jim McQueen

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