The “Bunker Buster” Setup: To master the sand, you first need to understand the feeling of displacement. Using your rake, create a small mound of sand about four inches across (slightly less than the width of a dollar bill) and about an inch to an inch-and-a-half high. This mound acts as a visual and physical target that forces you to “attack” the sand rather than the ball.

The Proper Stance: Enter the bunker with a wide, stable stance. Keep your hips open to the target while ensuring your shoulders remain square. Choke down slightly on the grip for better control and stability. This setup allows you to swing aggressively through the sand without losing your balance.

The “Blast Through” Drill: Before introducing a ball, practice “blasting” through the mound. Your goal is to see the sand spray forward toward your target. If you aren’t seeing a significant spray, you aren’t committing to the shot. Repeat this 4 or 5 times until you feel confident in your ability to move the sand through the impact zone and into a full finish.

Transitioning to the Ball: Once you have the feel of the blast, place a ball in the sand. Set up in that same wide, open stance and visualize the ball sitting in the middle of that 4-inch mound. Forget about the ball itself—simply “blast through” the imaginary mound. This ensures you take the right amount of sand to lift the ball out softly and consistently.

Questions and Answers

Q: Why is my ball staying in the bunker even when I hit the sand? A: This usually happens when you “quit” on the shot at impact. The mound drill teaches you to swing through the sand to a full finish. If the sand doesn’t spray out of the bunker, the ball won’t either.

Q: How much sand should I actually be taking? A: The 4-inch mound is a perfect guide. You want to enter the sand a couple of inches behind the ball and exit a couple of inches after it. This “dollar-bill” sized divot provides the cushion needed for a successful splash shot.

Q: Do I need to open the clubface for this drill? A: While many bunker shots require an open face, this specific drill focuses on the “blast” and “spray.” Start with a slightly open to neutral face and focus entirely on moving the volume of the mound.nique