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, 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. Shots to the edge of the green require finesse and are hit with a higher pitched wedge. A greenside bunker shot focuses on spin and control to get the ball close to the hole.
Fairway bunker shots require distance and accuracy. You will also need clean ball contact and proper club selection.
How to hit a shot into the green bunker
The goal of every shot into the green bunker is to get the ball out so that it flies up and lands lightly near the pin. If done right, you should generate some spins as well. Here’s the best way to hit the green bunker shot.
- Open the face of your wedge and then grip the stick.
- Turn your position to the left of the target (for right-handed players) so that you are “open” to the target line.
- Play the ball in front of the center in your position.
- Swing along the leg line which will make your swing path more straight and out.
- Aim to hit the sand an inch or two behind the ball.
- Speed ​​up to a high finish.
Choosing the right wedge
One of the most important parts of playing off a green bunker is choosing the right club. The closer to the edge of the bunker, the more loft you will need to overcome it.
| Wedge type | Best uses |
| Wedge Point (58°-64°) | Ideal for steep pot bunkers, high edges or limited space to land the ball. Offers maximum loft and spin for quick stopping. |
| Sand wedge (54°-58°) | Best for standard bunker shots with medium lip height. A versatile option for balanced loft, control and distance. |
| Gap Wedge (50°-54°) | Great for lower lips and harder sand with more greens to work with. Provides a controlled trajectory for longer bunker shots. |
| Picking Wedge (44°-48°) | Used for minimal lip height and plenty of green to work with. Ideal for longer bunker shots where height is not critical. |
How to hit a bunker shot
When driving out of a fairway bunker, you aim to make clear contact with the ball first (not the sand). To hit a great fairway bunker shot, you must follow these steps.
- Place the ball in the center of your stance to help ensure you make contact the ball first.
- Keep yours stable lower body (no sliding or excessive movement).
- Feel like your head is resting on the ball without lateral movement.
- Just before swinging the club back, hover the clubhead just above the ball.
- Remember that the goal is still to hit the ball first and then clear the sand. No need to try to choose clean and not get sand.
- Accelerate to full completion.
Choosing the right club
The main goal is to get the ball as close to your target as possible, which may mean choosing the right club for your distance from the green.
Before choosing your club, carefully assess the height of the bunker rim. If the edge is low or almost non-existent, hybrids and even fairway woods can effectively maximize distance. However, if the edge is high, you will need a club with more loft to provide clearance.
If fairway bunker shots are a challenge for you, start with a short iron as you develop your technique. Short irons offer more forgiveness and increase the chances of making strong 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 Green Bunker Hitting Mistakes and How to Fix Them
There are some classic mistakes amateur golfers make when hitting bunker shots. If you’re still struggling to improve your technique, check out some quick fixes that might help.
Hitting a lot of sand
If you hit too much sand, your swing speed may be a little too slow. The club may get stuck as you move. 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.
Putting the ball on the green (not getting enough sand)
Most golfers who drive the ball onto the green roll their wrists when they hit. If you turn your wrists and try to get under the ball, there’s a chance you’ll hit the ball as part of your swing and drill it.
When you stand up with an open face and an open stance, the wrist position will be slightly extended. Hold this small part of the stretch right through the impact. Don’t try and mess up. Hit the 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 did not accelerate during the shot. If your club slowed it down, it probably got stuck in the sand. You need to gain confidence in your bunker shots and hit the sand behind the ball with good speed. Go and find a practice bunker.
Analyzing a lie in the bunker
Lie is another variable to pay attention to in the sand. Analyze your lie carefully to make sure you have the right club and technique.
| Kind of Lie | Description | Best practices for dating |
|---|---|---|
| Pure lie | The ball is sitting on top of the sand, with no obstacles. | Use a normal bunker setup. |
| Buried/drowned lie | The ball is embedded or partially covered by sand. | Close the clubface a little, swing more steeply, and focus on blast. |
| Harder sand | The sand is compacted, offering less give. | Use a lower inflation wedge for clean contact |
| Fluffy sand | The sand is soft and loose, making the ball sit low. | Use a high inflation wedge to glide through the softer sand |
| Near the edge | The ball is close to the edge of the bunker or sloping edge. | Use maximum loft, open your stance and clubface, and prioritize height. |
Modern Bunker Technique (What the Pros Are Doing)
The traditional open-face, open-stance bunker shot method is accepted as best practice in golf. However, if you watched Scottie Scheffler during his 2024 season, you probably saw that his technique sometimes deviates from this method.
Golfers like Scheffler and Collin Morikawa use a slightly more square stance. Their club face is still open, but the hands are much lower in setup. This setup position helps the clubface point more toward the target.
These players also lean a little more to the side of the lead and make a downward sloping swing into the sand.
This new technique is possible due to equipment changes in recent years (additional loft, jump and grinding options) and a better understanding of how these shots work.
Final thoughts
These are some key pieces of information to remember when playing bunker shots, but more than anything, you need to practice these shots. Many players work at everything they can to avoid bunkers, but, at some point, you will end up in one. Prepare with a little practice and you’ll see that bunkers aren’t so scary after all.
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