My Golf Bunker Tips

The golf bunker tips I have here have helped many of my students over the years to play these shots with confidence.

It is important however, to have a full understanding of the basic fundamentals for bunker shots. Check bunker basics here and an excellent drill. Using the correct grip is vital to playing these shots successfully.

Under normal circumstances we use an open clubface with the sand wedge to play a bunker shot. There are two reasons, firstly it helps us get the ball airborne quicker and secondly the sole of the club head is in a position to displace the sand behind the ball easier. An open club face also prevents digging into the sand.

Remember to swing harder because you need to get the club head through the sand and follow through with the shot.

When playing out of wet sand, the club head needs to be square to the target so that the bottom edge of the clubface can cut through the sand better. If your clubface is open it will bounce off the sand. Often a softer swing is needed.

Next time you are faced with a plugged lie in the bunker don’t despair. I have a very easy way to get it out.

The swing needs to be steep into the sand so you need to move the ball position in relation to your feet more to the right foot, about half way between the feet.

Place more weight on your left foot(for right handed players), square the club face keeping the hands on the left of the ball.

You are now set up for a steep swing into the sand. Aim the club head 2 inches behind the ball and look at the sand you intend hitting.

Aim for one action only, swing the club into the sand behind the ball and leave the club head in the sand. Be as aggressive as you need to be. Do not follow through.

You will see how easily the ball comes out. Unfortunately, there is no back spin with this shot so you need to allow for top spin.

Experiment with playing these shots in different sand conditions to know how far behind the ball you need to hit.

A golden rule with fairway bunkers is to check the height of the bunker face first before you select your club.

Many golfers including professionals have made the mistake of not taking a club with enough loft and left the ball in the bunker. My advice is to be conservative with your club selection than too bold.

You need to strike the ball first from a fairway bunker so ball position is critical. The centre of your stance is good. Keep your weight a little more on the left foot throughout the shot.

Find a solid foundation by wiggling your feet around a little.

Make a good swing with your arms and hands and keep your head as still as possible. A three quarter swing would be good. This should get you out every time.

A more conservative approach would be to play the shot backwards out of the bunker. This area is usually much flatter than the front side.

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