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Do you always grab your sand wedge when your ball ends up in a greenside bunker? We dove into some stats provided by Shot Scope to see which club you should be using to escape the greenside bunkers. One of the best strategies to get out of a greenside bunker is to be confident in the shot you are taking. Knowing you have the right club in your hand will help.

About the data

The bunker statistics are based on a dataset of greenside bunker shots taken from within 25 yards of the pin. We did look at data for the 9-iron, pitching wedge and gap wedge but very few golfers used these clubs in this situation (fewer than three percent per club in most cases) so the sample size is extremely small.

Because most players rarely use those irons and wedges out of greenside bunkers, the limited data can sometimes show high up-and-down percentages. However, based on such minimal data, we can’t claim those clubs are truly the best choices.

Our main comparison focused on the sand wedge and the lob wedge, aiming to determine which is more effective for golfers in different handicap ranges.

Bunker performance metrics for golfers with a 1–5 handicap

Golfers with the lowest handicaps are the ones we want to emulate. These players are much more likely to get up and down than other handicap ranges. In addition, they tend to get the ball closer to the hole on their escape shots.

Are you still fidgeting with your golf grip, trying for perfect pressure and position? Sometimes a simple tip is all it takes to find the correct golf grip and feel more confident standing over the ball. While it’s important not to overthink your grip, investing time in mastering the correct golf grip will be well worth it.

Use a training grip for practice

Take an old club you don’t use anymore and put a training grip on it. Use it when you practice at home or throw it in the bag when you head to the driving range for practice.

Some players put a training grip on a weighted club and use it during their warmup before each round. Attaching the training grip ensures your hands are consistently in the correct position. Even if you play golf every day of the week, a quick reminder on where your hands should be placed is quite helpful.

SKLZ Golf Grip TrainerSKLZ Golf Grip and Tempo Trainer

Test the grip pressure

Light grip pressure isn’t always as effective as it’s made out to be. Gripping the club too loosely can make controlling the clubface at impact difficult. To find the right amount of grip pressure, you have to experiment.

Grab a 7- or 8-iron that you feel confident with and head to the driving range. Start by hitting a few shots with what feels like maximum grip pressure. Next, hit a few shots with very light grip pressure. Gradually adjust, working your way up from the light grip until you find a balance—enough pressure to control the clubface without creating unnecessary tension in your hands.

Key highlights

Realistic simulation: Testers found the Exputt RG to provide a highly realistic putting experience, replicating green speeds and slopes with impressive accuracy.User-friendly setup and operation: The Exputt RG was straightforward to set up and easy to use, making it accessible for both tech-savvy golfers and beginners.Versatile practice modes: Testers appreciated the variety of practice modes, including distance control, accuracy training and simulated on-course putting which enhanced their practice sessions.Feedback and data analysis: The simulator provided immediate feedback on metrics like speed, aim and distance, helping golfers identify and work on specific weaknesses.

First impressions and design

The Exputt RG made a solid first impression on testers with its compact design and straightforward setup process. Testers appreciated how the device blended into their home setups without taking up too much space.

AverageSizedDog was impressed with how compact the unit was, mentioning that it fit perfectly into his practice area and didn’t require much rearranging. He found the design simple yet functional, making it easy to set up and start using.

“The Exputt RG is compact and fits perfectly into my practice space. It’s easy to set up and get going, which makes it very convenient for at-home practice.”

buckpillar appreciated the professional look of the Exputt RG, noting that it didn’t feel or look like a toy. He felt confident that the simulator would provide quality practice while being easy on the eyes.

“The design is great—it looks like a serious piece of equipment, not a toy. Very easy to integrate into a home practice routine.”

In this edition of Play Smart, we hear from elite mid-am Taylor Wood as he explains how he dials in his speed on unfamiliar greens.

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Pro golf was full of noteworthy, impactful and just plain bizarre rules violations in 2024. Here are 11 big ones you can learn from.

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It’s driver release season and one of the first companies to get the ball rolling was COBRA. COBRA has released its new DS-ADAPT line of drivers. They call this their “fastest and most fittable family of drivers.” If you’re thinking about a COBRA upgrade this year or just curious about what is changing in the world of golf drivers, here are eight things to know about COBRA’s new DS-ADAPT drivers.

10,000 MOI in the MAX-K

The COBRA DS-ADAPT MAX-K has reached the 10,000 MOI threshold, the highest MOI driver COBRA has ever produced. For golfers looking for increased stability, consistency and forgiveness, the DS-ADAPT MAX-K will be an option to consider.

Interestingly, the three other drivers in the lineup do not hit this 10,000 MOI threshold. Maximum MOI isn’t for everyone.

FF33 adjustable hosel system

COBRA promised the new line would be fast and “fittable.” To address the fitting component, they are using the FF33 adjustable hosel system.

This brand-new technology offers 33 settings to adjust the driver. If you really want a driver that feels like it’s made for you, the DS-ADAPT will allow you to fine-tune launch, spin and ball flight.

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Englishman Marco Penge has been suspended by the DP World Tour after a disciplinary panel found he placed bets on multiple golf events, the circuit said on Wednesday.

PGA Tour stars Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler faced LIV Golf's Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in the Showdown in Las Vegas.

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy never trailed and needed only 14 holes to beat Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau of LIV Golf in a made-for-TV exhibition Tuesday night.

LIV Golf and Fox Sports have engaged in "high-level discussions" toward a television contract for the 2025 season, Sports Business Journal reported.

If you are looking to add spin to your shots around the greens, remember this simpgl swing thought from the Short Game Chef.

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Gift your golfer a True Spec gift card this holiday season and give them the opportunity to analyze their equipment like a tour pro.

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The PGA Tour has announced its 2025 FedEx Cup Fall schedule which doesn't feature a stop in Las Vegas for the first time since 1982.

The PGA Tour is hiring a CEO who will work alongside commissioner Jay Monahan, who announced the move as part of a year-end message looking ahead to 2025.

Blades Brown, a high school junior who's the top-ranked golfer in the class of 2026, announced Tuesday he's turning pro.

The LPGA's mismanagement of Solheim Cup parking in September contributed to a big change at the top of the organization.

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These are the best golf courses in Colorado, according to GOLF Magazine's 2024-25 ranking by its expert panel of course raters.

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