We play a lot of golf courses, and you're going to miss some greens and find yourself in the bunker. I know most of the mid- to high-handicappers are scared of this shot, but it's not that difficult. I think the most important thing is to have the right club. And that means using a sand wedge. A sand wedge was designed with bounce so the back edge of the club is higher than the leading edge, so as the club comes through the sand, the leading edge hits before the blade does and gives you bounce and helps you get the ball up and out of the sand quickly. So for starters, having the appropriate club is essential.

        Next are the fundamentals of the setup. I think the ball needs to be forward in your stance, or more off the left heel. If you can, draw a line out to your left heel while you practice. Then draw another line, 2 to 4 inches behind the ball, to give you an idea where you want the club to strike the sand. With the ball forward, the club face needs to be somewhat open.

        We play most sand shots from a somewhat square position with the face open through the hit. For me, most of the shots I hit I play with an open blade. The more I want the ball to get into the air, or the softer I want to hit the ball, the more I open the club face. From this situation you want to dig your feet in pretty good — just get firm footing. Most amateurs bring the club in too steep or grip the club too tight because they get nervous or tense.

        Therefore, the shot is into the sand and makes too deep a divot. What we should try to do is lay the club open, ball forward and try to get the club more parallel to the sand. Don't let the club get too steep or vertical on your takeaway or decent. Take the club straight back and straight through, making a shallow divot. A lot of instructors talk about taking a dollar bill and laying the ball on the bill and trying to scoop that whole dollar bill out of the bunker without hitting the ball specifically.

        Although he has never practiced, Dr. Gil Morgan is a licensed optometrist. Morgan turned pro in 1972 and joined the PGA Tour one year later. He has seven PGA Tour victories and 16 Senior Tour wins, including the 1999 Kroger Senior Classic.

        The Cincinnati Enquirer is an official sponsor of the Kroger Senior Classic presented by Firstar, an official Senior PGA Tour event.

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