You really don’t need to be afraid of playing from a bunker – let me show you the different options to get your ball out of the sand first time, every time.
Sand Wedge Bounce
Let’s let’s start with the right tool. You need a sand wedge that has some bounce to it (the bounce is the wide area right on the sole of the clubhead. Having some bounce helps you get out of the bunkers. In fact, if you play out of deep, soft sand on your course, the more bounce the better. Alternately, If you are usually playing out of more shallow harder sand then you will not need to use a sand wedge with as much bounce.
Bunker Shot Options
Your first option is the easiest shot; a regular full swing shot. To play this shot I to set up in the bunker just like a regular full swing shot with the ball position slightly forward and I try to hit two inches behind the ball. The key is that I always want it out first on the first go.
The next shot we can do a little bit differently. Here we will open up the clubface one which means I rotate the club until it is open (see video) and then regrip it open.
Now the one thing that you have to do when you open the clubface is that you need to lower your hands a bit because that helps you square the club up to your target. So in summary, for this second bunker shot option let’s open the clubface, drop the hands and then hit it like a full swing shot. Always keep in mind that these changes are all going to shorten the distance of the shot quite a bit.
The third shot option is to widen your stance, put the ball position forward, and move your weight forward. keep it there that’s gonna help you hit the bottom exactly where you want but square the clubface back up (not open like you did in the last shot). Remember, lean forward and keep the weight there and when you finish the shot, finish low. This shot is going to come out nice and soft.
So, you don’t need to be afraid of bunker shots. Get the right tool and then find an option that works for each situation.
Let’s get out of these bunkers in one shot!
