In golf, what is a "sand save"?
VerifiedAnswer: Holing out in two strokes (one from the bunker, one putt) after hitting into a sand bunker, resulting in par or better.
Explanation:
A sand save is one of golf's most satisfying achievements, representing a golfer's ability to recover from a challenging situation. When your ball lands in a sand bunker (also called a sand trap), you're facing one of the trickiest shots in golf. Successfully executing a sand save means you've managed to get out of the bunker and sink your putt in just two strokes total.
The beauty of a sand save lies in its precision and skill requirement. First, you need to execute a proper bunker shot, which involves hitting the sand behind the ball rather than the ball directly. This technique allows the sand to lift the ball out of the bunker and onto the green. Then, you must sink your putt on the first attempt to complete the sand save.
What makes a sand save particularly impressive is that it results in par or better for the hole. This means you've not only recovered from a difficult position but actually maintained your expected score or even improved upon it. For professional golfers, sand save percentage is an important statistic that measures their short game proficiency and ability to minimize damage from wayward shots.
Sand saves require specific techniques and equipment. Golfers typically use a sand wedge, which has a wide, bouncing sole designed to glide through sand rather than dig into it. The key is to maintain confidence and commit to the shot, as hesitation often leads to leaving the ball in the bunker or hitting it too far past the pin.
