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The High-Face Bunker Technique
When you need to get the ball up and out quickly over a high face to a nearby pin, follow these steps:
- Club Selection & Prep:
- Use a high-lofted club, such as a 58-degree wedge or a lob wedge.
- Ensure your grooves are clean and dry for maximum performance.
- Open the club face at address to increase effective loft.
- The Setup:
- Dig your feet into the sand for stability.
- Place extra emphasis on digging in your front foot to support hip rotation through the shot.
- The Swing Motion:
- Soft Hands: Keep your hands nice and soft throughout the stroke. +2
- Body Rotation: Use your body to turn through the sand to generate speed.
- Swing Length: Use a nice long backswing to create energy, but keep the finish short to prevent the ball from overshooting a close flag.
Questions and Answers
Q: What type of club is best for a high-face bunker shot?
A: You should use a high-lofted club, like a 58-degree wedge or a lob wedge, and make sure the face is open.
Q: Why do I need “speed” if the flag is close? A: You need speed to move the clubhead effectively through the resistance of the sand, but you control the distance by using a shorter finish. +2
Q: How should I use my body during this shot? A: You should focus on rotating your hips and using your body to turn through the sand rather than relying purely on your arms.
Q: What is the benefit of a “long-to-short” swing? A: A long backswing provides the power needed to get the ball up and out, while a short finish helps control the distance so the ball doesn’t fly over a close target.
