The Ideal Width: Start your bunker setup by positioning your feet approximately hip-width apart. This provides a stable base that allows for rotation without losing your balance in the shifting sand.

Digging In: “Swoosh” your feet into the sand. This serves two purposes: it tests the depth and texture of the sand and ensures your feet won’t slide during the explosion.

The 60% Weight Rule: For a successful bunker shot, you need to hit the sand behind the ball. Feel like 60% of your weight is pre-set on your front leg. This forward lean helps the club enter the sand at the correct angle and stay moving through the strike.

Aim and Commit: Once your feet are swooshed in and your weight is forward, aim at your target and commit to the swing. This stable foundation allows you to swing aggressively without the fear of hitting it “thin” or “fat.”

Questions and Answers

Q: Why do I need to “swoosh” my feet into the sand?

A: It creates a stable foundation so you don’t slip, and it also helps you “feel” how much sand is under the ball before you swing.

Q: Should my weight stay on my front leg throughout the swing? A: Yes. Pre-setting 60% of your weight forward and keeping it there prevents you from falling back, which is the most common cause of leaving the ball in the bunker.

Q: Is a hip-width stance enough for a deep bunker?

A: Lindsay recommends hip-width as a starting point for stability. The goal is to be wide enough to be steady, but narrow enough to allow your chest to rotate through the shot.