SAND PLAY
Phil Mickelson FROM THE ARCHIVES P
HIL MICKELSON IS known for his incredible wedge game, and back in 2005, it seemed like he was
advice, starting with how to set up: “I can’t emphasise enough that your weight has to stay forward on bunker shots,” he said. “To get a feel for this, lift
MICKELSON TODAY Another succesful escape at
getting up and down from everywhere. Mickelson tied a career-high with four wins on the PGA Tour that year, includ- ing his second major, the PGA Champi- onship at Baltusrol Golf Club. While he is renowned for using his 60-degree wedge to hit flop shots, Mickelson was pretty darn good from the sand, too, ranking 15th on the PGA Tour in bunker saves that season. Golf Digest was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with Mickelson on the lesson tee during his prime, and one such vis- it netted some great greenside bunker
the LIV Golf Tucson event in March.
your back foot’s heel slightly off the ground as you hit practice shots. With no (way) to shift your weight, you’ll be forced to keep it forward.” With your weight staying forward, you reduce the risk of skulling it into the lip or hitting too far behind it, he said. Here is the rest of his advice from 2005 on how to play from firm or fluffy bunker lies. – MADELINE MACCLURG
The short-game master’s simple bunker advice from his best year on the PGA Tour
56 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
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