The Golf Swinger Doctor

Updated: November 27, 2024

How to play bunker shots in golf can be challenging, but with the right technique and mindset, you can get out of the sand and onto the green with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master bunker shots:

1. Choose the Right Club

• Use a sand wedge or a lob wedge, as these clubs have the loft to lift the ball out of the sand.

2. Analyze the Lie

• Fluffy sand: Open the clubface more for added loft.
• Firm or wet sand: Use a more square clubface and strike closer to the ball.

3. Set Up Properly

1. Stance:

• Stand slightly wider than your regular stance.
• Open your stance (feet pointing slightly left of the target if you’re a right-handed golfer).
• Position the ball slightly forward in your stance.

1. Weight Distribution:

• Keep about 60% of your weight on your front foot to ensure a descending strike.

1. Grip:

• Hold the club lightly to maintain feel and control.

1. Open Clubface:

• Rotate the clubface open before gripping the club to maximize loft and bounce.

4. Aim and Focus

• Aim for a spot 2-3 inches behind the ball where your club will enter the sand.
• Visualize a splash of sand carrying the ball out of the bunker.

5. The Swing

1. Backswing:

• Take a smooth, controlled swing, keeping your arms and wrists relaxed.
• A steeper swing helps create the necessary downward strike.

1. Impact:

• Hit the sand first at your aim point, allowing the sand to propel the ball out.
• Avoid direct contact with the ball unless it’s a special shot.

1. Follow-Through:

• Let the club continue through the shot naturally, finishing high.

6. Practice Drills

• Splash Drill:
• Draw a line in the sand and practice hitting behind it to develop consistency.
• Circle Drill:
• Place balls in a circle around you and practice hitting them out, focusing on different angles and distances.

Mental Tips

• Stay relaxed; tension leads to mistakes.
• Trust your setup and swing—overthinking can make you second-guess.

Mastering bunker shots takes practice, so spend time in practice bunkers to build confidence and consistency.

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