Okay, let’s not delay that promise any longer – 2026 is definitely, almost certainly, absolutely going to be the year you finally get better. There are many ways to do this – by reading GOLF Magazine, watching our videos, booking a lesson and getting fitted for clubs – but you can also learn a lot just by reading this website. So, in an effort to get you started on your 2026 goal, we’re rolling out five top tips to focus on next year. Now read and get to work.
no. 1 – Instantly make more shots
No. 2 – Adjust your fragmentation
no. 3 – Add speed to your movement
no. 4 – Find more freeways
Top 5 tips for 2026: How to escape any bunker
To escape the green bunkers in one go, you need to get the right amount of sand. Most bunker contact problems come from subtle set-up errors—playing the ball too far forward, leaning your shoulders away from the target, or focusing behind the ball—all of which cause the clubhead to hit the sand too early.
Fortunately, Tim Cooke, a GOLF Top 100 Teacherssays all you need are five simple keys to build a reliable bunker shot that generates a solid hit and sprays the ball every time. Read on to find out what they are and add this shot to your arsenal in time for next season.
1. Wide stance, shoulders level
Cooke recommends a slightly wider stance to make it easier to hang your hips while maintaining a neutral spine. Keep your shoulders level – any tilt can disrupt your swing plane. Together, these keys help you get into the sand cleanly and consistently.
2. The position of the ball even with the shirt logo
For most players, the ideal ball position is roughly in line with the middle of your left chest—or in line with your jersey logo for right-handed players. This helps the club sink into the sand in the right place, allowing the ball to come out easily and land consistently on the green.
3. Close your finger line slightly
Point your feet toward the target. Cooke explains that this small adjustment stabilizes your lower body, preventing it from sliding forward and keeping your upper body from leaning back. The result is a smoother, more controlled swing through the sand.
4. Focus on the top of the ball
Find a hole on the ball and focus on it. According to Cooke, this will give you a simple visual cue that helps you time the club’s entry into the sand, minimizing fat or thin shots and increasing consistency.
5. Think: throw the medicine ball
Your final key is to imagine throwing a medicine ball and mimic a similar motion to it. Cooke says this should help your chest roll over your lead leg without your lower body collapsing.
With these setup and swing adjustments, fat and thin bunker shots become a thing of the past. Focus on timing, body position, and a consistent swing path, and you’ll soon be confidently blasting the ball out of any bunker like a pro.
