Fairway Bunker Fix: Don't Lean Back, and Hit Down, Not Up

Fairway Bunker Fix: Don’t Lean Back, and Hit Down, Not Up

Michele Low shows why its a mistake trying to lift the ball out of fairway bunkers using your hands or body. Keep the ball in the middle of your stance and your weight forward.

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Your Action Plan

What: Your goal is to achieve clean contact from the fairway bunker by hitting the ball first, then the sand, rather than trying to lift the ball out.

Why: Attempting to lift the ball shifts your weight to your trail side, causing a premature release of the club (hitting up) which results in a thin shot or hitting the sand (the “bang”) behind the ball.

How to Execute the Shot:

The Swing Focus: Focus on hitting down on the ball, not up. The correct sequence is to catch the ball first, and then some divot (sand) after the ball.

Grip Down: Choke down on the club by about an inch for better control.

Ball Position: Position the ball slightly middle to middle-right in your stance.

Weight Distribution: Keep your weight firmly on your lead side (left side for a right-handed golfer). This is critical for hitting down.

Stay Tall & Light: Maintain a stable, balanced posture.

Your Instructor

Michele Low

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