Geoffrey Law
Geoffrey Law
CPGA Professional
Born in Northern Ireland, Geoff brings 40 years of golfing experience to the Jim Mclean Golf School . Although working in different fields for many years, Geoff has always had a passion for the game of golf that he could never ignore. After Geoff immigrated to Canada in 1982, Geoff became a C.P.G.A. Professional in 1996 and has worked as an instructor for the past 10 years.
As an amateur, Geoff played golf for his home club representing them at a Provincial level. He also competed in several North of Ireland Amateur Championships, and was a member of the Junior Cup team in 93 which played in the All Ireland finals. Geoff was the Scratch Cup Champion in ‘93 & 95' at his home course in Northern Ireland.
Geoff worked at Sherkwood Golf School , Port Colborne C.C., Hunters Pointe and Legends on the Niagara Academy all in the Niagara peninsula before joining the staff at the Jim Mclean Golf School.
Tips from Geoffrey Law
Surviving fairway bunkers
Fairway bunker shots are intimidating for many players, but they don’t have to be. The problem is practice and knowledge. Most players practice, and understand, how to play a greenside bunker, but neglect fairway bunkers. Getting a clean, accurate shot isn’t as hard as you think.
Fairway bunker shots need to be played differently than greenside bunker shots.
Unlike greenside bunkers, where you’re hitting into the sand and usually only hitting a short distance, in a fairway bunker you’re hitting a lot further and trying to pick the ball clean with your shot.
For better control you’ll need to swing at about three-quarter speed. That means taking about two extra clubs for any given distance.
Work your feet into a stable stance and grip down the shaft a bit. This will help you pick the ball clean. Swing slow and keep your legs quiet throughout the stroke. Try to stay behind the ball until it’s been hit, then shift your weight to the follow through position. This is not an explosive swing so keep a good tempo and trust that you have enough club to carry the distance.
Knowing how to play from a fairway bunker is valuable knowledge when playing either Legends on the Niagara course. Every hole on the both courses (except the par 3s and number 11 at Ussher’s Creek) has at least one fairway bunker. And some of them are big and hungry.
It’s early in the season and you might not have your drives under complete control yet so a good fairway bunker shot might come in real handy.