The Clock Face Bunker Secret: Opening the Clubface

Stop skulling or leaving it in the sand! Christina Ricci cuts straight to the most critical bunker setup detail: correctly opening the clubface before you grip it. Guarantee that you maximize the wedge's bounce and explode the ball out high and soft.

Lesson Notes: The Clock Face Bunker Secret

Your Action Plan: Correctly open your clubface before gripping the club to maximize the effectiveness of the wedge’s bounce in the sand.

Why it Works

Opening the clubface adds effective loft and exposes the bounce of the club. This prevents the leading edge from digging into the sand, allowing the club to slide smoothly underneath the ball for a high, soft landing.

How to Execute the Open Face:

Determine Square: Start with the clubface pointing straight ahead (this is your 12 o’clock position).
Rotate First: Take your hands completely off the club. Physically rotate the club in your fingers so the toe points away from the target.
The Goal Position: Aim for 1 o’clock for standard shots, or a maximum of 2 o’clock for extra height. Never open the face further than 2 o’clock.
Take Your Grip: Only after the face is set at 1 or 2 o’clock should you place your hands on the handle in your normal grip.

Avoid the Critical Flaw:

Do not grip the club square and then try to twist your wrists to open the face. Your hands will naturally return to square during the swing, closing the face and causing the club to dig into the sand.

FAQ

Q: Why does the club dig if I don’t open the face?

A: At 12 o’clock, the leading edge is sharp and ready to cut. By rotating to 1 o’clock, you lean the club back onto its “bounce” (the curved sole), which acts like a skid plate to help the club glide through sand.

Q: Does an open face make the ball go to the right?

A: In the sand, the ball is pushed out by the “cushion” of sand rather than direct club contact. While it may start slightly right, the added loft and height are the primary results.

Q: When should I use the 2 o’clock position?

A: Reserve 2 o’clock for very short shots where you have a high bunker lip to clear and very little green to work with. It requires a more aggressive swing to get the ball to the hole.

Your Instructor

Christina Ricci

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