If you’re an avid golfer, you probably have a strong opinion about golf bunkers. Some players don’t mind them. Others despise them. No matter what your opinion is, here are some techniques and skills that can help any golfer escape the sand.
Types of bunker shots
There are two types of bunker shots: greenside and fairway. Greenside shots require finesse and are hit with higher-lofted wedges. A greenside bunker shot focuses on spin and control to get the ball close to the hole.
The fairway bunker shot requires distance and accuracy. You’ll also need clean ball contact and the correct club selection.
How to hit a greenside bunker shot
The goal of every greenside bunker shot is to get the ball out so it flies high and lands softly by the pin. If done right, you should also generate some spin. Here is the best way to hit the greenside bunker shot.
- Open the face of your wedge and then grip the club.
- Turn your stance to the left of the target (for right-handed players) so you are “open” to the target line.
- Play the ball forward of center in your stance.
- Swing along the foot line which will make your swing path more upright and outside.
- Aim to hit the sand one or two inches behind the ball.
- Accelerate through to a high finish.
Choosing the right wedge
One of the most important parts of playing out of a greenside bunker is choosing the correct club. The closer you are to the lip of the bunker, the more loft you’ll need to get over it.
| Wedge Type | Best Uses |
| Lob Wedge (58°-64°) | Ideal for steep pot bunkers, high lips or limited room to land the ball. Provides maximum loft and spin for quick stopping. |
| Sand Wedge (54°-58°) | Best for standard bunker shots with moderate lip height. A versatile option for balanced loft, control and distance. |
| Gap Wedge (50°-54°) | Great for lower lips and firmer sand with more green to work with. Offers a controlled trajectory for longer bunker shots. |
| Pitching Wedge (44°-48°) | Used for minimal lip height and plenty of green to work with. Ideal for longer bunker shots where height isn’t critical. |
How to hit a fairway bunker shot
When hitting out of a fairway bunker, you aim to make crisp contact with the ball first (not the sand). To hit a great fairway bunker shot, you’ll want to follow these steps.
- Place the ball in the center of your stance to help make sure you contact the ball first.
- Keep your lower body stable (no sliding or excessive movement).
- Feel like your head stays over the ball without lateral movement.
- Just before swinging the club back, hover the clubhead just above the ball.
- Remember the goal is still to hit the ball first and then brush the sand. There is no need to try and pick the shot clean and take no sand.
- Accelerate through to a full finish.
Choosing the right club
The primary goal is to advance the ball as close to your target as possible which might mean choosing the appropriate club you need for the distance to the green.
Before selecting your club, carefully evaluate the height of the bunker lip. If the lip is low or almost nonexistent, hybrids and even fairway woods can effectively maximize distance. However, if the lip is high, you’ll need a club with more loft to ensure clearance.
If fairway bunker shots are a challenge for you, start with a short iron while developing your technique. Short irons offer more forgiveness and increase your chances of making solid contact and successfully advancing the ball.
Take a quick look at the lie as well. The more it’s buried, the more loft you’ll need to get it out of the bunker.
Common greenside bunker shot mistakes and how to fix
There are a few classic mistakes that amateur golfers make when hitting bunker shots. If you are still struggling to get your technique right, check to see if any quick fixes can help.
Hitting too much sand
If you hit too much sand, your swing speed may be a little too slow. The club may get stuck as you swing. Head to a practice bunker and draw a line in the sand. Practice for a bit and see if one, two or three inches is the best fit for your game.
Blading the ball over the green (not taking enough sand)
Most golfers who blade the ball over the green flip their wrists as they get to impact. If you flip your wrists and try to scoop under the ball, there is a chance you’ll hit the ball as part of your upswing and blade it.
When you set up with an open face and open stance, your lead wrist position will be a little extended. Keep this slight bit of extension right through impact. Don’t try and scoop. Hit sand first and the ball will go up in the air.
Leaving the ball in the bunker
Leaving the ball in the bunker can be a sign that you didn’t accelerate through impact. If your club slowed down it, probably got stuck in the sand. You have to gain confidence in your bunker shots and hit the sand behind the ball with a decent amount of speed. Go find a practice bunker.
Analyzing a bunker lie
The lie is another variable you’ll have to pay attention to in the sand. Carefully analyze your lie to ensure you have the correct club and technique.
| Lie Type | Description | Best Practices for Getting Out |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Lie | Ball is sitting on top of the sand, no obstruction. | Use a normal bunker setup. |
| Buried/Plugged Lie | Ball is embedded or partially covered by sand. | Close the clubface slightly, swing steeper and focus on blasting out. |
| Firmer Sand | Sand is compacted, offering less give. | Use a lower-bounce wedge for clean contact |
| Fluffy Sand | Sand is soft and loose, making the ball sit down. | Use a high-bounce wedge to glide through the softer sand |
| Near the Lip | Ball is close to the bunker’s edge or steep lip. | Use maximum loft, open the stance and clubface, and prioritize height. |
The modern bunker shot technique (What pros are doing)
The traditional bunker shot method with an open clubface and open stance has been accepted as a best practice in golf. However, if you watched Scottie Scheffler during his 2024 season, you probably saw that his technique sometimes differs from this method.
Golfers like Scheffler and Collin Morikawa use a slightly more square stance. Their clubface is still open but the hands are much lower in the setup. This setup position helps get the clubface pointed more at the target.
These players also lean a little more on the lead side and take a steep swing down into the sand.
This new technique is possible because of equipment changes in the last few years (additional loft, bounce and grind options) and a better understanding of how these shots work.
Final thoughts
These are some key pieces of information to remember when you play bunker shots but more than anything, you need to practice these shots. Too many players work on everything they can to avoid bunkers but, at some point, you’ll end up in one. Prepare with a little practice and you’ll see bunkers aren’t so scary after all.
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