In playing out of sand the looser the sand the further back of the ball one should swing the club into it so that the momentum put into the stroke will not expend itself beyond the ball. As the essence of the stroke is the concussion of the club head with the sand and not its impact with the ball, and as the momentum travels further in loose sand than in sand firmly packed, swing so that the impetus of the swing goes from the club head into the sand and from the sand to the ball on its underside.

Use the jerk stroke with a half swing, standing well in front of the ball, and when distance is to be considered use a full swing with a brassy, cleek, or driving mashie, hitting; well under the ball.

In playing out of loose sand, shorten the grip on the iron in order to take the sand sweet and clean.

In playing out of sand over a bunker, use a lofter, mashie, or niblick, but before making the stroke see whether the sand is loose or firmly packed.

Suggestions

Remember that the nearer the ball lies to a bunker, the further back of the ball the club head must dig into the sand so that the upward momentum gets well under the ball.

Remember that sand is treacherous and that the stroke must be played with the greatest accuracy, a tablespoonful of sand being often too much for the strongest arms.

Remember that the most treacherous lie is a ball clean and sweet in loose sand because in trying for distance one does not hit the sand back of the ball.

Remember that if the sand is stiff, one should bring the club head down close behind the ball, as in such sand the momentum does not travel far and if one aims too far away it will not reach the ball.

Do not have the face of the club laid back more than usual as the essence of the stroke is in having as much concussion with the sand as possible.

Balls In Water

In playing out of a water hazard, stand the same and hit the water the same distance behind the ball as when playing out of loose sand, and remember not to shut the eyes in anticipation of the splash to come.