You’ve learned how to adjust your shots for different slopes, but what happens when your ball takes an unexpected detour and lands in a bunker? Bunkers can be intimidating, but with the right technique, you’ll be able to handle them confidently and save strokes on your scorecard.
In today’s post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting out of bunkers. From how to approach a bunker shot, to the club selection, and even some tips on improving your bunker play, I’ve got you covered!
Understanding the Bunker Shot
When you land in a bunker, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about getting the ball out—it’s about controlling the ball’s trajectory and ensuring it lands safely on the green. Bunkers are designed to catch your shots, but they don’t have to be the end of your round. With the right techniques, you can escape them with confidence.
What Makes Bunker Shots Unique?
- Sand resistance: Unlike hitting off grass, the sand provides extra resistance, meaning the club doesn’t make direct contact with the ball. Instead, you want to “splash” the sand and lift the ball out.
- Clubface control: The angle and face of the club become more important. You’ll need to focus on the leading edge of the club to get under the ball.
- Follow-through: A proper follow-through is key to ensuring the ball clears the lip of the bunker and travels toward the green.
Setting Up for a Bunker Shot
The setup for a bunker shot is different from a regular shot, so let’s break it down step by step:
Step 1: Open Your Stance
When you’re in the bunker, you want to open your stance slightly. This allows the clubface to remain open, helping you get under the ball. Here’s how to do it:
- Feet: Place your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart for balance. Dig them into the sand to create a stable base.
- Body: Turn your body so your shoulders are slightly tilted, pointing towards the target. This will help you hit the ball with a more shallow angle.
- Ball Position: Place the ball closer to the front of your stance, closer to your left foot (for right-handed golfers). This will help you focus on striking the sand first.
Step 2: Club Selection
Choosing the right club is crucial in a bunker. Generally, you’ll use a sand wedge or a lob wedge, depending on the lip of the bunker and the distance you need to cover.
- Sand wedge (54° to 58°): Ideal for most bunker shots, especially when the lip of the bunker isn’t too high.
- Lob wedge (58° to 64°): Great for high-lipped bunkers, giving you more loft to get the ball up quickly.
- Gap wedge: Can be used for longer bunker shots when you don’t need to get the ball in the air as quickly.
Step 3: Open the Clubface
Open the clubface slightly, but make sure not to overdo it. If the clubface is too open, it may cause you to miss the shot or hit the ball thin. A slight opening helps with loft and ensures the ball travels higher and softer.
Step 4: Maintain the Right Posture
When setting up, make sure you maintain an athletic stance with a slight bend in your knees. Your weight should be slightly shifted toward your front foot (left foot for right-handed golfers), as this helps with balance and consistency.
Executing the Shot: The Swing
Now that you’re set up, it’s time to focus on the swing. A proper bunker shot requires a clean, controlled strike. Here’s what you need to focus on during your swing:
Step 1: Don’t Focus on the Ball
The key to a good bunker shot is not trying to hit the ball directly. Instead, focus on hitting the sand just behind the ball. Your goal is to “splash” the sand under the ball, which will then propel the ball out of the bunker.
- Imagine that you’re aiming for a 2-inch area just behind the ball.
- This will allow the sand to lift the ball, giving it the necessary height and trajectory.
Step 2: Swing Path
A common mistake when hitting bunker shots is to try and scoop the ball out of the sand. Instead, focus on keeping the swing path steady and following through. Here are some tips:
- Use an outside-to-inside swing path: This will help you strike the sand cleanly and avoid digging too deep.
- Full follow-through: Your follow-through should be complete. A controlled finish helps with consistency and accuracy, and it ensures the ball will clear the lip of the bunker.
Step 3: Focus on Rhythm
Bunker shots require a smooth, rhythmic swing. Avoid jerking or rushing your swing; instead, focus on maintaining a steady tempo from the backswing to the follow-through. Think of it as a controlled, fluid motion that allows the sand to do the work.
How to Deal with a High Bunker Lip
Sometimes, you’ll find yourself with a high lip in front of you, which can make getting the ball out even more challenging. Here’s how to deal with it:
- Open the clubface more: By opening the clubface further, you’ll add loft to the shot, which helps lift the ball higher.
- Focus on the follow-through: Ensure that your follow-through is high enough to clear the lip. A full, smooth follow-through will help lift the ball.
- Stay aggressive: If you’re faced with a high lip, you’ll need to be more aggressive with your swing. Don’t be afraid to make a slightly more forceful shot to get the ball airborne.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Bunker
When it comes to bunker shots, there are a few mistakes that beginners often make. Let’s take a look at these and how you can avoid them:
| Mistake | Solution |
| Scooping the ball | Focus on striking the sand just behind the ball, not trying to scoop it. |
| Hitting too much sand | You want to hit the sand lightly—don’t dig too deep. Focus on a clean strike. |
| Over-opening the clubface | Open the clubface slightly, but not too much. A slight opening helps with loft. |
| Lack of follow-through | Ensure your swing has a full follow-through to help lift the ball out of the sand. |
Practice Makes Perfect
Like with any golf skill, practice is key when it comes to bunker shots. Head to the practice green and focus on hitting from different sand conditions and bunker setups. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the technique.
Conclusion
Bunker shots can be intimidating, but once you learn the right techniques, they’ll no longer feel like a challenge. By focusing on your setup, club selection, swing path, and rhythm, you’ll be able to escape from any bunker with confidence. Practice often, and soon you’ll be hitting consistent bunker shots like a pro.
Next time, we’ll explore How Do I Get Out of the Rough Effectively? don’t miss it!
