How to Hit a Bunker Shot in Golf

No, no, no, not the sand! There’s nothing worse than watching your ball get stuck in a bunker—a.k.a the beach. But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. With the right approach and swing, you can nail that bunker shot, get out of the sand trap, and get on the green.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Stance and Setup

1
Choose a sand wedge for a bunker shot. A sand wedge is a club with a higher angle that’s specially designed to bounce off of the sand and propel the ball into a nice trajectory that’s up and out of the sand trap. Pull out your sand wedge to give yourself a better chance at hitting a solid bunker shot.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Some more skilled players may choose a lob wedge, but they can be trickier to use for bunker shots if you’re a beginner.
- Choose between a 56-58° sand wedge, which will help you get enough lift on the ball to get it over the lip of the bunker.
2
Take a wide stance with your weight in your front foot. Stand with your feet a little wider than you would for a shot from the fairway—around shoulder-width or a little bit wider.^{[2]XResearch source} Keep most of your weight in your front foot (the foot closest to the area where you’re aiming).^{[3]XResearch source}
- A slightly wider stance will add more stability, which you may need since you’re standing in sand.
- Keeping your weight in your front foot helps you avoid a shallow angle with your club when you swing, which can cause the clubhead to catch the ball rather than the sand beneath it.
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3
Position yourself so the ball is in line with the inside of your front heel. As you’re lining up for your shot, take a stance that places the ball more forward than you would for a standard shot. Stand so the ball is even with the inner part of the heel of your front foot, which will help you get underneath it and launch it over the lip of the bunker more easily.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you stand with the ball lined up in the center of your stance, you’ll have a tough time getting enough loft to escape the bunker.
4
Lay the clubhead so the face is open to the sky. Place the clubhead about 3 inches (7.6 cm) behind the ball, which is exactly where you want to enter the sand when you swing.^{[5]XResearch source} Open up the face of the clubhead, which is the part that makes contact with the ball, so it’s facing straight up.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Opening up the clubface allows you to add more loft, or lift, to the shot, which can help you get the ball out of the bunker.
5
Grip the club with your hands about 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the top. Take hold of the golf club with your lead arm (the one closest to your target) and interlock your index finger with the pinkie of your other hand to create an interlocking grip. Choke up slightly on the club so your hands are about 2 inches (5.1 cm) away from the top of the club.^{[7]XResearch source}
- You can also grip the club like a baseball bat if it’s more comfortable.
- Choking up on the club makes it easier for you to add more loft to your shot.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Swing

1
Keep your front arm straight and bring the club behind you. Start your backswing by moving your arms to bring the club behind you. Keep your lead arm locked straight and allow your rear arm to bend as needed to continue moving the club further behind you.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Keep the motion nice and smooth for a clean shot. Jerky, snappy movements can cause the ball to smack into the bunker wall.
- Try to stay as relaxed and calm as you can to make your shot smoother.
2
Use your backswing to control the distance of your shot. The further you move the club behind you, the more powerful your swing will be. Choose the length of your backswing based on how far you’re trying to send the ball out of the bunker.^{[9]XResearch source}
- For instance, if you’re in a bunker and the pin (the flag) is right next to you, you’d use a shorter backswing to avoid sending the ball flying past the green.
- It can take lots of practice for you to figure out your backswing.
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3
Accelerate the clubhead forward and commit to the swing. As soon as your club reaches the length of your backswing that you want, start moving it forward. Avoid slowing down or stopping the club as you swing it forward.^{[10]XExpert SourceMichael Metz
Golf InstructorExpert Interview. 24 March 2022.} Keep your speed consistent and commit to a clean and smooth stroke.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Stopping short or slowing down your club can ruin your shot and keep you stuck in the bunker.
4
Hit the sand about 1 inch (2.5 cm) before the ball. Swing your club forward and make contact with the clubhead just before the ball. Hit the sand itself and not the ball, which will allow your sand wedge to get underneath the ball and create enough loft to get it up and over the lip of the bunker.^{[12]XExpert SourceMichael Metz
Golf InstructorExpert Interview. 24 March 2022.}
- Hitting the ball with the edge of the sand wedge, also known as blading the ball, won’t give it any loft and can cause it to nail the side of the bunker wall.
- If you hit too short of the ball, you’ll bury the clubhead in the sand and won’t hit the ball with enough force to get out of the bunker. It’s got to be in the sweet spot just before the ball.
5
Follow through with your club to create a smooth swing.^{[13]XExpert SourceMichael Metz
Golf InstructorExpert Interview. 24 March 2022.} After your clubhead makes contact with the sand and ball, continue swinging the club forward to follow through. Avoid stopping short or burying your clubhead into the sand or the ball may not go where you intend it to. Use a solid follow through to make your swing nice and smooth.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Always always always follow through with your swing!
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