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We’ve all tried unusual ways to improve our golf games. KJ Choi’s hammer drill in the bunker is the strangest one we’ve seen in a while.

The 54-year-old recently appeared in a clip posted by PGA Tour Champions which has garnered plenty of attention on social media. When you watch it, you’ll understand why.

In the clip, Choi takes his sand wedge over his head, before slamming it into the sand. Now, you might have seen this move dished out in frustration before, but Choi insists it can help you if you struggle in the sand.

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In fact, he’s so keen on this drill, it’s the first thing he gets youngsters to do in the sand at the KJ Choi Foundation. So, what is it all about?

How can KJ Choi’s hammer drill help your game?

While it might look crazy, Choi explains that grip, angle of attack and power can be taught from this exercise.

And in a way, it stands to reason. When you watch a good bunker player, you’ll always hear a satisfying thud when they strike the sand, and that’s certainly evident here.

As well as that, Choi explains that this drill helps to improve his angle of attack in the swing. Rather than exiting left with our hands in an iron shot, Choi wants us to hit straight down into the sand.

The eight-time PGA Tour winner demonstrates that when most players do this for the first time, they use too much hand and wrist action, something which he doesn’t want to see in the swing.

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And then, there’s the power aspect of it all. You need speed to get out of the sand and it’s pretty easy to get some speed going when you’re swinging like this.

Of course, this comes with a word of warning. Your greenkeeper might not be delighted to see this, so either do it away from a freshly manicured bunker, or make sure you clean up after yourself.

It’s certainly not conventional, but who are we to argue with this legend of the game?


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Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor

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