Bunker shots are often one of the most intimidating parts of the game for amateur golfers. However, with the right technique and understanding, they can become much more manageable—and even an enjoyable challenge!
This YouTube video featuring some Performance Golf pros covers four key bunker shot secrets, breaking down why so many golfers struggle and how you can improve your sand game.
If you learn these four pro tips, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to master any bunker shot in no time!
1. Nail the Setup for Consistency
One of the most common mistakes amateurs make in the bunker is their setup. Many golfers place their weight on the back foot, keep their hands too high, and leave the clubface square. This setup leads to poor contact, where the club digs into the sand, resulting in chunky shots or thin hits that fly across the green.
What you want to do instead is:
- Place your weight forward on the front foot.
- Bend your knees to dig into the sand.
- Open the clubface so that it bounces off the sand instead of digging into it.
To open the face correctly, twist it open first, then regrip the club. This setup allows you to hit high, soft shots that glide through the sand.
2. Master the Short & High Bunker Shot
The second challenge many beginner golfers face in this scenario is successfully hitting short bunker shots with a high trajectory. The key mistake here is not opening the clubface enough during the backswing. If the clubface closes, the shot won’t get enough height, and the ball will dig into the sand.
A simple trick to practice this shot is to put some sand on your clubface before taking your swing. If the sand falls off during the backswing, your clubface is closing. Keep the face open to ensure the sand stays on the club as you swing. This helps you practice how to produce a high, soft shot with plenty of spin.
3. Choose the Right Club for Long Bunker Shots
For longer bunker shots, many golfers default to their sand wedge or lob wedge, only to end up chunking the shot or skimming the ball across the green. The secret here is club selection. Instead of reaching for a 60° wedge, opt for a lower-lofted club like a 9-iron or pitching wedge.
By maintaining your standard bunker shot technique and simply changing clubs, you can get the ball out of the sand and onto the green with more control and less risk. This allows you to hit longer shots without needing to take an overly aggressive swing, which minimizes the risk of errors.
4. Tackling the Downhill Lie
Finally, one of the trickiest bunker shots to master is when the ball is on a downhill lie. The common error is trying to scoop the ball up by leaning back, which leads to inconsistent contact.
To handle a downhill lie, you need to match your body to the slope. Align your knees and shoulders with the angle of the slope, and make sure to hinge your wrists early in the backswing. This allows you to strike down into the sand, ensuring that the ball pops up high and lands softly on the green.
For more tips on how to read lies, check out this post.
Conquer the Sand Trap Like a Pro
Bunker shots don’t have to be daunting. By understanding the correct setup, keeping the face open for short shots, selecting the right club for long shots, and adjusting your stance for difficult lies, you can drastically improve your performance out of the sand.
These are the little secrets that pros rely on but don’t always share, but we’re happy to always provide you with professional tips and advice to improve your golf game!
