How to Get Over that Bunker and Close to the Flag

Natalie Adams shows how to pitch over a bunker on to the green every time to save par and keep your round on track.

Your Action Plan

What: Your goal is to learn a reliable pitching technique to consistently get the ball airborne over a greenside bunker, regardless of pin position.

Why: Fear of the bunker often causes golfers to try and “scoop” the ball with their wrists or lean back, leading to a thin or fat shot that gets stuck in the sand. Proper technique ensures consistent strike and height.

How to Set Up:

Assess Your Target: If you’re a higher handicapper, aim for the middle of the green, not the pin.
Choose Your Club: Don’t automatically use your most lofted wedge. Use a Pitching Wedge or 9-iron if you have plenty of green to work with, as the club’s loft is enough to clear the bunker.
Positioning:
- Ball: Place the ball pretty centered in your stance.
- Stance: Use a narrow stance (you aren’t hitting for power).
- Sternum: Position your sternum/shirt buttons over the left edge of the ball (for a right-handed golfer) to keep the low point of the swing arc correct.
- Grip Down: Grip down slightly on the club for more control.

Your Instructor

Natalie Adams

See Bio and More Posts

Tell me your #1 golf frustration and I will personally recommend the best lesson for your game.

Get My Recommendation

Got a question or need a hand finding the right lesson? Send me a quick note—I read and reply to every message personally.

Email Jane Directly

Not sure where to focus? Try my Lesson Discovery Tool to quickly isolate your #1 frustration and find your best starting point.

Fix My Frustration

Premium Feature

Bookmarking is a premium feature. Join today to instantly build your own saved lesson library!

Today's Favorites

The most watched and saved lessons by members.

Don't Lean Back in the Fairway Bunker - Michele Low - Womens Golf

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.

View Lesson

Master Your Ball Flight - How to Hit a Draw or a Fade on Command - Nathalie Sheehan - Womens Golf

How to Hit a Draw or Fade on Command

Tired of hitting slices or hooks? Natalie Sheehan breaks down the science of shot shape, explaining how the relationship between your club path and clubface determines your ball flight. She provides two essential setup drills—the "Closed Body Draw Drill"...

View Lesson

How to Play a High Soft Landing Shot From a Bunker - Anne Rollo - Womens Golf

Play a High Soft Landing Sand Shot (Without Going Over the Green!)

Anne Rollo shows why the key to a high, soft-landing bunker shot is a confident swing. By focusing on speed and a full follow-through, you can get the ball up and out of the sand and onto the green, without sending it sailing over the back.

View Lesson

28 Instructors. 1 Guide.

You don't need more content; you need the right content. While our library features over 1,300 lessons from 28 of the world's best female LPGA and PGA instructors, you won't have to navigate it alone.

As your Online Golf Guide, Jane Filing personally reviews your #1 golf frustration and hand-picks the exact lessons you need to start improving today. It is personalized guidance designed to help you play your best golf.

Jane’s Hand-Picked Lessons

Where's Your Eyeline - and Why It Matters

Are you getting "stuck" on your downswing? The problem likely starts right at the beginning of your setup. Christina Ricci shows why your eye line dictates your chest position and how a synchronized start allows your arm structure to stay perfectly in...

View Lesson

Get Out of the Bunker With Your First Shot course

Get Out of the Bunker With Your First Shot – Learning Plan

Sick of leaving the ball in the sand? This 3-lesson plan is for you with clear, practical ways to escape greenside bunkers - whether you’re flicking, hanging back, or just unsure how to generate enough speed.

View Lesson

The Secret to Playing a Low & Running Chip Shot

Kellie Stenzel shows why you need to tilt your body toward the target to ensure you hit the ball before the turf. Learn the simple trick of lifting your trail heel to keep your head in the right position for a perfect low runner.

View Lesson