Pretty much any golfer will tell you that hitting bunker shots is one of the most difficult (not to mention dreaded) aspects of golf.
Yet, there’s good news. It certainly doesn’t have to be. Quite the opposite, in fact.
The secret? It all comes down to a little know-how and some practice.
We’re going to talk you through how to hit a bunker shot in our comprehensive step-by-step guide. And, we’ve even thrown some top tips to up your game. So, in no time at all, you’ll be performing better than ever on the golf course.
How To Hit A Bunker Shot: Our Step-By-Step Guide
Below is our guide to hitting sand shots with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned player that needs a little reminding, or a keen amateur just about to get started in the world of golf, this guide will have you covered.
Step 1: Choose your club
If you’re hitting a sand shot, think about the club you’re using. You might assume your sand wedge is the best choice, but consider a lob wedge if there’s a high lip and not much green to work with. And if the bunker is more than 30 yards from the pin, you might even want to use your gap or approach wedge.
The bottom line is: be open-minded and think through all your options before choosing a club.
Step 2: The setup
When setting up for a bunker shot, make sure your feet are aimed in the right direction and think about where your clubface is aiming.
Allow us to elaborate: As you open your club face, you will need to aim further in the opposite direction with your feet. For right-hand players, this will mean as you open your club face you would need to aim further left to offset this.
If the sand is soft, open your stance. This will allow you to open the clubface. But if it’s a hardpan bunker, you won’t need to open your stance much, if at all.
Step 3: Consider digging in
Greenside bunkers can be tricky, but if you remember to dig your feet in you’ll have more stability and control when you swing. But if you’re hitting out of a fairway bunker, digging in isn’t necessary; but make sure you have stable footing. Have your clubface slightly open and left of the pin, and your stance should be ready to go.
Step 4: Remember to swing steeper
If you’re in a greenside bunker, make sure the swing path is steeper. This can feel unnatural, as you’ll need to use your hands and arms more than your core. Don’t worry; a shorter swing is still possible, and there should still be a body turn.
The bounce on the wedge and clubface grooves will help take the ball out of the bunker with a steeper swing. Those who struggle with hitting a line drive bunker shot often take the club back too shallow.
Step 5: Attack the sand
Now’s time for the clincher. If you want to hit a greenside bunker shot, you’ll need to make sure you take a little sand with you. It’s the opposite of what you usually do on the course, where you want to hit the ball and then collect some grass. It might feel a bit unnatural at first, but stick with it until it becomes second nature (hopefully after a few shots).
But, what’s the need for kicking up some sand, you might ask?
You need to hit bunker shots behind the ball to launch some sand into the air. Otherwise, your shot will fly way over the green. Swing with speed, and the bounce on your wedge will cut through the sand and carry your ball out.
If you’re in a fairway bunker, however, try to hit the ball cleanly and with minimal sand behind it. It might feel like a thin shot, but it will get you the distance you need. For this reason, fairway bunkers tend to be easier to handle than sand traps near the green.
Step 6: End high
Lastly, when faced with a bunker shot, don’t forget to finish high! It’s not just about looking cool in front of your golfing buddies, it’s about accelerating through the ball and getting it out of the sand.
It can be tempting to swing into the sand, then, well, just stop. Many of us have been there. However, this just buries your club, bringing your ball forward by only a few pitiful feet.
Instead, imagine your wedge is carrying the ball; this will help you finish bunker shots with a better ball position.
Top Tips For Bunker Shots
Most golfers overthink their shots, even normal shots, at times. Bunker shots can be even worse, making you feel self-doubt and even downright panic.If you’re stuck in a sand trap and overthinking your golf swing, here are a few of our favorite tips to help you get out of the sand and back on the course:
Lob wedge or sand wedge?
Struggling? Try switching up your golf club.
The old debate of which is better, the lob wedge or the sand wedge, will likely never be solved. At the end of the day, all it really comes down to is personal preference.
Both wedges can get the job done, but lob wedges tend to be more open and can come in handy if the bunker has a high lip at the front.
Weight on the forward leg
When you hit a greenside bunker shot, don’t forget to put a bit more weight on your forward leg. That way, you’ll be sure to hit down and through the sand.
Practice makes perfect
Don’t expect to be using a sand wedge like a pro on your first few attempts. You’ll need a lot of dedication and commitment to honing your skills to really get the hang of it. And, success won’t come overnight. Becoming the best you can be in the golf game takes both patience and practice – what better reason to hit the course more often?
Remember to have fun!
Many golfers put too much pressure on themselves when hitting out of fairway or greenside bunkers. Hey, it’s understandable – it’s one of the hardest shots to master. When this happens, it’s natural to lose sight of the fact that you are actually supposed to enjoy the game. Yes, remember, it’s all about having fun!
So don’t beat yourself up if things don’t always go quite to plan when playing golf – tomorrow is another day, after all.
FAQs
What’s the secret to a good bunker shot?
Although it’s an obvious answer, it’s definitely worth stating: the best way to stay clear of the dreaded bunker is to practice, practice, practice. What’s your greatest asset on the golf course? Your swing, of course.
Taking the time to hone your golf swing will raise your game to the max, providing you with the best defense against landing somewhere you’d rather not, bunker included.
Do golf clubs have a practice bunker for sand shots?
Some do and some don’t. If you are lucky enough to find one that does, it’s definitely worthwhile getting a little extra practice in. If you don’t have access to any practice bunkers, and, if you aren’t holding up play for anyone else, spend 10 minutes with the sand underneath your feet practicing your shot.
Should I rake a bunker after taking a bunker shot?
After you take a shot out of the bunker, it’s a good idea to rake the bunker. The purpose of this is to leave it as you found it for the next golfer who may have the misfortune of finding themselves having to hit out of it. It’s common courtesy. However, you should never rake the bunker prior to taking your shot, as you could give yourself an unfair advantage.