Golf Tips » August 2002: The “Tomahawk” Shot

This month’s tip was suggested by Susan Billings of Gypsum, KS while taking a 3 day school with me in Kansas City.  After I demonstrated this shot she asked "Is this on your website?" 

Also, students watching the British Open and seeing the pros play many shots from the back edge of the bunkers, has resulted in more requests for the method required.

When the ball is towards the back edge of a bunker, the biggest obstacle is the back lip of the bunker.  On a normal takeaway the club will either hit the lip on the backswing or, even worse, hit the lip on the downswing causing you to maybe miss the ball altogether.

To avoid the back lip pick the club up vertically like an axe – hence the term "tomahawk" and bring it back to the ball on the same line.  

As the club enters the sand about 2" behind the ball, you need to flare or "chicken wing" your left arm to allow the club to cut underneath the ball, which allows  the ball to sail out easily.

Considering the number of students I have worked with who have the "chicken wing" automatically in their full swing, most of you should have no problem with this shot!

As you can see from the divot the club has cut across the ball fairly severely, indicating the shot has been played correctly.

With just a little practice, this is a cool shot to have in your growing arsenal of shots around the green.  Good Luck!